Elegant Compliance
Universal Design, but make it fashion.
Creative solutions can achieve code compliance without jeopardizing the integrity of a design. Here are some examples of how we kept things functional and attractive, without breaking the rules.
Streeterville Condo - 6,500 square feet
We renovated a condo in a Helmut Jahn tower for design-minded clients in 2009, and expanded their living space in 2017, maximizing how the new and old spaces functioned. Sliding glass doors in the media room allowed us to meet light and ventilation codes while maintaining a separate, acoustically-sealed interior space for media viewing.
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TWELVE01 WEST - 1201 W Lake - 15,000 square feet
In this new Fulton Market office building, ADA compliant, tactile wayfinding signage and elevator standards were considered with the same level of intent as the surrounding interiors. Hospitality-inspired finishes, and modern geometric forms relate the signage to the holistic design concept.
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EXECUTIVE SUITE - One Prudential Plaza - 8,000 square feet
In its existing condition, the terraced floor in this executive suite, which was formally an observation deck, was not suited for the circulation of a modern office. We opted to make it more functional and open by exposing the raw concrete ceiling, and moving air distribution beneath a new raised floor. The suite entrance feature a divider made from etched glass, which separates the pantry from work space, masking an ADA compliant ramp and connecting the spaces through dynamic graphics.
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ACTIVECAMPAIGN - One North Dearborn - 52,000 square feet
Raised flooring in this Beaux Arts-era building called for a creative compliance solution. We created a single step with accessible routes on either side, allowing for a more open connection between the entry and the gathering spaces. A change in flooring material works as a safety precaution, and the millwork visually connects to the beams above. We edged the step with a bright light, and included a built-in detectable warning system.
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CHICAGO TRIBUNE - Prudential Plaza - 150,000 square feet
There were several complex code issues spawned by the addition of a sweeping monumental stair within a four floor span of Prudential Plaza. Stadium seating, which was a core part of the concept of the media company’s new headquarters, provides social space. Fewer railings allowing access to the central seating area were designed per code with a specific tread width. Integrated fire shutters preserved the openness and the acoustics of the space while adhering to code.
In the Executive Boardroom, clever camouflage integrated a necessary egress door into the surrounding millwork design.
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Avant - 444 W LAKE - 120,000 square feet
Financial tech firm Avant required a large social space and an area to host a live feed from their LA office. A two-story town hall atrium was a perfect fit, and our design prioritized the exterior terrace for staff interaction and work space.
We installed millwork counters in front of existing non-compliant horizontal railings to avoid demo and add functionality. We also worked with a local flooring company to create a dual-height LVT solution using two standard products on the stair, in order to meet the detectable warning code.
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191 W Wacker- Lounge and Conference Center - 6,600 square feet
Our design for this building’s tenant amenities features two spaces separated by a glass wall: a large multi-functional conference space and an intimate lounge. In order to meet the fire rating for an assembly space and keep the transparency between spaces, we utilized a sophisticated ceramic glass and a sprinkler system that was the first of its kind to be installed in the Midwest.
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