Category Archives: Blog

There’s no place like home—especially when that place is Chicago, the country’s architectural beacon and the long-time headquarters of the Childs Dreyfus Group.

“We have continued to expand to New York and New Jersey, Boston, Florida, Alabama, Texas, California and the Carolinas, but there will never be anywhere quite like Chicago, our home, our corporate headquarters and our backyard,” said Childs Dreyfus Group President Rene Pabon. “Your local team, CDG delivers value in interior architecture to spark authentic living—the perfect match for the architecture capital of the world. We have been leading the way for more than 60 years and couldn’t be prouder to be affiliated with this inspirational and aspirational city.”

Most recently, CDG was selected to drive the interior design for the 4600 N. Marine Drive development in Uptown. The property, currently a surface parking lot, will consist of a 12-story residential building with 314 units, not to mention luxury features and a terrific location. In addition to amazing architectural details inspired by the city itself, the new site will feature a green roof, EV charging stations, and a CTA / Uber ride digital transit display.

Creating better, more impactful places to live and work, Childs Dreyfus Group engages the power of architecture through interior design to promote communities and lay the foundation for new emerging lifestyles focused on health, environmental impact and convenience.

With a clear focus on sustainability and wellness living, the interior design and architecture firm crafts sustainable spaces for our clients and our team. We believe people should be able to invest in themselves and the places they live and work, supporting healthier living and long-term wellness and sustainability on a reasonable budget.

Interior living and exterior experiences come together in CDG’s interior design projects, with features such as landscape walkways, extended outdoor living and the small touches that add up in a big way for health and wellness.

Going beyond rooftop solar panels and living, green walls, we are reinspired by some of our newest green projects. Nutura, for instance, melds nature and nurture in a one-of-a-kind Gainesville, Florida multi-family project. With expansive gardens, woods, trees and mindfully curated architecture, Nutura invites the outside in to create a sense of peace, serenity and place. In a recent Colorado project, every detail was environmental, from the spacious community garden to the EV charging stations.

At our Alabama mid-rise, dreams are becoming reality as we develop a facility to support locally grown food. And in our upcoming New York and New Jersey spaces, we are focused on health and wellness, including smoothie stations, fit bars and living walls that bring mind-body and soul to the forefront of experiential living.

Closer to home in the Prairie Ridge development in Park Ridge, an adaptive reuse project repurposes an existing structure for new use—in this case we are recreating a three-story office building to highlight productivity, ergonomic furniture and smart living. We proudly support clients who make net-zero living a realistic goal.

As a LEED-certified firm, sustainability is designing on-site gardens with attention to community areas. It’s extraordinary outdoor dining spaces and indoor facilities that bring a new meaning to farm-to-table in mid-rise communities. It’s about supporting health and wellness in our offices. And ultimately, it’s all about quality of life.

The past two years have taught us that we can live and work anywhere, that we miss global travel and that exploration can occur in our daily environment. Taking a broad approach to transformational design and narrowing down design concepts based on end-users’ values, lifestyles and backgrounds makes it easy for CDG to “think global and live local.”

A national leader employing individuals with a diverse global and regional expertise, The Childs Dreyfus Group shares local culture and style in each innovation. With revolutionary design empowered by technology and vision, CDG demonstrates how and why design matters. We turn vision into action into lifestyles.

It starts with our NATIONAL approach: Our national workplace and living place ecosystem spans states and borders. We know how to design for each market across the country with an acute understanding of the national climate.

It reaches REGIONAL markets: We hone our national approach to curate interior design, architectural and large-scale projects for the demographics, desires and needs of each region. We thoughtfully take regional culture and markets into consideration to create value and interest.

It is always LOCAL: With design that incorporates local small businesses and strengthens neighborhoods, CDG cares about each community we build and grow in, performing extensive field research that incorporates local culture in every single design.

From national state-of-the-art technology to strong regional interior design to luxury local project management, we deliver across a multitude of states, regions and demographics.

“At CDG, we connect every design with experience to transform spaces, create community and honor culture across every market we serve,” said Childs Dreyfus Group President Rene Pabon.

Leasing has launched for Station Bay, a residential community at 1000 Schindler Drive in South Amboy, New Jersey. Developed by BNE Real Estate Group, the property is located near the Raritan Bay waterfront, which will soon feature a ferry terminal with service to and from New York City.

The complex includes a portfolio of 291 rental apartments. Floorplans range from studios to two-bedroom spreads, all of which feature nine-foot ceilings, in-unit washer-dryers, wine storage, and full-height kitchen backsplashes. Select residences will also include private outdoor space.

