Mary Cook Associates

09/15/2022

A unique public-private partnership between the Village of Skokie, IL and Murphy Development Group spurred our latest project debut. Take in the view that is 8000 North. https://bit.ly/8000North

09/01/2022

MHN Executive Council: Hottest Amenity Trends

What do renters want right now? The MHN Executive Council lists their top amenities and Mary Cook has her pulse on what is pleasing the crowds. via Multi-Housing News https://bit.ly/3KBrN5V

What do renters want right now? The MHN Executive Council lists their top amenities.

07/22/2022

When it gets dark, we just turn on a light. When the power goes out, we fire up a candle, a flashlight or our phone. In one way or another, it's always there. Step into the light as we explore how light and lighting enhance design, improve well-being and drive productivity at home in our latest white paper: https://bit.ly/3Oqz7l1

07/15/2022

Work From Home… Outside? - Green Home Builder

"The “work-from-home” approach to employment has offered an arrangement unlike anything most have seen in their careers – a flexibility that for many, has become a non-negotiable." -Josh Kassing, VP Design Development. Green Home Builder Magazine https://bit.ly/3o8ERFe

Outside living takes on a whole new meaning. The “work-from-home” approach to employment has offered an arrangement unlike anything most ...

06/29/2022

WELCOME KINN | The latest project in the MCA portfolio. The Kinn’s design brings a new chapter of life and energy to one of downtown Milwaukee’s historic gems. Sleek, sophisticated and comfortable define this new concept hospitality destination which offers modern, top-flight hotel accommodations with the comforts of a residential rental experience.

06/09/2022

As the rental housing industry and its residents continue moving toward post-pandemic life, developers and property managers are adapting existing amenity spaces and adding new ones to reflect a host of lifestyle reboots. Mary Cook weighs in on how wellness is making the list with National Apartment Association: https://bit.ly/3zmS6Js

05/25/2022

A big congrats to our entire MCA Team and client, Toll Brothers, for winning "Best Interior Design with a Budget of more than $250,000" for our work on Canvas at ASU. Presented by Student Housing Business: https://bit.ly/3yYSYnw

05/18/2022

Trendy Colors in Multifamily Interior Design

"As residents continue to prioritize wellness and strive to strike a healthy work-life balance, nature will continue to plan an ever-increasing role in interior design, said Mary Cook, president of Mary Cook Associates." As seen in Multi-Housing News. https://bit.ly/3wUcWx5

Multifamily design today is all about bringing nature-inspired hues into interiors, with a splash of color.

04/28/2022

Master Class in Service: 10 Ways to Spur Renewals

“Two years ago, 20 percent might have worked from home and now 45 percent do a few days each week." Read more about Mary Cooks insights over on National Apartment Association: https://bit.ly/3Lkyskp

In today’s apartment marketplace, where rents and occupancy are at historically high levels, quality customer service is proving to be the differentiator.Of the many consequences of contending with the pandemic, one of the most visible has been a groundswell in expressions of frustration. From air...

04/14/2022

CRE Future Leaders: Josh Kassing of Mary Cook Associates – REJournals

The future is bright - and creative - at MCA. Congrats at our very own Joshua Kassing on being named a future leader by RE Journals! Read all about Josh and his career at MCA: https://bit.ly/3jAvGLs

IllinoisCRE CRE Future Leaders: Josh Kassing of Mary Cook Associates Mia Goulart April 8, 2022 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Share via email Josh Kassing joined Mary Cook Associates in 2017 as creative director and advanced to vice president, design development in 2019, becomi...

04/10/2022

SUNDAY READ | When The Chicago Tribune announced the departure from its iconic Michigan Avenue address, co-developers CIM Group and Golub & Company planned a multi-year transformation of the 1925 neo-Gothic skyscraper into Tribune Towers – 34 stories of luxury condominiums. MCA was engaged to design five 1-3 bedroom model units that would complement the prestigious history, appeal to a downtown Chicago market and satisfy the vision for a premier residential living destination. Read all about it: https://bit.ly/3JqjDuP

04/03/2022

THE OVERLOOK, DALY CITY | With the tech-centric buyer who was likely to be ensconced in a digital life front of mind, MCA designed Virtual Reality (VR) models. Contemporary design solutions demonstrated high levels of functionality and showed potential buyers how they could live in smaller, yet adaptable spaces.

03/29/2022

New White House Covid Initiative Tackles Indoor Air Quality Improvements

MCA Founder, Mary Cook, chimes in on Forbes about the White House Covid initiatives and what it means for property managers and developers now that wellness increasingly rises in importance to consumers: https://bit.ly/3IQUNUP

“As more people put wellness at the forefront of their priorities, it will be increasingly important for property managers and developers to communicate their clean air efforts to prospective residents,” comments Chicago-based commercial interior designer Mary Cook.

