Commercial Portfolio

CA/ds uses artistic and innovative technologies to create renderings that assist our clients visualizing our designs. Although often used for client’s marketing efforts and municipal presentations, we also use renderings to explore design options and materials selections early in the design process. The following examples show a variety of project types and representational styles tailored to the needs of our clients.

CA/ds worked with the owner and the interior designer to renovate an existing 7,400 sq. ft. bow truss structure to create a new boutique for the clients’ hi-end fashion business.

The space was renovated to create display vignettes to optimize the space and elegantly showcase the designer pieces. We created unique wall mounted display areas, that work well with the diamond pattern walnut floor to draw your eye through the space.

The original bow truss roof structure was revealed after being covered for 70 years and became the central feature of the space. New skylights cascade the space with natural light.

Embracing the growing craft beer movement our client decided to ‘pair’ his high-end outdoor grilling and accessories store with a nanobrewery. CA/ds worked with the owner of the Backyard Barbecue Store to transform a former car wash facility into a new 5,000 sq. ft. retail space that combines these two interests. From the layout to individual details, each element was ‘crafted’ to create a unique experience for the outdoor grilling enthusiast or artisan beer connoisseur.

Hill Mechanical Group looked to COOK ARCHITECTURAL Design Studio to realize their vision of converting neglected office space into an innovative, technology-driven facility that functions as a useful resource for collaboration with their peers and demonstrates their digitally-guided fabrication capabilities. The carefully coordinated design effort and demonstrative details resulted in a professional workspace that functions as a living model of the clients technological and fabrication capabilities.

COOK ARCHITECTURAL Design Studio (CA/ds) worked with the New York based LALIQUE team bringing to life their new showroom in the Merchandise Mart. CA/ds provided space planning services for this 1,700 sq. ft. tenant relocation and build-out. The scope of work included integrating leather fabric walls to create the ambience the client desired to display its crystal line.

For their new 4,800 sq. ft. marketing and sales offices, Merrick turned to CA/ds to create a space that had a hip vibe that embraced the rural roots of their brand. Wood, leather and galvanized metal were utilized in spaces including private offices, conference room, kitchenette, work area for outside sales representatives, product display/storage and reception area. The creative design had to embrace the unusual footprint of the building, wanting an open plan; we used glass partitions and curved walls to allow ample daylight to flood the space.

This 2,900 square foot showroom for a wallcovering and fabric supplier is designed to highlight their wide range of textures and materials. A subtle color scheme created by white-washed plank flooring and white laminate millwork allows for the full expression of the continuously changing product lines. Not only can the removable panel wallcoverings be updated seasonally, but the custom sliding track system was designed to create spatial flexibility as well. An endless combination of panel layouts gives the showroom the ability to arrange comparisons for a particular client or built-in cabinets millwork details were also designed to provide future flexibility while providing the much needed storage for their vast catalog of textiles.

CA/ds provided complete architectural services for the renovation of an existing office building and warehouse space of approximately 240,000 square feet.

The scope of work included the design of 11,500 square feet office space creating a new reception area, work-stations, offices, conference room, break room area, and restrooms. In addition CA/ds assisted with the 2,500 sq. ft. retail area, 4,000 sq. ft. product showroom, and the large material warehouse and the fabrication shop.

The David Sutherland furniture showroom was developed as a strong collaboration between COOK ARCHITECTURAL Design Studio (CA/ds) and the Sutherland design team. The space responds to its’ perimeter location within the Merchandise Mart by allowing daylight to filter into the interior through frosted glass partitions and custom glass doors. Special ceiling/lighting details draw attention to the individual products on display and create unique vignettes within the vast showroom. In the casual outdoor furniture space a system of illuminated ceiling panels provide a bright diffused light creating the sensation of being outdoors. In more formal areas, circular coffers provide a dramatic focal point for display of chandeliers and also demark circulation nodes through the large 9,000 sq. ft. showroom.

This state of the art full service fitness facility is located in the LEED certified Merchandise Mart. With more than 13,000 sq. ft. the facility includes full locker rooms with showers, private lockers, lounge with a beverage center, personal training areas, and offices. The design takes advantage of the skyline views with cardio equipment at the window line, in addition to the Pilates room and yoga studio. The Pilates room and yoga studio are also designed to optimize the scenery. Design details such as the cracked glass walls of the Pilates room maintain an open feeling while providing a level of privacy. The environmentally friendly cork floors at the reception and lounge areas provide comfort and durability with a renewable natural resource.

After successful showroom openings in Chicago and Las Vegas, CA/ds was asked to transform Lalique’s Rodeo Drive boutique. CA/ds worked closely with Lalique’s team to design a space befitting this international center of fashionable shopping. The project included exterior storefront and masonry façade updates as well as a complete interior transformation.

The millwork included backlit bookshelves and floating wall shelves with integrated LED lighting; which were carefully designed with furniture details for a variety of display opportunities. CA/ds also designed the high gloss black lacquered stepped trim to relate to Lalique’s exclusive new furniture aesthetic of other recently completed showrooms.

