DKO was engaged to design the new headquarters in Docklands, comprising a ground floor retail tenancy with showcase kitchen and warehouse facilities plus a first-floor workspace including active uses and quiet zones.

DKO’s narrative for the fit out combines Peter Rowland’s ethos of being more than a caterer – living and breathing lifestyle and hospitality – with spaces to work, meet and host inspiring events. It aims to be an experiential environment combining public trade with their catering origins.

The retail space is designed as theatre for food, with picture windows lined by dining benches allowing customers expansive views through to the commercial kitchen and its activities. Centrally a communal dining table encourages chance encounters and discussion of the cuisine on offer, complimented by in mall seating. The store connects to an adjacent gathering space where a monolithic marble tasting table can be used for hosting public and private events – further showcasing their food capabilities. Minimally detailed shelving firmly places the focus on their food products creating an uncluttered streamlined experience. A full-scale commercial kitchen provides fresh and off the shelf offerings catering to those on the go as well as in house diners. Raw concrete finishes are complimented by black steel framing and pops of delicate green creating a fresh backdrop with an industrial edge.

The office is designed as a place to thrive, with aspirational interiors encompassing their ethos of working to make life, not working to make a living . An open workspace caters for 34 team members amidst expansive natural light via the tenancy’s full height windows, with sheer curtains offering privacy while allowing silhouetted views of the activity within. Centrally a comfortable lounge encourages spontaneous interactions with full scale kitchen working double time for the team and corporate events. Adjacent, informal meeting pods are cocooned in plush heavy weight curtains creating intimate private huddle spaces. Enclosed offices are kept to a minimum, supporting accessible workplace practices. Contiguous mall space expands their informal work zone with lounges and tables for team catch ups and that all important spot of lunch.