This summer, Navillus Woodworks had the honor of working on the renovation of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Architecture and Design Gallery, located in the museum’s Modern Wing. This exciting project brought together an exceptional team, including Norman Kelley (exhibition design), Irene Sunwoo (curator), Bob Magruder (structural engineer), Dock 6 partner -ism furniture (columns fabrication), and the AIC preparators (walls and more). Navillus’ scope focused on the fabrication and installation of platforms, pedestals, cases, and benches.
Norman Kelley’s design transformed the gallery into an adaptable, modular space. The system of columns and interconnected walls was devised to support future exhibitions, offering flexibility while maintaining precision and elegance. From the perfectly aligned custom-threaded inserts to the white oak veneer caps that match the grain of the surrounding floors, every detail was executed with care and attention. Our enormous platforms, meticulously designed to bisect at the corners, demonstrate the precision Navillus brings to each project.
Seeing the gallery come to life with beautifully arranged design objects, drawings, paintings, and artifacts displayed on the pieces we built was an incredible experience. This project also provided us with a deep dive into sealed cases and non-reactive materials requirements, a nerdy but essential part of ensuring the artifacts remain preserved and safe.
This renovation was truly a collaborative effort, and we’re grateful to Norman Kelley for trusting us with this critical project. A seamless partnership with Kendall, Thomas, Bob, Sam, and the rest of the AIC team made meeting the deadline possible. A special shoutout to the Navillus team, including Wyatt, Remy, Mark, Regan, Clayton, Caroline, Cliff, Robbie, Sabina, Teagan, and Ty, for their dedication and hard work.
If you visit the Art Institute’s Modern Wing, we encourage you to stop by the Architecture and Design Gallery. It’s a space that embodies precision, adaptability, and the artistry of design, and we’re proud to have been part of its transformation.
