CHICAGO | ILLINOIS

In this spec suite for EQ Office and Telos, the premise was to make a space that stands out—in both the way it feels and the way it can be used—from other suites in Willis Tower. Stunning southern and eastern views from the 52nd floor corner location informed the layout. The plan takes full advantage of the plentiful windows by locating any enclosed space off the perimeter allowing natural illumination to flood the space. The hospitality area, as the focal point of the project, is intended as a mixed-use space for everything from snack breaks to special events.  Its corner location serves as a hub connecting the reception with work areas, and provides a transitional node between public and private.

By keeping the ceiling open, airy, and brightly toned, natural light reflects to complement the electric lighting. A black polished-steel ceiling grid extends from the hospitality area to the reception, and is gradually pieced together like a pixelated image as a transition into the collaborative spaces. The grid also extends into an adjacent breakout area alongside the primary open office workstations.

Slender brass sconces fitted with Edison-inspired bulbs are affixed to partitions separating southern windows, leading visitors from the reception into the hospitality areas. The brass-toned motif then continues in lounge seating frames, triangles in the backsplash, gold-toned finishes in furniture, and wood laminates. Jet-black metal features in workspace trim, door handles, light fixtures, and in the pixelated grid, which subtly reverberate with Willis Tower’s trademark modernist façade. These various elements are interspersed so regularly that they can be seen and appreciated from any vantage point in the space.

The feature color palette of “boutique chic” highlights refined and tailored finishes, materials, and colors. Bold colors and geometric patterns predominate. Both the hospitality backsplash and a wall graphic in the conference room use an interlocking-triangle theme, which is alluded to in the minimalist black-and white canvases overhanging the reception area. Concrete floors were finished to create a warm neutral tone that balances bold accent pieces with the bright walls and ceiling elements. 

CHICAGO | ILLINOIS

Global real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield’s new quarters overlooking the Chicago River were given the full Whitney treatment, encompassing design, environmental branding, and workplace strategy. We had conducted a workplace study before their merger with DTZ, and identified specific design requirements for both “employee districts” and “client districts.” Working with Cushman & Wakefield’s marketing department, we created employee spaces that represent the company’s internal messaging. Client districts reflect an international luxury hotel environment.  This aesthetic creates an environment that is both welcoming and professional, one that enriches the workplace experience and fosters collaboration and community.

For branding, the inspiration for our design was how the multi-faceted aspect of Cushman & Wakefield’s business – which includes commercial real estate, corporate finance, investment banking, business consulting, leasing, and appraisal services – comes together to create a whole. Accordingly, the facet became the hallmark of the space, from the large-scale details of the angled reception, to the small-faceted angles in the millwork. In addition, we employed the company’s “edge” branding element throughout Cushman & Wakefield collateral, reflecting the dynamic character of their business.  

The project presented several design challenges, from the integration of a new interconnecting staircase between the 30th and 31st floors, to working with a 20-foot barrel-vault ceiling on the 31st floor.  With an audio-visual  consultant, we helped to shape and define the integration of information technology into the workplace strategy. We implemented a 15’ radius x 8’ tall curved screen in the innovation center, and a suspended 16’ x 9’ media wall above “Century Hall” (on the 31st floor). Finally, in collaboration with Limitless Coffee Company, Whitney invigorated the space with a staffed espresso and coffee bar.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

Sikich, a professional services firm, is comprised of various departments that each maintain a distinct culture and client base. Our team was engaged to lead the relocation of their Chicago office, plan for growth, and combine two of Sikich’s main teams:  public relations and investment banking. The goal was to create a cohesive design aesthetic while maintaining each group’s personality.  Both teams were focused on creating an environment that is both professional and energetic, one that attracts and retains top talent.

To solve for the varied cultures, the floor layout contains a centralized reception, conferencing area, and work café that serves as a hub for all departments.  The expansive reception area features an undulating baffle ceiling that provides sound absorption, and a dynamic tribute to the movement of Lake Michigan.  The eclectic break room features several seating types that allow teams a choice of arrangements—for collaborating, socializing, and everything in between. This space also provides a natural separation between the two departments, and a gathering place for the company as a whole.

