A new headquarters for Environmental Systems Design, a space that seamlessly integrates a professional service company with a living lab for engineers in Chicago.

Gensler was tasked to create the offices for Environmental Systems Design, an engineering company located in Chicago, Illinois.

Enlacing the no more no less tenet of engineering, every element is designed to make an impact. Rarely getting the chance to showcase mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire life safety systems, the new space elevates the systems to be a part of the design and let those elements be the feature. Lighting, VAV boxes and junction boxes are used as teaching tools for younger staff to see how it all comes together.

Coming from a building built in 1912, the new office reimagined the old studio model into a flexible space to accommodate the evolving field of engineering and sustainability. The design weaves collaboration and technology into the studio space, allowing teams to communicate and interact as needed. Workstations are designed to allow users and groups to orient desks and storage to best suit how the team wants to work. Storage on wheels allows for project moves that can happen in an instant to support their studio needs.

Design: Gensler

Photography: Tom Harris

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