Bader Art Metal’s Precision and Craftsmanship Shine in the Award-Winning Optimo Hat Company Project
Bader Art Metal is proud to announce that the Optimo Hat Company project has been honored in the 46th Annual Interior Design Awards by the International Interior Design Association (IIDA). This prestigious award celebrates exceptional interior design and architecture that push the boundaries of innovation and craftsmanship.
As a key contributor to this remarkable project, Bader Art Metal partnered with Optimo and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) to deliver bespoke steel and glass elements that highlight the artistry of handcrafted hat-making while elevating the aesthetic of the historic Chicago firehouse Optimo now calls home.
After outgrowing their Beverly neighborhood storefront, Optimo relocated to a meticulously renovated 100-year-old firehouse in Chicago’s South Side. The two-story space, designed by SOM, exudes a timeless elegance with its blackened steel accents, warm wood tones, and luxurious leather details. It provides the perfect backdrop for Optimo’s commitment to craftsmanship and quality.
Bader Art Metal’s expertise in luxury metal fabrication was instrumental in creating custom elements that seamlessly blend form and function throughout the space. Designed for precision and durability, the hatter’s benches provide an ideal workspace for the first-floor workshop. The 12-gauge edge-welded slatted shelving combines strength and elegance, fabricated to display and store materials with style. Engineered for flexibility, the mobile storage carts enhance workflow efficiency while maintaining the sophisticated design aesthetic.
On the second floor, the studio features a stunning walnut table illuminated by a ten-foot halo light fabricated from roll-formed I-beam with integrated LED uplighting. Floor-to-ceiling steel shelves house historical hat-making artifacts, preserving Optimo’s rich heritage and adding a striking visual element to the space.
The collaboration between Optimo, SOM, and Bader Art Metal exemplifies the power of exceptional design and craftsmanship. This award-winning project not only honors the legacy of a century-old firehouse but also sets a new standard for integrating functionality with sophisticated design in commercial interiors.
We extend our congratulations to Optimo Hat Company and all project partners for this well-deserved recognition. It is an honor to have contributed to such a distinctive and inspiring space that celebrates both history and innovation.
For more information about this project or to learn how Bader Art Metal can bring your design vision to life, contact us today.
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