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Confidential Client | Sustainable Impact Platform

Posted on March 21, 2024 by Marketing

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Recent Press

200 S Wacker | Glenstar and Halloran’s $30M renovation of office tower at 200 South Wacker tests market’s revival
200 S Wacker | Sold out of distress last year, 40-story office tower along Chicago River ready for makeover
200 S Wacker | Chicago’s Glenstar tackling $25 million redevelopment of 200 South Wacker office tower
200 S Wacker - Harry Weese-designed office tower will get a $25M atrium renovation designed to lure tenants with amenities
200 S Wacker - Will this Wacker Drive office overhaul draw new tenants?
PBD is #13 on Architizer's Top 30 Chicago Firms
PBD wins Best Places to Work 2025
Senior Designer Ian Preston Neocon Panel
Greater Chicago Food Depository project in Interior Design Magazine
Harry Potter in Crain's Chicago
Pinterest in AIA Chicago Architect
Pinterest in WorkDesign Magazine
Greater Chicago Food Depository in WorkDesign Magazine
Husch Blackwell is Top Office in Office Snapshots 2024
An Ode to THE MART: Paying Homage to a 96-Year-Old Institution Through Experiential Design
Husch Blackwell in Interior Design Magazine
JSI Showroom + Vizient in AIA Chicago Architect Magazine
Step Inside JSI’s Fulton Market Showroom by Partners by Design
Qualtrics in AIA Chicago Architect

Awards

Crain's Best Place to Work Winner (2025)
ASID COMMUNITY Medium Firm Award Winner (2025)
Architizer A+ Awards - Special Mention in Architecture + For Good category (2025)
CREA - Special Acheivement of the Year (2025)
CREA - Interior Design Firm of the Year (2025)
CREA - Architecture Firm of the Year (2025)
Interior Design BOY Award - Honoree (2024)
CoreNet Chicago, Community Reinvestment Project of the Year Award - Winner (2024)
IIDA RED Award - Winner (2024)
Architizer A+Award Special Mention (2024)
Interior Design BOY Award - Winner (2023)
AIA - Award of Merit (2023)
NAIOP DC | MD Chapter - Award of Excellence (2020)
ENR Midwest Region Award of Merit (2018)
Architizer A+Awards - Winner (2018)
Interior Design BOY Award - Honoree (2018)
Interior Design BOY Award - Honoree (2017)
Crain's Coolest Office (2017)
Chicago Commercial Real Estate Awards - Interior Design Firm of the Year - Winner (2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019)

pbdchicago

Industry-leading architects and designers of award-winning architecture and interior’s for businesses of all sizes. #pbdchicago

The warmth and smooth curves of Suite 6600 at @aon

The warmth and smooth curves of Suite 6600 at @aoncenter for @telosgroupllc establish an intimate, jewel box quality throughout this tenant suite. Warm woods, rich terra cotta hues, and a hospitality-forward sensibility transform the space from a conventional workplace into an experiential, collaborative environment. Completing the hospitality atmosphere are two massage chairs in the amenity co-working room that, our team can personally attest, are the finest amenity we've delivered to date.

See all the AON center suites at link in bio.

Client | @telosgroupllc
Location | @aoncenter
Photography | @rossfloyd
Staging and Accessories | @spark.chicago

Brand lives in what you build, not just what you s

"To give our employees a space where they want to

"To give our employees a space where they want to come to work every day."

That wasn't a nice-to-have. It was the entire point.

Invenergy stayed in the same location, expanded their footprint, and created something that goes beyond amenities and square footage. The moment employees step off the elevator, they feel the value of what they're building together. Corrugated metal from shipping containers. Solar panel patterns across ceilings. Warm woods from rural America. Every material tells the story of where sustainable energy happens—and reminds people why their work matters.

Growth didn't mean abandoning what worked. It meant doubling down on commitment—to employees, to Chicago, to proving that expansion can reduce waste instead of creating it. Reused furniture and infrastructure. Native plantings from their own project sites. Natural materials throughout. The headquarters connects the office to the field, the desk to the wind farm, the daily work to the bigger mission.