Each department has a character that is an outgrowth of their functions. The investment banking section of the plan is secured, and contains conference rooms equipped with technology that facilitates the group’s many presentations. Public relations, on the other hand, is equipped with displays that feature the product they market, and collaborative breakout areas geared towards flexibility and creativity. In total, we aligned the Sikich workspace with their multifaceted culture, and allowed both teams to work uninhibited. 

CHICAGO | ILLINOIS

For the Chicago Connectory, flexibility was the driving force in the design of the first dedicated Internet of Things (IoT) co-creation incubator in the Merchandise Mart. Whitney developed a dynamic 20,000 SF co-creation ecosystem with the capability to adapt in step with IoT innovation. The Connectory harnesses the electric creativity that comes to life when entrepreneurs, startups, and corporate innovators pursue their trades in a common space. 

The entrance features an interchangeable wall graphic that highlights the Connectory's partners and sponsors. Artwork by the students of the School of the Art Institute is displayed throughout the space on a rotating basis, lending a touch of a gallery atmosphere. An Ideation Room with a wall of glass pivot-doors opens into the incubator for overflow and member events. The space is lined with versatile collaboration worktables designed to fold and roll away. And the angled layout opens up sight lines within the tight column spacing of the Mart's narrow suite. Along the perimeter, areas were prepped to integrate movable partitions to set apart work space for future startups. 

To meet the open office's constant IT demands, implementing connectivity became a priority throughout the space. Retractable power cords can be extended from the ceiling to provide power within a generous radius to employees seated at collaboration worktables. Wireless AV allows users to connect anywhere, anytime to any screen. And IoT design highlights include a smartphone entry-access system, wifi-enabled mirrors that display custom information, and a smart coffee machine—most of which can be controlled through an app that merges the work environment with the digital world. 

CHICAGO | ILLINOIS

Whitney began its relationship with U.S. Cellular in October 2014, implementing a strategy to increase associate engagement across their portfolio. The goal of the “Chicago Area Real Estate Project” was to consolidate four locations into two—O’Hare and Schaumburg—creating space celebrating their culture, and empowering associates to choose how and where they work.

The design team looked at options consisting of build-to-suit, relocation, and stay-put scenarios. The first two years focused on block/stack development and comparing financials to determine which path to take. We also conducted a C-Suite Discovery Programming session and three rounds of programming meetings with executives over the course of the first two years, which helped to clarify our development plans for a space with just the right fit for the company culture.

U.S. Cellular’s expanding staff required leasing six additional floors in an adjacent tower. Each floor was branded to celebrate the regional markets served. To help connect the population split across two towers, Whitney developed a lobby, coffee shop, and work-café with an adjoining conference center to serve as a co-working and social hub for associates and guests. The work-café has a full-service kitchen offering an eclectic choice of cuisine, which keeps associates on-site throughout the day, while promoting engagement and collaboration.  A grand ornamental staircase visually and structurally connects the work café to the conference center.  Previously unused circulation lobby space was given back to the associates as informal meeting spaces.

We used the company’s tagline, “We treat you like a neighbor, not a number,” to guide our design approach. Warm metal tones and residential-style lounge pieces arranged in intimate groups provide comfort and familiarity.  The reception was brought forward to create a warmer and more immediate sense of welcoming. And to pay tribute to the history of telephone communication, subtle references to angular cell towers are repeated throughout the space.

LOS ANGELES | CALIFORNIA

Having designed space for the Chicago location of Axis Insurance in 2015, Whitney was subsequently invited to provide interiors consulting services and act as an owner’s representative for their Los Angeles office, in collaboration with Wolcott Architecture. Our seasoned partnership took advantage of familiarity: Axis knew our process, and we understood their requirements, which created a fluid and engaging exchange. 

As we learned from our work with their Chicago office, Axis has flexible corporate design standards in response to the hallmarks of each locality. Each office’s managing director is allowed some creative control in shaping a space’s themes, and L.A.’s manager was aiming for an L.A. flavor that avoided overused local references. Generally the idea was to balance a professional tone appropriate to a reinsurance firm with accents of contemporary local character.

