Old-Meets-New Interior Design Studio

A new type of challenge for team AKD: stepping into the role of both designer and client. After securing a 100-year-old building in the heart of Chicago for the firm’s new studio space — bursting with character and unique architectural elements — AKD took on the challenge of designing an environment that epitomized their team. The end result? A space filled with color, global design, and art on every wall (and floor).

Upon entering, the main gathering area features a 120-year old Indian ceiling-turned-art piece from the Golden Triangle. The statement piece serves as the backdrop for a space filled with old-meets-new design — from new-to-market finds and vintage Italian tables to upholstered seating where modern textiles elevate vintage bases. Anchoring the room is the pièce de résistance – a stunning Oscar Isbarian rug that could be considered a piece of art in itself. 
Color, pattern, and texture fill the studio, creating elements of both contrast and synchronicity in creative and inspiring ways. 

“We treated this project like we do any residential design project. It was important that our office space feels as comfortable, functional, and cozy as the homes we design,” Amy Kartheiser says. “Rather than treating it like a commercial project, we treated it like our daytime home away from home.”

The color palette of the conference room, which is designed for client presentations and team gatherings, is driven by a show-stopping contemporary painting by local Chicago artist Joe Kotas, but the art in this room doesn’t stop there. The conference table – made of marble from Calia Stone – is a work of art in itself, as is the vibrant Kyle Bunting rug.

“It was important to us that everything in the office felt like art — from the walls to the floors to the tabletops. We are so inspired by artists and makers across the world and wanted our office to feel like a culmination of creative inspiration,” Kartheiser says.

There’s no sleeping on the job in this office space, which radiates with energy and creative inspiration. Contrasting the industrial brick and wood beams is a floral Voutsa wallpaper — an AKD favorite. On the wall hangs two pieces of rice-paper artwork pressed with fresh petals from Myanmar. The stools from Bedehamen, a company out of the UK, are covered with energizing fabric from Nobolis.

“One of my favorite parts about this room are the large windows. Sunlight is so important for fueling creativity and your overall mental health,” Kartheiser says. 

“Designing this office space with my team was truly such a joy,” Kartheiser says. “From sourcing pieces from all around the world (11 countries and counting are currently represented in this space!), to working with local artisans and showcasing some of our favorite vendors, the AKD studio shows off our vision, spirit, and soul.”

TEAM
Photography — Werner Straub