Charles River Associates Chicago

Chicago, Illinois
Client: Charles River Associates

Project Description

  • Transformed the consulting firm’s existing 35,620-sf office into a welcoming, daylight-filled, productive environment with a balance of private workspaces and collaborative gathering areas.
  • Adapted CRA’s standardized real estate metrics developed by Elkus Manfredi and implemented for other CRA office redesigns in Boston, New York, and Washington, D.C.
  • Created a visually-arresting staircase in the heart of the office that physically and emotionally connects the two floors and reflects light deep into the office.
  • Kindled collegiality and collaboration among staff by co-locating junior and senior colleagues in work neighborhoods and relocating the office’s café to staircase’s base.

Photographer: © Andrew Bordwin

coworkers having casual meeting in office cafe
coworkers having a conversation walking down open and airy office stairs
Chicago skyline through open office stairs and office cafe
employees sit by window in office cafe
blue writable wall in office area