KI will open its new Inspiration Center in Chicago’s Fulton Market district June 8.
After five decades at the Merchandise Mart, KI is moving to the eighth floor of the WELL-certified 1045 West Fulton building.
“Establishing a presence in Fulton Market places us at the center of one of the most dynamic communities shaping the future of design,” said Tony Besasie, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at KI. “As Fulton Market rapidly emerges as North America’s epicenter for commercial interior design, opening our flagship Inspiration Center at the corner of Fulton and Aberdeen allows us to showcase a bold new dimension of the KI brand. This space highlights our latest innovations and reinforces our commitment to delivering evocative, research-informed designs for architects and designers.”
Designed by Whitney, a Chicago-based design firm, the aesthetic is rooted in industrial whimsy, a concept aligned with KI’s heritage and future direction.
The design draws on the company’s legacy in steel craftsmanship while introducing delightful, unexpected moments such as:
- Exposed structural elements paired with softened forms and tactile layers
- Playful color punctuations against honest, raw materiality
- Graphics, materials, and installations that celebrate craft, creativity, and discovery
Construction of the space is being led by general contracting firm Redmond.
The KI Inspiration Center is specifically designed as a destination for ideation, offering a layered environment where design professionals can immerse themselves in materials, applications, and spatial experiences. The space includes:
- Collaborative zones for concept development
- Innovative product vignettes and application storytelling
- Hospitality areas supporting casual interaction
- Hands-on design labs showcasing finishes, textiles, and material experimentation
Rather than dictating how spaces should be used, the Inspiration Center invites exploration and encourages visitors to move through zones that spark curiosity, inspire new thinking, and fuel the next generation of corporate, education, healthcare, and mixed-use environments.
The Inspiration Center will also serve as a hub for KI, KI Wall, and Pallas Textiles teams based in Chicago. More information can be found at ki.com/designdays.