Amenities at Station Bay include a lobby lounge with a coffee bar, multiple lounges, a co-working lounge with private meeting rooms, a sports simulator, a screening room, a children’s playroom, a pet spa, on-site parking, and a Matrix Fitness Club. Outdoor amenities include two sprawling courtyards, a swimming pool with private cabanas, fire pits, an outdoor bar, private barbeque and dining areas, and a dog run.

“After years in the making, we are beyond excited to open our doors at Station Bay, which represents a significant first step in establishing South Amboy as one of New Jersey’s most sought-after residential destinations,” said Jonathan Schwartz, partner at BNE. “We believe that our convenient transit-friendly location, waterfront setting, and amenity-rich lifestyle will quickly resonate with renters from New Jersey and beyond.”

When it comes to impactful design and profitable results, everything matters.

Technology matters. Culture and locality matter. Reliable financial strength matters. Spatial planning matters. Function and form both matter.

It’s imperative that your ID team recognizes and understands local culture in every space it designs and creates. Invite in the beauty and creativity of local murals and artworks, the vivid world of local light installations, and the best local brokers and dealers to honor each building and neighborhood’s local culture. Well-done living spaces should look different in Florida, New York City and North Carolina, and in smaller towns than bigger cities because they are based on culture and authenticity and future residents’ varying needs.

As renters and owners both seek to remain connected no matter where they are, technology matters more than ever and we place a premium on hot furniture, keyless entry, smart walls and seamless connectivity throughout all of our private and public spaces. Technology also integrates safety features important in the post-Covid-19 era, allowing more touchless and keyless functions than ever before. Life moves fast and your living space should help you respond and connect at the same speed.

Experience also matters, particularly during challenging or uncertain conditions. The Childs Dreyfus Group thrives, thanks to our strong connections to architectural firms, venture capital groups, development teams and more, who come together to create outstanding living environments and experiences.

As a dedicated partner across industries and across the country, The Childs Dreyfus Group knows that connectivity matters, that integration matters and that innovation matters. Our clients, however, matter the most, which is why we continue to design, spark ideas and welcome the next generation in interior design. If you are looking for a trusted design partner, The Childs Dreyfus Group would love to help turn your vision into reality.

Today, we often live, work and play in the same place. Our office is just down the hall from the bedroom, which is just a short elevator ride from the community room where we socialize. To maximize the ability to live well, work effectively and play comfortably, smart design centers around strategic planning to create spaces where design and functionality intersect with ease.

Ultimately, smart design supports holistic, healthy living, working and playing, not to mention the transitions back and forth from work to play to rest.

When it comes to living spaces, Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant can all come together to create a connected environment, where your coffee is always fresh, your floor is vacuumed, and your alarms are set. Our smart design prioritizes accessible, universal technology.

For those working from home, smart design gives you the ability to take a call on the move and to quickly connect with clients across the globe. It ensures that the latest technology works no matter where you are or where you want to go next.

When it comes to play, you can enjoy a golf simulator in one area, an intentional and innovative playroom in another and Landscaping and outdoor spaces also make it easy to take the party outside.

Everyday conveniences such as

keyless entry, refrigerated package rooms, and smart walls with the latest events, weather and public transportation schedules bring smart design into daily activities to create both connection and ease.

Anticipating your journey through work, play and community interactions, The Childs Dreyfus Group leads with smart design, smart connections and smart living spaces. Contact us for more information on smart design for savvy living.

The future of interior design is smart and sustainable. It incorporates thoughtful, meaningful technology in both community and private spaces as well as sophisticated design that is driven by innovation and community. Connectivity in buildings of all sizes—particularly for active adults—brings technology to life and enhances the entire living experience.

With custom algorithms to reduce lead time and grow your competitive advantage, artificial intelligence in design creates value for buildings of all sizes. From remote security and keyless entry to refrigerated areas for daily food delivery that property managers and tenants can control remotely, technology supports a variety of unique consumer needs, ensuring safety, efficiency, ease and visibility.

Active adults particularly prize the ability to connect with friends and family. Residential communities and buildings that offer indoor and outdoor activities with the support of high-end technology create the perfect balance of adventure and enjoyment for residents.

The Childs Dreyfus Group synergistically integrates state-of-the-art software with the human touch to push the envelope on design, enhance user experience, and support environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) goals. Residents now have the ability to plug in anytime, anywhere with charging docks in “hot furniture” that provide ongoing access to technology. Likewise, transit screens give residents access to view local transportation spots, including train times and Uber pick-up locations. It’s all about AI-enabled intuitive design that benefits planning, building and everyday living in community spaces.