 The muted palette of pastels we chose for upholstery, paint, and solid surfaces echoes local landscapes and seascapes. Ocean mist is evoked by graded privacy film on workstation panels. Floors feature touches of light grays in tribute to the city’s trademark “concrete jungle.” Furthermore, several pieces of locally sourced artwork displayed throughout the location, including a continuous line drawing and a digital composition of enlarged, interlaced pixels, take the L.A. skyline as a theme.

OAKBROOK TERRACE | ILLINOIS

One of the world's largest producers of frozen french fries and potato specialties, McCain Foods recently relocated their U.S. Headquarters within Illinois from Lisle to Oakbrook Terrace. A change of address also brought a change of workspace concept. McCain's team emphasized the need to conceive the layout as a “space without barriers,” which translated to an open work setting featuring a non-hierarchical layout. 

Two program pieces anchor the space: a state-of-the-art test kitchen, and a communicating stairway that connects the three occupied floors. The kitchen and tasting room now adjoin the break room, providing an environment for ad-hoc collaboration among departments. Additionally, in the tasting room employees can offer onsite test marketing for the chefs' creations. The staircase serves a similar purpose by acting as a collaborative conduit among the various company departments.Linking floors in this way creates "collision points" that are meant to encourage productive and lively exchange within the large staff.

Whitney worked to infuse furniture, lighting, and finishes with earthy tones that reflect McCain's agricultural roots. For example, accents feature a  “potato spectrum” of  the browns, reds, and tans of the company staple in its various stages between farm and consumer. We incorporated harvested materials for paneling and veneers, in the spirit of a welcoming, rustic atmosphere that represents McCain’s company culture.

WESTCHESTER | ILLINOIS

A five-building, one-million ft2 complex of Y-shaped structures plated in reflective blue glass, the Westbrook Corporate Center in Westchester, Illinois creates a striking first impression when viewed from its exterior. It only made sense then that the building's owners would want to provide visitors with an equally strong first impression at the main entrance. Whitney took on the task of creating an attractive, cozy, and interactive common area for a diverse group of companies that share the complex.

          The goal of the Tenant Wifi Lounge design was to venture away from the building standard. Built in the mid-80s, Westbrook's original terrazzo floors, gray color schemes, and traditional ceiling designs are prevalent throughout the complex. The Tenant Wifi Lounge breaks the pattern using a combination of rustic and contemporary elements.

          Serving as a haven for informal meetings, recreation, dining, and relaxation, the amenities space features ample cafe, soft, and covered high-top seating; gaming (pool, ping-pong, and shuffleboard tables); and a sink, microwave, and refrigerator alongside a generous  countertop. Dividing a row of low-top tables from the kitchen is the glimmering centerpiece, a 25-foot-long display of illuminated water vapor by Aquafire, which creates the soothing illusion of an elongated flame.

          The color palate is characterized by inviting wood tones. Luxury vinyl, wood-grain floor tiles ground the space in opposing hues: the predominant dark brown tiles with tan highlights are divided into quadrants by crisscrossing paths of an off-white version of the same texture. Additionally, walls of the inner console are lined with panels of rectangular sections cut from reclaimed wine barrels, which are laid out in an uneven and offset arrangement. 

DOWNERS GROVE | ILLINOIS

As a two-phase, budget-driven project, the renovation of vacation provider Abercrombie & Kent’s existing space made a priority of revitalizing select areas, without compromising aesthetics and ease of use in others. An overarching goal was to design workspaces that instill pride, creating an inviting environment where Abercrombie & Kent would feel encouraged to host potential and current clients.

In the environmental branding process, we reimagined each conference room through the lens of one of A & K’s regional vacation destinations. To anchor the travel motif, we arranged destination-themed rooms according to their relative location on a world map. The South America room, located north of the iceberg-themed Antarctica room, features an indigenous tribal pattern in bright tones. Elsewhere, floor-to-ceiling image splashes of scenes such as an air balloon in flight (flanking a corridor), and a vibrant spice market (in the work cafe), amplify the company’s travel theme as a constant presence in the workplace.

