IKA Works North American HeadquartersWilmington, NC The expanded North American headquarters for this German manufacturer tailors a German aesthetic to an American workplace. The client required a building which would help build brand identity in the United States, and wanted the headquarters to be a visual symbol of their sleek, modern, European products. The resulting bold design incorporates large expanses of glass walls, white metal panels and accents of color to highlight important spaces. The 16,500 SF addition maximizes the constrained site and strict budget, and features clean lines and a European aesthetic. The design is crisp and contemporary, with a comfortable atmosphere. A double-height lobby welcomes visitors and leads into the adjacent product showroom, while administrative spaces include offices, workstations, conference rooms, and a centralized employee break area. The updated facade blends seamlessly with the new administration building. A new pilot plant was added to supplement the existing manufacturing capacity.