KI Set to Reveal New Inspiration Center in Chicago’s Fulton Market

Designed in partnership with Whitney Architects; constructed by Redmond

GREEN BAY – KI is marking a bold evolution of the company’s presence in the design community with the upcoming opening of its new Inspiration Center in Chicago’s vibrant Fulton Market district. After five decades at the Merchandise Mart, KI is moving to the eighth floor of the WELL-certified 1045 West Fulton building, a location that places the brand at the heart of Chicago’s most energetic design corridor.

Rather than a traditional showroom, the new KI Inspiration Center is conceived as a creative engine for architects, interior designers, and design thinkers—a place to explore possibilities, experiment with materials, and engage with a cohesive portfolio spanning KI, KI Wall, and Pallas Textiles in new and unexpected ways.

“Establishing a presence in Fulton Market places us at the center of one of the most dynamic communities shaping the future of design,” said Tony Besasie, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at KI. “As Fulton Market rapidly emerges as North America’s epicenter for commercial interior design, opening our flagship Inspiration Center at the corner of Fulton and Aberdeen allows us to showcase a bold new dimension of the KI brand. This space highlights our latest innovations and reinforces our commitment to delivering evocative, research-informed designs for architects and designers.”

A Space Defined by Industrial Whimsy

Designed by Whitney, a renowned Chicago-based design firm, the aesthetic is rooted in industrial whimsy, a concept uniquely aligned with KI’s heritage and future direction. Industrial whimsy merges the raw strength of industrial materials with imaginative, playful design gestures—resulting in a space that is grounded yet uplifting, engineered yet human.

The design draws on the company's legacy in steel craftsmanship while introducing delightful, unexpected moments such as:

• Exposed structural elements paired with softened forms and tactile layers
• Playful color punctuations against honest, raw materiality
• Graphics, materials, and installations that celebrate craft, creativity, and discovery

This purposeful blend creates a narrative of reinvention: a physical expression of the evolution of the KI brand.

Construction of the space is being led by Redmond, the general contractor responsible for bringing Whitney’s vision to life.

“It’s been a pleasure working alongside the KI and Whitney teams, and we’re proud to see the space near completion. This project is a true testament to what’s possible when teams are aligned around a shared vision and commitment to quality,” said Dan Dikic, senior superintendent at Redmond.

A New Creative Destination for the Design Community

The KI Inspiration Center is specifically designed as a destination for ideation, offering a layered environment where design professionals can immerse themselves in materials, applications, and spatial experiences. The space includes:

• Collaborative zones for concept development
• Innovative product vignettes and application storytelling
• Hospitality areas supporting casual interaction
• Hands-on design labs showcasing finishes, textiles, and material experimentation

Rather than dictating how spaces should be used, the Inspiration Center invites exploration and encourages visitors to move through zones that spark curiosity, inspire new thinking, and fuel the next generation of corporate, education, healthcare, and mixed-use environments.

A New Chapter in Fulton Market

The move to Fulton Market not only places KI amidst Chicago’s most dynamic design ecosystem but also represents a strategic shift toward deeper collaboration and engagement with architects and designers. The Inspiration Center will also serve as a hub for KI, KI Wall, and Pallas Textiles teams based in Chicago.

The KI Inspiration Center is slated to open during Design Days starting June 8, 2026. More information can be found at ki.com/designdays.

About KI

KI manufactures innovative furniture for education, healthcare, government, and corporate markets. The employee-owned company is headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with sales and manufacturing facilities worldwide. KI tailors products and service solutions to the specific needs of each customer through its unique design and manufacturing philosophy. For more information, visit ki.com.

About Whitney

Whitney is a Chicago-based architecture and design studio shaping purposeful environments that drive performance and elevate the human experience. The firm partners with organizations to translate brand, culture, and vision into built environments that support how people work, connect, and thrive. Whitney’s work spans workplace, life sciences, and experiential environments across the U.S., grounded in a collaborative approach that aligns design with business outcomes.

About Redmond

Redmond is an award-winning commercial general contractor specializing in high-quality interior buildouts for leading corporations and institutions. Founded in Chicago, the firm delivers complex workplace, healthcare, and commercial environments with a focus on quality, collaboration, and purposeful execution. Guided by integrity and accountability, Redmond partners closely with clients and design teams to create exceptional spaces that elevate the end-user experience.

KI Furniture
1330 Bellevue Street, Green Bay, WI 54302
Phone: (800) 424-2432
Email: info@ki.com
Website: www.ki.com