Behind the Build: Interpublic Group (IPG) at Chicago’s Iconic Merchandise Mart

Project details from Gabriel Cabrera, VVA Senior Project Manager

When four distinct marketing agencies under the Interpublic Group (IPG) umbrella came together to share a single-floor office at Chicago’s iconic Merchandise Mart, the assignment was clear—but far from simple. Each agency had its own brand identity, culture, and design preferences. VVA’s job was to make it work in a cohesive, creative, and efficient way.

Spanning more than 77,000 square feet, the space was designed to promote collaboration across teams while honoring the individuality of each agency. The result is a unified workplace that doesn’t blur identities, but rather celebrates them. Distinct entrances, thoughtfully branded zones, and a shared sense of community are anchored by standout features like two flexible Town Hall spaces and an inviting coffee bar that acts as a casual hub for interaction.

Navigating this type of hybrid design brief required not just coordination, but orchestration. From aligning the varied stakeholder visions to managing change and guiding complex decision-making, our team stayed hands-on across every detail. Compounding the complexity was the infrastructure of the Merchandise Mart itself, which demanded careful planning and technical precision throughout construction.

VVA worked alongside with TPG Architecture, BIG Construction, and Robert Derector Associates (RDA) as the MEP engineer to bring this project to life. We’re proud to share that the project not only achieved its ambitious design goals, but also earned LEED Gold Certification, a testament to the sustainability commitments upheld throughout.

Check out this stunning drone footage of the space provided by BIG Construction:

A Long-Standing Partnership with IPG

This project is the latest milestone in VVA’s continued partnership with IPG and its network of agencies. Over the past two years alone, we’ve supported projects across the country for many of IPG’s leading brands, including:

• Hill Holliday (Boston, 48,000 SF)
• MullenLowe & Mediahub (Boston, 66,000 SF)
• Weber Shandwick (Boston, ~28,000 SF)
• McCann (New York, 41,000 SF)
• HUGE (Brooklyn, 71,000 SF)
• MRM (Salt Lake City, 33,000 SF)
• Mediabrands (Los Angeles, ~75,000 SF)
• Chase Design (Syracuse, ~48,000 SF)
• FCB West (San Francisco, 8,000 SF)
• MediaBrands & R/GA (San Francisco, 70,000 SF)

At VVA, we’re proud to help shape IPG’s workplaces—each one a reflection of creativity, culture, and connection.