For this shoot we did not have to travel far, it was only a short jaunt to the campus of Purdue University in Lafayette. And this time we were capturing stills of the new Cunningham restaurant, called The Lawrence Restaurant for our long-time clients and friends at Rigdon Construction. 

Rigdon Construction provides services in construction management, general contracting, design, and build solutions. Their extensive knowledge of the construction industry allows them to collaborate seamlessly with architects, engineers, and subcontractors throughout every phase of a project. They also assist clients in connecting with the right financial institutions to ensure budgeting needs are met. Rigdon believes in guiding clients through the entire building process from start to finish. Rather than taking complete control and dictating every detail, they understand that a project represents more than a financial investment—it is also an emotional commitment.

The company’s 25 years of success can be credited to its dedication, transparency, and client-focused approach. Rigdon’s goal is not simply to secure new projects, but to build lasting relationships with the right clients. As a result, 95% of their work comes from repeat customers. Their portfolio spans a wide variety of industries, including healthcare and medical facilities, retail, restaurants, and more. Notable projects include work for companies such as Arby’s, Subway, Krispy Kreme, Hendricks Regional Health, and American Health Network.

Shooting this project was incredible from start to finish, and had so many wow factors due to the beautiful historic nature of the building. The restaurant was reconstructed from a barn that was built in the 1930s, planned as a centerpiece of Purdue University Discovery Park District. The barn was donated by Sonny Beck the CEO of Beck’s Hybrids, and the restaurant “The Lawrence” was named after his grandfather Lawrence Beck, the founder of Beck’s Hybrids. 

The restaurant is under the Cunningham Restaurant Group, as one of their concept restaurants. The food is cooked from scratch, farm-to-table when possible, with many ingredients sourced from CRG—Cunningham Hydroponic Greenhouses. The agricultural connection between Purdue’s beginnings and mission and The Lawrence are inescapable. The Lawrence restaurant is also a place that honors the partnership between Purdue Agriculture and the Becks.

The facility had to be photographed outside of working hours, which meant having an early start time. However, that is what we do best at Studio Thirteen and if anything early mornings is our favorite time of day to start the jobs. And we do whatever is necessary for our clients in order to achieve the best results. So with bleary eyes and fiery hearts we thoroughly enjoyed the entire process of capturing the end results of this incredible building and the stunning interiors, which were designed by Phanomen Design. The construction was by Meyer Najem, and our wonderful clients Rigdon. All three of these companies did an outstanding job inside and out of the Lawrence Restaurant.