Located in a landmark building overlooking the Chicago Riverwalk, Crowell & Moring’s Chicago office embodies the firm’s unique balance of professionalism and approachability. Spanning two levels, the design delivers a bright, flexible workplace that reflects both confidence and warmth. Daylight and river views drive the planning strategy, while centrally positioned shared amenities and meeting spaces foster connection, collaboration, and a welcoming client experience. The result is a thoughtfully crafted environment that reinforces the firm’s brand—refined yet inviting—while supporting the evolving needs of its people.

Design for Integration
Chicago’s architectural legacy of innovation and craft drove the material choices, which contrasts its industrial past with a warm palette. Metal mesh detailing integrated into the elevator lobby, feature lighting, and connecting stair create visual continuity and a distinct design language. Coffered ceilings in the café and conference rooms incorporate custom lighting and enhanced acoustical performance, elevating both aesthetics and functionality. Subtle flooring scale shifts, paired with wood at the perimeter, inspired by the Riverwalk decking, add texture and rhythm. Curved elements throughout—from the reception desk to the stair and furnishings—soften the rectilinear base building, creating balance, flow, and human-centered sophistication.

Design for Discovery and Economy
The team designed a double-height reception lobby with signature stair, framing dramatic views of Chicago. Early engagement of the General Contractor proved instrumental to modifying the base building architecture, providing real-time pricing insight and strategic guidance throughout the process. This proactive, highly collaborative approach ensured alignment between design vision, client priorities, and market realities—resulting in a high-impact space delivered with financial precision.
This project marks the design team’s third collaboration with the client, building on the insights and momentum of prior successful partnerships. That continuity drove efficiency, accelerated decision-making, and ensured consistent quality and brand alignment from concept through delivery. Leveraging a deep understanding of the client’s standards and goals, the team streamlined the design process while elevating the overall experience. At the same time, the project thoughtfully embraces Chicago’s rich architectural legacy and the diverse cultural perspectives of the client’s office—resulting in a workplace that is both distinctly local and authentically aligned with the client’s global brand.