Ultimately, best-in-class design incorporates AI and a forward-thinking approach as the hallmarks of interior design for the future. If you would like support in reimaging and designing multi-family or mixed-use spaces for today and tomorrow, The Childs Dreyfus Group can help you incorporate technology for smart, sustainable spaces.

The most diverse and educated generation in the United States today, according to the Pew
Research Center, Generation Z does not recall a world without smartphones, YouTube or
Snapchat. This unique group has high expectations for themselves—and the places they call
home.
In particular, Gen Z looks for modern, functional and high-tech spaces that artfully combine work
and play in one comfortable and innovative curation. With about 68 million members of this
creative, competitive generation living in the United States, college and university housing
developers are paying closer attention to their interests
Displaying an overall preference for urban living, Gen Z members are outspoken about their need
for technology that is integrated into everyday living and playing. From private study nooks to
party rooms, the best of college living today incorporates school spirit and personal touches. Gen
Z also looks for effortless indoor-outdoor access, easy-to-access technology built into furniture
and comfortable lounging areas.
With our long-time specialization in on- and off-campus student housing, The Childs Dreyfus
Group has deep experience in crafting meaningful, useful and eye-catching housing for this key
market. We help our clients grow their businesses and enjoy a strong return on investment by
connecting with this important demographic. Our thoughtful design is driven by technology,
community and the students who live and play in the spaces we create. If you are looking to
design or update student housing, we’d be happy to share our passion for fun, functional and
exceptional spaces for students.

Stretching along the northern banks of Glen Cove Creek, all the way from Mosquito Cove to Pratt Park, Garvies Point is a new Long Island Community. The neighborhoods have a quiet, homey feel, yet they’re also in the heart of the action. There will be 28 acres of retail and restaurant space, housing, playgrounds, walking paths, a boardwalk, beaches, and plenty of natural, public space. Today we’ll talk about everything residents and visitors will experience in this charming community with resort-style amenities.

The Area’s History

Go all the way back to 1827. It was at that time that Dr. Thomas Garvie entered into an agreement with Cornelius Vanderbilt in 1827 to establish steamboat service between NYC and Glen Cove. The goal was to establish the area as one of Long Island’s most popular summer resort towns with historic figures like J. P. Morgan and F. W. Woolworth building estates there.

While it did take off, the area would soon become more of an industrial destination with companies like Duryea Starch Works and Ladew Leather Works Manufacturing setting up shop. Li Tungsten Corporation, a tungsten producer that closed for good in 1985, would be the area of focus for the redevelopment project.

Plans to return Garvies Point to its former splendor date back to 2002, but the housing crash and other issues caused numerous delays. It would take until 2016 for a New York Supreme Court judge to toss out two lawsuits and allow progress to finally continue. Construction started in 2017. It’s a big project, but when it’s done, Garvies Point will be an amazing place to live, work, and play.

Shaping the Community

The goal here isn’t to turn it into an area only for residents. It’s meant to be a community that’s just as welcoming to visitors as it is to its residents. A brand new ferry terminal makes it easy for people to escape the city and spend time on the beach, in a nature park, or strolling the boardwalk.

For those who want to make Garvies Point their home, condo units and apartments in The Beacon, Harbor Landing, and Village Square will provide plenty of housing options that are surrounded by restaurants, shops, and nature. No one is forgetting the area’s beauty. In keeping with that focus on the environment, The Beacon’s condominiums will be LEED-certified.

Experience Local Culture

One of the goals of Garvies Point is to create a community and not just another town. Residents and visitors enjoy a place where they’re welcomed to enjoy the beauty of the area together. An outdoor amphitheater is just one of the highlights. Stroll along the boardwalk checking out the shops and restaurants before heading to the beach. Take the kids to the playground or head to the community dog park. Dogs are welcome just about everywhere, and Garvies Point residences offer spa services for your pooch, too.

Residences have on-site libraries, game rooms, pools, club rooms, and lounges. Looking for more to do? Hop on the ferry to take in NYC’s nightlife and know you have a quiet, welcoming community awaiting your return.

Don’t Miss These Local Flavors

Many of Garvies Point’s hottest attractions are steps from the residences in Garvies Point. Don’t miss these community highlights.

Garvies Point Brewery – Established in 2016, this community brewpub is found right on the waterfront. Beer selections change frequently in the taproom. As there are eight taps, there’s always something of interest. Whether you prefer a biscuity, clean Kolsch or prefer a citrusy, hazy IPA with a bit of a bitter bite, Garvies Point Brewery will pique your interest. Have a growler filled or buy some cans to take back to your home.

