Grounded in Story, Designed for the Future
Client First Analysis
Location Chicago, IL
Size 11,019
Project Type Stay-in Place Refresh
This renovation reimagined a private office-heavy space for a venture capital firm, focusing on improved functionality and a reduced overall footprint.
With a tight budget shaping the process, the design emphasized reuse of existing conditions and strategic updates—particularly to the private office furniture to better support day-to-day work. A central social area was introduced to foster team connection and serve as an extension of the adjacent board room, enhancing both collaboration and hospitality.
Titled Nature’s Hide, the design concept was inspired by a longstanding tradition: clients frequently gift hippos to the firm—a nod to the phrase, “keep your head above water,” which has become a part of the company’s identity. This narrative guided the materiality and palette, incorporating rugged textures, saturated accents, and earthy tones to reflect the strength and grounded nature of the hippo. Upgraded AV technology supports the firm’s modern meeting needs, while Whitney’s thoughtful balance of function, budget, and story brought a bright, refreshed identity to what was once a dated, traditional space.