The break room was expanded to twice its original size into a work cafe, with the aim of drawing people away from their desks to collaborate in the common area. According to project designer Jessie James, “Just as during the holidays guests gather around food in the kitchen, they do the same in workplace common areas. So the workplace cafe becomes a hub for camaraderie.”

Once there, employees have some latitude in their choice of standard-height, lounge-height, and standing-height seating that dots the cafe. The work cafe now also has AV capabilities to allow it to function in the manner of a town hall for large meetings.

At the entrance, we added two conference rooms with glass fronts for client meetings. And in the open office, plentiful access to natural light allowed us to incorporate lower-height workstations, along with an open window line that communicates energy throughout the space.

CHICAGO | ILLINOIS

Axis, a global insurance company, came to us in hope of changing their confined workplace into a bright and open office, aesthetically highlighting the essence of Chicago. The new space embraces the aesthetic of anodized black storefront frames, a curated pallet of subtle colors and textures, and geometric forms, all influenced by the Miesian architecture which can be seen abundantly throughout Chicago. Not only does the design draw inspiration from urban architecture, but the influence of Chicago waterways is subtly recognized throughout the space. Concrete, reclaimed weathered wood, and oxidized steel resemble the bridge structures spanning the Chicago River while warm and delicate colors mimic the tones of a sunrise over Lake Michigan.

Creating an open office setting, sightlines extend unobstructed through the interiors, giving its users a panoramic view of the city. Corner views were left open as shared or meeting places, while private offices adopted semi-obscured glass fronts to display openness while maintaining a sense of personal space. A variety of work postures—such as height-adjustable workstations and open collaborative areas—were provided for a blend of traditional and non-traditional settings.

Chicago, IL

OFS Brands, based in Huntingburg, Indiana, is the fifth-largest furniture manufacturer in the U.S. Whitney was retained to refresh their Chicago showroom with the intent of better telling the OFS story through interiors and the display of product offerings.  The main entryway was used as a primary branding anchor that features the theme: “From raw materials to finished products.” This area showcases a striking wall graphic of enlarged cross sections of white oak and white pine that were harvested, then inked and printed, at their sustainable onsite tree farm in Huntingburg. We paired the graphic with an ultramodern, angular reception desk with a silver birch veneer, reinforcing the message that OFS Brands is a major player in the industry—a provider of standard yet innovative office products and custom solutions.

Full glass fronts were added in the center of the interior to free up space for the display area, and to reposition the entryway for an improved visitor welcome. Whitney also re-arranged the showroom to aid in explaining product offerings and to simplify presentations to design firms and end-users. Additionally, Q Design was brought on to launch a collection of lounge seating and veneer stain options never offered before by OFS.  A finish material palette was developed to support the new scheme, creating an airy and bright environment with nature-inspired textures, patterns, and colors.

Winsight, LLC is a media and information services company that specializes in the convenience-retailing, restaurant, and noncommercial foodservice industries. Whitney first designed space for Winsight in 2013 in Oakbrook Terrace, when they were known as CSP Media. Since then, they have undergone a rebranding process, along with a change of address, moving all operations to downtown Chicago near some recently acquired companies. The previous space of one acquired company had been devoted to high cube workstations, so the new layout we would end up creating for Winsight allows for a major shift in office culture towards openness and encouraged collaboration.

For the floorplan, Winsight requested benching stations for all workstations, having benefited from their effective—though limited—use in Oakbrook Terrace. These were placed near the space’s perimeter for maximum natural lighting. To support the open-office concept, sound masking was installed, and several conference rooms, phone rooms, and heads-down workspaces were provided. Winsight came up with an inventive way to name and distinguish the rooms, using the concept of “biospheres.” Each room took on a playful, evocative design incorporating various textiles, lighting, and furniture, reflecting environments such as “jungle,” “desert,” and “archipelago.”

Magnetic chalk boards and dry-erase boards line the walls of the extended corridors and rooms, allowing impromptu meetings to plan layouts for the company’s magazines. Greenery and graphic wallcoverings enliven the broad open-office walls, and a variety of textures provide layers and depth throughout the space. An airy, versatile work café offers enough room for stretching out or holding meetings over lunch. As in much of the workspace, its fixtures and furniture feature electric-hued upholstery contrasting with warm wood surfaces.

