As startups continue to look to innovation to expand and find their place in the market, creating a workplace that supports their ambitions has become the design challenge of today. Glassdoor's Chicago office takes on this challenge by balancing two aspirations; the office must nurture the needs of the team and adhere to Glassdoor’s evolving corporate identity. Realizing these two goals meant providing an environment reflective of their millennial workforce, committed to the raw and exciting urbanism of the Chicago’s Fulton Market District. At the same time it is meant to embrace their hard-earned maturity and sophistication as a company dedicated to improving the workplace through their website, a human resources platform, for staff and employers alike. The design interweaves the company’s inward and outward voices. The entry zone is defined by a series of curvilinear nodes. The voids between these forms create three entries into the secure office space. The taut forms, curved glass, and clean lines of the nodes reflect Glassdoor’s newly redefined brand identity. This aesthetic is the purest representation of the brand. Beyond the entry lobby, the inward voice begins to express local culture as the nodes are transformed in subtle yet important ways. First, more color is added to the curvilinear forms. Second, the large glass openings in every room in the nodes is a picture window on a series of insightful Chicago graphics and custom art installations. The nodes are organized to divide the floor naturally into neighborhoods of workstations and employee amenity zones, including a large café. Employees have the ability to take ownership of their workstations and communal locations. Shared spaces across the office provide writable surfaces, planters and pin-up space that inspire interaction; surrounded on every side by floor to ceiling glass with striking views of city.

Sunstar Americas acquired nearly 80 acres of land along Interstate 90 in Schaumburg, IL from the Archdiocese of Chicago, infusing new life into Chicago’s “Golden Corridor” with the development of a new corporate campus. Sunstar Americas’ new 300,000 SF North American Headquarters and Manufacturing Facility overlooking natural wetlands and a prairie floodway preserve, consolidates clean manufacturing, within a “Class A” corporate office headquarter campus. The three-story building features a 350-foot long gallery running north-south between its offices and factory floor. The gallery “lanterns” on the north and south ends act as beacons drawing attention from the motorists on the Jane Addams Tollway. Gallery and cafe are central shared community gathering spaces that integrate manufacturing with corporate office populations

The recently renovated CalEdison building in downtown LA sets the stage for the relocated leasing office of GGP. Established to attract their retail clientele, this energetic and welcoming environment reflects the casual culture of the west coast by greeting visitors with an open café and laptop lounge, complete with a ping pong table. The raw concrete and exposed ceilings subtly echo GGP’s core values of humility and transparency, accenting the coming together of old meets new at every intersection of the art deco style building and the contemporary interior aesthetic. Low panels at open office workstations and lounge seating for impromptu meetings are designed to cultivate collaboration, set in surroundings that are highlighted with graffiti art by a local artist to celebrate the local art scene and convey an edgy, street-smart vibe.

Situated at a bustling intersection in the vibrant and historic Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago, Hotel Versey celebrates the diversity of the surrounding neighborhoods (Lincoln Park and the Chicago lakefront, Wrigleyville and Boystown) by connecting the dots between the area’s history and current attractions. Housed within the 1920’s Diversey Arms building, the hotel’s musical history dates back to 1925, first serving as a home to jazz musician Bix Beiderbecke and rumored to have hosted Louis Armstrong. More recently, it was known fondly as the “Rock and Roll Days Inn” due to its popularity with many iconic rock stars of the ‘90s such as Nirvana, Goo Goo Dolls, Radiohead, Sheryl Crow, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The concept and design for Hotel Versey represents an unveiling of the hotel’s musically-influenced heritage, fused with inspirations from the diverse neighborhoods surrounding the hotel. As the first ‘soft brand’ location for Wyndham Hotel Group’s Days Inn brand, the design firm was hired to create a boutique hotel with a bold personality that was built upon Chicago’s cultural diversity and rich history. The design and architecture team collaborated with Ownership as well as the project’s brand advisors to conduct strategic exercises to establish important personality attributes and characteristics. It was apparent early on that the hotel’s design would need to feel unique, edgy, retro, casual, communal and artful. Early studies with the branding firm also determined the breakdown of market segments, most apparent was the ‘Leisure Transient’ type of guest. The design team worked closely with the property’s General Manager who’s been at hotel for almost twenty years, no one was better suited to understand the hotel’s type of traveler better. From senior stay-cationers catching a baseball game, to families driving cross-country, to up and coming musicians resting before a performance – Hotel Versey would cater to them all as it always had done so well. The project team also discussed relative comp sets in the area to position the hotel effectively and provide an experience unlike any other in the relative area. While other local hotels in the area provided a hip and updated experience, they likely inadvertently shunned guests looking for a casual atmosphere or families with younger children. The people of Chicago pride themselves with being an approachable front, one who makes newcomers from all walks of like feel welcome and Hotel Versey would be no different. While the hotel’s reservation system remains under the Wyndham Hotels umbrella, the design team had almost total creative freedom when it came to executing the interior design portion of the renovation, designing a true boutique hotel. Naturally the team paid homage to the ethos of the overarching Days Inn brand’s ‘promise as sure as the sun’ that ultimately puts guests needs first at a value that allows them the ability to travel more. Naming of the hotel was a delicate matter as it was important to feel purposeful and approachable. Dozens of options were considered and studied with various font and logo interpretations. Ultimately the team landed on Hotel Versey as it played on the word ‘diversity’, one of the foundations of the new design. Also the hotel’s address is on Diversey Parkway, which would provide a sense of way-finding for out of town guest. Lastly, the building’s shape is reminiscent of the letter ‘V’ thanks to it being situated on a bustling five-corner intersection. The signature ‘azure’ blue color was a natural choice early on in the design and branding process. A variation of blue that’s often described as the color of the sky on a clear day, it’s reminiscent of soaking in fun Chicago sunny days by the lakefront (a nod to the Days Inn moniker) and was utilized heavily throughout the entry art gallery. Accentuating the existing architecture with the branded azure color, the design and architecture team utilized the architectural portals as ‘framing’ for the art pieces. Pops of saturated color including sunshine yellow (A further homage to Days Inn) along with red clay (inspired by the historical brick architecture seen throughout the neighborhood) are incorporated throughout the design via throw pillows and furniture selections, as well as integrated into all marketing materials and branding touchpoints including guestroom takeaways and public signage throughout the surround areas. From the beginning the design team utilized their internal virtual-reality artists to study the design from early spatial-planning stages all the way down to final furniture scale and placement. The Ownership team had the opportunity to virtually walk through the Lobby space to finalize the design review process with confidence as the project schedule was extremely aggressive. In terms of the interior design, the guest’s journey begins at the entrance of the hotel, which previously featured an uninviting, 80-foot hallway that appeared to be a dark, never-ending tunnel. This entrance not only lacked identity, but provided no wayfinding to the check-in desk and lobby area. The design team’s solution was to treat the hallway as an art gallery, showcasing a different artist within each section that would greet guests and help them to form lasting memories of their stay. Artwork throughout the arrival corridor was packaged into an opportunity for branding with the help of the ‘stay like a local’ descriptors. Each installation was framed with its own unique phrasing that related directly to the artwork specifically. For example, the installation next to the musical inspired artwork by Meg Harper read ‘Stay like a stringbending, blues playing, guitar shredding, local’. Just as materials and finishes help to tell the story within interiors, the team used literal words as part of the experience to paint the picture for the guest’s Chicago experience. Artwork was further recognized with branded placards highlighting the artist’s name and the title of the artwork. Catering to the younger millennials that are more technologically savvy – the artwork placards also have a QR code that takes guests directly to the artist’s website, and also a Snapcode that takes guests to the Hotel’s snapchat page. With the hotel’s prime location at a five-point intersection in Chicago where numerous neighborhoods and cultures collide, the floorplan and spatial flow of the lobby around a strong axis point of ‘hub’ was a natural decision. Titled ‘Headliner,’ a custom focal chandelier is situated at this energy-focused central point, a sweet juxtaposition created by the modern shape of the chandelier with the restored, historic plaster ceilings. This tiered collection of cover pages from the Chicago Reader celebrates Chicago’s alternative news source including historic controversial covers celebrating freedom of the press. Making the most of the lobby’s small footprint of 1,300 square feet, flexible and fluid seating arrangements are easily adjustable to accommodate groups of all sizes, appropriate for working on your computer, settling in for a cocktail or cup of coffee or simply perching while waiting to check-in. Generally speaking the footprint of the previous Lobby remained largely intact, so the design team was presented with the challenge of creating as many zones and variation of spaces for guests as possible – ultimately providing lounge space, communal space and an individual zone. The individual work zone is located under a feature mirrored wall with custom lounge chairs designed for privacy. The faceted mirror installation serves a purpose in that it’s provides a deflection of visibility back into the Lobby space to contort the guest’s illusion of old versus new. Tessallated tile that’s pattern is reminiscent of the ‘V’ is used as wayfinding to the front desk/check-in area as well as leading the guest to the energetic ‘hub’ of the lobby. A custom Lobby millwork display of shelving houses a coffee station for morning offerings in addition to a curated installation of found objects, connecting the old with the new, providing context within the city’s history as well as a common thread between past and present travelers to the hotel. Tongue-in-cheek pieces include a 70’s era rotary phone next to an iPhone, a vintage baseball bat next to its modern aluminum contemporary and staple family board games (Clue, Battleship) alongside modern-day game (Cards Against Humanity). Two hidden doorways were designed into the wall, giving staff access to BOH administrative offices and a service corridor. Additional custom-designed art pieces include the firm’s take on a few of Chicago’s most popular tourist attractions. Hand-blown glass shapes are dipped in mercury and hung from the ceiling at the entrance of the hotel’s forthcoming restaurant, creating a miniature airy conversation pieces reminiscent of Chicago’s most social media-tagged locale, ‘Cloudgate’ or ‘The Bean.’ Flanking the reception desk is the design team’s interpretation of the infamous iron work at Wrigleyfield featuring the hotels branded logo. When performing a light refresh of the guest rooms, the design team was presented with the challenge of working around existing furniture and lighting. Over the course of numerous phased renovations, a consistent style and finish of casegoods had not be adhered to which compelled the design team to design a color palette and finish schedule which complemented all manner of casegoods. Within the 137 guestrooms (with 45 different room types thanks to the historic nature of the building) is new flooring and window treatments with select rooms receiving new open, modern wardrobes to create more spacious suites. The team called upon the talent of a trusted partner to create the custom headboard wallcovering which acts as the impactful artwork for the guestrooms. The wallcovering hosts a collage of Chicago-inspired imagery and subject such as sports references, the infamous city grid and architecture, ferris wheel, music and local personalities. From the moment your trip is booked to the first steps through its front doors, the entire Hotel Versey experience whisks guests through Chicago in a glimpse. A modern celebration of yesteryear brings about a nostalgia that only comes about within a site such as this. From the wildest housekeeping rumors of famous rock-n-roll royalty conception to the opposite end of simpler, innocent songstresses roller skating through the Lobby, this hotel has seen it all. The reimagined Hotel Versey is positioned to continue it’s legacy as a staple of the neighborhood, with doors open for all.