This is what happens when design reflects why people show up, not just where they sit.

Watch the full story at the link in our bio.

Project | @invenergy
Location | @1southwacker
Size | 216,000 SF
🎥 | @kyrocreative
Branding | @spark.chicago
Project Mgmt | @thinklumen
GC | @skenderbuild

#WorkplaceInnovation #MissionDriven #EmployeeExperience #SustainableLeadership #ChicagoDesign #pbdchicago

Volume as solution. At Invenergy's Chicago headqua

Volume as solution. At Invenergy's Chicago headquarters, a three-story atrium spanning floors 15-17 redefines what's possible within an existing tower's constraints. Low ceilings threatened to compress the space—so we went vertical, carving out dramatic height that creates spatial impact and connects the entire workplace.

The interconnecting stair does the heavy lifting. It's circulation, yes—but more importantly, it's the stage for spontaneous collaboration. Teams pause mid-flight to connect. Sight lines extend across floors. What could've been three isolated levels becomes one unified vertical campus where the energy of 216,000 SF comes alive.

Light was the other challenge, the other opportunity. We deployed reflective surfaces, pale finishes, and generous glazing as a system—each element working together to capture, bounce, and amplify both natural and artificial light.

The result: brightness penetrates deep into floorplates, and the ceiling constraint transforms into luminous advantage.

For a company powering the renewable energy transition, this atrium isn't decoration—it's the spatial embodiment of connection, transparency, and forward momentum. It's where Invenergy's global teams gather, where the mission becomes tangible, where architecture supports the work of building a sustainable future.

Be sure to check out the full project story and video at link in bio.

Project | @invenergy
Location | @1southwacker
Size | 216,000 SF
📸 | @tomharrisphotography
Branding | @spark.chicago
Project Mgmt | @thinklumen
GC | @skenderbuild

The office is a place where people can continue th

The office is a place where people can continue their education.

When Invenergy's CEO shared this vision, it changed everything. This wasn't about building workspace—it was about creating infrastructure for human potential.

The best solutions to the world's biggest problems don't come from isolation. They come from people learning together, building on each other's ideas, pushing boundaries through collaboration.

Invenergy's headquarters embodies that belief. Every space, every material choice, every connection between floors reflects a fundamental truth: presence creates possibility.
A clear mission statement became a three-dimensional story. Sustainable energy isn't just what happens in the field—it's what happens when talented people choose to show up, engage, and solve problems together in a place designed to support exactly that.

This is what workplace can be when it's built around why people matter, not just where they sit.

Watch the full story at the link in our bio.

📍 Chicago, IL, @1southwacker
🎥 @kyrocreative
Branding | @spark.chicago
Project Mgmt | @thinklumen
GC | @skenderbuild
Client | @invenergy

At 1 South Wacker Drive, Partners by Design partne

At 1 South Wacker Drive, Partners by Design partnered with Invenergy to reimagine 216,000 SF as a global headquarters that makes purpose visible, tangible, and felt—every day.

Envisioned as a unified vertical campus, the workplace is anchored by a multi-floor atrium spanning levels 15–17. An interconnecting stair draws people upward and together, creating moments of movement, encounter, and shared perspective. From the arrival sequence to the expansive atrium beyond, light and volume set the tone for a workplace built on openness, clarity, and connection.

Design decisions respond directly to the human experience of work. Conferencing suites line the east façade, freeing the perimeter for open workspaces bathed in daylight. Pantries become social touchpoints—places to pause, gather, and recharge—while a robust conferencing ecosystem supports global, hybrid collaboration across continents and time zones.

Nature and mission are woven throughout. Two outdoor terraces extend the workplace into the city with native Chicago plantings, while biophilic elements soften transitions between interior systems and the natural world. Material storytelling reinforces Invenergy’s impact: recycled wind turbine blades form the reception desk, the company’s first solar panel is on display, and a modular project installation evolves alongside its growing portfolio of renewable energy work.

