About

KOO was established in 2005 by founder Jackie Koo after working for 15 years in corporate firm environments in order to bring a customized, collaborative approach and user-focused design vision for her Clients. KOO’s debut project was a 27-story hotel, theWit at the corner of State and Lake Streets, a project that created a vibrant new place on a once derelict corner of State Street adjacent to the Lake Street El. KOO was the Architect and Interior Architect for this 298 key Hilton Hotel which opened in May of 2009. 

In 2007 KOO added interior design services to provide a single source and single point of contact for the client. This single source approach enhances coordination, streamlines design processes and reduces conflicts during construction. 

In 2015 Dan Rappel, KOO’s Director of Sustainable Design became a Partner and Principal which has allowed the firm to grow to a mid-sized firm. KOO has diversified its clientele and project types to include Hospitality, Education, Commercial, Residential, Interior Design and Institutional projects of all kinds, including schools, libraries, and offices. Our organic growth has led to a stable firm organization, with many long-term staff and repeat clientele. KOO has grown to an award-winning mid-size firm of architects and interior designers, who work on a large variety of building types and scales.

The firm provides the best aspects of a boutique firm, with significant involvement from Principals while also utilizing the robust project management and quality control procedures of a corporate practice. KOO does not work in a specific design style, but rather tries to create a customized identity for each project that aligns with the Owner’s vision and business goals.