Transforming a decades-old workplace to support a multigenerational workforce

Confidential Client. Photo Steve Hall © Hall+Merrick

A well-respected and traditional Chicago-based investment bank and asset management company expands well beyond its Midwestern roots to serve a growing clientele of high-net-worth individuals and institutions across the US, Europe and Asia. Assessing its future, the company’s managers embrace a sweeping strategy to build a towering new headquarters that will cater not just to its growing client base but also its five generations of employees. Through a six-year process of thorough and innovative surveys, testing and design, William Blair & Company arrived at an award-winning office structure that has boosted its business footprint, employee culture and civic presence. Those leading the project say that internal communications and continuing measurement of the work environment, tools and changing needs of employees and clients are key to success.