Together, Invenergy and PBD have created more than a headquarters. This is a workplace that reflects who they are, what they stand for, and the people advancing a more sustainable future—rooted in Chicago, reaching worldwide.

See the full project at link in bio.

📸 @tomharrisphotography
Branding | @spark.chicago
Project Mgmt | @thinklumen
GC | @skenderbuild
Client | @invenergy

Our Partners:
@cbre
@teknionchicago
@officerevolution
@parentiandraffaelli
@syskahennessy

Officially out—and we’re proud to share it. The t

Officially out—and we’re proud to share it.

The transformation of 200 South Wacker Drive is live, and it represents far more than a renovation. This is a bold reinvestment in downtown Chicago, in the future of work, and in the enduring power of great design to move the city forward.

Partnering with Glenstar, PBD is leading the repositioning of this 40-story riverfront tower through a comprehensive, $30M+ capital improvement program aimed squarely at attracting the next generation of tenants back to the Loop. From a reimagined arrival experience to hospitality-driven amenities and flexible, move-in-ready spec suites, every design decision is rooted in how people want to work today—and why Chicago remains the place to do it.

As highlighted in Crain’s Chicago Business, this project is part of a larger momentum shift happening across the Central Loop: owners reinvesting, buildings evolving, and workplaces stepping up to compete not just with other offices, but with experience itself.

At PBD, our role goes beyond aesthetics. We approached 200 S. Wacker with a business-architect mindset—balancing market realities, leasing strategy, and tenant expectations while crafting spaces that feel energized, modern, and distinctly Chicago. The goal: create an environment that supports immediate leasing success while positioning the building for long-term relevance.

This project is a testament to what happens when design, ownership, and city pride align. We’re honored to help shape the next chapter of an iconic Chicago address—and to contribute, once again, to the continued reinvention of our downtown.

Check out the @crainschicago article at LINK IN BIO to learn more.

Design by @pbdchicago
Development @glenstarproperties @telosgroupllc
Building @200southwacker

On February 19th, Partners by Design is competing

On February 19th, Partners by Design is competing in @continua_il @continuainteriors 17th Annual Aeron Hockey Tournament at Navy Pier. But we’re not just playing for the championship trophy—we’re playing for the Big Assist Award, given to the team that raises the most funds for Special Olympics Illinois.

Over 17 seasons, this tournament has raised over $700,000 for Special Olympics Illinois athletes. This year’s proceeds will directly support the Special Olympics Illinois State Floor Hockey Tournament, providing training, competition opportunities, and resources for athletes across the state.

Donate today through the link in our bio and help Team PBD bring home the Big Assist trophy while championing a cause that truly matters.

#AeronHockey #BigAssist #TeamPBD #SpecialOlympicsIllinois #PartnersByDesign ChicagoDesign

Check out a behind the scenes look at @nbcchicago

Check out a behind the scenes look at @nbcchicago @telemundochicago new Chicago station. We were thrilled to work alongside our @oneglobaldesign partner @designrepublicpartners as the AOR on this project. Combining workplace best practices with the needs of a fast, paced technology driven studio was a delicate balance that was a pleasure to achieve. Watch the full video at the link in bio.

Meet our latest office glow-up: brand-new stools f

Bringing bold imagination to the lower level of @w

Bringing bold imagination to the lower level of @willistowerchicago (Sears Tower) Chicago, @colorfactoryco
location offers a vibrant escape from the winter blues. As Architect of Record, PBD helped shape an experience designed to spark delight at every turn—featuring 10 immersive galleries layered with 117 paint colors, a retail space crafted to extend the narrative, and a 200,000-ball pit that anchors a playful environment celebrating creativity, collaboration, and pure joy. Learn more at link in bio.

