Barry Callebaut
Barry Callebaut, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality cocoa and chocolate products, selected SCB to complete a 40,000-square-foot expansion of their North American headquarters, located in the landmark Montgomery Ward building.
![Café at SCB's Barry Callebaut. Interior Design. Workplace.](https://scb.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/210305_SCB_BarryCallebaut_002v2.jpg)
![Demonstration area at SCB's Barry Callebaut. Interior Design. Workplace.](https://scb.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/210305_SCB_BarryCallebaut_003v2.jpg)
Employees enter the space through a large café that features a variety of seating and two kitchens. Display cases and shelving feature the company’s products, while a “hedge” of plants delineates seating areas and the main circulation path through the space. A long communal table is accented with an eclectic mix of brightly colored chairs.
The use of bold color in the space continues in the rich-hued green kitchen cabinetry and tile backsplash. A demonstration area offers a large island workspace for prep work and a custom product display comprised of spoons, each holding various chocolate creations.
![Board room and self-serve chocolate bar at SCB's Barry Callebaut. Interior Design. Workplace.](https://scb.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/210305_SCB_BarryCallebaut_004v2-1440x960-c-center.webp)
A board room is located at the center of the new office floor, adjacent to a self-serve chocolate bar.
![Workspace at SCB's Barry Callebaut. Interior Design. Workplace.](https://scb.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/210305_SCB_BarryCallebaut_005v2.jpg)
![SCB's Barry Callebaut. Interior Design. Workplace.](https://scb.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/210305_SCB_BarryCallebaut_006.jpg)
In the workspace itself, the designers leveraged and preserved the original industrial aesthetic of the once manufacturing space including exposed brick walls, concrete columns, wood ceilings and large black-framed, double hung windows which provide an abundance of natural light and views to the city and Chicago River.
Nestled amongst the bench-style workstations are a number of informal collaboration areas and worktables for smaller meetings. Conference rooms and a few select private offices are located along the western perimeter of the floor, each fully glazed as to not prohibit any natural light from reaching the interior spaces. A library space doubles as a yoga studio, providing a quiet space of respite within the office.