7.300 SF . Chicago, IL

Sasser Family Holdings, a family owned transportation asset services and management business founded in 1928, was interested in a workplace design that would honor their company history and reinforce their core value of delivering innovative service to their customers. The client wanted an updated, modern office, with a clean, light, minimal look. Energy efficiency was another key priority.

An important intention of the design solution was to “elevate” the freight car from its gritty stockyard origins to more heroic proportions. Historically the rustic wood and metal framed freight cars were used to transport most types of freight and provided a superior advantage over other forms of transport. This historical success reflects the long history and innovation of Sasser Family Holdings as evidenced in the custom millwork and glass wall freight car wall located in the reception area. 

The design team was challenged to represent the history and spirit of the company by elevating the design to larger and more playful abstracted forms that produced a sophisticated, artistic, sculptural design. Set as a backdrop to a 5,000 lb. truck set, the freight car wall separates the reception from the board room and becomes and iconic representation of this successful family-owned business.

The reception space serves as the “professional” face of the company, while the café space serves as the “family” face. Bold and expressive circles create simple architectural elements that seamlessly interconnect to adjacent spaces. Staggered, three-dimensional photo boxes create an interchangeable history wall that highlight family photos and provides site lines to a large aquarium teeming with reef life. These elements connect the wall structure between the CFO’s office, a small conference space and the corridor. Semi-transparent office fronts allow natural light to fill the space and reduce energy costs

Built in the 1920's, 2 North Riverside Plaza (formerly known as the Daily News Building) is one of Chicago's best examples of Art Deco design in Architecture.  Owned by Equity Group Investments, the management team sought to create an upgraded typical tenant standard for the restrooms, corridor and elevator lobby on the upper office floors.  They upgraded all of the elevator cabs, building security, unified the building interior, exterior signage and completed a large multi-phase renovation of the main lobby and concourse that connects the 2 North Riverside Plaza concourse to the Ogilvie Train Station

Strategic planning, workplace guidelines, and complete interior design services for 19,800 

square feet of new office space. With a focus on corporate culture, an environmentally 

friendly space and future work methods, the design solutions included perimeter open 

neighborhood environments related to internal private offices for 88 people at move-in and 

the flexibility to accommodate 116 people in the future creating an increase in efficiency of 

about 25%. 

Finding advantage with the availability of higher ceilings, distinctive arched window architecture 

and significant views; planning, design and lighting strategies engaged the existing building 

architecture in creating a space showcasing both XL’s developing brand and a renewed focus 

on group collaboration. Designed to be a LEED Silver space, finishes, furniture, lighting and 

construction played equally important roles in contributing to the Green design aspects.

High-rise residential, new construction building located in Chiacago, IL.  Layout and design work completed for the model display unit, public spaces including the main lobby, amenity level floor, upper level patio area and common corridors.