The new Chicago office for Condé Nast and Pitchfork represented a unique challenge to meld two disparate office cultures – a venerable media house with a well-followed cutting-edge digital publication. Coming from the Hancock tower and a 2-story residential building in Logan Square, they found a home in the Merchandise Mart. Located in one of the “wedding cake” floors, the space is flooded with light from windows on all sides of the 12,000 SF footprint. The overall design aimed to evoke a certain vibe: comfortable, familiar, and relaxed. It had to have soul, just like the client’s brand. Inspiration was pulled from residential and hospitality environments versus a corporate office. The space peals back existing construction to reveal some of the building’s history: brick walls and poured-in-place concrete structure. A warm finish palette compliments these elements and also forms a backdrop for the strong client artwork and collateral. The office layout worked with a basic kit-of-parts to allow for future growth and flexibility. Spaces used as conference rooms today can later be adapted to offices; partially enclosed huddle areas can become phone rooms. Employees that moved from offices to workstations saw an increase in alternate work environments including focus rooms, reading nooks, a centralized Hub, huddle lounges, and phone rooms with standing height desks. Each offers a unique workstyle and posture to meet their needs. The Hub offers a gathering space in a variety of settings, including a stage ready for acoustic performances from local musicians.

Transformation requires equal measures of nature and nurture. When untapped human capital and the conditions for growth combine – life flourishes. This non-profit organization’s new facility provides the opportunity to help Chicago’s teens discover and stretch their potential. As part of a predesign workshop, students, staff and alumni of the after-school and summer teen programs shared their vision for effective learning spaces. The resounding desires were for flexible spaces linking the activities of one program space to another and creating an omnipresence of the organization’s culture. Previously an insurance headquarters, this donated building was transformed into a four-story setting that responds to student input for spaces that reflect their personality and encourage collaboration. On each floor, garage doors connect perimeter studios to a central flex space which invites educators to open the doors and create a single free-flowing learning space. Students of all programs share ideas over casual pin ups or gallery displays of their work. Bookended by a commons/lobby and a teaching kitchen, the ground level circulation “boulevard” affords glimpses into vocal, dance and tech studios, creating a dynamic and interconnected community of performance. The new facility will have a huge impact on the organization’s mission of positively transforming the lives of teens and their communities, with approximately 1,500 neighborhood teens annually being served by the new center. The center represents the organization’s first owned space and will serve as a model for teen programming across the city. Finishes include OSB and cement board cladding the walls of public spaces, daring teens to nail to, paint over, mosaic tile on or otherwise customize them to express their creative energy. Vibrant, saturated colors reflect the organization’s brand identity, brighten the studios and simplify wayfinding. Sustainability was at the forefront of the design of the center. The design team’s goal was to re-use as many existing elements as possible while retrofitting for the new use and code compliance. By exposing the existing structure and celebrating raw concrete flooring, the team created an aesthetic from materials already in place, minimizing the carbon footprint. New materials are composed of natural elements – cement board cladding, oriented strand board and steel trim. To provide natural light, new window openings were cut into the building shell, allowing daylight to shine through the glass-clad garage doors of the perimeter studios and into the shared spaces. Civically and socially, the facility offers the community a haven for teens to explore their interests and develop their talents. The new teen center serves as a neighborhood beacon of cultural display and celebration. As the donation of the building met long-standing organizational vision, the organization is itself transformed from a tenant into an owner and operator.

The Gallery on Wells is a new LEED Gold residential tower located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. This project is comprised of two buildings linked by a common corridor: an existing office building and a new 40-story residential building that contains 442 residential units. As a result, one of the biggest design challenges was creating a cohesive design that caters to both user groups. This programming challenge resulted in the design decision to strategically place shared community flex areas in the office portion of the linked tower. The programming decision optimizes city views for all users and includes visibility to the shared 26,000 square foot amenity roof deck. Additional shared amenity spaces include an outdoor lap pool, a professionally managed fitness center and various lounge rooms, including a game room. Dark finishes accented with pops of color, museum-quality artwork, and customized wallcoverings successfully cater to both demographics in a seamless manner that simultaneously exudes professionalism and the comfort of home. Upon entering the residential lobby, a depth of layering welcomes visitors and residents. An element of surprise is introduced as one moves through the space, where a decorative concrete block screen and stained wood slats unveil a bright elevator foyer. A unique amenity at The Gallery on Wells is a coffee shop adjacent to the main residential entry. The client envisioned a fluidity between the lobby and the coffee shop to result in a casual yet sophisticated interior. To retain the formality of a residential entrance, the design team introduced a concept to distinguish a transition between the spaces: a large entry portal of blackened steel, heavy velvet drapery and decorative floor tile, which now creates a marked hospitality niche.

The Team worked closely with their Tech Entrepreneur client to design the perfect home, considering the various uses for the 2,200 SF, two-story loft on the 6th and 7th floors of a 7-story condominium building in DC’s Logan Square Neighborhood. The goal was to make the space peaceful, simple, and precise so that the thoughtfulness and purposefulness of the home would help bring a sense of calm and organization to an otherwise busy lifestyle. The refined space is composed by modern clean lines, yet remains casual and conducive for relaxing and entertaining. Natural light pairs with simple, earth-tone materials and fabrics to create an airy and comfortable space that is devoid of clutter. The main level serves as the primary public living space and opens onto a terrace. On the other hand, the second level allows for flexibility to adapt to the lifestyle of the client – whether opening to create a larger master suite with a conference room and sitting room, or subdividing into pockets of space, to allow for a guest room. The renovation of the existing apartment masterfully orchestrates the disparate desires of the client to collect contemporary art, display and organize an expanding wine collection, have a chef’s kitchen, maximize natural light, provide adequate storage for climbing and photography gear, and create functional space for both at-home work and entertaining. The new design is detailed so that everything has a programmed place.

MilliporeSigma’s purpose is to solve the toughest problems in life science through collaboration, and that purpose drives its new Life Sciences Center. From closed huddle rooms to training rooms to open teaming spaces, the workplace offers options for staff to choose the right location based on the type of work. On top of spaces intended for work-related meetings, the social hubs are spaces on each floor that allow for less formal collaboration and encourage social interaction among employees, which in turn spark innovation. While internal collaboration is important, Millipore also addresses the need for collaboration with clients with the M Lab. The M Lab is a space where Millipore is able to interact with their customers and clients, showcasing their work within the first floor of the building. This space allows Millipore to train new customers and tackle troubleshooting issues for clients. The design powerfully represents the MilliporeSigma’s brand. Against a crisp white surround, bold brand colors burst in vibrant blues, magenta, chartreuse and purple. Hexagonal forms, both suggestive of molecular formulas and forms within MilliporeSigma’s brand. The shape manifests as portals, surrounds around seating areas, and perhaps most evocatively in the ceiling over the two-story reception and mezzanine space. The company and the research center were created by chemistry, and the design announces that to staff, guests and clients—from the historical displays of milestone products to the windows into the development of tomorrow’s innovations.

