It’s been a long time since mid-March, when we were all sent to work from home while the world was thrown upside-down. As the weeks grew longer thanks to stay-at-home orders, the ever-present stresses of contagion, and general uncertainty, a lot of us wondered, how long will this last?
Despite the weight we’ve all been collectively carrying, the days still came and went, and before we knew it, it was September 22, the day of the fall equinox. By most measurements, it marks the beginning of fall, which means (you guessed it), the end of summer. Just like that, the year is nearly 3/4 done, and we’re that much closer to knocking on 2021’s door.
But before we can do that, let’s look back on the last three months.
Back in the office
The winning design in our mask competition, by Joan Russick
Starting in mid-June, OKWers were invited back to the office. Our partners had developed a thoughtful and safe plan beforehand to allow for a safe return. With a seating plan that gives each OKWer plenty of personal space and access to remote software, the hybrid system has let us keep the same fluid operations while bringing back a significant amount of crucial in-person collaboration.
Even though we had seen each other through virtual team meetings for nearly three months, it was still a relief to be in the same room again. Thanks to this need we all have for connection, the transition has been smooth and we have adjusted to the new environment very quickly.
Behind the lens, behind a mask
Photographing Hahn Loeser & Parks with Kendall McCaughtery
It was no surprise that photoshoots would look and feel a little different. To diminish the threat of contagion, our photography partners had drafted several rules for how photoshoots would operate. For example, we all agreed to a maximum of five (5) people could attend. Every attendee was required to wear a face covering, and only the photographer was allowed to touch the camera or computer.
It soon became almost second-nature to us. It helps that the photographers we’ve worked with tend to be flexible and affable people, which ensured that these potentially bizarre experiences would still be fun. For more, please see our project pages for Hinsdale Golf Club and Hahn Loeser & Parks.
New opportunities
We understand that there is a great and troubling degree of uncertainty in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. As the pandemic continues to linger, some projects have been put on indefinite hold, while others are back to the drawing board. We have been incredibly lucky to count on clients with projects that will outlast COVID-19 and are still marching forward. We personally know many professionals who have not enjoyed the same good fortune and we hope they recover soon.
It is with optimism and gratitude that we have forged on, working diligently to deliver for our clients. We’ve started new corporate office renovations, hospitality spaces in existing buildings, a parking deck and office building for Plumbers Local 130, and a few master planning projects for large, mixed-use campuses.
It’s a strange time for everyone, but we’re confident that the future is bright because it has to be. We hope you have been keeping just as engaged and productive, decompressing to recharge whenever necessary. The seasons (and the world) may change, but our commitment to each other should never waver.