Shooting The Neighborhood:

The Neighborhood, an innovative office bullpen designed by Key Interiors, epitomizes a nurturing environment for office workers. Led by Debby Hill, this extensive remodel transforms the workspace into a thriving community. Key features include a large, spacious conference room that facilitates collaboration, along with a comfortable and practical filing and resource area that supports organizational efficiency. 

The open office setup encourages interaction among employees, fostering a sense of belonging and teamwork within the Neighborhood. Complementing these elements are the Vault break room and the Locker room recreation area, both designed to enhance the positive atmosphere of the workplace. This project focuses on creating a space that promotes happiness and productivity, and the results speak for themselves. The thoughtful design considerations contribute to a welcoming environment where employees can truly flourish.  We loved shooting this.  Some favorites below.

Shooting The Locker Room:

Continuing with the extensive factory and office remodel by Key Interiors, the innovative ‘locker room’ concept designed by Debby Hill and her team stands out as a remarkable addition to the workspace. This multifunctional area serves as a personal storage solution while also offering a variety of recreational amenities. Employees can engage in a quick game of table tennis, make private phone calls, or simply unwind while watching television.

The thoughtful design of this space fosters a sense of office camaraderie, transforming it into much more than just a relaxation zone. It allows team members to take a moment to recharge, enhancing overall productivity and morale. The strategic use of space not only meets the functional needs of the employees but also promotes a balanced work atmosphere, making it an exemplary model for modern office design.  Honestly, every office needs a space like this!

Shooting The Vault:

We photographed an extensive factory and office remodel for Key Interiors, which encompassed private offices, a bull pen area, break rooms, and a recreational locker room designed for employee relaxation. This project was not merely cosmetic; it involved a significant structural rebuild of the main area. The results are remarkable, fostering a think-tank atmosphere that encourages both creation and collaboration.

We will be breaking this project down into several posts, starting with one of my favorite spaces: the vault-break room. Interior designer Debby Hill made the innovative choice to open up the large office vault, preserving the original combination lock door, which adds a unique element to the space. The interior features exposed brick walls that have been cleaned and surfaced, enhancing the character of the area. 

By opening the exterior wall, easy access and an airy feel were introduced to the once-closed-off vault surroundings. This transformation has made the vault-break room a popular spot for coffee breaks, informal meetings, or a quick lunch. Below are a few highlights from this exceptional space.

Shooting the Details:

When photographing for interior designers, it’s essential to go beyond simply capturing the overall space. Highlighting the intricate details, such as the meticulous upholstery work on a dining room chair, adds depth and character to your portfolio. Detailed shots not only showcase craftsmanship but also emphasize the designer's vision and attention to quality. 

These elements are invaluable for creating well-rounded presentations, making them ideal for both print and digital brochures. Moreover, close-ups and detail shots can significantly enhance social media posts, attracting potential clients and generating engagement. By focusing on these finer points, photographers can elevate an interior designer's work and provide a comprehensive view of their creative process.

 

Shooting Dunkin :

There are times when an architectural photographer must engage with the ordinary, as seen in the case of this Dunkin' Donuts. At first glance, it may appear typical, yet upon closer inspection, the meticulous building presents a pristine exterior, with landscapes that are thoughtfully curated and a parking lot that is impeccably maintained.

Having photographed countless fast-food restaurants and coffee houses, the difference in ownership pride is easily recognizable. The owner, Vishal Vaghani, clearly understands that appearances matter, and this commitment begins with the exterior of the building. 

Surprisingly, this building is over 30 years old, yet it maintains a pristine appearance, just like all of his locations. 

Shooting Solberg Manufacturing Offices:

I met with Key Interiors designers  Debby Hill and Katherine Ehninger on-site as they walked me through transformation of this office/manufacturer.  The redesign included the  foyer/reception and waiting area, as well as the second-level conference rooms and offices. A highlight of the project is the large, comfortable break room designed for relaxation and socialization, where employees can enjoy lunch, coffee, or an after-hours bourbon.

The design elements implemented are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, reflecting a balance between professionalism and comfort. The foyer and reception area set an inviting tone for visitors, combining elegance with a welcoming atmosphere. The conference rooms and offices feature smart layouts and stylish furnishings that enhance productivity while maintaining an upscale feel.