Skender Construction’s new headquarters reflects their continued growth, maturity, and expression of their business and social culture. The resulting office space is of its context in the industrial-charged neighborhood of the West Loop, positioned within a repurposed parking garage. Upon entry, a steel framed ceiling/lighting element draws you into the large flexible central café hub space that supports multiple daily functions. Adjacent to the café hub are 3 large flexible phase rooms, unfolding to create a large internal meeting and social space. The open plan includes sit-stand desks lining the perimeter allowing all-day access to natural light. The open plan also provides a variety of meeting spaces to support choice of how and where to work. Throughout the space, the brand message integrates within the architecture. From the face wall (expressing the vibrant culture of their office) to the lean coffee wall (that allows their employees to express their creative freedom) the message is always about their people. The Skender persona expounds through the materials holding up a mirror to the everyday, tangible resources construction teams come into contact with such as exposed ceilings/floors, gabion wall, and exposed column capitals representing the framework of construction projects.

In the year of 2016, Grand Rapids had the fastest growing economy which caused an influx in people and jobs. Grand Rapids is home to many colleges and universities. Many students attending these colleges from out of town are moving back to the city for work. As more people move to the city, rent and mortgages rise. As the rent and mortgages rise, the wages are not. This is leaving many individuals and low-class families displaced, often single mothers and in this day-and-age, recent graduates with loans. The Keeler building was once a furniture exhibition in 1914 when the city became a major lumbering center, processing logs that were floated down the river. The river and its tributaries gave rise to dozens of communities across the midwest. The ready supply of timber lead to one of Grand Rapids major industies, it's fine wood furniture. By utilizing the natural trandsportation of the river, the city of Grand Rapids kept growing. The inspiration of my designs come from the use of the Grand River and its metephor to keep moving forward. The growth rings in the timber lof anad the tributary patterns of the river are all symbolic od the growing city of GRand Rapids, and the indiciduals residing in the Keeler Building.

Capturing the emotion of a brand that has been a platform for imagination and delivered smiles for 100 years, Radio Flyer's new workplace refreshed it's manufacturing warehouse into a uniquely authentic and inspirational place to work and innovate for the next 100 years. A reimagination of how their employees work introduced a new site masterplan concept, one that drew it's entrance off two highly trafficked roads and to a more intimate side street. In so doing, they asked that the new first impression and front entry spur the imagination to wonder and dream into the future. A new channel glass façade and larger-than-life front doors transform the east side of the art deco manufacturing facility. Memories of Radio Flyer products and the imagination they inspire drove the concept of the larger-than-life doors. Young and old alike are intrigued by their size and with the glimpse of an oversized Coasterboy flying just behind them. Meaningful cultural occasions of the Flyer employees are announced by color shifting LEDs that backlight the channel glass façade throughout the year. The Heritage Area celebrates the brand's legacy of innovation displaying product from the original Liberty Coaster wagon to the cans of gasoline they manufactured during World War II. The space tells stories of the product in context with world events through larger than life picture frames, wall displays, and nostalgic pair of tin can telephones. The workplace celebrates the history of the family with a plan organized similar to that of a home. The kitchen and café has a 32 foot long communal table that anchors the space, providing a humble place for co-workers to socialize and collaborate. The family room is an open working lounge with flexible seating that is reimagined throughout the course of each day to support the needs of their employees, The Flyers. The Playlab is a unique product testing area where prototypes are evaluated in a flexible teaming area by way of an expansive one-way window. The space is labeled the Test Track, inviting kids to wonder, imagine, and play in an open sky-lit area with acoustic murals on three of its walls. Beneath the restored warehouse sawtooth roof, The Flyers work in an open plan environment equipped with sit to stand desks and personal storage areas, including scooter parking for those that choose to roll rather than walk around the facility. Chicago artist Anthony Lewelin animates the west wall of the workplace with a vibrant and interpretive mural, above which, a portion of the original overhead wagon transport system was restored. Wagons are displayed like they were 80 years ago, flying overhead from the paint station toward the drying area. With views to the Backyard, the sun-filled space honors the building's history while providing Flyers with a work environment that balances health, technology, and well-being. The Backyard was created after portions of the manufacturing buildings were demolished, making way for an amazing outdoor amenity for the employees. It's lush landscape is comprised of native and adaptive plantings, diverse walking paths, and a central lawn space that accommodates group activities and picnics. It also contains a cistern to capture rainwater, geothermal technology, and a bioswale network, all of which contributed to it being certified a LEED Platinum project.

Flexibility was the driving force in the design, in addition to the creation of an everyday working environment for over 100 members. The Connectory needed to be adaptable to facilitate events, programs, and workshops on a daily basis that are available to members and non-members. To achieve this, everything can be quickly transformed depending on need. Desks, chairs, and audiovisual equipment are mobile, even collapsible, allowing for small or large project team meetings and event hosting. The space is lined with versatile collaboration worktables, custom designed to fold and roll away. Along the perimeter, areas are prepped for future demountable partitions for spaces to be easily enclosed for new startups. Breakout nooks and tables provide opportunities for informal brainstorming or more focused collaboration. Lounge furniture, high-top tables, and booth seating are just a few of the work setting selections members can utilize each day. The glass walls that enclose meeting spaces use privacy film as a vehicle to showcase the Connectory’s branding and culture. The Connectory acts as a living showroom for demonstrating IoT products, such as a smartphone entry access system, connected mirrors, and a smart coffee machine. As members develop new ideas, they are encouraged to display them throughout the space. Project parameters consisted of a two phase, three-month construction schedule adding to the complexity of the project. Being fast-tracked, specifications needed to be selected in an expedited manner and within budget. Project team members located in different countries and time zones made it imperative to utilize audiovisual technology for quick, concise communication. Since the Chicago location was the first IoT partner innovation space of its kind, the overall design concept was simultaneously being developed along with the business model.

The goal was to create a space that was designed at a high level, yet still understated in its furnishings. Durability and comfort were key to withstand traffic and heavy usage as the client is the pastor of a Chicago city church and often hosts retreats for members, friends, and colleagues. The lines of the furnishings were kept simple and clean to complement, and not overshadow, the modern architecture of the home. Neutral fabric choices throughout the home serve as a canvas with pops of oranges, greens, and blues to accentuate the expansive views of Lake Michigan. Designed as an entertaining space, furnishings play double duty throughout the home. Dining room chairs can be placed in rows for enjoying a piano performance while extra chairs are easily stacked away for storage. The pair of dining tables can be placed separately, or combined for a long banquet gathering. Multiple conversation spaces in the living room were created with flexible seating. The swooping curves and angles of the architecture posed challenges for placement of furnishings, but as a positive, added great interest to the understated power of this contemporary lakeside home.

The Duchossois Group (TDG) was eager to create a new corporate headquarters for its leading brand, the Chamberlain Group Incorporated (CGI). The design of the building grows from the company’s vision to create a strategic, transformational platform that empowers and inspires, becoming a high-performance beacon that springboards the company’s legacy into a dynamic new future. The building consolidates over 650-people from four facilities onto one 20-acre suburban campus, bringing CGI’s multi-disciplinary team together into a lively new incubator space. The vision aimed to create a highly-flexible space that promoted a collaborative work environment, inspired employees and impressed guests. The terrazzo, stone, and wood finishes highlighted throughout the building were selected to give the space a timeless and fresh appearance, while strategically placed bursts of color and texture in collaboration areas enhance the energy of the environment and balance the neutral color pallet. Public amenities on the building’s first floor promote the health and wellness of employees as well as visitors. The spacious lobby provides an engaging and welcoming entry to the building. Natural light and exterior views create a visual connection to the outdoors. Just beyond the lobby is an open showroom which showcases CGI’s latest products through interactive media and physical displays. Tucked in the back of the building, the café offers both private and communal dining rooms that accommodate seating for 250 people with views of the outdoor terrace, walking path, and reflecting pond. The sculptural wall feature and wood slat ceiling brings movement and warmth to the bright and airy room. A vending area and full-service kitchen provide employees with a large variety of food options. The adjacent game room allows employees to connect in an informal setting. On the upper floors, interchangeable workplace modules and clusters of small seating zones provide the agility needed to foster collaboration from concept through prototyping. These zones become hubs of activity that are easily identified within the workspace. Demountable wall and glass front systems allow for frequent reconfiguration based on privacy needs. A suspended wood and glass communicating stair connects a central elevator lobby with the pantry that fosters serendipitous interactions with lounge areas and counter seating. The beneficial interactions were near impossible when CGI’s employees were split between buildings. Vibrant accent carpets and furniture with textural fabrics to bring warmth and interest to these common areas.

