Earles Architects and Associates (EAA) has completed the redesign of a 11,000-square-foot office space at 125 S. Wacker Drive in Chicago for G&S Business Communications, a global public relations and marketing firm based in New York.
Approximately 6,000 square feet of the larger office was redesigned to create an open, contemporary environment that reflects the work style and creative focus of the company. The new layout includes strategically placed gathering places that allow employees to share ideas, meet to discuss projects and entertain clients.
EAA created a floor plan that incorporates textures, graphics and natural building materials that reinforce the firm’s branding throughout the space. One key focal point is the large conference room, which features a dramatic floor-to-ceiling glass enclosure and a bold wall design with rough wood planks turned on an angle. The new space was integrated seamlessly into the existing space, which includes offices lining the perimeter of the building.
“Our goal was to design a creative office environment that truly reflects the company culture and their focus on branding and story-telling,” said A.J. Finn, a project manager with EAA. “By looking closely at how the client serves its customers, we identified ways to bring that energy into their new office and reinvent their work environment.” Interior designer Kelsey Kronborg-Mogil and senior architectural associate Octavio Zavala also worked with Finn on the project.
The new space was built with several smaller meeting spaces—including a phone room, huddle room and break room—designed to foster creative interaction and impromptu team gatherings. A Mother’s Room was added in a private location to provide a relaxing environment for nursing mothers.
“We are excited about the transformation of our space and the opportunities it affords us to continue attracting top talent in the Chicago market,” said Ron Loch, managing director of G&S Business Communications.
Other unique elements of the space include Wireless charging stations for speed and flexibility as workers work in different locations and wayfinding elements, including colors and flooring materials that encourage a smooth traffic flow through the space and provide visual designation between office areas. Flooring transitions were added to indicate new work areas or conference rooms, for example.
