Swarovski's Sparkling HQ

OK, it is confession time.  For about as long as I have been using Swarovski Elements (just about 9 years now) I have wanted to visit the Swarovski North America Headquarters in Rhode Island, and I've tried to imagine what it would look like.  Would this center of sparkle be an ordinary industrial-type office building (no, no it couldn't be) or would it drip crystal sparkles at every turn? (yes, yes, in my imagination all the employees are wearing the most amazing jewelry...crystal from toes to ears -- a virtual crystal world). 

As is often the case, truth lies somewhere in between my wildest dreams or my scariest fears. 

 Swarovski's HQ stands on its own, nestled among trees; a lovely building that doesn't appear as large as it probably is.  The entry of course is stunning!  A beautiful crystal waterfall and curtain flank the entryway, and full-length windows let in as much light as possible to reflect off the pure, clean, brilliant crystal. 

I darkened the contrast on the pictures to help you see the swan and the Swarovski name

Interior areas are much simpler and understated.  It is a simple office building, cubicles and hallways, and names on doors....much like the office spaces you and I are familiar with...if of course our office spaces also include an actual Swarovski Retail Store in the center!!! 

Imagine what it must be like to pass by these sparkling window displays during your ordinary trip down to the Accounting office!

And while I know that everyone there is working a job, and that all jobs come with challenges, good & bad days, things to complain about....somehow I just think it would be a bit more difficult to complain when surrounded by such beauty and sparkle every day.

And then there is one very, very special room.  The newest addition is the conference room.  Just finished in time for the Ambassador training sessions, the room is, of course, white and sparkling.  It is at the same time full of color, with a wall of crystals similar to those found in the Concept Stores, and the wall of Swarovski Elements samples, every color imaginable.  So many seemingly incongruent feelings co-exist in this room,  simple elegance and opulence at once....hard, clean surfaces are also warm with streaming sunlight. 

Some of the walls are filled with fabulous fashion photos, all of them inspiring more and different uses for Swarovski Elements.  One wall is filled with historical information about Daniel Swarovski (wish I could have seen this before I gave my talk!)  

Even if the employees didn't all wear over-the-top crystal jewelery, everywhere you turn there are sparkles and sparkles and sparkles....would you expect anything less?

Sparkles and smiles!  Diane