Problem: Create a Dynamic, 21st Century School in a Small Community Where Daylight is Scare During Much of the School Year Designed with current best practices of flexibility and collaboration in mind, this forward-thinking elementary school addresses overcrowding in the district while creating a bright, light-filled learning space for students who experience very little daylight during most of the school year. In addition to maximizing daylight, functionality and community were at the forefront of design. The area around the school is growing, thus Dena’ina is designed as both a school and community center. Spaces are multifunctional, and the school provides after-hours use of select areas while integrating programming with the new middle/high school to bring the community together around its children. To create a strong sense of place and local identity, colorful hanging sculptures and paintings were commissioned from local artists to build cultural pride, and color-changing lighting in the commons area maintains light after the sun goes down. The interior design decisions capture the scarce daylight during the long winters, while creating a sense of community and providing multi-functional spaces in this remote, but steadily growing, part of southern Alaska. Problem: Create a Sustainable Building that Responds to the Unique Climate and Landscape of Southern Alaska The team also followed environmental considerations to create a sustainable facility that responds to the natural landscape. All classrooms face south, providing maximum daylight where students spend the bulk of their time. Spaces shared by the school and community, such as the stage and gym, are located on the north side of the corridor where there are fewer openings to limit climate and wind exposure. Part of the building was constructed underground, significantly decreasing operating costs. Additionally, Alaska is an active seismic zone with a high earthquake hazard rating by the U.S. Geological Survey. The abundant bracing required became a design element: it is visible from the commons and gymnasium, and is the impetus for the design pattern of the interior windows into the classrooms which include lateral bracing behind the solid portion of the walls. This efficiency in planning allowed the creation of additional spaces such as windows, display areas and storage zones in the voids of the structure.

This successful relocation of a 168,000 SF corporate headquarters proved to be the perfect opportunity to create the highly transparent, collaborative and branded environment desired by GGP. Fostering a democratic approach to sharing the daylight, private offices and conference rooms are internalized while most employees sit near the glass line. Low-height furnishings ensure unobstructed views, allowing for an abundance of natural light throughout the space, and team collaborative areas occupy the space normally reserved for prestigious corner offices. A centralized conference center, along with interchangeable private offices and smaller meeting rooms, provides for future flexibility; a mandatory consideration in the eyes of this forward-thinking organization and today’s ever changing office environment. Strategically placed communal “Hubs” create a common area on each floor that’s designed to gather, promote impromptu meetings, encourage a culture of teamwork and foster knowledge sharing. Ordered with an elegant palette of white walls, warm ceilings and textured floor finishes, with lighting systems that highlight this logical and structured environment, the design solution weaves the interactive areas and mix of workspace types together to create an intuitive system of wayfinding over this 3 floor project. Designed and constructed within a 10 month timeline, this collaborative project serves as testimony to the power of teamwork, proving the impossible…is possible!

The space required flexibility as it functions as a coworking office space during the day and an event/retail space in the evening. A large, convertible conference center and lounge are in the two corners of the building intentionally adjacent to the centered reception space. Requirements included open and closed collaboration, 4-person private offices, a 3D printing workshop, and workspace for 70 coworking tenants. The requirements were exceeded in several areas including 76 coworking tenant spaces, an additional private office, extra storage space, and flexible seating placed throughout. Acoustical treatments were used in ceiling elements as well as furniture and applied wall decor. Some tenants require more open collaboration, whereas others must have a heads down focus place to work. These diverse needs and more are met with a variety of working environments from private focus rooms, to benching, and more traditional workstations. Wayfinding elements include flooring, the use of lighting in the corridor and wall color.

The formula for an echo is Velocity=Distance/Time. This equation is the backbone of transportation logistics and the driving force of Echo Global Logistics’ 135,000 sf headquarters expansion within a building that was once an old catalogue warehouse. In total, the expansion doubles the size of the headquarters, adding 1,000 seats. At a deeper level, the great opportunity of this project was to create an experiential brand. This brand is apparent upon entry of the new street-level lobby. Sculpted as four massive voids spelling out ECHO in steel, the lobby sign is weathered like the existing column wrappings. The letters are set at different angles to create an experience for passersby as to how each letter is viewed. Upon entry, the E is perfectly aligned and luminous, while the O appears darker and more abstract. As the individual moves, each letter comes into similar focus as the others become more abstract, changing perception with distance and time. A massive new stair connects the street level with the majority of the new space. Its industrial aesthetic of concrete, steel and chain link feel true to the building’s history—as if it has always been there. Frustrated that stairs from their upper level read simply as negative space, we designed a canopy of undulating, highly polished steel above to reflect the visual energy of the stair, further reinforcing the importance of movement. One’s natural progression from the stair is to the large café. The café is meant to be the social heart of the space. Anchored by a leaderboard of 16 60” monitors, it can be a place for craft beer night or to kick off the NCAA's March Madness tourney. It supports the company’s work-hard-play-hard culture. The main area of the workplace is organized around two main streets, wide enough to be actual streets, which run the entire length of the space north to south. The streets can host all sorts of activities, from quick team meetings at one of the several breakout spaces to outreach fairs for charities. Backing onto the streets are four necessary additions to the building—restrooms. We wrapped the blocks, roughly the size of semi-trailers, with graphics interpreting Echo slogans in the bad-ass vernacular of custom rigs, creating distinct points of reference within the large space. Continuing the allusions to the trucking industry, team huddle rooms are realized as loading dock bays, lined up and numbered with signage that illuminates as the bay is occupied. Steel anchors the far end of the space. One feature wall is inscribed with US shipping routes. Lastly, is the formula itself, again, illuminated voids of letters within the weathered steel, which acts as a beacon to employees entering from the company’s other floor within the building. V=D/T, a billboard preparing those who enter to be changed as they experience the space.

A new workplace environment for the Asset Management arm of Northern Trust was designed as a sophisticated and timeless client-facing space, that maximizes efficiency and improves access to information. The efficient layout consolidated the Asset Management team from a floor and a half down to one floor. The space is arranged into neighborhoods that foster staff connections based on areas of expertise. Service hubs are central to each of the neighborhoods and provide easy access to project rooms, Bloomberg stations and printing. The space was planned with calculated collaboration in mind. The highly confidential nature of this team meant that all collaboration had to happen behind closed doors. The design team arranged a variety of teaming space around the core and enclosed them all in floor to ceiling glass walls to ensure privacy but also enable visibility. The space features unique spaces that solve for Asset Management’s functional needs like a Research Library, a room dedicated to rehearsing client pitches and a business lounge. Upon exiting the elevators, clients are greeted by a backlit fumed eucalyptus wood portal leading to a Danube honed marble reception desk where a concierge greets them and leads them to their designated meeting room. The neutral and timeless palette throughout the space helps reinforce the Northern Trust brand of exceptional service, unparalleled expertise and enduring integrity.

This space for Chervon, the power tool company behind the well-known Skilsaw and Ego Brands, is a warehouse, testing lab, showroom and collaborative workspace all in one. By using materials typically used in the construction and home improvement industries in unexpected ways, the design reinforces Chervon’s slogan of “Creating better tools, for a better world.” The warm and neutral color palette is mostly made up of concrete, wood, glass and turf to facilitate a homey ambiance while also serving as a backdrop for the industry-leading brands Chervon represents. A variety of Brand Rooms, video editing suites and product showcase spaces allow Chervon to feature their products in an impactful way. Chervon, a rapidly growing tools manufacturer, wanted to establish a presence in the US. A company that relies on its speed to market model, and thus prioritizes innovation, Chervon needed an office space that would enable this intense caliber of product testing, while providing its employees a comfortable and home-like environment. The new space accommodates the company’s tool assembling functions by containing rooms in its warehouse for lithium iron battery assemblage, labs for product testing, and even a “torture chamber” in which tools are pushed to their limits so specialists can determine durability. The workplace has more familiar amenities, such as a gym, a café, a video studio to create and produce promotional footage, and even a showcase space that educates employees on the company’s history with an outdoor terrace extension. The plan is laid out to maximize access to views of the surrounding natural environment in order to reinforce an unconventionally restful atmosphere.

Walsh College in Troy, Michigan, provides advanced business education to professionals. The majority of Walsh students work full-time in the business community and attend classes in the evening. Outdated buildings and spaces left faculty, staff, and students with insufficient, poorly performing spaces for Walsh’s contemporary needs and mission. Completing the implementation of a master plan redevelopment, which began in 2008, the most recent phase includes a major addition along Livernois Road and significant renovation of existing spaces. Walsh, like most business schools, uses project-based learning relying on the case study method. The new architecture connects students, faculty, and staff with an expanded inventory of different types of rooms and collaborative spaces, similar to the work environments of the most progressive companies, helping to encourage innovative thinking and collaboration. The Livernois Road addition consists of three distinct pavilions, each denoting its interior program: a “one-stop shop” for student services, a student lounge, and a “success center” dedicated to cultivating students’ professional communication skills. The public-facing walls of the new buildings of the master plan incorporate metal paneling and, in the case of the Livernois Road addition, Vetter stone. These walls angle inward to frame large curtain wall windows, allowing community members passing by on Livernois Road to see the activity within. This is especially true at night, when the building is lit up like a series of glass lanterns and the college is the most alive with student activity.

