Hatmaker Studio - Headquarters (manufacturing studio).

Optimo Hatmakers is a one-of-a-kind bespoke, handcrafted hat factory and studio located in Beverly, a historic neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago. Optimo has chosen to base its headquarters in a 100-year-old decommissioned firehouse. The design approach celebrates the factory and hand craftsmanship; every step of the process is showcased when moving through space.

The intentional design maintains the integrity of the structure and the language of the firehouse. This starts with the original Wolf Point Y, where the three branches of the Chicago River come together, which can be found above the entrance door and in the interior column cornice. This is finished with an honest design that respects the building fabric, repurposing the space to develop an authentic and timeless aesthetic with the company product in mind.

Every single design detail was carefully thought out and implemented. The design process consistently and meticulously develops thinking of the connection between functionality and aesthetics. Black walnut portals, the studio conference table, the machinery goal post, and the use of the cart in the assembly line were made specially to fit the company's brand and operations. 

When entering the production room, one can’t help but notice the hat display and storage wall first, with a separate sewing and surface finishing room located through the back of the space. The first floor keeps its focus on the creation and exhibition of centuries old antique hat equipment. Because everything that goes into these hats is so unique, it is necessary to create a storage unit that would delicately, yet effectively, keep these hats and molds available to admire and use during fabrication.

The second level of this studio is where a lot of ‘behind-the-scenes’ work takes place. The purpose of this space is to provide comfort and ease, a place to get inspired and stay focused. The original firehouse pole has been kept intact, serving as a window between floors and keeping the spirit of originality within this restored firehouse.