CHICAGO | ILLINOIS

Whitney partnered with Paoli to bring to life their vision for a showroom at Chicago's Merchandise Mart. The new space offered an opportunity to reintroduce Paoli as a multi-faceted company—the same great brand presented with fresh products, aesthetics, and capabilities.The design centers on thoughtfully selected materials that reflect the aesthetic trends of today’s workplace.  Fixtures and furniture throughout emphasize the natural beauty of wood in the manner of Paoli's signature style. The accent-theme combination of the company's classic navy blue with their latest electric brand colors subtly blends past with present, while an elegant and neutral aesthetic defines the new casegood products. 

The showroom's modern layout demonstrates how furniture can adapt to the ever-changing demands of the work environment. The need for casual “touchdown” spots and height-adjustable work surfaces is met though a variety of applications. Mimicking a modern work space, the showroom features a reception, conference room, cafe, open workstations, offices, and a variety of breakout and lounge arrangements. These are outfitted with fixtures, hardware, furniture, and decorations that support each area functionally and aesthetically. The adaptable arrangements enable visitors to envision how Paoli's products will translate to their own space.

Also featured are various installations that represent the company’s evolving materials palette. Paoli’s partnership with Momentum fabrics is highlighted with a gradient of warm-toned swatches of a range of colors and patterns. In the conference room opposite, a display that echoes the fabrics presentation features the current offering of veneers in a gradient of vertical planks. Paoli’s exclusive Salt, Sun, and Smoke veneer finishes – inspired by the East Coast (Salt), Midwest (Sun), and West Coast (Smoke) – overlay clock faces as a tribute to their origins: each clock displays a regional time zone and is finished in the associated color. The visitor also encounters playful niches with pops of bright Paoli branding colors, and corresponding lounge pieces that hint at the exciting evolution and future of the company.

LOS ANGELES | CALIFORNIA

Polsinelli’s nationwide law offices maintain a reliable functionality, a polished aesthetic, and a design that references the locality of each site. The LA office invites with generous views of the surrounding Century City, the Hollywood Sign, palm-tree-laced residential districts , and ocean sunsets. Original artwork stands out against a tailored palette of navy, chrome, walnut, glass, and backlit marble. Classic modern furniture pieces reference the company’s long-standing reputation as a leader in their field. Linear lights highlight Polsinelli's dynamic status as a growing firm. An internal staircase connects the conference area to a vibrant and open work-cafe, bringing communal activity and interaction to the heart of the office.

CHICAGO | ILLINOIS

As a growing Chicago law firm, Golan Christie Taglia was looking for a mix of old and new in the reconceptualization of their existing space. Choosing a middle course between contemporary and traditional design, the firm sought an aesthetic that would attract up-and-coming talent, while still appealing to longstanding employees and range of clientele.

The majority of existing architecture was kept, including offices along the entire perimeter and in the interior. To better illuminate the open office areas while keeping costs down, the full-height, solid wood office doors were swapped out with doors featuring full glass insets. New carpet, furniture, and paint in a slate-blue and gold motif lend a contemporary character to the space.  The reception was refreshed with modern stone flooring, faceted stone wall tile, and a wood veneer and back-lit resin reception desk. 

Existing conference rooms were updated and additional ones were incorporated, with full-height glass and sheer curtains to add both privacy and drama. The break room was relocated to a window line with city views, complementing a lounge area for individual heads-down work or small group collaboration. The restrooms were fully modernized with sleek glass tile.

CHICAGO | ILLINOIS

To coincide with the 30th anniversary of the company’s founding, Via Seating opened its first showroom on the 10th floor of Chicago’s Merchandise Mart, bringing on Whitney for the design. The 950 square-foot space celebrates the evolution of Via’s products over these three decades in a series of thought-provoking vignettes.