Slayton Search Partners provides access to executive talent for global corporations. Accordingly, their new workplace needed to make an impressive impact on clients while still pleasing the staff. When they said they envisioned a swanky, penthouse loft vibe, we knew of the perfect place, and more importantly, we understood how to optimize the unusual geometry of the space and its quirks to make it work efficiently without sacrificing its cool factor. We used abrupt angles to divide large, exterior offices diagonally, giving them each window access and maximizing the wedge-shaped floor plan. Raw columns punctuate the space and contrast with premium finishes and lots of glass. The result is distinctive and cerebral, right in line with the company’s forte.

One South Dearborn’s ownership group needed to improve their existing amenities program to help retain their anchor tenant and to market themselves as a modern office building. We gave the space a relaxed, lounge vibe to contrast with the building’s conservative, corporate interiors, adding the new amenities to a floor with an existing fitness center and property management office. Now tenants can drop by for a coffee in the lounge, arrange a meeting in the conference room or retreat from the daily grind in the yoga/massage area.

Seyfarth Shaw has long been recognized for its progressive approach to the business of law, and for grounding that approach in the design of their work environments. The design Firm has partnered with Seyfarth at multiple points along this evolutionary journey. The next step on that path was the relocation of their Chicago office to high rise floors in the iconic Willis Tower – scheduled for occupancy in early 2016. The project's primary objective was to highlight and demonstrate Seyfarth's commitment to innovation – in legal practice, service delivery and workplace design. Through a deep dive workplace strategy process, we discovered three key project planning drivers: Enable focused workflow. Create private spaces for attorneys with smart adjacencies to support lawyers in the act of lawyering. Engage strong social and knowledge networks. Encourage greater integration between attorneys, staff and practice areas by distributing meeting and learning spaces throughout the office stack, thus leveraging individual choice for anywhere, anytime productivity. Enthrall staff with what makes Seyfarth unique. Connect staff to the value their work brings to clients through simple – but enigmatic – technologically advanced environments that create smart systems, services and interactions.

The uniqueness and magnitude of this nearly 3-year long project presented numerous challenges from the start of the process right through to the end. Here is a list of challenges and how those were addressed: ZONING AND PERMITTING: Being that this project was the first of its kind in Chicago, The Department of Buildings could not initially determine a concise and specific use designation that fit under the current official state and local use designations. Through varies meetings and discussions with city leadership the project ended up being classified as "Special Use". After a designation was determined, we also ran into another unique existing issue with the building. The east and west lower levels of the building were actually extended beyond the lot lines and into public way. The simple solution was to make that area available for our clients use. That said, the unique condition was exacting why the client wanted to utilize the space as It met the aesthetic vision of the spa. The solution was to use a rarely utilized designation called, “Public-Way-Use permit”. This allows our client rights to the public-way-space through a lease agreement with the city of Chicago. LIGHT LEVELS: The discerning client wanted a particular ambiance with very low lighting level, which was largely achieved via candles in decorative lanterns, sconces and illuminating the pools themselves. However, due to code requirements for certain foot candles to light exit pathways, strategically placed ambient light fixtures and wall-mounted emergency battery packs were installed to meet both party’s expectations. RETROFITTING ARTIFACTS AND OTHER FINISHES: Much of the success of the end product is due to the abundance of authentic antique artifacts that were timely shipped from overseas, safely stored close to the site and strategically incorporated throughout the space. Such items include sculpted stone fountains, ornately embellished carved wood doors, hand-perforated metal light fixtures and over-sized clay urns. In addition, hundreds of glass wine bottles were shipped directly from a vineyard in Spain in order to create the one-of-a-kind privacy wall separating the red wine bath room from the rest of the pools. The oversized clay urns had to be lifted by crane and brought into the space through a man-made hole in the exterior wall. Existing masonry openings were retrofitted to accommodate antique doors from Spanish cathedrals and originally crafted Spanish bay windows were placed 20’ high into position via a pulley lifting system. Lastly, over 10,000 sf of White Spanish Stone slabs were also shipped, creatively stored and carefully installed in all the pools and throughout the spa areas. We also sprayed all existing structure including the wood beams, masonry and steel joists with a fire-rated, satin clear coat finish allowing us to preserve the natural look while providing protection from the humidity. NATURAL MATERIALS: Imported stone surfaces are inherently cold, so an integrated radiant heating system was installed underfoot for the comfort of the patrons at the pool area deck, open-air/sauna benches and massage tables located throughout the space. STRUCTURAL: A new decorative stair was designed and implemented for the 2-story space. The challenge here was to create a stair that would appear light and airy. We designed a suspended stair system that was supported by the existing overhead beams while integrating a glass railing assembly. The final outcome was a transparent floating structure that blended well into the serene environment. MECHANICAL: With a 2-story space and multiple pools (including indoor/outdoor pool and waterfall) and saunas, there were concerns about humidity, ventilation, heating and cooling. With all the programming information in place, it was easily determined that the existing space would not be large enough to house all the needed equipment. To address these concerns, mechanical and dehumidification systems were added to the rooftop, these units are fed through an abandoned elevator shaft. A two story architectural extension was added adjacent to the existing building to house the state-of-the-art pool filtration systems.

Clark-Lindsey completed a master plan and phased campus repositioning. Following a first phase addition of new villas, the organization focused on expanding wellness offerings and providing a new environment for long term care residents. Clark-Lindsey partnered with The Green House Project and design team to help usher in a new standard of care for those experiencing Alzheimer’s and dementia-related illnesses. Two new Green House® residences will provide an atmosphere designed to feel less institutional and more like home. Each Green House features 12 private bedrooms, specially trained caregivers, and spaces designed to feel like home and encourage social engagement. From the outdoor courtyard, library and den areas to the open kitchen providing home cooked meals, the amenities encourage social interaction among elders and caregivers. The interior design reflects a residential composition balanced with the necessary senior friendly attributes. A required commercial kitchen is disguised and adorned with warm wood and beautiful quartz, covering up the functional stainless steel behind and presenting a more home-like setting. Soft muted tones on the floor afford an easy transition between materials, while splashes of color are found within the textiles on the furniture and accent pieces throughout, both at a closer reach to the resident to touch and feel. Clark-Lindsey’s new Wellness Center provides a range of health-focused amenities for older adults to thrive and connect to their community. The Wellness Center includes a rehabilitation and therapy suite, a warm water therapy and exercise pool, and a wellness and fitness suite with a welcoming lobby. Its position at the front door of the campus is a testament to the community’s commitment to wellness, while its strategic location between pieces of the continuum creates interaction amongst all residents within the community. Biophilic elements are incorporated all through the wellness center, the flooring throughout the lobby and corridors resembles the soft texture of river stones and mixture of warm and cool neutrals. Natural woods are found in furniture, ceiling materials and artwork, emphasizing the experience with nature. The therapy and exercise pool offers an expansive connection to the outdoors all while providing some privacy with the leafy pattern etched on the glass panels. The additions and renovations are aimed at extending Clark-Lindsey’s presence as a highly regarded center of excellence in the care of elders in the larger central Illinois region.

This downtown Chicago office tower was originally constructed in 1986 and was notable as a transportation hub with connections to CTA, the Thompson Center, the Skybridge link and housing a significant parking component. The building was recently purchased by a new owner who chose to transform the public areas and to add amenities. Levels one and two have been redesigned including the west entry lobby, atrium and ground level retail, while the second floor now features tenant lounges, conference space, fitness center and locker rooms. The atrium connecting these spaces was completely reimagined and enlarged to be a destination rather than just a walk-through space. The concourse is the heart of the 203 LaSalle public space. It is a two-story space, with a vaulting ceiling design that follows the underside of the parking ramp above. At the ground floor, two new retail storefronts were added with sliding wood security gates, custom planters, and new seating with bright, energetic colors. The second floor fitness center is visibly connected to the open concourse, but large frameless glass walls help to provide acoustic separation. The finish of wood accent wall helps to connect the walnut ceiling panels from the LaSalle Lobby to the lighter wood panels of the Concourse retail. The fitness center includes cardio equipment, free weights, exercise room, and new locker rooms. The other major building amenity off of the Concourse is the Tenant Lounge. The entrance to the lounge is highlighted by a feature wall with wall sconces and leather wall tile. Directly off of the Concourse, and taking advantage of the high ceilings is a casual sitting area with a fireplace. After the completion of the 203 N. LaSalle Lobby and tenant amenity spaces, the building’s management office relocated to the renovated second floor. To create a cohesive second floor, the management office’s palette pulls elements from the adjacent tech lounge and tenant lounge. Similar wood tones, accent colors, carpet patterns, and finishes help define the management office as a unique support space that is integrated into the rest of the building. As an extension of the updated lobby, 203 N LaSalle wanted to bring some continuity up to the upper floors. The updated upper elevator lobbies create a more relaxed, yet cohesive and impactful elevator lobby experience. The slatted wood ceiling, lighter wood tones, concrete-look tile, and play of textures with the tonal painted wall and back painted glass panels create a spin-off of the elevator lobby elements in the more formal 203 public lobby space. By October of 2016, the final vision was realized. A new main entrance off of LaSalle street brought new light and life to the building, allowing 203 LaSalle to be a competitor in the booming Class A office building market in downtown Chicago.

