CHIL Interior Design Creates an Immersive Experience Through Bespoke Art and Design

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a luxury rental building design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, CHIL Interior Design.

CHIL Interior Design was tasked with crafting REN, in Seattle’s South Lake Union. Inspired by exploration and the fusion of humanity with technology, REN offers an immersive experience through bespoke art and design. Custom artwork and installations adorn the public areas, catering to the vibrant tech industry professionals seeking originality. Amenities include a fully functional lobby bar, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, and interconnected top-floor lounges boasting panoramic city views. Designed to meet the evolving needs of its residents, REN offers flexible workspaces and immersive art galleries, creating a dynamic and stimulating living environment.

What was the client’s brief?

REN was our chance to make a bold statement in the US luxury rental market, specifically for the creative minds in Seattle’s tech scene. The brief was all about creating spaces that felt alive, with art and tech merging to spark a sense of exploration. We wanted tenants to feel inspired as soon as they walked through the door.

What inspired the design of the project?

Inspired by the concept of exploration and merging humanity with technology, we wanted every corner to feel like it had a story to tell, where humanity and technology collide in unexpected ways creating a residential space that feels like a journey.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Building REN during the pandemic was a wild ride as everything had to adapt as we went. With remote work becoming the new norm, we had to rethink how the space would support hybrid professionals. Flexible co-working areas, private pods, and meeting rooms that feel as functional as they do inspiring. Plus, immersive art galleries and a lobby bar that’s more than just a spot to grab a drink. REN is a place to work, socialise, and unwind, all in one, blurring the lines between home, work, and play.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Our biggest highlight was watching the vision of exploration come to life through art. From hanging wood sculptures to glowing astronauts and graffiti-inspired murals, every piece was designed to blur the line between humanity and technology. Walking through the finished space was a surreal moment for our team.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We entered the SBID Awards because it’s a globally recognised benchmark for excellence in design. We invest in awards that hold prestige and celebrates work that pushes creative boundaries and sets new standards in the industry.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being an SBID Award Finalist feels like a huge win for our whole team. It’s a validation of all the hard work, creativity, and passion we put into every project. It’s not just about the recognition, but a reminder that we’re on the right track to keep pushing boundaries and creating spaces that inspire.

Questions answered by Carolyn Kaczmarek, Director of Residential Design at CHIL Interior Design.