Key Interiors’ attention to detail is evident in every corner, from the choice of colors to the selection of materials. This project not only meets the practical needs of the client but also elevates the overall experience for everyone who enters these spaces. Below are some of my favorites.

Shooting West Loop Dental:

This project showcases the remarkable potential of a commercial design/build firm, even within a compact space. Interior designer Dana Maynard-Tatge expertly crafted a contemporary atmosphere that emphasizes professionalism while maximizing every inch available. The design reflects a Modern European aesthetic, characterized by soft, calming color choices, sophisticated wall coverings, and elegant wood accents.

The thoughtful integration of design elements creates a serene environment that stands out in the dental office sector. Every detail contributes to the overall ambiance, making this space not just functional but inviting as well. This office truly exemplifies the high standards of design and efficiency achievable in commercial space, which is what you can expect from a design/build firm like Key Interiors. 

The Rear View:

While the rear view might not make it into a marketing brochure, it plays a vital role for builders and architects involved in the project. On this hotel assignment, we were instructed to focus solely on the front area and pool. However, we made the decision to capture the rear exterior as well, which the builder appreciated. The rear view not only completed the portfolio but also provided valuable insights for the builder’s future projects. The image turned out exceptionally well, showcasing the comprehensive nature of our work and the importance of every angle in architectural photography.

Chicago Hotel Exterior:

It's wonderful when you receive an assignment and you have the luxury of time to get the shots you need. Case in point, we photographed this Chicago hotel remodel for a commercial builder, and we didn’t need to worry about shooting on opening day. The hotel never closed. Since our home base is in the Chicagoland area, finding the right time to photograph a dusk exterior was much easier.  

Here we were shooting with a drone from the mid-town loop and a medium format camera from the Congress Parkway bridge.The final shots turned out as expected and we were able to get both the same evening.  It helps to have a good team!

Cobalt Blue - Morning Dawn:

Often when you receive an assignment, your time is limited. Sometimes, because of scheduling or a venue opening, you simply can’t go back.

Such was the case here. We were assigned to photograph a hotel on opening day. The assignment was interior and exterior. As luck would have it, it stormed all night and was raining when we arrived at 4:30am. We had a team with us to clean and stage the interior which we started on immediately.  

My goal was to get an exterior shot as soon as the rain let up.  

About 40min later, the rain stopped and I went out to setup a quick composition. I could see the sky clearing and I fired a shot just as cobalt blue was covering the sky before dawn.

 

A Childerns Retreat:

We loved shooting this bespoke children’s bedroom, complete with everything a young toddler would need. Exciting safari-like accents, a huge toy box, properly sized furniture, and calming teal tones make this the perfect place to play or sleep. Yes, that is a blackboard wall; who doesn’t love to play with chalk?  

Some favorites below:  

• Safari Accents: Playful motifs enhance the adventurous spirit of the room, creating an engaging environment for exploration and imagination.
• Toy Box: The spacious toy box not only keeps the room organized but also adds a charming touch to the decor.
• Properly Sized Furniture: Each piece is thoughtfully selected to ensure comfort and safety for little ones, encouraging independent play and learning.
• Calming Teal Tones: The soothing colors provide a serene backdrop, ideal for both vibrant play and restful sleep.
• Blackboard Wall: A fun interactive feature that invites creativity, allowing children to express themselves freely with chalk.

This thoughtfully designed space is a perfect blend of functionality and whimsy, catering to the needs of a growing child while also serving as a delightful retreat.

The Ones We Haven't Seen:

Whenever I am photographing, I will often shoot a composition or two of a scene and select the one I like best to show my client. So what about the ones I  don’t use?  Delete them you say?  Ha! Never!   I always thought I would find a use for them.  Now I have.  Welcome to “the ones that got away”, or “the ones we didn’t use!”  Okay, maybe not be best idea for a blog series, but still.  

Below are some from a 2015 kitchen shoot, and yes, I promise to “up” my caffeine intake soon.  

Timeless Contemporary Elegance:

I love the beauty and simplicity of this dining room.  Lauren is so tasteful with her designs, and this one has such understated elegance to it.  The glass table, leather chairs, custom light fixture have such a timeless nature and could anyone have selected a more perfect canvas for the space?  Thank you Lauren for calling me to shoot this home.  Such a highlight for us last year!