Bader Art Metal Celebrates Optimo Hat Company’s Recognition at the 2018 AIA Design Excellence Awards
Bader Art Metal is proud to congratulate our client, Optimo Hat Company, on receiving recognition at the 2018 AIA Chicago Design Excellence Awards. This prestigious honor, presented during the 63rd annual Designight celebration at Navy Pier, highlights exceptional architectural achievements. The event, hosted by Chicago television personality Geoffrey Baer, gathered over 1,000 leaders and professionals from the architecture, engineering, and construction industries.
Optimo’s remarkable space, a transformed 100-year-old Chicago firehouse, was designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM). The two-story renovation reflects a harmonious blend of history and innovation, showcasing blackened steel accents, warm wood finishes, and rich leather details. AIA Chicago Executive Vice President Zurich Esposito, Hon. AIA, remarked, “Each year, we are proud to honor Chicago architects who continue to meet ever-changing project demands with progressive approaches that not only pay homage to rich architectural traditions but also address evolving global and cultural shifts with diverse and innovative solutions.”
Bader Art Metal was honored to contribute to the craftsmanship and functionality of this award-winning space with custom metal fabrication. Our work included custom-crafted hatter’s benches for the first-floor workshop to support Optimo’s meticulous handcrafted hat-making process, along with 12-gauge edge-welded slatted shelving that was precision-engineered for both durability and aesthetic appeal. We also provided mobile storage carts designed for versatility and ease of use in the workshop. On the second floor, we installed floor-to-ceiling steel shelving to elegantly display historical hat-making artifacts. The studio’s centerpiece is a walnut table illuminated by a ten-foot halo light fabricated from roll-formed I-beam and LED uplighting, blending form and function seamlessly.
Optimo’s transformation is a testament to the power of collaboration and design excellence. We are delighted to have played a role in creating a space that celebrates both heritage and innovation. Congratulations to Optimo and all the talented professionals who brought this vision to life.
תגובות