Transforming a brand through workplace innovation

Capital One
The Shop

Chicago, Illinois

Once perceived as only a credit card company, Capital One is emerging as the leader in digital technology focused on improving people’s relationship with money. As a part of this transformation, Capital One has created several flagship "digital labs" across the country. These labs endeavor to attract and retain the best talent, create open, collaborative work environments and set a vision for the future of the company.

The Chicago lab, nicknamed “The Shop,” houses roughly 100 employees who work on the retail side of the company in digital, tech resources, analytics and operations. This was a highly collaborative project between Kahler Slater, Gensler, Frequency Audio, Capital One Workplace Solutions and digital designers at The Shop. What resulted from this collaboration was an innovative workplace that reflects a unique combination of Chicago retail and digital technology.

The Shop has been a highly successful project for Capital One. This office has elevated both the perception of Capital One in Chicago and the Chicago office inside of Capital One. Crain's Chicago named The Shop as one of the coolest offices in 2016. This success has enable this digital lab to expand onto a second floor within a year.

The Shop logo is custom-perforated into metal panels, marking the front entrance without blocking views into the space and the city beyond.
Capital One’s dream, disrupt, deliver mantra is reflected in a custom illustration of the Chicago street grid reimagined.
Upon entering the floor, guests are immediately immersed in digital technology. This massive digital wallscape tracks movement in the corridor as red pixels on the display.
An iconic Chicago retail street was illustrated as line-art and applied to conference room glass. The result is an ethereal reflection of Chicago retail.
Conference rooms are named by great duos, a nod to the collaborative nature of The Shop.