SCB Headquarters

Chicago, IL, United States

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Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences

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Institute for Environmental Sustainability

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SCB Headquarters

Chicago, IL, United States

Firm

SCB

Type

Commercial › Office

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2024

SCB relocated its Chicago headquarters in August 2024 to the AMA Plaza Building, an architectural landmark designed by Mies van der Rohe. The firm served as the interior designer for the 34,00-square-foot, 25th-floor offices. Staff visioning sessions helped establish the project's key design principles of legacy/context, community/culture, and wellness/flexibility. Timeless finishes, like plaster walls and terrazzo flooring paired with time-honored furniture by Platner, Saarinen, and Eames create a mutual dialogue with the era of the building. Full-height windows maximize panoramic views, while a sculptural white-on-white 3D model wall creates an interplay of light and shadow, expressing SCB's impact on the Chicago's skyline.

Innovation guided the workplace design, resulting in a flexible, future-ready environment that anticipates evolving workstyles. The layout reflects a strategic shift from rigid seating to activity-based work. Dedicated zones for quiet work, informal conversations, and team collaboration are distributed to promote both autonomy and connection. Another innovation was including the entire staff in design decisions. Even the site selection required input to determine the best local transportation options, enabling the firm to attract and sustain a diverse and talented employee base.

A key design challenge was balancing the openness of the floor plan with acoustic control, a common tension in contemporary office design. SCB addressed this through a layered acoustic strategy that blends aesthetics with function. In the open office areas, exposed ceilings and treated steel beams manage sound dispersion while preserving the architectural integrity of the space. In areas requiring greater acoustic privacy, such as phone rooms and meeting spaces, acoustic ceiling panels were integrated for clear communication without compromising the visual openness of the office.

Sustainability was also integral to the design. SCB prioritized materials from manufacturers with strong ESG policies and active local engagement. All specified products were carefully vetted, and substitutions underwent the same scrutiny. The design excluded tropical hardwoods in favor of engineered wood flooring and millwork with a lower environmental impact. Terrazzo was also selected for durability and resilience over time. The design team made a conscious choice to opt for timelessness over trendy when selecting furniture pieces, further reinforcing a sense of lasting impact and adaptability.

The new headquarters embraces the principles of inclusive design while reinforcing the environmental and social advantages of a historic downtown location. Situated in Chicago’s AMA Plaza, the project benefits from existing infrastructure and promotes a lower-carbon lifestyle by encouraging the use of public transit, walking, and biking. Locating a major office within a dense, mixed-use urban core supports local businesses and contributes to the cultural and economic vitality of the city, ensuring that the area remains active and accessible. SCB’s decision to sign a 15-year lease in a landmark building also reflects the firm’s commitment to supporting the long-term health of Chicago’s downtown.

The project earned LEED credits for Environmental Product Declarations, Sourcing of Raw Materials, Material Ingredients, and Low-Emitting Materials, reinforcing SCB’s commitment to healthier interiors and a sustainable built environment. The office was designed to meet both LEED Gold and WELL certification.