The Nothing Design Co. headquarters by Range Design & Architecture revives a one-story former dentist’s office in Chicago’s Logan Square, expanding it into a double-height furniture studio and showroom. A terra-cotta paver brick screen on the street façade filters southern sunlight while reducing heat gain. Behind the screen lies the showroom on the second floor, elevated above their workshop and storage on the ground level, creating a clear hierarchy of function and light.
For the interiors, reclaimed Chicago common brick, weathering steel, and pale white oak define a material palette that anchors the project in local craftsmanship. Circulation is guided by a sculptural stair alongside a glazed folding door that opens into a patio, further extending the studio space. Natural light, filtered through the perforated screen, casts dynamic patterns across the interior volumes—unifying showroom, workspace, and context in a purposeful, energizing architecture.
Image Credit: James John Jetel
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Sustainable Material Usage
- Incorporating reclaimed materials like common brick and weathering steel reflects a growing trend towards sustainable and eco-friendly design practices.
- Hybrid Workspaces
- The integration of showroom, workspace, and storage in one cohesive environment aligns with the trend for multifunctional spaces that maximize utility and flexibility.
- Biophilic Design Elements
- The use of natural light and outdoor extensions in design brings the outside in, tapping into the rise of biophilic design to enhance well-being and productivity.
Sectors Adopting This
- Architecture
- Architecture firms are increasingly focusing on adaptive reuse of existing buildings, transforming them into innovative, environmentally-conscious spaces.
- Interior Design
- The interior design industry is evolving with a focus on using local craftsmanship and sustainable materials to create unique, culturally-rooted spaces.
- Urban Development
- Urban development is shifting towards creating multifunctional spaces that revitalize existing structures while enhancing neighborhood dynamism.
