Leading Chicago architect selected to design GE Monogram Design Center

Casual Living Staff -- Casual Living, 9/12/2012 2:39:37 PM

CHICAGO — GE has awarded Chip von Weise of von Weise Associates the contract to design its first Midwest design center, located in Chicago, at LuxeHome in the Merchandise Mart.

Sept. 20-23, the Merchandise Mart will be home to the International Casual Furniture and Accessories Market.

von Weise Associates will start designing the 3,500-sq.-ft. space starting this month with the grand opening of the center planned for Spring 2013.

von Weise Associates will be charged with creating a space that will feature working kitchens for cooking demonstrations by a professional chef as well as numerous other Monogram models throughout the showroom. Additionally, the center will be outfitted with high quality, fashionable cabinetry and other finishes that complement the GE Monogram line of appliances.

"We chose von Weise Associates because of its thoughtful and multifaceted approach to design, their mix of commercial and high-end residential work and its overall design acumen," said Paula Cecere, manager, Monogram Design Center. "After reviewing their proposal and portfolio, we're confident Chip von Weise and his team will create a magnificent and exciting space for our second Monogram Design Center."

Chip von Weise started his architectural firm in 1999. His project experience is varied and includes a wide range of projects from single family residences to hotels, corporate interiors and office buildings including numerous private residences in the Gold Coast, Lincoln Park and North Shore as well as offices for the Polk Bros. Foundation, The Ounce of Prevention, Transwestern Investment Company, Quixote Corporation and Hyper Marketing.

"We are very pleased to be selected to design GE Monogram's new showroom. GE's history as a technological innovator and its high-quality product line will be a great addition to the Merchandise Mart," said Chip von Weise, owner, von Weise Associates. "Our goal is to design a space that utilizes GE's tradition of excellence to educate and excite sophisticated consumers, designers and architects about their current and future products. In this way, the showroom will be grounded in the history and culture of GE but also modern, innovative and relevant to the function and design of contemporary kitchens."

Design of the Chicago Monogram Design Center will begin this year with construction starting in January 2013 and opening for business in Spring 2013. Once opened, the center will cater to professional trades and the general public. The GE Monogram Design Center will be staffed by three product specialists and an executive chef. The Center will maintain the same hours as LuxeHome at the Merchandise Mart (9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday). The Merchandise Mart is the world's largest commercial building and an international epicenter for high design and luxury goods.