With offices in Chicago, this Confidential Client engaged Partners by Design to provide architecture, planning, and design services for their relocation to 111 N. Canal. Drawing on standards in place and influences from their San Francisco HQ, Partners by Design is working directly with representatives to create a warm and cozy space that maintains existing standards. Given their rapid growth, the space is being designed with a phased occupancy with an initial move in at 16,000 SF growing into 32,000 SF over time. More importantly, the client engaged Partners to complete this project with a very tight timeline with only six months from programming to occupancy.
As a tech company with high value data, protocols and standards for security were of great importance to their staff. Responding to this concern presented a unique problem; how to weigh stringent corporate security standards with an amenable employee first workplace culture. To harmonize these opposing concepts the use of apparent security confines were eliminated. The floor plan was oriented to cordon visitors from the secure areas without prompting feelings of confinement. Glass herculite doors and custom glass systems created a sense of openness while maintaining a secure and clear delineation between employees and visitors.
Unique Design Solutions:
- Varied meeting spaces from traditional table top conference to home-like furnishings and cozy booths, providing staff and customers the opportunity to meet in a setting that best facilitates their connection style for the day.
- Chicago-centric design elements including a charred wood wall which was inspired by the 1871 Chicago fire and steel screens and shrouds inspired by the bridges over the Chicago river.