Heritage Bakers – Heritage Bakers isn’t your typical baker. The bakery insists on organic heirloom wheat that isn’t treated with chemicals or fertilizers. As a result, the baked goods taste like nothing you’ve had before. Start with a popover and work your way through the menu. We recommend a plain or parmesan popover filled with bacon, egg, and cheese. Located right next door to Garvies Point Brewery, you don’t have to go far for the freshest, tastiest baked goods around.

Live, Play, and Relax

Just as a lot of thought is being put into the buildings and exterior amenities, the indoor living spaces have been designed to bring that enjoyment inside. Large windows allow for the best views of the waterfront and natural areas while letting in loads of natural light. Open floor plans allow views from multiple rooms at once. Multiple community rooms and areas allow residents to spend time together socializing, having outdoor barbecues, playing games, or watching movies together. Garvies Point offers all-in-one living where you live, play, and relax without having to get in a car if you don’t want to.

Chicago’s seen some major coups on the business front lately. The announcement that Uber Technologies is moving into 450,000+ feet in the Old Post Office was welcome news. That one business brings with it 2,000 jobs in the freight industry.

That’s not the only big company reaching out to Chicagoans to find new workers. Amazon plans to hire 30,000 additional workers, some from Chicago. Those workers will join the more than 14,000 workers in the city who are already employed by Amazon.

As more businesses set up shop in Chicago, an influx of younger adults is imminent. Of the 2.7 million residents counted during the last census, it’s estimated that Millennials account for the largest percentage of Cook County residents with an estimated count of 850,000 people. They’re in the city because there are ample numbers of pubs, bars, and nightlife venues, public transportation is sublime, and jobs are plentiful. Uber Technologies and Amazon will only add to this.

What Draws Businesses to Chicago?

What makes Chicago such a popular spot for businesses? The proximity to two major airports and rail are all among the top reasons. Businesses can keep costs down with the proximity to rail, USPS, and airlines. It’s also a city that draws people to it. The culture, gastronomy, beautiful architecture, public art displays, and spacious parks are all main attractions.

It’s a city where there are four distinct seasons for people who love seeing the changes in nature. From spring’s blooming flowers and sunny, hot summers to crisp autumns with bright foliage and snowy winters, the seasonal changes also create a new selection of experiences. In Chicago, people enjoy water sports in the summer, ice skating in the winter, and so many other things in between.

Happy workers are productive workers. When the workday is done, workers have plenty of things to do and see that help them de-stress and enjoy themselves. Millennials who were surveyed on what they think of life in Chicago put the friendliness of people, restaurants, sports, and access to theaters at the top of the list. That’s all part of why Chicago is a popular place to live and work.

With an Influx of Workers Comes a Need for Desirable Housing

All of these new workers also bring a need for desirable housing. A First American Financial Corporation report from 2017 found a 2% increase in Millennials seeking housing in Chicago. While adults in this age room do have their eye on price – after all, they are leaving college with a lot of debt – they also look for modern, open spaces filled with the technological advancements that have followed them through their childhoods. They’re looking for homes in the heart of the city where they can easily access stores, restaurants, pubs, parks, and public transportation.

Today’s Millennials want homes that are visually pleasing with lots of natural lighting, clean designs, and minimal clutter or obstacles between rooms and views outside. Think open floor plans and access to public areas for socialization. They also want to have that home meeting their love of technology. Smart lighting, USB charging ports everywhere, security systems, smart thermostats, and building-wide Wi-Fi are all desired. Charging ports in furnishings like tables and chairs are appealing. Quick access to grocery deliveries and restaurant delivery are also important.

There’s one more thing Millennials look for. They’ve grown up seeing the damage past choices are causing to the environment. They want to minimize their carbon footprint. They want natural, sustainable materials going into their décor, furnishings, and flooring. They want to step away from PVC. They want to stop using CFL that contains mercury. High-efficiency heating and even solar power are considerations they think about. Designers and architects need to focus on natural, functional, cost-effective, and technology-driven.

Living spaces don’t have to be huge. One thing that’s trending in urban living is open community space. A bar area where neighbors can meet up. A coffee shop area for those who work from home but want to socialize. Large rooftop patios for social events, lounges for catching up with family, and outdoor kitchens for outdoor dinners are all trending. Even concierge services for walking the dog, arranging light housekeeping, and getting dry cleaning can draw younger adults to a specific community.

The Childs Dreyfus Group is one of the interior design leaders in modern, urban living spaces. Their designers have their fingers on the pulse of what today’s younger workers are looking for. We can make their dreams come true while making sure your urban residence entices them to move in and stay. Call CDG to learn more about today’s housing trends for Millennials.