Whitney’s concept for the space featured a blend of residential and commercial colors and textures that, like Via’s products, harness the intersection of home and office. To showcase Via’s chair styles and craftsmanship, along one wall a gallery echoing the "white cube" sensibility displays task, conference, and executive seating within stacked compartments. As the centerpiece vignette, a feature wall anchors the space with a timeline that highlights Via’s evolving Millennial culture and adaptive workstyles. A subtly vaulted ceiling enhances the scale of the chair gallery area, and carpet graphics resembling a tapering walkway lead to the feature wall and a view overlooking Kinzie Street.

CHICAGO | ILLINOIS

Big changes were in store for this global beverage can manufacturer when they set out to revitalize their 8,700 square foot Chicago location. As Rexam sought to grow into the increasingly dynamic character of their clients’ products, they requested an interior that reflects the youthful and colorful design featured on cans they produce for energy drinks, while projecting a forward-looking and contemporary aesthetic.  

Whitney brought together these elements to create an office environment that balances interactive with private workspaces. Highlights include open ceilings, sealed concrete floors, a media:scape huddle room, glass-front interior offices, seated privacy workstations, a ping pong lounge, and video conferencing rooms. The end product was a fully modern office with multi-generational appeal and an emphasis on providing spaces not only for private and collaborative work, but also for fun and relaxation.

GLENVIEW | ILLINOIS

Our mission was to create a space at the entrance to the facility where food innovations, retail, and history would merge to celebrate the new Kraft Heinz brand. The old atrium was converted into a tasting room which can be used in a multi-purpose space in between events.

 The History wall was created to reflect the “Spirit of Innovation” shared by the two organizations. Working with the companies’ archive teams, we highlighted parallels between their respective histories. The goal was to display major product and brand launches that changed and continue to change the lives of their customers.

LOMBARD | ILLINOIS

Adjustable Forms, an advanced cast-in-place concrete company, had outgrown their current facility located in Lombard, IL. It was dated and confined, comprising twelve private offices along a corridor and a warehouse which barely contained the company’s equipment. After much deliberation, Adjustable Forms decided to renovate and expand upon their office and warehouse, with an eye toward the reuse of existing materials and LEED accreditation. The new space was to showcase their talents and capabilities in concrete forms.

In collaboration with DLR Group, Whitney created a modern, minimalist space: an 8,000 square foot office featuring an employee lounge, collaboration area, specialized BIM room, grand reception area, and a trellised courtyard. The building features several methods of concrete construction, including: post-tensioning roof and floor slabs, full-height thermally broken and insulated sandwich walls, form liner and board-formed textured walls, integrally colored stamped and polished concrete flooring, and traditional reinforced concrete. The concrete forms were balanced with soft textures and warm woods to create an inviting space. Ten-foot-tall demountable glass partitions with full glass barn doors allow daylight to flow through the entire workplace. Adjacent to the office, the 12,145-square-foot warehouse provides ample room for equipment storage, a manager’s office, and a mechanical shop, which are all brightly lit with skylights. 

The project is registered with the USGBC and is tracking LEED gold certification.

DOWNERS GROVE | ILLINOIS

AACC was in a significant growth mode when this project began, and wanted their new office to be a major factor in attracting new employees.  Since purchasing the property, they have made many infrastructure improvements to such components as their emergency generator, parking lot paving/lighting, landscaping, and an exterior “picnic patio” that turned out to be a big hit with the employees.

SCHAUMBURG | ILLINOIS

Through various acquisitions in recent years, Catamaran had doubled in size and needed to find space to house their expanded and growing staff. Formerly SXC Health Solutions,  the company became Catamaran after an acquisition of Catalyst RX. The objective was to find an address situated between the Bannockburn Catalyst office and the Lisle SXC Health Solutions office, and Schaumburg was selected. Whitney was engaged to deliver full-scope services for this eleven-story building. Catamaran's goal was to provide a workspace for its employees along with a full campus of amenities to enhance their working environment. 

NORTHFIELD | ILLINOIS

Completed in October of 2013, the rejuvenation of Kraft’s Northfield, Illinois headquarters began with the template of a 525,000 square-foot campus work area situated in a 1980’s structure. To fit Kraft’s vision, Whitney transformed the workplace and campus to support new ways of working and to inspire 2,400 current and relocated employees from multiple locations. Celebrating the company’s brand identity and food culture, the design embodies “the spirit of a startup, with the soul of a powerhouse.”

