Great design is in the details. Just beyond the brick façade of a 120-year-old storefront in Lakeview, Chicago, lies the heart and soul of the yuacollab studio. The office build-out project brought us an opportunity to showcase our unique approach to aesthetics and experiment with new construction techniques. Although the highly detail-oriented design presented numerous challenges during construction and project coordination, it allowed us to think outside the box and build a comfortable and sustainable space for our growing team!

While converting the storefront from a dated IT office to a reimagined collaborative space, we challenged ourselves to design around the people. Our team rearranged the entire space with a focus on efficiency and wellness. Clerestory windows along the south and west exterior walls let in ample daylight throughout the day, fostering a bright and airy environment. Automated shades are concealed within the drywall when not in use, maximizing the views of the outdoor garden area and visual connection to the street. To integrate flushed linear HVAC grilles with a minimum aesthetic, our design called for a dropped false ceiling with corner reveals and recessed baseboards. A custom-fabricated hidden curved door was a product and result of our own curiosity, while adding to the cohesive balance of playful yet subtle design we strived for. The new conference area has abundant direct sunlight and features a single-slab epoxy table, designed and built by a local, skilled craftswoman. With intention and precision, we delivered a clean-lined, flexible, and healthy space beyond the beaten bricks that the yuacollab team calls home.