In a bustling business hub like Chicago, where office design directly influences productivity, collaboration, and employee satisfaction, the choice of an adept office builder becomes crucial. These experts navigate the complexities of transforming office spaces, ensuring that they address layout efficiency, modern technology integration, and ergonomic design. By enlisting their expertise, businesses can ensure their office environments not only reflect their unique brand identity but also address the intricacies that impact workflow optimization, team interaction, and overall operational success.
We have curated a list of the finest office builders in the area, each meticulously chosen for their extensive experience, industry acclaim, and consistent ability to exceed expectations. With the expertise of these firms, you’ll create a living space that reflects your desired style and meets your requirements for workspaces.
Leopardo Companies
210 N. Carpenter St., Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60607
Leopardo is a prominent construction company renowned for its capacity to deliver exceptional projects using state-of-the-art techniques across various industries. CEO Mike Leopardo, boasting three decades of construction experience, has elevated Leopardo from a small family-owned business to one of the nation’s leading general contractors. His leadership expanded as he served as the executive vice president, spearheading Leopardo’s diverse business units, including the specialist institutional segment overseeing healthcare and senior living projects. In recognition of his contributions, Leopardo was inducted into the Midwest Real Estate News Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame in 2018.
Under Leopardo’s adept guidance, the company has achieved many remarkable milestones, exemplified by the construction of a new office building in Chicago’s vibrant Fulton Market neighborhood. The project showcases Leopardo’s prowess with features like a fitness center, glass-enclosed atrium, expansive retail spaces, and a rooftop deck adorned with greenery, trellises, and grilling amenities. The adjacent courtyard boasts landscaping, water features, and walkways, complemented by an automatic snowmelt system. A secure, open-air post-tensioned parking garage with 692 spaces enhances convenience. The entire structure is built with post-tensioned concrete, showcasing architectural-grade exposed finishes that reflect Leopardo’s commitment to excellence.
McShane Construction
9500 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Suite 200, Rosemont, IL 60018
With a track record spanning over three decades, McShane Construction Company stands as an accomplished builder with a portfolio of complex projects across the United States. Founded by Chairman Jim McShane in 1974, the firm’s expertise initially centered on industrial and office construction, before it expanded to include multi-family and healthcare sectors. President Mat Dougherty, a fellow Marquette University Civil Engineering graduate, joined in 2000, rising through the ranks to lead the firm’s operations from its Illinois headquarters and regional offices in multiple states.
McShane’s accomplishments include a 30th ranking on ENR‘s 2020 list of Top Midwest Contractors, in addition to accolades from various industry associations like the Associated Builders and Contractors Illinois Chapter and Chicagoland Associated General Contractors of America. One of the company’s office projects, the GlenStar O’Hare Office Building, is a product of its workmanship. This eight-story structure near O’Hare International Airport showcases precast concrete construction and ribbon windows atop a mat foundation. The lower floors provide structured parking, while upper levels house open office spaces. McShane also completed sitework, including surface parking, driveways, landscaping, a pond with glass guardrails, outdoor seating, and a refined fountain.
Bulley & Andrews
1755 West Armitage Ave., Chicago, IL 60622
Established in 1891, Bulley & Andrews (B&A), a family-owned and operated firm, holds a prominent position among the region’s distinguished construction companies. Its commitment to enhancing lives and facilitating organizational growth through professional services underscores its enduring legacy. B&A’s construction approach is driven by technology and a problem-solving mindset that consistently exceeds project expectations. With this philosophy at its core, B&A undertakes projects ranging from constructing and restoring distinctive structures to properties that reflect and serve their owners’ unique needs. Its services include new construction, preconstruction, design-build, and masonry and concrete restoration.
Led by Executive Chairman Allan E. Bulley Jr., B&A constructed a new 40,000 square-foot headquarters which opened in August of 2018. The four-story building incorporates sustainable design features like daylight harvesting and a green roof. This move brought together B&A’s employees from four separate facilities under one roof, fostering collaboration and efficiency. As exemplified in this project, B&A’s commitment to sustainable building is solidified by its roster of 32 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professionals (LEED AP) working at the firm. The company consistently ranks on ENR‘s annual Top 400 list, highlighting its industry reputation and enduring success. The company also specializes in renovation and historic restoration.
Berglund Construction
8410 S. South Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60617
Berglund Construction, a fourth-generation family-owned and operated firm, boasts an impressive 112-year history in the construction industry. Specializing in the restoration and preservation of historic buildings, the company has earned recognition for its expertise in cutting-edge medical facility renovations and architecturally significant campus construction projects. With a team of over 350 hands-on professionals, Berglund actively collaborates with clients to bring their visions to life while maintaining a commitment to quality, innovation, and craftsmanship. Renowned for its preservation awards and excellence in building and masonry, Berglund has secured its position among the Top 400 Contractors in the U.S., setting industry benchmarks.
