Legacy.com's Colorful HQ Radiates Uplifting Vibes
Legacy.com, a leading online publisher of memorials and end-of-life resources, set out to create a headquarters in Chicago's Loop that could unite 100 employees from two nearby locations. In doing so, they knew this was also the opportunity to thoughtfully design a space that reflected their company vision, so they hired Chicago-based design firm Wight & Company to work their magic in the 18,000-square-foot office. The design objective? To create a flexible and collaborative space that's as functional as it is warm and inspiring.
Given the nature of the company's sensitive and sentimental work, it was important that Wight & Company not rely on the typical “tech firm" look, says Janet Lougée, director of interiors at Wight & Company. One way around that was to get creative with color.
“The applied use of color reinforces the function of different spaces. For example, each hub features one color on all walls in an ombré effect (shades of orange, green, or blue) to highlight the energy of teaming. In contrast, soft, neutral colors are used in the open staff areas to encourage focus and reflection," says Lougee.
As for the functionality of the workspace, the team selected a plan that emphasized collaboration.
“One of the goals of combining two offices into one central headquarters was to take advantage of how proximity can improve employee connections, but we were also mindful of providing places where employees could be distraction-free," says Lougee.
The designers created both open, communal areas as well as private spaces at Legacy.com to create environments that allow for group work, but also contain nooks for more focused tasks.
A warm welcome. Warm hues are the first design detail visitors will note upon entering the Legacy.com offices. The open ceiling here, as well as in a number of rooms throughout the office, is painted “Porch Blue," paying homage to the Deep South where locals anecdotally paint their front porch ceilings the same shade as it's said to guard positive vibes.
Living legacies. The office balances both open and collaborative spaces along the perimeter, which gives staffers easy access to common areas and open workspaces, as well as the natural light that comes in from the window side. Legacy.com's mission to celebrate a life well lived was used as a design element as well, with conference rooms and gathering spaces named for notable American figures. This phone booth area, which offers privacy for quiet work, aptly features Christopher Reeves, best known for his portrayal Superman.
Room for reflection. Dubbed the Living Room, this space—with its deep tones and cozy leather furnishings—was designed for employees who needed a place to concentrate and reflect. Vintage portraits and clock décor also show reverence to moments in time.
Flexible conference space. The large conference room serves a dual purpose—as a private meeting area, or when its glass garage-style door is opened, as an extension of the communal dining area.
Happy vibes. The open café is a popular place for socializing, which is why the designers cleverly used TURF boom stick felt baffles in the ceiling panels help control the acoustics and minimize the noise. Natural light and bright colors help maintain a high-energy vibe.
Positivity abounds. Floating panel systems throughout the office help define different zones, while pops of bright colors and the use of different geometric shapes (round tables, square ceiling panels, and tile-patterned sectional seating), make it a fun place to be.
