When Cushman & Wakefield asked us to design their new global headquarters, the real estate firm challenged us to create a space that would be both a billboard for its brand and highly supportive of its people.
When it comes to building a company’s brand, many organizations overlook their most powerful advertising tool—the office. Everything from the artwork to architecture to the amenities speaks volumes about the company’s character. That’s why, when we worked with Cushman & Wakefield to design their new HQ on the Chicago River, we began with an in-depth examination of who they are and what they do.
All About Employees
Utilizing a workplace strategy completed by Cushman & Wakefield and integrating our own feedback from key stakeholders, we identified specific design requirements for employee districts for heads-down work. Within these spaces, there are over 30 different types of meeting rooms, a high-end café, and diverse furniture groupings. That means people can choose to work in the spaces that best suit their work style.
Concentrating on Clients
To supplement the employee-centric spaces, we designed a superior experience for clients, which begins when they are greeted by a concierge. In addition, clients have access to a hospitality bar, meeting rooms, and a lounge that evokes a luxurious boutique hotel. As part of their tour of the space, clients get to see employees at work in the bustling two-story lounge, which includes a tech bar for IT assistance and a variety of comfortable furnishings.
Challenge Accepted
As with all projects, we had to solve several complicated design problems. These included modifying a staircase between the building’s 30th and 31st floors, and navigating around a 20-foot barrel-vault ceiling on the 31st floor. To better integrate information technology into the space, we worked with a tech specialist to implement a 15’ radius x 8’ tall curved screen in the innovation center, and suspended a 16’ x 9’ media wall in a communal area.