Gary Lee Partners had been calling a former paint factory in River North its home for 17 years. As the firm became more efficient and less reliant on a large library, the chance to move offices became the opportunity to consolidate and elevate their workspace. 

Taking over the entire fourth floor of the Marwen building, GLP designed a space that gushes with materiality. The raw space, a classic River North loft, was already a dream canvas with timber columns holding up its brethren rafters, a perimeter wall of exposed brick, and concrete floors. GLP finished the space with an additional layer of materials, each strategically used to enhance the firm’s collaborative approach to design. We assembled our close design partners to install rich wood closets, matte lacquered cabinets, ribbed glass, felt wall panels, and Belgian quartz kitchen countertops. 

In addition to designing the office, Gary Lee leveraged his many enterprises and talents to finish the space. Chai Ming Studios, his private line of high-end furniture, designed a custom sectional for a conference room and a daybed for the reception. Light fixtures and stools represented by his showroom Atelier Gary Lee elevate their areas, and three pieces of original Gary Lee paintings hang on the perimeter wall. 

With an emphasis on materials and functionality, the new office is the interior design firm at its best.