International Interior Design Association Signs Lease for New Headquarters at 111 East Wacker Drive

Savills Studley, the leading commercial real estate services firm specializing in tenant representation, has secured a new long-term lease at 111 East Wacker Drive for the International Interior Design Association (IIDA). With more than 15,000 members, IIDA is dedicated to advocating for and elevating the commercial Interior Design industry with education, outreach, programming, competitions, knowledge-based resources, and more. Global firm Gensler has been tapped to design the space, and Gensler principal Todd Heiser, IIDA, Contract magazine’s 2016 Designer of the Year, will lead Gensler’s team.

Beginning in March 2017, IIDA will be headquartered on the second floor of the class A tower, with over 17,000 square feet of commercial and office space and direct access to the Chicago’s newly revitalized Riverwalk. The organization’s new location will feature over 17,860 rentable square feet of dedicated event and conference space that will allow the Association to provide additional member services, host educational programming, and further expand its reach within the commercial Interior Design profession. In addition, IIDA will have access to the building’s exterior plaza for additional event space.

“As the Association for commercial interior designers, it is our job to embrace change as we support our growing membership and increased visibility within the industry. Our new Headquarters will allow IIDA to better serve our members, pursue new initiatives, and expand our organization’s offerings to the design community,” said Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA, LEED AP, Executive Vice President and CEO of IIDA. “With the help of visionary designer Todd Heiser, IIDA, and the team at Gensler, we expect our new Headquarters to be a welcoming and creative workplace that showcases how our industry contributes to the overall health, wellness, productivity, innovation, and happiness of the employees and others who will utilize the space.”

Savills Studley Assistant Director Patrick Brady and Executive Manager Director Lisa Davidson represented IIDA in the transaction. Christy Domin and Michael Kazmierczak of CBRE represented the landlord, AmTrust.

“IIDA is a marquee tenant and one of the more influential organizations in the market,” said Brady. “In addition to securing significant rent savings and favorable concessions at a great building, the move positions IIDA for continued success and future growth while providing new and exciting ways to interact with its members and the public alike.”