SOM has converted a century-old decommissioned firehouse into the headquarters of a men’s hat company. located in Beverly, Illinois, an historic neighborhood on chicago’s south side, the interior project is expressed as a contemporary workshop with an industrial aesthetic. The design draws from a palette of refined, understated materials, including blackened steel, walnut, and cork.
For more than 25 years, Optimo has developed a cult following as a leading maker of handcrafted hats. in order to consolidate its design, operations, and production spaces, the company tasked SOM with developing a scheme that reflected its ethos of craftsmanship, authenticity, and timeless luxury. The firms collaborated closely to create an efficient and collaborative work flow, which doubles optimo’s production capacity and can accommodate future expansion.