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Chicago Commercial Office Design: Creating Workplaces That Boost Productivity and Well-Being
- adina hall
- Sep 25
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 3
When it comes to commercial office design, productivity isn’t just shaped by lighting, furniture, or floor plans — it’s rooted in the stories a space tells. During my years at Gensler, I saw firsthand how a workplace infused with history and meaning could transform culture. Our Chicago office was alive with narrative: elevator doors buffed to reveal decades of paint layers, mosaics from the original Carson Pirie Scott building carefully restored, graffiti preserved on interior walls, and a café island countertop crafted from reclaimed bowling alley wood. Even the granite countertops carried fossilized details you could examine up close.
We took pride in showcasing these details to clients, new employees, and guests. And that pride made us more rooted, connected, and invested in our work. Gensler was the most collaborative place I worked in my architectural career, and the philosophy was simple: start with your own space, infuse it with life and meaning, and then apply that ethos to every project.
It’s a lesson I’ve carried into Adina Hall Design — and if anything, we take it further.
Research Confirms What Stories Teach Us
And the research backs it up. Gensler’s 2025 Global Workplace Survey found that employees in well-designed offices are 2x more likely to thrive and 3x more engaged. The data confirms what I experienced firsthand: when a workplace feels connected to people’s stories and values, productivity and retention naturally rise.
For companies in top urban communities like Chicago, New York, Phoenix, and beyond, competing for talent means rethinking the office. Workplaces that reflect identity and culture aren’t just beautiful — they’re strategic investments in people.
The Building Blocks of a Productive Workplace
You might be wondering, “Isn’t productivity just about the people and their work ethic?” Well, yes and no. The environment plays a huge role in how we perform. Think of your office as the soil where your team’s creativity and focus grow. If the soil is poor, the plants struggle. If it’s rich and well-tended, they flourish.
A well-designed office can:
Reduce distractions and stress
Encourage collaboration and communication
Improve comfort and health
Reflect your brand’s personality and values
I have worked with many clients who had dated, dimly lit, cramped office spaces. After redesigning the space with natural light, ergonomic furniture, and quiet zones, collaboration zone we completely transformed the culture of the office and their team reported feeling more energized and focused. Productivity improves; morale soars and business booms.
Key Elements of Productive Office Design
Let’s break down the essentials that make an office space truly productive. These are the building blocks you can start applying right away.
1. Storytelling Through Design
Spaces that tell stories build connection. Just as the layered paint, preserved mosaics, and reclaimed wood in our Gensler office grounded us in history, today we use materials, art, and layout to reflect a company’s identity. At Adina Hall Design, storytelling is the foundation of every commercial office design we deliver — because when people feel their company’s story in the space, they feel they belong.
2. Natural Light & Wellness
Daylight remains the #1 driver of workplace satisfaction. In Chicago and other cities where winter days are short, circadian-supportive lighting design can transform focus, energy, and mood.
3. Ergonomics & Comfort
Productivity depends on physical well-being. Adjustable chairs, sit-stand desks, and ergonomic accessories reduce fatigue and prevent long-term strain. Comfort is not a luxury — it’s essential.
4. Flexible Layouts
According to Gensler’s 2025 research, choice and control are key. Offices thrive when they balance collaboration zones with private nooks and quiet rooms for deep work. Hybrid-ready layouts are no longer optional — they’re expected.
5. Biophilic Design
From fossilized stone to living plants, nature inside the office reduces stress and sparks curiosity. Biophilic elements improve air quality, enhance focus, and create a calming counterbalance to the urban environment.
Trends Shaping Workplaces in 2025
Adaptive Reuse: Outdated offices are being transformed into hybrid-ready spaces that honor history while embracing modern function.
Experience-Driven Offices: Workplaces are evolving into lifestyle hubs, with cafés, lounges, and wellness zones replacing rows of cubicles.
Sustainability & Resilience: Decarbonization, recycled materials, and resilient systems are no longer “nice to haves” — they’re baseline expectations.
Practical Tips for Busy Professionals to Implement Now
I get it — your schedule is packed, and redesigning an office sounds overwhelming. But even small changes can have a big impact. Here are some actionable steps you can take today:
Declutter desks and shared spaces: a tidy environment clears the mind and reduces distractions.
Bring in a plant or two: low-maintenance options like succulents or snake plants instantly freshen the air and improve mood.
Adjust your chair and monitor height: ergonomics are non-negotiable if you want lasting comfort.
Try a “quiet hour” policy: even one hour a day of focused, interruption-free work boosts productivity.
Use noise-cancelling headphones or white noise: simple tools to drown out distractions and sharpen focus.
And if you’re ready to go bigger, consider consulting a professional who specializes in commercial office design to tailor a space that aligns with your unique culture and workflow.
If you’re ready to go bigger, consider consulting a professional who specializes in commercial office design to tailor a space that fits your unique needs.
The Role of Technology in Enhancing Office Productivity
Technology should support your team — not complicate their lives. A few thoughtful upgrades go a long way:
Smart lighting systems that adjust based on time of day.
Wireless charging stations to keep devices powered without clutter.
Collaboration tools like interactive whiteboards or video conferencing setups.
Ergonomic accessories such as adjustable desks with memory presets.
Choose tools your team will actually use and appreciate. Sometimes the simplest upgrades deliver the biggest return.
Creating a Lasting Impact with Your Office Space
Designing a productive office isn’t a one-and-done project. It’s an ongoing process of listening, adapting, and evolving. Encourage feedback from your team and be willing to tweak the space as needs change.
Think of your office as a living organism — it thrives when nurtured. When you invest in thoughtful design, you’re investing in your team’s happiness and success. That’s the kind of productivity that lasts.
So, roll up your sleeves, get creative, and start crafting a workplace that feels as good as it works. Your future self (and your team) will thank you.
Book Your Complimentary Design Consultation to explore how Adina Hall Design can transform your office into a story-rich, productivity-driving space.
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