Culinary School at the Academy of Richmond County (USA)

The Academy of Richmond County (ARC) is a historic high school in Augusta, Georgia, formerly known as the Richmond County Military Academy. Serving approximately 1,178 students in grades 9–12.ARC is recognized for its rigorous academic offerings, including Advanced Placement courses, a GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) program, and the International Baccalaureate Programme.

As part of a renovation focused on the school’s culinary education facilities, the project team required interior finishes that could meet the demanding performance standards of a commercial kitchen while maintaining long-term durability, hygiene, and safety.

Location: Augusta, Georgia
Project Type: Educational / Culinary Training Facility

Architect & Design Group: 2KM Architects
Flooring Contractor: Merit Flooring
Distributor: William M. Bird
Photo Credit: William M. Bird

To meet these requirements, Jemiclad wall cladding and Protect-All vinyl sheet flooring were specified, delivering a complete hygienic interior solution.

Jemiclad Wall Cladding was chosen for its exceptional hygiene performance and low-maintenance design. Manufactured from PVCu resin with no fillers, Jemiclad is 100% recyclable and achieves a Class 0 fire rating, making it ideal for food preparation environments where cleanliness and safety are critical.

Protect-All Flooring, made from 90% recycled non-porous vinyl, was selected for its superior slip resistance and ability to withstand the demanding conditions of a commercial kitchen. The material is resistant to fire, chemicals, mildew, and bacteria, and it prevents the absorption of stains, odors, and fluids—even in extreme temperature environments such as coolers and freezers.

Together, these products provide a seamless, hygienic, and long-lasting solution that supports both daily operations and long-term facility performance.

The completed culinary school kitchen at the Academy of Richmond County now features a hygienic, slip-resistant, and durable interior that supports student safety, simplifies maintenance, and withstands the daily demands of a high-traffic educational environment. The combination of Jemiclad wall cladding and Protect-All flooring ensures a clean, compliant, and long-lasting solution tailored to modern culinary education.