Commissioned to design the interior of the Presidential Suite along with several other select spaces protected within The St. Regis Chicago, KTGY found inspiration not only in the city’s rich architectural history, but in its inherent social progress and in its geographic evolution as an artfully interconnected urban marvel of waterways, buildings and green spaces. Notably, KTGY pointed to the city’s distinctive lakefront parks and abundant parks — a respite for locals and tourists — which is one of the largest park development projects in the country, at more than 8,800 acres.
Photo credit: Mike Schwartz
Highlighting stunning views of the Chicago River, Navy Pier and Lake Michigan from the dining room and single bedroom, the Presidential Suite combines neutral colors and organic shapes with high-impact metal and stone details to create a sense of contemporary urban sophistication. Select niches are designed to relax and showcase art—including Denver-based artist Derek Velasquez, whose abstract painted sculptures use industrial materials to explore the relationships between people and the built environment.
Photo credit: Mike Schwartz
“For the St. Regis Chicago Presidential Suite, Iridium Spa and select lobby spaces, our design team was greatly inspired by the city’s rich architectural history and the grit of the aftermath of the Great Chicago Fire, as well as its myriad of carefully planned green spaces and serpentine shoreline.” , explained Sarah Tallox, Associate Director of KTGY Simeone Deary Design Group. “The design references those influences through interior grids that play with light and shadow, sumptuous fabrics and curved furnishings, and intimate niches that emphasize the magnificent views from every vantage point.”
Photo credit: Mike Schwartz
Additional design features include a floating four-poster bed, a spacious walk-in closet, a private fitness room, a butler’s pantry, and an impressive master bathroom—featuring an oversized soaking tub and steam shower—providing visitors with the ultimate in contemporary luxury. The suite also offers the option to connect to an adjacent guest room for additional space.
Photo credit: Mike Schwartz
The design team wove the character of the curved exterior designed by legendary architect Jane Gang into the interiors of the 10th-floor Iridium Spa, which feature luxurious fabrics, jagged sculptural forms, gleaming metal and onyx bases. Impressionist brass wall coverings, nature-inspired lighting fixtures and modern art installations provide a soothing appeal to guests, who can enjoy a glass of champagne in the Celebration Bar or relax in front of the serpentine log fire in the Relaxation Lounge. Secluded seating areas throughout the reception area, nail salon, changing rooms and private spa suite add to the feel of a luxurious urban retreat.
Photo credit: Mike Schwartz
In the double-height atrium, integrated elements of light and shadow reflect the cohesion of post-fire Chicago, playing with internal grids, and reimagining the steel frames of the city’s tallest buildings as modern design installations. Smoky marble floors and walls lead guests to the high-gloss gold-plated reception desk, where charred wood coverings are paired with a floating chandelier of linear metal rods and glass orbs. The decorative metal mesh structure becomes the framework for six sculptures by Brooklyn-based artist Jack Henry, which blend found objects, building materials, and natural elements to highlight the give-and-take relationship between urban environments and nature, always present in the world. chicago landscape.
Main image credit: Mike Schwartz