Heather Mosley | SBJ

TRANSPARENCY IN ACTION: With glass walls providing a clear view of its table, the conference room in the center of the Kuat Racks lobby models a climate of openness. Outside the open door, a team member takes a moment to check phone messages in the kitchen/breakroom area.

Heather Mosley | SBJ

LIKE RIDING A BIKE: Employees of Kuat Racks don’t just make racks – they use them, and nearly every car in the parking lot models the latest products. The company headquarters is surrounded by trails for biking and walking, and employees often head out for some fresh air on their breaks.

Heather Mosley | SBJ

TASTE OF NATURE: Young conifers begin their slow reach skyward in the courtyard outside the main entrance, as plenty of plants follow their example indoors. Opened in 2019, the building’s wood-and-metal exterior is recognizably an example of architectural firm Arkifex Studio’s Ozark Modernism style. The courtyard is viewed from the logistics office of the company headquarters.

Heather Mosley | SBJ

DOG FRIENDLY: Marlow, canine friend of Kuat President Luke Kuschmeader, pays a visit to customer service representative Meredith Bryan as he makes his rounds through the headquarters.

Heather Mosley | SBJ

2022 Office NV: Kuat Innovations LLC

Styled For the Outdoors

BY: Karen Craigo and Heather Mosley

Posted online December 16, 2022 | 2:04 pm

Architect: Arkifex Studios LLC
Design: Arkifex and In-House

An unexpected architectural gem tucked inside the Partnership Industrial Center West at 2240 N. Alliance Ave., the Kuat Racks headquarters and warehouse is surrounded by paths for biking and walking, a disc golf course, community garden and dog park. Inside and out, the company culture reflects the vigorous outdoor lifestyle typified by its product, car-mounted hitch racks for bikes. Angela Jackson, executive associate, says people don’t have to embrace an outdoor lifestyle to be hired on at the company – but eventually, most of them seem to.