Timeless Chicagoland Architecture: How Daniel Burnham Continues to Influence Office Interiors
Great architecture has the power to inspire, transform, and elevate our everyday surroundings. From the intricate details of historic buildings to the bold structures that shape modern skylines, architecture plays a key role in how we experience the world. At Rieke Interiors, we believe in the timeless influence of visionaries like Daniel Burnham, whose work continues to inspire the way we approach commercial interior design.
Chicago, Illinois
In this blog, we’ll explore how Burnham’s legacy lives on, influencing our designs to create office spaces that are not only functional but also visually captivating, making your workspace a reflection of both beauty and innovation.
Chicago’s Reliance Building by Daniel Burnham
Chicago's Reliance Building by Daniel Burnham
When discussing the history of Chicago, a few iconic names in architecture rise to the top. Among the most influential is Daniel Burnham, a visionary architect whose work has had a lasting impact on the city’s landscape and beyond.
Burnham's contributions to architecture not only shaped Chicago but also extended to other cities like Manila and Washington D.C., where his master planning left an indelible mark.
Burnham’s influence on American architecture reached pop culture heights with the release of the book The Devil in the White City (2003), which tells the story of his role as the Director of Works for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. His architectural genius, running parallel to darker events like the nation's first serial killer H.H. Holmes, highlights how deeply his work is woven into the fabric of history.
Great Architecture is Everywhere
“Make big plans; aim high in hope and work, remembering that a noble, logical diagram once recorded will not die.”
– Daniel Burnham
Pittsburgh, PA’s Union Station
So, what does Burnham’s legacy have to do with us here at Rieke Interiors? Inspired by his architectural brilliance, our “Travelling Two-some”—Senior Interior Designers Julie Hartman and Carey Roy—embarked on a trip to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to see Burnham’s Union Station design firsthand.
Hartman reflected on the experience, saying, “Today’s architecture just doesn’t have the same intricate details that older architecture had. That’s exactly why his buildings remain historic landmarks, and we found Union Station so beautiful and amazing to visit.”
Burnham’s principles of design—his attention to intricate detail and his bold vision—continue to influence the work we do at Rieke Interiors. His timeless approach inspires us to push the boundaries of commercial interior design.
Burnham’s Lasting Influence on Rieke Interiors
There are a few Daniel Burnham design principles that we at Rieke Interiors still apply today, which serve as the foundation for our work:
Make No Little Plan: As Burnham famously believed, “plans that do not stir man’s blood will not be realized.” At Rieke Interiors, we embrace this philosophy by custom-creating office innovations, ensuring that no idea goes unexamined. Bold plans lead to bold results, and that’s how we approach every project.
City Beautiful – Office Beautiful Movement: Burnham was the visionary behind the “City Beautiful” reform movement, which balanced classical design traditions with modern needs. At Rieke Interiors, we translate this into the “Office Beautiful” aesthetic, blending timeless design principles with the functionality required for today’s office environments.
We channel that inspiration into designing functional, visually stunning office spaces that bring your bold vision to life.
Finding Inspiration Everywhere
Burnham’s legacy reminds us to take a closer look at the world around us. Whether you’re strolling through a historic city or simply walking through your neighborhood, there’s inspiration in the buildings that line the streets. Great architecture is everywhere, adding beauty and depth to the world we live in. At Rieke Interiors, this architectural inspiration directly influences our commercial interior designs, helping us create office spaces that are not only functional but also visually stunning.
A timeless office design is waiting to be created for your next renovation project, and we at Rieke Interiors are ready to bring your vision to life—one bold, beautiful plan at a time.