Our Work

AAK Innovation Labs Customer Innovation Center

8,000 SF Office & Food Service Laboratory | Global Plant-Based Oils Leader
Richmond, CA
2022
  • Office & Retail
AAK

Project Overview

Complete demolition and tenant improvement transformation of AAK’s customer innovation center, creating a state-of-the-art facility for a worldwide leader in plant-based oils and fats production. This sophisticated 8,000-square-foot project seamlessly integrates office environments with specialized food service laboratory spaces, providing clients and research teams with cutting-edge facilities for product development and innovation.

Contact Us
More Projects

Scope of Work

Pre-Construction Phase

  • Detailed cost estimation and budget development
  • Subcontractor procurement and bidding coordination
  • Construction schedule development and milestone planning
  • Permitting coordination with local building authorities
  • Value engineering and scope optimization

Demolition Coordination

  • Selective demolition contractor management across first and second floors
  • Protection protocols for existing building systems
  • Hazardous material abatement oversight and compliance verification
  • Waste removal logistics and recycling program implementation
  • Sequencing to minimize disruption to building operations

Multi-Trade Construction Management

  • Coordination of approximately 27 rooms across two-floor facility
  • Integration of office spaces with specialized food service laboratory areas
  • Test kitchen and product development facility oversight
  • Daily site supervision and quality control inspections
  • Schedule management across all construction phases

Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing Coordination

  • HVAC contractor coordination for laboratory ventilation requirements
  • Electrical subcontractor management for specialized equipment installations
  • Plumbing coordination for food service and laboratory fixtures
  • Systems integration ensuring seamless operation
  • Inspection scheduling and regulatory compliance verification

Specialty Systems Management

  • Food service equipment procurement coordination
  • Commercial kitchen equipment installation oversight
  • Refrigeration and exhaust system coordination
  • Equipment startup and commissioning management
  • Manufacturer warranty and training coordination

Quality Control & Inspections

  • Daily site walks and progress documentation
  • Punch list development and completion tracking
  • Building department inspection coordination
  • Final walkthrough with client and design team
  • Closeout documentation and as-built coordination

Project Challenges

Project Challenges

Multi-Floor Coordination

  • Simultaneous construction management across first and second floors
  • Vertical utility coordination between contractor teams
  • Phased construction schedule maintaining building operations
  • Material delivery and equipment rigging logistics
  • Noise and dust mitigation protocols in occupied building

Specialized Requirements Management

  • Laboratory ventilation coordination with MEP contractors
  • Food safety code compliance verification
  • Specialized equipment load coordination with electrical contractor
  • Commercial food service standards enforcement
  • Laboratory-grade finishes quality assurance

Stakeholder Coordination

  • AAK corporate team communication and decision management
  • Building management coordination for access and utilities
  • Client demonstration schedule accommodation
  • Safety protocols for occupied building construction
  • Weekly progress meetings and reporting

Schedule & Budget Management

  • 27-room configuration requiring detailed sequencing
  • Multiple subcontractor coordination and scheduling
  • Change order management and budget tracking
  • Long-lead equipment procurement and delivery coordination
  • Critical path management ensuring on-time completion

Results

  • 8,000 SF customer innovation center delivered on schedule and budget
  • Successful coordination of office and food service laboratory integration
  • 27 specialized rooms completed with zero safety incidents
  • Seamless project delivery in occupied building environment
  • All HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems commissioned and operational
  • Food service equipment installed and fully functional
  • Comprehensive closeout documentation provided to client
  • Facility ready for immediate use supporting AAK’s global innovation mission

Project Highlights

  • Size: 8,000 square feet across two floors
  • Complexity: 27 rooms integrating office, laboratory, and food service functions
  • Client: AAK – Global leader in plant-based oils and fats
  • Management: Multi-trade coordination in occupied building
  • Delivery: On-time, on-budget project completion
  • Safety: Zero incidents throughout construction period

Project Gallery