Inside Akuna Capital’s New Chicago Headquarters

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Date completed: 2019
Size: 28,500 square feet
Design: Earles Architects and Associates
Photos: Tony Soluri

Michal
Finance
5 years ago

Trading firm Akuna Capital recently hired architecture firm Earles Architects and Associates to design new headquarters in Chicago, Illinois.

“An emphasis for the design was placed on Akuna’s brand, alongside providing spaces to promote innovation and teamwork with a bit of relaxation. The firm’s beginnings can be traced back to Sydney, hence the name “akuna” – an Aboriginal Australian word meaning “flowing water”. This inspired EAA designers to use an airy blue-hued finish palette throughout their new space. The designers capitalized on the light entering the space from the 360 degree window coverage as well. Accents adding to this heavily coastal ambience include wicker chairs in the lounge, curved glass outlining the meeting rooms, and a water vapor fire feature.

EAA designers employed high strategic thinking by breaking off, combining, and pushing elements of the program to the building’s core. This created an open, integrated end result that now provides new pathways for staff to connect and collaborate. Akuna’s new amenities include: a full-service staffed café, ping pong tables, hidden speakeasy and lounge, napping room, mothers’ room and a variety of break areas for employees. Developers, in particular, were given a space of their own called the “hackathon house”, a separated residential-style work area where they can create and engineer undisturbed. To top it all off, employees and visitors are able to enjoy views of Lake Michigan and downtown Chicago from every side of the office.”