A family of five sought a home that eliminated the typical distinctions between formal and informal spaces. We responded with a home designed to be thoroughly lived in, bridging the classic French Provincial style of the exterior with relaxed, informal finishes and furnishings. A playroom, loft, craft room, roof deck, and lower level pool provide ample space for spending time together. A gracious skylit stairway brings natural light to the center of the home, while metal and glass doors in the dining room and office allow the natural setting to extend into the house. The lower level spaces, including a pool and workroom, provide a contemporary departure from the rest of the home. Ipe slatted walls cleverly conceal a changing space and wet bar bringing in warmth and texture to the otherwise clean-lined pool deck.

Financial juggernaut CapitalOne set out to position its offices in Chicago as the top destination for financial professionals. Several of Chicago’s top architecture firms were hired for various floors of their offices at the iconic 77 W Wacker tower, with our firm chosen to design the most visible and prestigious: the building’s top two floors. Our designers created an open, airy space by applying an ethereal design concept and palette. We embraced the openness by suspending the mezzanine level from the slab above, keeping a visual connection between floors while maintaining the space below free from columns. Blue glass and carpet tile was also used throughout the space to echo the sky, working harmoniously with cloudy whites and graphical representations of wind patterns splashed on walls and floors. Warm, mid-century modern furniture and lounge chairs grounded this otherwise “office in the clouds” concept, with breakout spaces in all four corners, each with its own unique view. By centering sit-to-stand workstations, ceiling panels, and light fixtures against the building’s large windows, we not only kept the design flush with the building’s beautiful architecture, but also ensured that every employee could enjoy the pristine views of Chicago’s skyline, river, and lake. Once the domain of private offices or board rooms, the corner office view has been democratized for the next generation.

The challenge of this project was to create subtle branding through all the space without making it too obvious. There is an open flow for people to walk all around the store even around the cashier. The focal point mainly in the design is the back of the store changed by materials elements and by the horizontality of the floor & the pendants above the desk. The special service to offer is to customize your own package according to your needs. The “make your own” is located at the heart of the floor plan. The desk has a C shape representing the branding of the logo.

Drawing on the industrial base-building design, juxtaposed with the client’s desire to have a warm and non-corporate space, our design response included the blending of the existing space with a flexible, experimental environment that nurtured cross-functional collaboration. Areas dedicated to socialization and spontaneous interaction were enhanced by a custom mural by local artist, The Lie (Jay Turner)”. A barista and café anchors the space, providing a needed and desired communal area that casually brings together employees seated in different areas around the company’s office.

Mid-America Real Estate Group is an industry leading full-service retail real estate organization serving the Midwest. Their expertise and exclusive focus on retail distinguishes them amongst their competition. The relocation of their Chicago office to the Wrigley building, located on Michigan Avenue, aligns their industry leading position with the heart of retail in the City of Chicago, The Magnificent Mile. The design of their new office space centers around three design pillars that evoke the culture, emotion, and energy of Mid-America Real Estate Group. The ‘Avenue’ is defined as a main thoroughfare through a city that serves as destination for people in the community. Characteristics of an avenue include retail and restaurants flanking each side, softened by beautifully manicured landscaping. An urban environment can be characterized by strong materials, bright lights, and movement. Fusing the attributes of the urban environment with Retro elements from the 1960’s creates a unique style that is bold yet comfortable. ‘The Art of the Deal’ pays homage to the human component of the business and the complex layering of information that is involved with closing each deal. The buildings core layout and perimeter window spacing provided challenges in accommodating the highly privatized program requirements. Several studies were conducted to understand the optimal rhythm for offices along the perimeter to meet the program and maximize real estate. Additionally, creating an open and collaborative environment was challenging based on the highly privatized program and the shape of the floor plate. Creating small moments for the space to open up to allow for a planned collision to occur was a strategy we used when planning.

Libraries connect people to the information they need to solve problems, push boundaries, and shape the future.” OCLC, a global library cooperative, does just this by developing technologies that support thousands of libraries to make information accessible and useful to people around the world. In August of 2014, our firm won a design competition to update and reimagine the OCLC headquarters in Dublin, Ohio. The focus of the project was the public spaces of the building, namely, enlivening the dimly-lit, foreboding four-story atrium, which had been walled off from floor, yet is the focal point of the building. Bold moves were made in the design solution to help solve the separation of space – from repurposing unused exterior plazas to be transformed into useful, lively interior spaces, to designing a completely new, cantilevered stairway that is both sculptural and functional in connecting people throughout the building. In addition, existing stone panels that previously shielded interior spaces from access and daylight were removed to unveil a new tier of enclosed, state-of-the-art meeting rooms. A repositioned building lobby enhances the security of the building, while also creating a grand entry experience for both employees and visitors. The Third Place, a social café and gathering space, was designed as an extension to the upgraded dining and servery, to foster employee connectivity across the building. Overall, clean lines and a refined palette of materials, including oak wood, terrazzo, and decorative glass enliven and reinvigorate OCLC’s spaces while also creating a timeless, long-lasting design.

The innovative headquarters transformation of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (A.J. Gallagher) included a move from Itasca back to 2850 W. Golf Road in Rolling Meadows. CEO Pat Gallagher had a historic and sentimental attachment to the building because they occupied the space from 1974-1991. Construction began in August 2015 and employees began moving in by February 2017. Nearly every aspect of the 11-story, 315,000 SF Rolling Meadows headquarters was redesigned, including the original 1976 exterior brick columns, moving the entrance from the 2nd floor the 1st floor, and complete renovation of the interiors. The design plans support A.J. Gallagher’s goal of creating a space that would incorporate their team-based values and evolving workplace strategy. Open workstations, private offices, and 80 conference rooms with state-of-the-art AV were strategically placed throughout to accommodate nearly 1,800 employees. Previously a private office rich environment, the new efficient floor plans offer private offices designed with glass fronts. They are grouped in pods with open workstations between to allow natural light into all workplace areas. General office design took inspiration from the client’s 90-year history. The founding Chairman’s original, reclaimed desk is displayed on the top office floor as a reminder of the company’s legacy, and branding is incorporated throughout from wall coverings to digital displays that rotate updates and long-standing company values. The headquarters was also designed to address work style and culture through employee-based amenities. The first level features a front desk concierge, a full-service cafeteria with organic, artisanal food, and a fitness club that offers free fitness classes. As an extension of the client’s emphasis on wellness, each office floor is equipped with a room that has either a treadmill desk or bike desk. The first-floor communal space called “The Commons” serves as a creative space for socialization and cross-group collaboration. It includes multiple seating areas, meeting spaces, a tech bar, a game room, and access to a new outdoor patio. This redevelopment posed a design problem related to the retention pond. Initially, the building’s lowest floor sat more than two feet below the pond’s highest water level. Working with the civil engineer, the pond was regraded and dredged to create more volume for water storage. An innovative pumping system was implemented to allow the water level to be pumped down in advance of storms, and new piping was installed to allow the pond water to properly flow off-site into the local sewer system. Reaching this complex solution was one of the project’s most successful design achievements. The project also posed a design problem related to the existing structure’s outdated and inefficient HVAC and mechanical systems. This challenge was addressed by incorporating modernizations across the HVAC, MEPFP and elevator systems, which offer long-term money-saving efficiencies and contribute to the project’s economic success. Today the building prevails as one of the tallest structures in the community and can be seen from miles away. To highlight its prominent architectural significance, the designs incorporated exterior building lighting systems that vibrantly illuminate the north and south faces of the building at night, contributing to the many design features that make it a distinguished visual landmark. “Welcome home. We are thrilled to have you back,” said Mayor Tom Rooney.

Atlas Financial Holdings develops and delivers automobile insurance for light commercial vehicles such as taxis and limousines. They wanted a workplace that reinforced and reflected their culture, attracted the best young professionals, and created a strong sense of community. The challenge was the redevelopment of two floors and a roof deck, totaling 70,000 sf, in a typical 1980s concrete office building in Schaumburg. Connection to another building created an incredibly complex path to code compliance, achieved through close coordination with the Building Department during the entire design process. The team worked seamlessly to transform the less than inspiring 80s environment into an interpretation of airy Brooklyn Loft with the energy and movement of transportation through the use of unique branding features. Structurally challenging was the centerpiece, a new connecting stair and opening with a collaboration area at the bottom and library at the top reinforcing connectivity and community. A unique custom 2 story kinetic fin wall allowed the stair to be open or closed to the collaboration areas. The subtle color and material palette support the graphic branding throughout the space– from the greeting area, kitchen and library to conference rooms, boardroom and flex meeting area.

