Abercrombie & Kent
Downers Grove, IL | 36,000 square feet

Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) is a luxury travel company. Since 1962 they have been providing access to the world’s greatest destinations and connections with the people and cultures; from the Galapagos Islands to the Antarctic, from deep sea and into space! From humble beginnings in the African continent, to the formation of a partnership with Jorie Ford Butler of Oak Brook IL in 1967, A&K has expanded to employ over 2,000 people in 62 countries.

Abercrombie & Kent
Downers Grove, IL | 36,000 square feet

Relocating their global headquarters from Oak Brook to Downers Grove, A&K continued their rapid expansion even through the course of design and construction, expanding by some 25%. With a strictly limited budget, the existing conditions were retained as-is including workstations and private office furniture. Additional construction enhanced A&K’s executive area and provided conferencing and training spaces. The success of the open office portion was in the careful reorganization of the myriad of departments; improving workflow and communication and inserting collaborative areas where travel experiences can be shared and discussed.

Abercrombie & Kent
Downers Grove, IL | 36,000 sqare feet

The heart of the project was in reconnecting the experience of arrival at the office with the authenticity, comfort, and inspiration of the travel experiences A&K offers.  Layers of material and light in the reception area carefully displayed ancient artifacts in a tastefully understated manor, complimenting the corporate brand.