First-time visitors to the campus are treated to a striking interior that blends the crisp lines and spaciousness of a modern art museum with the whimsicality of a playground. A visual feast is served up by the technicolor palette, extended sightlines, variously sculpted lighting fixtures, and medley of trim conference seating throughout the space. 

Company activity converges at two focal points: a three-story atrium flanked by towering white columns, and an expansive reception gathering area furnished with café seating and recessed collaborative workspaces. To improve circulation and accessibility, escalators were replaced with catwalks and stairways featuring auxiliary bleacher seating. Sculptures in the style of installation art and vibrant murals point up Kraft’s brand identity. Social media labs and an IQ Bar keep the company on the cutting edge of IT. What’s more, Kraft’s headquarters is an office space and a workshop all-in-one: grandiose executive offices were converted to “innovation garages;” and the latest products are evaluated in seven residential test kitchens, a display kitchen, a commercial test kitchen, and a tasting room.

CHICAGO | ILLINOIS

Kraft’s touchdown space at 401 N. Michigan Avenue enjoys scenic views of Chicago’s finest features. The interior’s materials and forms draw inspiration from and echo the surrounding cityscape. The use of concrete, reclaimed wood, and architectural steel adds details that visually connect the interior environment with the panoramic views.

CHICAGOLAND AREA | ILLINOIS

Tasked with creating an innovative environment to attract millennials and downtown talent to the suburban Chicago location, Whitney incorporated an exposed ceiling, a bold color palette, and a sweeping pathway that leads visitors and staff through the open office and into the welcoming lounge/hospitality area where staff unwind with video games and culinary treats.  Subtly integrated brand and accent colors enliven the space and reinforce the playful and innovative nature of this IT company.

CHICAGO | ILLINOIS

Catamaran wanted to have a space where they could showcase their pharmaceutical benefits technology. The Innovation Center presents to potential clients an overview of Catamaran's technology services through a combination of interactive audio-visual experiences. Whitney partnered with engineering and AV consultants to transform a recently built-out office space that would coincide with the kind of forward thinking that Catamaran embraces.

HARTSVILLE | SOUTH CAROLINA

Sonoco, a more than 100-year-old packaging solutions company, came to our firm wanting to re-imagine a place and a process for innovation to help their customers keep pace with the ever-changing demands of the marketplace. Sonoco realized the importance of a complete transformation of its internal workspace, in addition to the company’s new brand and culture—a true reflection of “where you think inspires what you think.” They engaged their employees in a survey to better understand the current cultural climate, as well their vision for the future.

Taking the input from these surveys into consideration, we designed a space that provides an open and colorful environment that departs from the previous office-intensive workspace. Upon entering the new lobby, visitors are greeted with a structure composed of the company’s own Sonotubes—a product whose popularity helped to establish Sonoco.  The tubes were integrated into the architecture of the lobby to appear as part of the original structure, aiding in the support of the second floor atrium.  In blending old with new, custom graphics of their new i6 innovation process were created to wrap around columns in the open office. 

For over 100 years, the innovative minds of Sonoco have patented hundreds of products while finding solutions for their customers.  To celebrate these achievements, a custom mosaic patent wall is on display just off the main lobby.  Customer-focused vignettes simulate real-life environments so that focus groups can test out new ideas and products during brainstorming sessions in the studio itself. A prototyping lab provides an opportunity to mock-up design solutions while clients are onsite. Whether it is touch screen technology, or recording capabilities throughout the vignettes, Sonoco has invested in a state-of-the-art environment.  

CHICAGO | ILLINOIS

Rexam, an international container manufacturer, had recently identified sustainability as a high priority for all its manufacturing processes and facilities. So naturally, when they employed Whitney to design their U.S. headquarters, this progressive company was intent on pursuing LEED certification for their new space. Ultimately, through environmentally conscious design, the project was able to achieve LEED certification from the USGBC.

