Epstein provided interior design services for a 23,365 square foot expansion to Intercontinental | Exchanges (ICE) Chicago headquarters at 353 North Clark. This 32nd floor addition, which is the second expansion Epstein designed for ICE to go along with the original space we conceived for ICE on the 31st floor, featured a scheme that was seamless with the 31st floor space.
Our concept for ICE was to create a value driven, high quality space that was light, airy and functional. The office space was organized around the five foot building module, including walls, ceilings, lighting, mechanical and life safety systems, as well as millwork and furniture. The open office areas take full advantage of the incredible skyline views of Chicago by locating private offices inward with floor to ceiling glass fronts. In both the open areas and enclosed offices, furnishings and furniture systems were kept to a universal low profile in order to support views and increase the visual volume of the space. Guest seating was often curvilinear to serve as a counterpoint to the rectilinear quality of the interior architecture and five foot module.
The rich palette enhances the light and airy design concept by utilizing materials such as sleek white marble flooring, floor to ceiling white glass marker boards and clear glass partitions, quartz surfaces and stainless steel details and finishes. Classic dark tones were used in contrast, such the carpeting and area rugs, walnut accent walls, and black glass partitions to ground the design. Richly textured upholstery fabrics in bright colors were incorporated to enhance the tactile and visual experience.
This ICE space also featured numerous sustainable design elements including the use of Porcelain tile which contained 40% recycled material, ceiling tile comprised of 71% recycled content, occupancy sensors coupled with extensive use of daylighting, EPA Watersense compliant high-efficiency toilets and urinals, Greenguard certified solid surface from Corian & 86% natural fiber upholstery.