With a 1,600 square foot space formerly known as a flower shop, the main challenges we faced were the locations and size of concrete structure in relationship to the natural restaurant flow. Additionally, the client had a very clear vision of a space that felt modern and minimalistic while projecting a warm and inviting atmosphere that would accommodate an extensive collection of greenery. In an effort to maintain the organic flow of the space we decided to embrace the large concrete column located in the center of the front dining space. We designed a 13-foot long communal table with a blackened steel supporting structure and natural oak wood top. This structure wraps around the existing large column and provides a “ceiling” frame where a varied collection of hanging planters reside. We also incorporated a suspended shelf along the south window to accommodate greenery above the dining rail. In order to give the space the minimalistic yet warm atmosphere we decided to maintain all of the exiting exposed concrete structures (ceiling, columns and floor) but added rich wood textures throughout. Some of the main elements are the scalloped shingle die wall at the order counter resembling fish scales, and the slat wood ceiling at the order counter and back dining space. Tables, chairs and banquettes also incorporate wood elements to tie into the bigger design components. Lastly, lighting played a very important role in this design with the utilization of plant maintenance lights throughout the space.

DLA Piper, a global law firm located in more than 40 countries, needed their new Chicago office to act as a platform for their international practice business model. The office design was to establish new standards of workplace performance and intelligence, becoming the new standard by which future DLA offices can be measured. The design creates a high performance, functional workplace and platform for dynamic global collaboration, community outreach and client engagement. Gensler's analysis of current DLA cultural behaviors and aspirational objectives revealed the design's fundamental measures of success: Functionality At a DNA level, the design needed to support highly effective attorney work patterns; recognizing the primacy of supporting focus activity and the pace at which work needs to flow across the floor layout. How well does the space support the function it needs to serve? Agility The design needed to be as adaptable as possible; possessing an inert intelligence to its fabrication and assembly so as to allow for rapid re-configuration to support client-driven case needs. How successfully can the space shift from function to function? Connecting Spread vertically across multiple floors, it was essential that the design provide both a social center to each floor - enabling a sense of community within practice areas - and to create a robust central environment, gathering all levels of the firm in one place to interact socially, to learn and collaborate - both internally and with clients. Is the space successful at bringing people together? Enabling The design creates environments which supports DLA's role as facilitators of conversations impacting the Chicago staff/client community and effecting global business and enabling a global organization. Does the space enable DLA Piper to achieve its goals? A functional, agile design connects and enables a rigorous professional community in an intelligent and inspiring environment of simple, honest materials expertly-crafted, representing—through form and light—the practice core's character and futurized vision.

From its mid-19th century beginnings, Brunswick has been known for innovation. Finding themselves in a work environment that felt too traditional, leadership sought to use the headquarters relocation as an opportunity to once again announce Brunswick as visionary. Brunswick’s products—from Lifetime Fitness exercise equipment to motor boats to their iconic billiard tables—are seemingly diverse but all are tied together by the common thread of activity. Our design promotes activity in its planning with circulation that doubles as a walking track and spaces for collaborating and connecting with colleagues. A central stair is the practical transition between floors, promoting an opportunity for healthy movement. Details throughout the new headquarters refer to Brunswick’s history and products—the curved wall, reminiscent of a boat hull, and the use of materials found in their products such as wood, steel, felt and slate. As part of the design process, we analyzed the existing workplace and the employees’ levels of satisfaction, which lead to the realization of generationally skewed satisfaction. Young professionals were much less satisfied with the workplace than those well-established in the organization. The new headquarters was a chance to rethink the workplace and find ways to appeal to all generations. Our design solution offers diverse and engaging work settings, locations created specifically to inspire collaboration and innovation.

A Washington DC-based executive who weekends in Chicago tasked us with renovating her industrial loft-style apartment. As a balance to her modernist corporate office, we softened the edges of her glass and concrete apartment with natural and textured materials, sculptural furnishings, and a calming color palette. A sense of both spaciousness and order is created through custom millwork, including a panelized wall storage system and floating rift white oak shelving. The resulting play of influences is embodied in the floral painting that hangs in the living space—a pleasing austerity and repose, with a strong feminine quality.

Our team is so proud to have been part of this beautiful project! Given its stunning location blessed with such spectacular views, working on this property represented a rewarding collaboration between owner, architect, and designer. This project encompassed a complete re-imagining of the property’s two-bedroom suite with 12 new custom-designed suites incorporated in a building recently added to the property. The design blends coastal ambiance with customized modern details. Combining traditional coastal shingle architecture with contemporary interiors embraces the property's location through design, texture, and locally inspired artwork and accessories. Each two-bedroom suite includes a fully equipped kitchen, living room with fireplace, dining room, five-fixture bathroom, as well as a fully furnished deck. The suites were designed to cater to romantic couples as well as vacationing families eager to entertain. The finishes and furnishings encourage guests to feel as though they were relaxing at their home away from home. Hand-scraped wood, wide-plank hardwood flooring, and custom hand-tufted area rugs all establish a sense of welcoming luxury. Comfortable custom seating throughout integrates a variety of textures and patterns allowing guests to sit back and unwind. Some of the challenges the team encountered with this project was the site and how to maximize the guest opportunity to views while not negatively impacting the existing guest experience. Timing was also a challenge being able to start and complete the project in time for the properties high season. We are proud to have been part of this project and even more proud to be continuing work at this beautiful site.

Problem: Designing an Engaging, Flexible Building that Supports 21st Century Learning on a Tight Urban Site The building stacks up efficiently on four levels, creating a sustainable building on an extremely small site. Bright, bold colors and a warm natural palette create inspiring spaces that are flexible and collaborative. Students can use the many breakout spaces just outside the classrooms to work together on projects or study independently. All learning spaces are equipped with both digital and analog media, ensuring that students are familiar with a variety of 21st century learning tools. The buildings sits within its original footprint, and, due to efficient space planning and interior design, adds 5,500 square feet of collaborative learning space that did not previously exist. Problem: Creating a Student-Centered Building Specifically for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Curriculum Through meetings with students, parents, faculty and community members, the team understood the need for all grade levels to feel connected. Projects should be on active display, and students and teachers should see each other working together. All classrooms and corridors surround a central, naturally daylit atrium which makes regular all-school gatherings possible. Students learn in bright, daylit classrooms and have ample access to outdoor learning as well. Transparency was a major interior design driver, and all classrooms feature large windows that look out into the corridors and central atrium. Students and visitors can see into classrooms as they pass by, encouraging a shared sense of community and accountability in keeping with the school's curriculum. The increased connectivity in the interior design allows staff to better teach to their IB curriculum.

Located on the ground floor of Tooker House, Arizona State University’s new living/learning community for engineering students, the 27,000-square-foot Tooker House Dining Hall provides 545 seats for all-you-care-to-eat dining. The facility provides a variety of comfortable and flexible seating options to enjoy four food venues: pizza, salad/deli, grill, and rotating international cuisine. The design team created a unique space that would speak to the interests of Tooker House residents. As such, the space uses minimal finishes to expose concrete floor, support columns, and ceiling. The few finishes used in the space blend natural materials like wood and metal expressed in a desert palette. A social stair rises from the ground floor and connects to the second floor mezzanine which offers additional seating for dining. The second floor also features flexible design elements to support extended use as a study lounge after traditional meal time hours with moveable furniture, a wall for video projection, and small group seating areas with laptop-based technology and display monitors. A P.O.D. Market (Provisions on Demand)—a modern corner store featuring grab-and-go dining options and essentials found in traditional convenience stores- supports the late night activity and function of the space. Sustainability was a top priority for the entire complex and the project is LEED Gold.

Established in 1986, ProMedica is a locally owned, nonprofit healthcare organization serving northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. Driven by their mission to improve health and wellbeing, they have grown organically with a full complement of services. Today, ProMedica is a committed team of dedicated experts, passionate volunteers and inspired advocates and is recognized nationally for the consistent, high-level care they provide to their communities. As they grew, they focused on their clinical facilities and housed their administrative staff in some 14 acquired properties and leases in suburban Toledo. In many cases, they simply occupied these spaces complete with another tenants’ furniture, finishes, layouts, etc. The relationship with HKS came because of being their trusted advisor in delivering medical offices, a health and wellness center along with renovations and additions to their main hospital. ProMedica realized that in order to improve their overhead operating expenses and provide effective space for the administrative employees to do the important work of supporting the health system, they needed to make a change. Departments worked in silos with limited collaboration support and disconnected from the hospitals and care providers. At the inception of the project, the campus sought to house a total of 600 people at the downtown campus. In summer of 2017, over 850 employees moved into the Steam Plant and Junction buildings. In addition to providing a generous offering of amenity spaces, the project accomplishes fitting 250 SF/person, exemplifying that smart use of space does not compromise quality of space. This objective is met by providing a wide offering of choice of space, with most square footage going to unassigned spaces and planning for ProMedica to extend the unassigned seating model as they become more accustomed to a more progressive work model. The new model of workplace is a huge leap for the system where the current state pulled staff from a hierarchy-based environment where little access to daylight and no choice of work environment was stifling the company culture. Nearly all staff, including the CEO, are now proud to work in a space that reflects a culture of community and wellbeing. The volume and space of the historic steam plant and its new workplace addition is truly unique and authentic to Toledo and ProMedica. Gathering spaces in the headquarters highlight elements of hospitality and refreshment. Reclaimed wood adorns the atrium café, which also features pendant lighting that was saved and restored from the original Steam Plant building. The atrium can also be transformed into event space after hours.

