Research

Designing DFA’s Brand Story

Every program element and design detail—from the milk bar down to the blackened steel silverware—helps tell the story of DFA’s culture and mission.

That story begins with the building’s agrarian-inspired building materials and architecture. The exterior welcomes visitors with a first-floor, Garapa wood rainscreen facade that subtly reinforces a farm motif.

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The second and third floors are wrapped in expansive curtain wall that reflects DFA’s global work.

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Inside, visitors immediately encounter a whimsical, 29-foot-tall milk sculpture crafted by Dimensional Innovations Inc. Visible from the second floor workspaces, the glossy, ceiling-to-floor pour is a constant reminder of the product that has brought everyone to this place.

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A milk bar next to the lobby highlights the product. The design team envisioned this as a space that points to DFA’s roots, with locally-sourced, milk on tap and a custom serving bar for demonstrations.

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A single barn in Southern Missouri provided nearly all the reclaimed wood. The team preserved the wood in its natural state, wire brushing it while meticulously maintaining the integrity of its burn marks, rust, screw holes and saw marks.

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In a nod to DFA’s roots and growth trajectory, the interiors juxtapose organic materials with sleek applications of white. All fabrics are natural fiber wool. A farm-inspired plaid was sourced from British suit maker Paul Smith. Natural cow leathers take on a beautiful patina as they age. Raw, hot-rolled steel reinforces DFA’s production business. Use of concrete provides another reminder of the perseverance of the family farmer.

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The second and third floors are wrapped in expansive curtain wall that reflects DFA’s global work.

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