SKG revolutionizes interior design with a human-centered approach, shaping workspaces with diverse partnerships.
By Isabel Neumann, Photos courtesy of SKG
In the dynamic realm of interior design and commercial furnishings, one company emerges as a beacon of innovation and excellence: SKG. Formerly known as Shelton Keller Group, SKG has transcended the traditional boundaries of a furniture dealership, redefining its role as a strategic partner in creating spaces that inspire, engage and elevate both individuals and organizations.
“At SKG, our mission is simple yet profound: We move people,” shares SKG CEO Beth Goff-McMillan. “Our goal is to create solutions that align with our clients’ business objectives while providing spaces that support physical, mental and emotional well-being.”
Founded 27 years ago, SKG has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of businesses across various sectors, including corporate, health care, education, government and hospitality. What sets SKG apart is its holistic approach to design, focusing not only on aesthetics but also on functionality and the overall user experience. “We’ve had the privilege of working on a diverse range of projects, from cutting-edge office spaces to inclusive learning environments for students with special needs,” shares Goff-McMillan. “Each project presents its own set of challenges and opportunities, but our goal remains the same: to create spaces that inspire and empower.”
Central to SKG’s ethos is its commitment to diversity and inclusion. As the only woman-owned and Historically Underutilized Business dealer in Austin, SKG prioritizes equal opportunities for all employees, with a particular focus on recruiting, hiring and developing women and culturally and ethnically diverse communities.
SKG’s design process revolves around collaboration and understanding the client’s vision. By leveraging innovative technologies and conceptualizing spaces tailored to each client’s specific requirements, SKG ensures that its designs not only look aesthetically pleasing but also function effectively. With a 50% woman-identified executive team and 65% of the workforce comprised of both non-white and woman-identified employees, SKG embodies diversity at every level of its organization.
“We work closely with our clients to understand their needs and aspirations,” explains Goff-McMillan. “Through conceptual design and commercial furniture products, we help them live their story, creating spaces that elevate the work environment and function for both people and businesses.”
According to Goff-McMillan, SKG’s unwavering commitment to understanding the unique needs and aspirations of their clients sets them apart from others in the industry. “We don’t just sell furniture; we see interior furnishings as strategic business tools,” she emphasizes. “Our goal is to align every design decision with the client’s brand identity, culture and values, creating spaces that reflect who they are and what they stand for.”
To achieve this ambitious goal, SKG employs a range of innovative methodologies, including their proprietary technology platform called Folio. “Folio is more than just a tool; it’s a game-changer in how we engage with our clients,” says Goff-McMillan. “Through Folio, we guide clients through a comprehensive survey process, helping them articulate their needs, preferences, and budgetary constraints. This allows us to tailor our solutions to meet their specific requirements and ensure a seamless design process.”
SKG’s unwavering dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction is deeply ingrained in its makeup, ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality service across diverse markets. SKG places a strong emphasis on the finer details that define exceptional customer experiences. “If we approach each experience with our customer in mind and ask ourselves, ‘What would I want?’ we keep that bar high,” says Goff-McMillan. From prompt response times to unwavering professionalism and effective problem-solving, every aspect of service delivery is meticulously refined. “This takes constant training, technology integration and coaching from leadership.”
SKG remains intensely dedicated to streamlining operating costs, a strategic imperative in today’s competitive landscape. With a keen eye on efficiency, the company has embraced technology as a cornerstone of its operations. The rapid pace of client demands necessitates a leaner approach, leveraging technology to accomplish more with fewer personnel. Despite a reduction in staff of 30 staff members post-pandemic, SKG anticipates maintaining robust business performance, with growth projections across all markets for 2023. “People want to work with people, so striking the balance of technology integrations for production, while keeping our best resources, our people, client facing.”
A major part of SKG’s approach is their emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility. “Before partnering with any manufacturer, we conduct a rigorous evaluation process to ensure adherence to sustainability standards; diversity, equity and inclusion practices; and ethical labor practices,” says Goff-McMillan. “This ensures that our clients receive not only aesthetically pleasing furnishings but also environmentally and socially responsible solutions.”
SKG prioritizes human-centric design principles. “Our Nine Rules of Spatial Intelligence serve as the foundation of our design philosophy,” she explains. “From prioritizing human needs and well-being to creating intuitive and adaptable spaces, these rules guide every aspect of our design process, ensuring that our spaces are not only visually stunning but also functional and user-friendly.”
A key component of SKG’s commitment to fostering a positive work environment is the SKG Culture Club. This voluntary group of employees is dedicated to four key principles: social engagement, making a positive impact, team building and enhancing convenience for all staff members. Throughout the year, the Culture Club organizes a wide array of events aimed at personal and professional development, community outreach and improving work-life balance. From skill-building workshops to community service initiatives and social gatherings, the Culture Club plays a vital role in nurturing a supportive and inclusive workplace at SKG.
Through their efforts, employees come together to support each other and their community, creating a vibrant and enriching environment for all, Goff-McMillan emphasizing, “If you follow us on social media, you will see all kinds of ways we try to support each other and our community.”
The success of SKG is not measured solely by the aesthetics of the spaces they design but by the tangible impact they have on people’s lives. “Our ultimate goal is to create spaces where people feel inspired, engaged and valued,” says Goff-McMillan. “Whether it’s boosting employee morale and productivity or fostering a sense of community and belonging, our designs have the power to shape the way people live, work and interact.
“At SKG, fostering a supportive work environment is paramount to our mission of creating spaces that inspire and empower.” Goff-McMillan highlights the company’s continuous evolution, acknowledging that perfection isn’t always attainable. Team collaboration is paramount at SKG where “we work in teams, we train in teams, we cross-train in teams, so we had to create a physical space that encourages teamwork while supporting individual contributions.”
SKG is currently undergoing facility upgrades and expansions, marking an exciting phase for the company. “Our recently updated San Antonio Showroom at the Pearl embodies our commitment to human-centric design, engaging the senses and promoting well-being,” says Goff-McMillan. Additionally, SKG is preparing to unveil a substantial 32,000-square-foot showroom and warehouse in North San Antonio, dedicated to healing and learning environments. This expansion underscores the company’s dedication to providing innovative solutions for health care and educational settings, including spaces designed for wellness, neurodiversity and behavioral health. “There are so many exciting things coming for our showrooms that will encourage walk-in shopping, design resources and community engagement.”
In a rapidly evolving world where the concept of work is constantly changing, SKG remains at the forefront of innovation, continuously adapting and leveraging emerging trends to enhance their services and offerings. “We’re always looking for ways to stay ahead of the curve and provide unparalleled value to our clients,” she says. “Whether it’s embracing remote work trends or reimagining traditional office spaces, we’re committed to shaping the future of the built environment.”