We were hired to perform comprehensive design and documentation services including needs assessment/programming, schematic design, design development , contract documents and contract administration for the total renovation of a 2-level campus bookstore. We were challenged to re-think what a campus bookstore should be to a college or university. The company intends for their store to be a one-stop shop for class and campus living, so we planned and design 3 key propositions into the concept: 1) Resources: online faculty collaboration, academic support, tech services and demonstration. 2) Branded sports and excellence: legacy and spirit to be communicated. 3) Social: seating, food and beverage, multiple ways to sit, recharge mobile devices, meet, study or collaborate.

Once a destination for presidents, Hollywood royalty and notorious mobsters, this hotel celebrates its unique history in the heart of the city’s cultural district through a strategically curated design. The interior design team was challenged to craft an aesthetic where elements – both vintage and new – come together to create a space you don’t simply visit, but one you experience. The engaging interiors tell stories through subtle layers, paying tribute to the history of the property, with an edge that makes it modern and fresh. FF&E selections provide a residential quality, beckoning visitors to make themselves at home. Here, visitors are more than just guests, they are residents; no matter the length of stay. The team was required to utilize a majority of the existing historical aspects, such as landmarked wood paneling and historical lighting. Carefully striking a balance between old and new, the designers focused on developing the environment at eye level. To construct a more activated lobby, a dedicated area for live jazz music sits adjacent to the fireplace, drawing vibrant crowds of visitors and locals alike, in a relaxed and inviting setting. Anchoring the center of the lobby is a custom, vintage-styled vitrine that is brought to life in the evening as a liquor cabinet, offering cocktail service that enlivens the space’s spirited atmosphere. For additional charm and local context, one-of-a-kind accent pieces were handpicked from local antique shops. The crown jewel of the hotel, the Crystal Ballroom, was revitalized along with its pre-function spaces using regional art, smoky-colored carpets and elegant wallcoverings, bringing renewed energy to the spaces while allowing their architectural bones to shine. With a distinctive, yet playful approach, the club-level lounge was re-envisioned for today's rewards traveler. The property’s political past informs the lounge’s design, but with a lighthearted twist – from presidential pop art to bobblehead figures lining the shelves.

The new Sunset Ridge School, a feeder school for the nationally acclaimed New Trier High School and a tangible symbol of the community’s commitment to education, is designed specifically to champion children’s evolving developmental needs as their world expands through education—from enhancing self-awareness to encouraging community connections to inspiring global citizenship. This “crescendo” of holistic learning, reinforced by the building’s organization and design, was conceived to launch students into successful futures while also encouraging life-long learning and community engagement. Through an inclusive planning process, strong, pervasive visions and goals were collaboratively established and translated into actionable design parameters. Qualitative parameters were equally important as quantitative ones to the success of this project. Throughout the process, many ideas were solicited, and many opinions were heard, including the voices of students, staff, administrators, parents, and community members. Conversations began with an exploration of possibilities without regard for general physical constraints. Through this approach, the discussion was able to focus on what was best for the new school. Designed as a “community,” grades are organized into three distinct, two-story “neighborhoods,” each based on the developmental needs of children at different grade levels. Students transition from the District’s PK-3rd grade building into Sunset Ridge School’s 4th-5th grade main floor neighborhood. As students’ progress, they transition upstairs to a middle school environment, with separate 6th grade and 7th-8th grade neighborhoods. Noticeable neighborhood differences include: • Cubbies inside 4th-5th grade homerooms, and lockers outside classrooms for 6th and 7th-8th graders • Exterior windows which are smaller to focus views outdoors for younger students, and floor-to-ceiling in older students’ spaces • Flexible furnishings that transition from single-student work surfaces to group work tables, as students move from “me” to “we” • An operable wall for the 4th-5th grade neighborhood living room; living rooms in the 6th and 7th-8th grade neighborhoods are designed for more independent, spontaneous small group collaboration • Distinct interior academic neighborhood color palettes, brought together in the village commons The neighborhoods are self-contained but can be connected when collaboration among grades or subject matter is desired. Multi-age group projects, reading and math support sessions, ESL classes, and gifted programs all happen within the same neighborhood via folding glass partitions, open gathering spaces, and transparent group study rooms. A unique “village commons” at the heart of the school blends library, dining, and performance spaces, to nurture the creative spirit of the child and provide opportunities to engage the local community. The public path extends from the main entry past the activity gym, through the village commons, and culminates at the two-story learning commons, vertically connecting academic neighborhoods. To inspire and encourage lifelong student health and wellness, the school includes a climbing wall/yoga classroom, outdoor learning areas, and indoor/outdoor fine arts spaces. Outside the neighborhoods, the design extends learning beyond the traditional classroom into such spaces as a project-based maker lab, a visual arts studio with an outdoor activity terrace, and music rehearsal spaces which also serve as emergency safety shelters. The building was designed and built to capitalize on a wide range of sustainable elements, including rooftop photovoltaic arrays, a living wall supporting return air filtration, energy performance monitoring, and cisterns to capture rainwater for landscape irrigation. Many of the elements are visible to students and are linked via QR codes which allow the building to serve as a living textbook for sustainable strategies. The building also showcases a commitment to pursuing Net Zero Energy and LEED Platinum Certification.

In renovating the historic location of Goose Island's first brewery and tap room, the primary challenge was to bring Goose into the future while honoring its legacy as both a Chicago institution and a pioneer in American craft brewing. In the wake of their international rollout with AB InBev, all eyes were on Goose Island, with an unspoken pressure to preserve the unique history and iconic significance of Chicago’s beloved brand while renewing and elevating its status in the public eye. Part of this challenge involved envisioning a concept that would connect the people who visit Goose Island to the product and process of craft brewing. Community has always been at the heart of the Goose Island experience, bringing people together to discuss, discover and enjoy craft beer for 30 years. It was necessary that any redesigns remain true to that spirit engaging guests through both aesthetic and experiential enhancements. Another unique challenge was bringing all the stakeholders together to collaborate on this project. It was crucial that the vision for Goose Island's future satisfied the needs and desires of all of its partners, from Goose Island and AB InBev, to the architectural firm and general contractor. To unite future with past, we made sure to retain some of the brewery’s historical elements while completely re-envisioning the space. For example, we reconditioned the iconic 30-year-old "Brewpub" sign back to its full glory. The new look perfectly balances the rawness of Goose Island's urban, gritty and traditional roots with a refined aesthetic signifying its evolution as a brand. The past and future of Goose Island are further reflected in two new bars designed to highlight the brand's versatility. The clean and modern Main Taproom bar showcases a brushed-aluminum 28-tap tower and pipes that run along the ceiling to the brewery, while the Vintage Ale Bar boasts a traditional aesthetic and offers a selection of specialty brews. To attain our goal of connecting people, product and process, we opened up the space to create a sense of transparency. Brewing facilities previously seen through a window are now visible behind full-height glass walls. Brewery and tasting tours highlight the craft brewing process, giving guests the chance to engage first-hand with Brewmasters. In fact, the entire space is designed to inspire conversation about beer—with a newly revamped, curated menu and beer pairings offering more reasons to linger. The design company rose to the final challenge of encouraging collaboration by taking the role as owner’s representative. He became the glue that bonded a multi-layered team of partners, integrating each party's voices into a cohesive and successful concept.

For more than 25 years, Optimo has been a leading maker of handcrafted hats for a global clientele. Located in Beverly, Illinois, a historic neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side, Optimo’s recently completed headquarters consolidates its design, operations, and production spaces inside a renovated 100-year old former City of Chicago-owned firehouse. Designed to create an efficient and collaborative workflow, the new headquarters more than doubles Optimo’s production capacity while accommodating future expansion. Expressed as a contemporary workshop with an industrial aesthetic, the design draws from a palette of refined, understated materials, including blackened steel, walnut, and cork. Elegant steel casings frame task and ambient lighting above workstations; custom floor-to-ceiling shelving houses unique hat forms and molds; rolling racks mobilize and organize hats for seamless access on the factory floor; modern and antique machinery are finished uniformly in matte black, and restored glazed-brick walls wrap the daylit double-height space. On the second floor, an expansive studio space serves as a design atelier to host clients and guests. Remnants of the original firehouse can be seen throughout, including porthole windows flush to the floor where firepoles once stood, allowing visual connections to the workroom below. Mounted to the ceiling, a 10-foot-wide handcrafted circular light fixture anchors the room, while an immense walnut table recalls the design of the factory workbenches below. Framing the east wall, full-height steel shelves display a collection of objects collected from decades of hat making. Adjacent to the atelier, a private office is delineated by open shelving designed in the same style as the industrial carts used on the production floor. Leather sofas, brass light fixtures, and dark walls create a comfortable ambiance in the lounge area. Located behind the south wall, a full-scale kitchen is finished with marble repurposed from the original firehouse showers.