Business Details
21 Years
experience
Chicago's Premier Architecture & Interior Design Studio
KOO is a Chicago-based architecture, interior design, and urban planning firm with over 15 years of experience in creating distinctive built environments. Our practice combines innovative design with technical rigor, serving hospitality, residential, educational, and institutional clients. Certified as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women's Business Enterprise (WBE), and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), we bring diverse perspectives to every project. As members of the US Green Building Council, we integrate sustainable principles across our work, including LEED-certified projects.Our collaborative studio culture ensures every team member contributes to crafting spaces that reflect unique identities while meeting functional requirements. With expertise in complex projects ranging from boutique hotels to urban redevelopment, we maintain a commitment to design excellence recognized by the AIA Chicago Firm of the Year award.
Services
Architecture
Interior Design
Urban Planning
Sustainable Design
Construction Documentation
Feasibility Studies
Zoning Compliance
Space Planning
LEED Certification
Contract Administration
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- Certified MBE, WBE, and DBE with diverse perspectives in design
- Award-winning team recognized by AIA Chicago
- Expertise in LEED design and sustainable architecture
- Collaborative studio environment fostering innovation
- Proven track record in complex hospitality and urban projects
Associations and certifications
- MBE
- WBE
- DBE
Services
Architecture
Our architectural services encompass feasibility studies, zoning compliance, schematic design, and construction documentation. We deliver tailored solutions for hospitality, residential, and institutional projects while maintaining technical precision. Our team ensures seamless execution from concept through completion, as demonstrated in complex projects like the 450 S. Federal Plaza renovation.
Interior Design
We create functional and aesthetically compelling interior environments through programming, space planning, and custom hospitality design. Our expertise includes finish selection and furniture specification, with notable work on theWit Hotel's guestroom renovations and Offshore rooftop bar. Each design reflects the project's unique identity and brand requirements.
Urban Design
Our urban planning services include phasing strategies, site analysis, and community engagement for large-scale developments. We've implemented sustainable urban frameworks like the Green Development Guidelines and revitalized neighborhoods through projects like Hudson Park Redevelopment, balancing density with environmental considerations.
Sustainable Design
We integrate LEED-certified practices and net-zero strategies across projects, from the Altgeld Family Resource Center to the Sable Hotel at Navy Pier. Our sustainable approach combines energy efficiency with material innovation, meeting rigorous environmental standards while maintaining design integrity.
Construction Contract Administration
We provide comprehensive construction phase services including bidding assistance, contract management, and site observation. This ensures design intent is maintained throughout implementation, as seen in the multi-phase renovation of the Dual-Brand Hyatt House and theWit Hotel's rooftop expansion.
People
Jackie Koo
Founder
With 25 years of experience, Jackie founded KOO in 2005 after working at Richard Meier & Partners. She has led diverse projects across hospitality, residential, and institutional sectors, combining philosophical foundations with architectural innovation.
Dan Rapppel
Director of Sustainable Design
A 25-year veteran in sustainable architecture, Dan has worked on LEED Platinum projects and won four AIA awards. He balances environmental responsibility with practical solutions for complex urban developments while mentoring junior staff.
Andrew Buck
Associate Principal
Andrew leads major projects like the Sable Hotel at Navy Pier, overseeing design from concept to completion. With 9 years at KOO, he specializes in hospitality and civic architecture, holding AIA and ULI memberships.
Alyssa Herbst
Architect
Alyssa blends cultural influences from Chicago and Brazil into her designs, focusing on community-building spaces. Her interdisciplinary approach incorporates urban planning and furniture design, inspired by modernist architects like Lina Bo Bardi.
Ashlen Williams
Designer
Ashlen creates urban-focused designs informed by international experience in Paris and Madrid. Her work emphasizes community enrichment through architecture, complemented by artistic practices in painting and collage that influence her spatial concepts.
Questions
What architectural services does KOO offer?
KOO provides full-service architecture including feasibility studies, zoning compliance, schematic design, construction documentation, and contract administration for commercial and residential projects.
Are KOO's designs sustainable?
Yes, we specialize in sustainable design with LEED-certified professionals and have implemented green building strategies in projects like the Altgeld Family Resource Center.
What certifications does KOO hold?
KOO is certified as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women's Business Enterprise (WBE), and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) with USGBC membership.
What project types does KOO specialize in?
We focus on hospitality, residential, educational, institutional, and urban redevelopment projects, including award-winning work like the Dual-Brand Hyatt House renovation.