A standout project in Berglund’s portfolio is the construction of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology headquarters. The facility, characterized by its L-shaped design, encompasses a spacious conference center, private offices, and various collaboration spaces. Noteworthy features include wings that frame a private outdoor courtyard with a serene lake view, and the two-story lobby atrium that houses a striking floating communication stair connecting the ground and second floors. The building also includes four conference rooms, six workrooms, and a spacious café that cater to diverse needs.
Skender Construction
1330 W Fulton Market, Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60607
For over sixty years, Skender Construction has demonstrated its commitment to delivering high-quality services through an efficient and process-driven approach. Renowned for its emphasis on timely project completion, the firm’s collaborative environment and expert capabilities enable it to excel in various markets. Leveraging advanced technologies and innovative processes, Skender optimizes project execution, maintaining a focus on sustainability and durability.
Illustrating Skender’s skill is the construction of a 232,000-square-foot office and retail building in Fulton Market for Sterling Bay. Characterized by sleek modern finishes, expansive ceilings, arched windows, and welded metal accents that reflect the area’s industrial heritage, the facility stands as a testament to contemporary design. The building also contains private outdoor terraces, a 5,000-square-foot rooftop deck, a conservatory bar and lounge with a double-sided fireplace, a fitness center, a coworking library, and conference spaces.
McHugh Construction
120 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 2150, Chicago, IL 60606
McHugh Construction, a family-owned enterprise spanning four generations, is focused on multi-family residential, hospitality, and recreational facilities. With a commitment to transparency and efficiency, McHugh provides a comprehensive range of services, from general contracting to structural engineering. Its dedication to clients is evident in its exceptionally consistent results delivered within budget and timeline, leading to an impressive 80% repeat business rate.
A pivotal individual within McHugh’s trajectory, Michael J. Meagher has held various roles at the firm, from assistant project engineer to overseeing significant ventures like McDonald’s Global Headquarters. Embracing innovation, McHugh adopted the pioneering top-down construction technique for a 737,000 square-foot project, simultaneously advancing above-grade construction and subterranean development. The outcome—a striking establishment encompassing a 700-seat conference center, an atrium, versatile workspaces, test kitchens, and amenity zones—demonstrates the company’s steadfast commitment to excellence and advancement in construction methodologies. Other projects in the firm’s remarkable portfolio include iconic hotels like Peninsula and Ritz-Carlton Chicago, alongside record-breaking high-rises such as NEMA Chicago and Aqua Tower. McHugh has also contributed to leisure venues such as the United Center and Gately Park’s Indoor Track & Field Facility.
International Contractors Inc.
977 S. Route 83, Elmhurst, IL 60126
Serving Chicago, Highland Park, Asheville, Vernon Hills, Jacksonville, and nearby regions for more than 40 years, International Contractors, Inc. (ICI) stands as a cornerstone of construction expertise. Centered on construction management, general contracting, preconstruction, and design-build services, ICI values enduring connections with clients and industry collaborators. ICI’s commitment to cultivating strong relationships and delivering remarkable results makes it a trusted partner in the construction industry. Prospective clients are encouraged to reach out to previous collaborators for firsthand insight into ICI’s expertise and the quality of its work. Impressively, over 80% of the firm’s projects originate from satisfied repeat clients and referrals, a testament to its exceptional work and relationships.
A notable example of ICI’s capabilities is the Lakeside Oakbrook workspace project. This two-story, 8,491-square-foot establishment not only encompasses typical banking center elements but also features dedicated office and meeting areas for the bank’s leadership team. The facility strategically includes a drive-through on the western side and ample parking situated on the northern portion of the site.
Focus
100 South Wacker, Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60606
Founded by CEO Tim Anderson in 1993, Focus has consistently delivered exceptional buildings that harmonize seamlessly with its architectural surroundings. Its impressive portfolio spans communities including Chicago, Evanston, Forest Park, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Oak Park, Wheaton, and Winnetka. With a skilled team of professionals, the company has built a strong reputation for credibility and competence. Recent record-setting sales, such as Kelmscott Park in Lake Forest and Circa 922 in Chicago’s West Loop, underscore Focus’ ongoing success. One of its latest projects, the 17-story office building 167 Green, spans over 750,000 square feet and offers an array of unmatched amenities. The 17th-floor amenity suite includes a fitness facility, lounge, rooftop patio with fire pits, and a versatile basketball court doubling as a town hall space for up to 400 people. The design emphasizes walkability, with the building rising above a pedestrian pathway accessible from Halsted and Green streets.
Tim Anderson, with industry experience dating back to 1976, established Focus with a unique vision of a development company. Rooted in creative design and construction expertise, Anderson’s vision prioritizes company culture and the professional growth of team members through effective collaboration and communication. Under his leadership, Focus continues to set new standards in quality and innovation within the industry.
Find out more about Focus HERE.
