Private Office

Embracing art, zen and Chicago’s skyline

Client: Confidential Client
Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Size: 27,000 square feet
Status: Completed 2018

The detail and execution of this private workplace creates a transporting experience. The office is at once one with the city and a tranquil oasis of calm. The organization’s founder amassed an impressive collection of art and an appreciation of Eastern design principles through extensive travel in Asia. That affinity helped shape this space that balances understated ambiance with moments of powerful beauty.

Designed to curate a sense of journey and discovery, the workspace offers various degrees of inviting, light-filled settings to nurture meaningful relationships across an array of spaces spanning lounges, dining areas, a library, meeting rooms, work environments and a game room.

A nearly 100-year-old bonsai tree is the centerpiece of the reception area, where plush sofas welcome visitors.

004806 00 N14 Cdwebsite — A nearly 100-year-old bonsai tree is the centerpiece of the reception area, where plush sofas welcome visitors.

Throughout, the space is filled with the client’s extensive collection of modern and Asian art that proves as critical to the design as any other feature. A 24-foot high, two-story winter garden, with remarkable views overlooking the Chicago River, also helps define the space as a multi-dimensional feature to host meetings, events, exhibitions or relaxation.

Learn more in this Architectural Record feature

A spiraling bamboo sculpture, over six feet in diameter and suspended three feet above the floor, punctuates the soaring volume of the winter garden.

004806 00 N65 Cdwebsite — A spiraling bamboo sculpture, over six feet in diameter and suspended three feet above the floor, punctuates the soaring volume of the winter garden.

The walls of the winter garden are two layers of offset vertical hickory slats with a glass partition between them. The slats begin at the ceiling and end 10 inches above the floor, giving the impression that the box is suspended.

004806 00 N53 Cdwebsite — The walls of the winter garden are two layers of offset vertical hickory slats with a glass partition between them. The slats begin at the ceiling and end 10 inches above the floor, giving the impression that the box is suspended.

004806 00 N54 Cdwebsite — The walls of the winter garden are two layers of offset vertical hickory slats with a glass partition between them. The slats begin at the ceiling and end 10 inches above the floor, giving the impression that the box is suspended.

It’s not often one walks into an office and feels a sense of calm and utter tranquility.

Architectural Record

Together, these unique elements—art, location, experience, the stunning views of the Chicago skyline—unite to create both a zen-like and gallery experience for staff and guests alike.