Business Details
21 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architecture & Interior Design Partner in Chicago
KOO is a Chicago-based architecture, interior design, and urban planning firm dedicated to crafting buildings and interior environments that create unique identities for each project. Founded in 2005, our firm has consistently embraced innovative, experimental, and temporal design approaches while maintaining rigorous technical standards. We are certified as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Womens Business Enterprise (WBE), and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), and we are proud members of the U.S. Green Building Council, demonstrating our commitment to sustainable practices. Our team of skilled architects and interior designers operates within a collaborative studio environment, where every member contributes ideas and inspiration to ensure the success of our projects. Our expertise spans diverse sectors, including hospitality, residential, educational, institutional, and urban design, with notable achievements such as the award-winning theWit Hotel, which exemplifies our ability to deliver complex, large-scale projects.Our philosophy centers on distilling aspirations and ideas into a visual language that guides each projects design, ensuring that every space we create is both functional and evocative. We maintain a strong focus on understanding the end-users, goals, and brand of each project, allowing us to identify and implement the most appropriate aesthetic solutions. Our experience in multi-family housing and mid-to-large-scale hospitality projects reinforces our ability to design creative and compelling interior spaces that stand the test of time. With a team that brings together diverse cultural influences, international experience, and advanced technical knowledge, we are equipped to address the unique challenges and opportunities of each project. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our numerous accolades, including recognition as the 2023 AIA Chicago Firm of the Year, underscoring our leadership and innovation in the architectural field.
Services
Architecture
Interior Design
Urban Planning
Sustainable Design
LEED Certification
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We offer over 15 years of experience in architecture and interior design.
- Our team is certified as an MBE, WBE, and DBE.
- We specialize in LEED-certified sustainable design.
- Our collaborative studio environment fosters creative input from all team members.
- We have completed complex, large-scale hospitality projects like theWit Hotel.
Associations and certifications
- MBE
- WBE
- DBE
Services
Architecture
KOO provides comprehensive architectural services from feasibility studies to construction administration. Our approach combines innovative design with technical rigor to deliver buildings that reflect the unique identity of each project. With experience in diverse sectors, we create functional and aesthetically compelling spaces that meet our clients' needs.
Interior Design
Our interior design services focus on transforming spaces into functional and inviting environments. We specialize in hospitality, residential, and institutional interiors, using custom architectural elements and thoughtful material selection to enhance user experience while aligning with client goals and brand identity.
Urban Planning
KOO offers urban planning solutions that integrate zoning analysis, site planning, and community engagement. Our work ensures that developments are sustainable, contextually sensitive, and aligned with local regulations, enhancing the urban fabric while accommodating future growth and adaptability.
Sustainable Design
We specialize in sustainable design, including LEED certification and energy-efficient building strategies. Our approach balances environmental responsibility with practical functionality, ensuring projects meet high-performance standards while minimizing ecological impact across all building types and scales.
LEED Certification
KOO supports clients in achieving LEED certification through strategic design and documentation. Our expertise covers LEED for New Construction, Midrise, and Neighborhood Development, ensuring projects meet rigorous sustainability benchmarks while maximizing energy efficiency and occupant well-being.
People
Jackie Koo
Founder
With 25 years of experience, Jackie KOO founded KOO in 2005 after working at Richard Meier and Partners. She graduated from the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois at Chicagos M.Arch program. Her vision drives complex projects across hospitality, residential, institutional, and planning sectors.
Dan Rapppel
Director of Sustainable Design
Dan has led sustainable design at KOO for 25 years, working on over 30 LEED projects and earning four AIA awards. He specializes in institutional, commercial, and retail design, balancing sustainability with budget and schedule constraints while mentoring junior staff.
Alyssa Herbst
Architect
Alyssa brings a blend of cultural influences to KOO, with formative years in Chicago and Brazil. She studied at Illinois Institute of Technology and is influenced by modernists like Le Corbusier. Her work focuses on community-driven architecture and interdisciplinary exploration.
Andrew Buck
Associate Principal
Andrew oversees diverse projects as an Associate Principal, including the Sable Hotel and Offshore rooftop bar. He studied at the University of Illinois and Washington University, and is active in AIA and Urban Land Institute initiatives.
Bruce Roth
Project Manager
With over 30 years of experience, Bruce specializes in project management and construction methodology. He mentors junior staff and manages office operations. His background includes extensive complex project implementation and a deep appreciation for Frank Lloyd Wrights architectural legacy.
Questions
What services does KOO offer?
KOO offers architecture, interior design, urban planning, and sustainable design services, including LEED certification for green building projects.
Is KOO certified as a minority-owned business?
Yes, KOO is certified as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE), and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE).
What is KOO's experience with LEED-certified projects?
KOO has extensive experience in LEED-certified sustainable design and has successfully completed multiple LEED-rated projects.
What types of projects does KOO specialize in?
KOO specializes in hospitality, residential, educational, institutional, and urban design projects, as well as renovation and adaptive reuse.
What notable projects has KOO completed?
Notable projects include theWit Hotel, Dual-Brand Hyatt House and Hyatt Place, and the Chicago High School for the Arts.
Reviews (1)
J. P.
Dec 07, 2018
Report
The KOO team did amazing job with our space. Collaborative efforts and talent they brought to the table is second to none, it exceeded our expectations. My representative handled everything from space planning, interior design to bringing vendors with some of the most unique pieces that completed the space with just right amount of uniques and attitude. We enjoyed interacting with their team and creativity they brought. Thank you so much we would't be able to do it without you. We will be starting 2nd larger project with their group, due to trust and relationship we built.
