What a gem—jeweler to expand corporate HQ

​​​​​​​​AUSTIN – Kendra Scott LLC plans to nearly double its headcount at its corporate headquarters.

The jewelry and accessory company has filed a permit for $5.5 million of construction at the Lamar Central office building at Lamar Blvd. and 38th St.

In addition to leasing the entire fourth floor of Lamar Central, Kendra Scott has leased up most of the third floor—about 32,000 more sf.

CEO Kendra Scott told the Austin-American Statesman the third floor will have a photography studio, meeting spaces, a lounge and "wellness rooms" for new mothers.

The company has about 180 corporate employees but plans to grow to 300 by the end of 2018, with hiring focused on information technology, product development and marketing.