After three decades of cultivating beauty across New Orleans through landscaping and floral design, The Plant Gallery has taken root in a thoughtfully reimagined office space that reflects both its creative mission and operational needs.
The company’s new 68,000-square-foot headquarters in Metairie represents more than just a change of address — it’s a complete transformation of how a multifaceted business can work and inspire all under one roof.
The journey to TPG’s current home began with an unlikely foundation: a former lumber yard that had operated since 1940.
“The space was gutted and resigned to let the light in and produce a cooperative workspace with an emphasis on a modern feel,” said Jennifer Rabalais, owner of JADE Interior Design, who led the renovation alongside lead designer Tina Lagasse.
For Kenny Rabalais, TPG’s owner and founder (and Jennifer’s husband), the move represented a strategic consolidation of operations that had been years in the making.
“In 1998, we bought 9401 Airline Drive (our old location) and are now moving everything to join our operations and office space at 1620 Airline Drive, which we moved into in 2022,” he said.
The decision wasn’t just about space—it was also about creating an environment that could support TPG’s diverse operations while inspiring the team of approximately 50 employees.
“Being part of the family businesses, and sharing creative DNA with TPG, made the collaboration a natural one,” said Jennifer Rabalais. “Kenny and I had talked about modernizing the space to better reflect TPG’s evolution, so when the time was right, we jumped in.”
The renovation project required significant structural work to transform the aging lumber facility into a modern workspace. The design team also faced the task of creating privacy and functionality within what was originally a long, rectangular open space.
The solution came through strategic use of glass partitions, which became central to the space’s identity.
“We used a lot of glass so it would look open and large but also divide for efficiency and sound,” explained Kenny Rabalais.
“Floor-to-ceiling glass divided the space, which gave privacy while making the space feel large and inviting,” added Jennifer Rabalais. “This choice, while budget-intensive, established the aesthetic for the entire renovation.”
The team also made thoughtful decisions about the building’s orientation and flow. “We left the windows and changed the main opening to the interior and away from Airline Drive and the traffic and sounds that come with that,” she added.
TPG’s unique position as a company offering landscaping, floral design, events, seasonal installations and curated outdoor decor required careful space planning to accommodate operational needs. The new office includes 12 individual offices, a conference room, kitchen, lunchroom and flexible spaces that can adapt to different functions.
“We needed a functional space that could handle multiple business divisions — landscaping, events and floral — while also providing an inviting, creative environment,” said Kenny Rabalais. “It was important to have space for collaboration and client meetings, and efficient workflow.”
The design successfully balances these practical requirements with an atmosphere that inspires creativity. “It supports flow, inspiration and professionalism,” said Jennifer Rabalais. “It’s beautiful but also built to get things done.”
The overall design philosophy centers on what Kenny Rabalais describes as a mix of natural, modern and functional.
“It feels creative and fresh but still professional—exactly what we wanted for a business rooted in both design and logistics,” he said.
Color and material choices reinforced this vision, with black chosen as the primary trim color to complement the extensive glass installations. The design team also demonstrated resourcefulness in furnishing the space.
“We were able to find desks and storage for all areas that coordinated without having anything specifically designed,” noted Jennifer Rabalais. “The Mario Villa chairs that survived the Katrina flood from the old location were salvaged and refinished for the small dining area.”
The space’s most distinctive feature is the natural moss wall behind the reception desk, incorporating TPG’s logo in a living display.
“It was Kenny’s idea to have the logo against the natural green moss, and his floral team made it happen — no maintenance required,” she said.
As TPG continues to evolve after 34 years in business, the new office represents both a culmination of past success and a foundation for future growth. The thoughtful integration of natural light, organized spaces and flexible areas creates an environment that Kenny Rabalais believes will inspire the team while supporting the company’s operational goals.
“We are in business and stronger than ever with our new location being fully built out.”
The Plant Gallery
1620 Airline Drive, Metairie
504-488-8887
theplantgallery.com
Quick Look
Number of Years in Operation: 34 (founded 1991)
Square Footage: 68,000 for the office and warehouse
Number of Employees: 50
Person in Charge: Kenny Rabalais (owner)
Architecture: Existing commercial remodel
Interior Décor: Jennifer Rabalais and Tina Lagasse from JADE
Furnishings: JADE
