A New Chicago Workplace for a Global Workforce
When global insurance provider Sompo International needed to accommodate employee growth, the company chose to relocate its Chicago office to the iconic tower at 155 N. Wacker. Attracted by the building’s quality, amenities, and central location, Sompo took a full floor in the tower, tasking HED with designing and implementing the build-out. The project reflects Sompo’s global workplace standards while adapting them thoughtfully to the specifics of this site and its Chicago context.
Working closely with Sompo’s real estate team, HED translated brand and operational standards into a space that is both efficient and welcoming. Standardized private offices and workstations were designed to meet the company’s current and future growth needs, providing consistency and flexibility across the floor.
At the heart of the workplace, a large café serves multiple roles: a space for nourishment, daily connection, and socializing, as well as a venue for staff events that bring the office community together.
A hospitality suite, including a secure reception area and a boardroom, provides Sompo with a professional and welcoming environment to host clients. The reception desk is anchored by a feature wall that draws inspiration from traditional Japanese shoji screens while also referencing the geometric rhythm of the Chicago skyline. Visible from the elevator lobby, this backdrop highlights Sompo’s brand logo and signals a balance of cultural identity and local context.
Materiality plays an important role in shaping the tone of the workplace. Warm walnut tones throughout the office balance the neutral greys of the floor finishes, providing a refined, timeless base palette. Against this backdrop, Sompo’s signature red accents are strategically applied to create moments of energy and brand recognition without overwhelming the environment.
By combining efficiency, hospitality, and cultural expression, the new Chicago office reflects Sompo International’s global presence while supporting the specific needs of its Chicago team. The design enhances employee experience, provides flexible infrastructure for growth, and strengthens client engagement through professional and welcoming front-of-house spaces.