Eager to expand its aviation services, @garyjetcen

Eager to expand its aviation services, @garyjetcenter partnered with Partners by Design to create a first-class Corporate Flight Center at Gary/Chicago International Airport.

Designed with both passengers and crew in mind, the new terminal pairs expansive runway views with thoughtful amenities—including an espresso bar, conference space, crew lounges, and rest facilities—delivering comfort, efficiency, and a premium FBO experience from arrival to takeoff.

Learn more at link in bio.

Proud to see our work for Eurofins Environment Tes

Proud to see our work for Eurofins Environment Testing featured in Lab Design News. The @EurofinsGlobal Tinley Park laboratory integrates high-precision lab, manufacturing, and office environments within a single, highly coordinated facility. Designed with flexibility and long-term growth in mind, the project balances technical rigor with clear circulation, strategic adjacencies, and visual connectivity that supports collaboration without compromising performance or safety.

Read more at link in bio.

Instagram post 17897267094360352

Instagram post 17897267094360352

Great food, festive drinks, plenty of laughs, and

Great food, festive drinks, plenty of laughs, and even better company at the PBD + @spark.chicago Holiday party!

Huge thanks to our incredible studios for all the hard work and energy this year—we’re ready to head into 2026 refreshed and inspired.

Happy Holidays!

PBD was grateful to join @jjflooring.chicago in th

PBD was grateful to join @jjflooring.chicago in this year’s Helping Hands initiative—an effort that brings joy, color, and comfort to children spending their holidays in pediatric hospitals.

Chicago Designers came together to create imaginative themed trees for families to choose from, each one crafted to brighten hospital rooms and lift young spirits.

Our studio loved dreaming up an ice-cream Christmas tree, adding a playful touch of sweetness to the season for kids who need it most.

Staking its claim in one of the coolest locations

Staking its claim in one of the coolest locations in the West Loop, Threadless’s home on the top floor of @morgan.mfg bares its artistic soul from the inside out. The Partners by Design team embraced the beautiful bones of the old industrial warehouse to ensure unobstructed views and a plethora of natural light.

The shared workspace and group seating encourages collaboration between employees at every level, and the choice to construct no fixed offices emboldens communication and visioning amongst the newest hires, the company founders, and everyone in between. Honoring the creative mindset of both its workers and its customers, the office itself is a constantly-evolving blank canvas—from the DIY sticker-bombed bathroom to the @brainkiller commissioned roof deck water tower, the space is alive with a diversity of talent, including work from street artists like @sickfisher @elooeloo @lauren_asta and @junkyardla

Learn more at link in bio.

Photos by @tomharrisphotography

Partners by Design was honored to receive the Asso

Partners by Design was honored to receive the Association of Licensed Architects Merit Award for our @fooddepository project.

This recognition celebrates thoughtful design, community impact, and the powerful partnership behind this transformative space.

Thank you to the @alaarchitects of and to our incredible team and partners for bringing this mission to life.

#chicagobuilt #chicagodesign
@skenderbuild @spark.chicago @allsteel @buro_happold @clayco_inc @demetermillwork @henricksen.il @jll @k2studioarchitects @pmepartners @wellsconcrete @salasobrien @v3companies

This Giving Tuesday, we’re proud and grateful for

This Giving Tuesday, we’re proud and grateful for our generous studio. Our team came together to collect food for @nourishinghopechi launch a clothing drive aimed at reducing textile waste within the studio, and donate essential items to community members in need. We were also lucky enough to support the following charities this year: @fnih_org @salute_inc @thereaumondfoundation @colbachicago @fooddepository

The giving spirit truly lives and thrives at PBD—and across Chicago. This Tuesday, we invite you to consider supporting one of these organizations and help give back to our neighbors

#givingtuesday #giveback #chicagocares

Happy Thanksgiving from PBD. Here’s to good food,

Happy Thanksgiving from PBD. Here’s to good food, great company, and designs made with care. Our offices will be closed on 11/27 and 11/28 for the holiday.
#holidayseason #morepieplease

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