This Chicago Headquarters Embraces the “Resimercial" Design Trend

The new headquarters of collagen-based wellness company Vital Proteins embraces one of the latest trends in workplace design—resimercial spaces. A portmanteau of “resident" and “commercial," resimercial refers to the recent move toward more humanistic workplaces that blur the lines between work, home, and play.

“We were trying to create an ambience in the space that is comforting, peaceful, inviting, and balanced," says Sheyla Conforte, principal and executive director of interior design for local architecture firm SCB. “These are things that remind you of home."

SCB is the architecture, interior design, and planning firm behind the redesign of Vital Proteins' new 26,000-square-foot headquarters in Chicago's Fulton Market District, which features an open floor plan and design elements that embody the company's focus on health, fitness, and natural beauty.

Infusing a Coastal Vibe

Adapting a former packing plant into a vibrant “lifestyle office" was no easy task. A series of modifications to the building over the years led to challenges, such as mismatched interior brick types and beams in need of repair.

Instead of adopting the rugged industrial aesthetic of many warehouse conversions, Vital Proteins wanted to marry a California vibe with the loft-type proportions of the space, says Conforte.

“That led to our making design moves—like whitewashing the interior brick—that aligned with the vision of the West Coast beachy vibe and also allowed us to unify the space and deal with some of the original conditions," she says. “That breezy, coastal aesthetic became the foundation for the design of the interiors and helped inform the palette, which is clean, simple, and uplifting."

While preserving the historic structure's exposed brick walls and wood floors and ceilings, SCB also injected the interior with natural light and opened up the central core of the building.

“The access to light makes for an uplifting atmosphere throughout the space," says Conforte. “You won't find any enclosed spaces along the perimeter. That was done intentionally so you have a consistency of experience no matter where you are in the office."

Vibrant visuals and geometric elements made from sustainable materials contribute to the fun, playful atmosphere.

Building Brand Immersion

It was important to Vital Proteins that the design of the new headquarters support a strong, immersive brand culture. Each of the building's interior spaces—offices, café, retail spaces, and fitness areas—offers a chance to experience all aspects of the product, brand, and lifestyle in one building. On the roof, an organic urban farm completes the brand immersion.

While workspaces, meeting rooms, and huddle areas support typical office functions, the headquarters also features spaces for meditation and relaxation.

However, the defining feature of the new office is the community stair, which provides space to walk as well as sit.

“It really is the core of the office," affirms Conforte. “Not only does it vertically connect the floors, but you have to pass through it to make your way across the office. It becomes a place for everyone to gather for presentations, meetings, and celebrations."

The central, two-story atrium features a collagen-themed café that's open to employees as well as the public.

It's also home to the Vital Proteins innovation lab, where food scientists test new flavors and products.

“From a planning perspective, we located that lab in a prominent location along the main circulation path," says Conforte. “That becomes part of the experience, as you're seeing these ideas germinate and feeling like you're part of that innovation."

A Vision Fulfilled

According to ThinkLab research, the resimercial trend is here to stay, as corporate environments evolve to embrace a more residential look and feel.

That's evident in SCB's focus on balancing areas of work with spaces for relaxation and self-care. Such spaces encourage employees to recharge and connect with their coworkers in a less formal way, and to create balance in their workday, says Conforte.

The Vital Proteins headquarters, which opened last summer, is already fulfilling the vision of creating community around a healthy lifestyle.

“When you walk through the office, people are genuinely very happy to be there," says Conforte. “There's an energy in the space."