CMT Offices
Workplace
Designed to reimagine the workplace as a destination rather than an obligation, CMT Office is a second-phase expansion for a Chicago-based trading firm. The client sought to create an environment that would actively draw employees back—prioritizing comfort, focus, and atmosphere over traditional office norms.
- Project NameCMT Offices
- LocationChicago, IL
- IndustryWorkplace
- Square Footage2000 ft²
- Year2022
- ArchitectEn Masse Architecture & Design
- PhotographerRoss Floyd Photography
PROJECT CONTEXT
Located partially below grade, the space presented a key challenge: how to counteract the inherent limitations of a basement environment—low ceilings, minimal daylight, and potential visual fatigue from screens—while creating something distinctly elevated and memorable.
APPROACH & PROCESS
The Cosine worked closely with En Masse and ownership to define a clear experiential vision early—balancing ambition with budget and technical constraints. Extensive studies were conducted to test how luminous wall panels (acting as “faux windows”) could be detailed, scaled, and delivered across different cost scenarios.
By aligning on priorities early, the team was able to focus on high-impact moves—refining mounting strategies, minimizing fixture profiles, and integrating lighting seamlessly into millwork and architectural elements.
Lighting was approached not as an additive layer, but as a structural component of the space—shaping how it feels, functions, and performs.
OUTCOME & IMPACT
The finished space feels distinct from a typical office—more personal, more considered, and more aligned with how people want to work today.
Rather than fighting the constraints of a below-grade environment, the design transforms them—using light to create openness, comfort, and visual balance. The result is a workplace that feels composed and intentional, supporting both focus and well-being.
What could have felt dark or utilitarian instead feels calibrated and immersive—an environment with its own identity and presence.
This project proves that lighting can have a personality—defining not just how a space looks, but how it works and feels.
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