In addition to sustainability, the space needed to effectively convey the company’s brand, image, and history, while creating a contemporary European aesthetic in keeping with the organization’s United Kingdom and Brazilian headquarters. An open, airy concept and space plan help foster spontaneous communication and teaming. Clean lines and a cool color palette complete the design theme. 

FRANKLIN PARK | ILLINOIS

In the summertime of 2011, an intense rainfall and the subsequent runoff from the vast paved expanses at O'Hare airport caused flooding in the Sloan Valve offices. Although the water depth only reached one to two inches, the carpet and the drywall were ruined. The carpet was pulled out immediately, and the drywall cut back to expose the metal studs. The furniture systems could still be used, but were due to be replaced anyway. Whitney had worked with Sloan Valve a few years earlier, and after examining their work process, developed design options and installed pilot areas to support a more collaborative workplace. 

After the flooding, Sloan Valve seized the opportunity and teamed with Whitney once again. While maintaining budget, Whitney was able to update the work environment by featuring collaborative workstations and multi-use ancillary spaces. The project was completed in phases and on a strict schedule. Sloan Valve’s management helped to ensure a smooth transition from the old workstations to the new ones. 

CHICAGO | ILLINOIS

For the Kraft Heinz Global Headquarters project, our challenge was to merge two global powerhouses, and support their business goals of efficiency and cost savings. The result was a space which combined two distinct identities and philosophies. Whitney was successful in respecting the Heinz workplace design standards while aligning it with Kraft’s culture.

NAPERVILLE | ILLINOIS

Founded in Champaign, IL, in 1928, Sikich LLP has emerged as one of the Midwest’s premier accounting and consulting firms with nearly 400 employees in eight locations. Numerous acquisitions and consistently strong growth over the past decade prompted Sikich to seek out a new headquarters with high visibility that would accommodate their continued expansion and portray a new company image.

In order to support the diverse functional needs of Sikich employees, Whitney created a variety of spaces in which staff can collaborate and share ideas. This included breakout areas, a large break and game room, several types of meeting rooms (both formal and informal), and a spacious gathering area with a hospitality bar. In consideration of the growing demands of technology, each conference room and private office was designed to allow maximum flexibility in connectivity for its users. By providing these areas to their employees, Sikich hopes to not only retain but also to attract top talent. 

All these elements came together to produce a sophisticated, professional space that fosters innovation and acts as a showcase for the company’s full range of financial services.

CHICAGO | ILLINOIS

Polsinelli & Shughart is a nationally recognized law firm that was forced to consider exploring relocation options to accommodate its new acquisitions and shareholders. In selecting their Clark Street address, the firm was impressed not just with the building’s efficiency, but also with its proximity to city, county, and state office buildings. Polsinelli also wanted to capitalize on the office’s spectacular views of the city, and provide a high-end aesthetic for visitor areas, while executing an economical yet functional approach throughout the workspace.

OAK BROOK | ILLINOIS

In 2011 Whitney, along with their sister product design company Qdesign, had the unique opportunity to not only transform the look and feel of their own space, but also to alter the way in which they create change within the workplace. The result was a fresh-feeling, open environment that provided all the necessary tools for collaboration and design at the staff’s fingertips. All Whitney employees, principals included, sit within one spacious, unobstructed studio that promotes a team atmosphere. The individual footprint for each employee was reduced, freeing up extra square footage that could be utilized for group areas. Multiple conference and meeting rooms are sprinkled throughout the office for team-focused collaboration. The space offers individual and group environments suitable to a diversity of  communication and work styles . It also serves as a showroom for clients looking to test out the latest trends, as well as Qdesign’s newest products.

CHICAGOLAND AREA | ILLINOIS

When this Fortune 500 company was formed in 2012, they wanted to change their office culture to demonstrate a new outlook of thinking and doing things differently. The redesign of their work environment is physical proof of a commitment to embracing an open, collaborative, and connected approach. Neighborhoods with free address workstations were developed using six different settings to accommodate individual work styles and needs. Color defines each neighborhood in accent paint and fabrics; however, no boundaries are evident as each area overflows into the next.