OKW Architects

OKW positions itself as a connector, combining design expertise with business insight to serve clients as both designers and strategic partners.

History

• The firm's roots date back to 1959.
• OKW in its current form was established in 1999.
• Originally known for corporate interiors and custom residential design, the practice has grown into one of Chicago's leading providers of architectural, interior, and urban design solutions.

Culture and values

• The firm emphasizes relationships and collaboration as the foundation of its best work.
• Teams are intentionally assembled with diverse backgrounds and skill sets to raise the quality of outcomes.
• The office culture reflects the personalities and interests of its people, including pursuits such as furniture design, motorcycles, cooking, puzzles, and long-distance running.
• OKW encourages community engagement and supports staff passions, including its Women Build team, which has supported women in underserved neighborhoods on their path to homeownership.

Office environment

• Main office located in Chicago's West Loop.
• The office is designed as a collaborative hub for in-person work, social connection, and idea generation.
• Regular events such as trivia, discussions, and social activities are used to strengthen relationships and support a positive, engaging workplace.

Careers and internships

• OKW offers career opportunities for architects, designers, planners, and operations staff.
• The firm runs a structured summer intern program that provides rotational, real-world experience in a professional studio environment.
• Current job openings and internship information are listed on the company's careers resources, which may change over time.

• Full architectural design services for new construction, renovations, and adaptive reuse.
• Design approach focused on improving quality of life and making long-lasting contributions to the community.
• Project "style" is not pre-determined; designs are developed in response to each site, its context, and the project's function.

Interior design

• Interior design services for workplaces, retail, hospitality, country clubs, restaurants, entertainment venues, and mixed-use environments.
• Emphasis on interiors as a reflection of client values, culture, and lifestyle.
• Collaborative process that blends experience across multiple markets to create engaging, functional interior environments.

Sustainable design

• Commitment to environmentally responsible and regenerative design.
• Sustainable Action Group within the firm focuses on sourcing environmentally friendly materials, practices, and vendors.
• Goal of achieving the best possible balance of performance, sustainability, and long-term value for clients, communities, and the surrounding environment.

Planning

• Planning services that address site context and technical constraints before aesthetic decisions are made.
• Consideration of surrounding property uses, zoning, stormwater management, pedestrian and vehicular circulation, building orientation, and preservation of green space.

Project marketing and visualization

• Visual communication and marketing support for client projects.
• Creation of photorealistic renderings and immersive 3D environments.
• Assistance with pitch decks, presentations, and project books for capital campaigns or stakeholder communication.

Markets and geographies

• Experience across diverse markets, including commercial, residential, hospitality, retail, recreational, and institutional projects.
• Based in Chicago, Illinois, with project work completed in multiple states across the United States.

These contact details are the primary way to reach OKW Architects for new project inquiries, general questions, and other communications.

Office address

• Office: OKW Architects

600 W. Jackson Blvd, Suite 250 Chicago, IL 60661 United States

The office is located in Chicago's West Loop neighborhood.

Note: Office hours are not listed on the website. Please contact the firm by email or phone to confirm availability or to schedule a visit before stopping by.

Service area

• Based in Chicago, Illinois.
• Works on projects in Chicago and across the United States.

Careers and hiring

• Prospective candidates can review available positions and internship opportunities through the firm's careers resources linked from the website.
• Job openings and application processes may change over time, so candidates should refer to the most current information provided by the firm.

How to get in touch

• For new project opportunities or general inquiries, email hello@okwarchitects.com or call 312-798-7700.
• For career-related questions, follow the careers or jobs links on the firm's website and use the contact methods provided there.

Lists Jackson, Chicago, Randolph, Riverside, Sheridan, and University as a location. Names Illinois, Michigan, United States, Plantation, Chicago, Chicago Lawn, Hinsdale, and Harlem as a service area. Areas beyond these are not published.

• Architecture Firm of the Year finalist – 2023 Commercial Real Estate Awards.
• Architecture Firm of the Year finalist – 2023 Real Estate Journals Awards.

Selected project awards

• Johnson College Prep – Finalist, 2024 ULI Vision Awards.
• Plumbers Local 130 – Winner, New Construction Above $20M, 2022 CISCO Awards.
• North Shore Country Club – Third Place, Amenity of the Year, Golf Inc. Magazine.
• The Harbour – Finalist, Roberta Feldman Architecture for Social Justice, 2022 AIA Chicago Awards.
• The Sheridan at River Forest – Silver, Assisted Living, 2021 Senior Housing News Awards.
• Great Lakes Coca-Cola – Winner, Interior Design (Industrial), 2022 Real Estate Journal Awards.
• 932 W. Randolph – Winner, Preservation Excellence Award, 2022 Chicago Landmarks; Finalist, 2023 Chicago Building Congress.
• NorthShore University HealthSystem – Winner, Best Small Project, 2019 Engineering News-Record Awards.
• The Cooper Center – Winner, Best Construction Under $15M, 2017 Chicago Building Congress Merit Awards.
• NewCity – Winner, Best Construction Over $55M, 2016 Chicago Building Congress Merit Awards.
• Eataly – Winner, Best Interior Buildout, 2014 Chicago Building Congress Merit Awards.
• Harper Theater – Winner, Award for Rehabilitation, Landmarks Illinois.
• Aster Hall – Honoree, Casual Dining, 2019 Interior Design Magazine Best of Year Awards (via AvroKO submission).
• Four Seasons Hotel Chicago – Winner, Domestic Hotel Chain, 2022 Interior Design Magazine Best of Year Awards (via Rottet Studio submission).
• The Sheridan at River Forest, Harlem Irving Plaza, Hinsdale Golf Club, Market Square, Specialized, Plantation Pointe, 900 North Michigan – Additional honors and rankings across retail, hospitality, preservation, club, and mixed-use categories, as listed on the firm's awards page.

This list is not exhaustive, but illustrates the range of project types and recognition OKW Architects has received. For the most current and complete awards list, refer to the firm's awards resources on its website.

The firm's leadership includes partners and directors responsible for design, strategy, and project delivery. Roles represented in leadership include:

• Chief executive and firm-wide leadership.
• Strategy and business planning leadership.
• Firm president and principals overseeing major projects and client relationships.
• Design leadership responsible for overall design direction.

Studio and project teams

The studio is organized around collaborative project teams with a range of specialties, including:

• Architecture and planning leadership.
• Technical direction and quality control.
• Process and delivery management.
• Business development.
• Visualization and digital innovation.
• Project managers and senior project managers.
• Project architects, job captains, and architectural associates.
• Interior designers.

These teams work together from early planning through design, documentation, and coordination.

Office operations

Office operations staff support the day-to-day functioning of the practice, including:

• Communications and marketing.
• Human resources and office management.

Interns and emerging professionals

OKW runs a structured summer intern program. Interns rotate through different parts of the practice to gain exposure to real-world project work in a professional studio environment.

Specific team members, titles, and responsibilities may change over time; always refer to the latest information on the firm's website or direct communications from OKW Architects.

Ask anyway — the agent will say plainly that it is not published rather than guess.