Seeking to establish a signature office space in downtown Chicago, Farley’s & Sathers Candy Company asked COOK ARCHITECTURAL Design Studio to revitalize an existing office space into one that blends a professional office environment with the colorful world of confections.

COOK ARCHITECTURAL Design Studio (CA/ds) worked with the executive team of Bradley to develop the perfect environment for their new showroom in Chicago’s Merchandise Mart. The design of this 3,000 sq. ft. space utilizes the symmetry in its architecture to provide a simple and elegant framework for the display of a wide variety of merchandise including furniture, fabrics, light fixtures and hand-crafted tile and countertops. Large scale marble tile on the floor and feature wall greet visitors to signal the crisp sophistication of the space and the products they will find within. Spaces are able to serve multi-duty by providing accentuated niches and vignettes. Fabric displays were designed with light troughs containing multiple light sources to allow fabric colors to be seen under different light conditions. The space was designed to complement the products displayed and reinforce the Bradley brand.

Toyota Technological Institute at Chicago (TTI) needed a new facility on the campus of the University of Chicago to provide more space, but more importantly, to attract the best minds in theoretical math research. Their new 31,000 sq. ft. space, occupies the top two floors of this 5-story structure, which was renovated from its former use as a phone switching station.

After working together on the Lalique showroom at the Merchandise Mart, Charles Cook, AIA of Cook Architectural Design Studio was commissioned for the new 2,200 sq. ft. boutique in the exclusive shops at “The Crystals” located in the Aria resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. As part of the Lalique design team we worked seamlessly together again to create a lavish art-deco influenced aesthetic that showcases the exquisite Lalique crystal product line. In the design, high gloss black lacquer millwork frames upholstered creamy leather walls to serve as the luxurious backdrop for displays. LED lighting was integrated into the millwork in many different ways to specifically up light, down light, or backlight the crystal and optimize its inherent hand crafted beauty. The design team worked together diligently to achieve the dynamic new boutique for Lalique as well as to meet the high design standards required by MGM Resorts International.

As the ‘Architect of Record’ for the build out of this high-end fine jewelry retailer located in the heart of the ‘magnificent mile’ shopping district of Michigan Avenue. The design married the store’s contemporary image with strict requirements of the Landmark Commission for façade alterations. The designs success stemmed from respecting traditional forms but applying a modern aesthetic consistent with their brand. The client was new to the Chicago market so Cook was also instrumental in navigating the unique requirements of the Chicago Building Code.

As a premier retailer of high-end outdoor and casual furniture, Brown Jordan turned to COOK ARCHITECTURAL Design Studio to help completely revamp their showroom in Chicago’s Merchandise Mart. The design solution included opening up the site lines inside and out. Doors with iron bars were removed from the exterior walls, openings were made much larger with floor to ceiling glass. Inside, walls were removed to reveal the magnitude of the space and the product line. The new showroom received rave reviews at its unveiling for the Casual Furniture Show.

Located on a primary thoroughfare in Lincoln Park, this building is designed to fit comfortably into its urban context in its massing and use of materials. Although it is a relatively large building, its facade is designed as a series of smaller components that are visually appropriate in proportion and scale. The brick structure with its masonry detailing and limestone base is reminiscent of many of the surrounding buildings built after the turn of the century.

The main body of this 62 unit condominium building includes four floors of residential units. The lower level provides 112 parking spaces.

Located in the exciting Bucktown area, Wabansia Row creates the ambiance of a European courtyard with rich masonry detailing. The facade of each rowhome is distinguished through the use of varied architectural elements, details and materials including copper and limestone.

Located in the heart of downtown Winnetka, Winnetka Galleria offers exceptional design, expansive outdoor terrace space, and superior living standards currently unparalleled on the North Shore. Offering the freedom and prestige formerly reserved only for Oak Street and Michigan Avenue, Winnetka Galleria captures the spirit of a “walk to everything” address. This project was honored with the Grand Award for recognition of outstanding design in the Mixed-Use Commercial/Residential category from the National Commercial Builders Council Awards of Excellence.

The concept for a new 140,000 sq. ft. mixed-use building was designed to maximize the size of the surrounding neighborhood. The 30,000 sq. foot ground floor commercial space takes advantage of the street frontage and the adjacency of the covered parking lot for convenience and accessibility. The second, third and fourth floors contain 65 residential condominium units averaging approximately 1,200 sq. ft. per unit.

This building is uniquely located on the edge between a single-family residential area and Glencoe's business district. The facade facing Park Avenue reflects the features of many of Glencoe's retail buildings along the same street, while traditional gabled roof forms and red brick were utilized to bestow a residential character to the remainder of the building. Arched limestone entries, transom windows, and iron railings and gates all adhere to the aesthetic qualities and contextual fabric of Glencoe.