03/25/2022

Can good design be good for your health? Aside from the devastating, direct impact of the pandemic, there have been, and continue to be far-reaching indirect impacts on our health that have arisen as society has reshaped itself to deal with Covid-19.

Read more in our latest white paper series: https://bit.ly/3wBmLRZ

03/16/2022

Mary Cook Associates Completes Interiors at 826-Bed Development Near Arizona State

"CANVAS has a boutique, personalized feel that really resonates with this generation of students that prize individuality." Read all about CANVAS: https://bit.ly/3qaxgHG

Tempe, Ariz. — Interior design firm Mary Cook Associates (MCA) has completed the interiors at CANVAS, an 826-bed student housing development near Arizona - Architecture and Design, Arizona, News

03/08/2022

What to Know About Appealing to Millennial Homebuyers

VIDEO: Josh Kassing, VP of Design Development, talks all things millennials (all 80 million of them!) and their range of life moments that influence their decisions: https://bit.ly/3tJl7ur

Chicago-based design firm Mary Cook Associates' VP of Design Development shares the most important things builders should know about appealing to Millennial ...

03/03/2022

Introducing Canvas at Arizona State University | 20,000 square feet, 856-bed luxury off-campus student housing development featuring studio, 1, 2, 3 and 4-bedroom units, interior common space, exterior courtyards and a roof deck. Stay tuned as we take you up close to some of our favorite spaces at Canvas!

02/25/2022

Home Layouts Should Be About Solving Problems, Says Design Firm Founder

Mansion Global caught up with MCA Founder, Mary Cook, to learn about her approach to interiors, her expert tips on hosting guests and home buyers’ shifting priorities: https://mansion.global/3K0uCfn

Mary Cook talks about how flow and function can benefit both property sellers and buyers

02/14/2022

Mary Cook Associates Completes Condo Models at Tribune Towers - Connect CRE

Ready for their close up! The 5 models have one to three bedrooms and range in size from 1,678 to 3,374. https://bit.ly/3ByeEpP

Chicago-based commercial interior design firm Mary Cook Associates (MCA) has completed five condominium models as well as the sales gallery at Tribune Tower Residences, the historic 36-story building at 435 N. Michigan Ave. that was previously the headquarters of the Chicago Tribune newspaper. CIM G...

02/03/2022

Help Boomers Make Their Next Move

"But having more options can make the decision tough. No single choice fits every boomer’s interest, budget, and health situation, particularly since their ages range from 57 to 75 years old." Read about the 4 factors that Mary says influences Boomers decisions on Realtor Magazine: https://bit.ly/34ayVp9

A huge wave of baby boomers have left the workforce—30 million at the height of the pandemic, according to the Pew Research Center—now they're considering where to live.

01/21/2022

10 Design Trends Shaping Multifamily Buildings in 2022

Multifamily Executive tapped MCA for design trends we're seeing in 2022. Read all about our predictions for the year: https://bit.ly/3tNQXrE

Multifamily Executive compiled 10 overarching trends from industry experts that could influence design this year.

12/06/2021

Work Life in Limbo

Is working from home here to stay? MCA Founder, Mary Cook, weighs in over on National Apartment Association: https://bit.ly/3GijAjv

How developers, managers and design professionals help residents work productively at home.When the pandemic disrupted life, causing many residents to remain home for long periods, developers and managers understood they had to create a plan B.Life in rental housing needed to accommodate family memb...

11/15/2021

New White Paper from Mary Cook Associates Identifies "5 Ps" that Redefine Function and Livability in Residential, Multifamily Interiors

..."Living It Up," which identifies "Five Ps" – Packages, Pets, Plug-ins, Play and Personal space/Privacy – that are recharacterizing livability in today’s residential interiors." Featured on Yahoo News: https://yhoo.it/3CjvozC

CHICAGO, November 04, 2021--A new white paper from Mary Cook Associates identifies the "5 Ps" redefining function and livability in today’s residential interiors.

11/04/2021

Living it up! It's all about understanding the resident. On target designs that inspire positive feelings and moods, foster activity, and even motivate a sale, begin with a robust understanding of the target market. Read all about the 5 'P's' and how they're not only influencing, but defining, the future of functionality and livability: https://bit.ly/2ZX4AYVonly

10/25/2021

Women of Influence profiles for 2021 - Chicago Business Journal

Chicago Business Journal named its Women of Influence honorees for 2021 and MCA Founder, Mary Cook, made the list. We're all proud and excited for the future of MCA! https://bit.ly/3me31hG

Learn what helped them succeed: This year's Women of Influence honorees share their experiences, industry insights and strategies for getting ahead.

10/20/2021

Trending Amenities for Content Creators

"...a new type of amenity is taking center stage: Rooms for creating photo, video and audio content for TikTok, YouTube and other social media platforms." Read about how MCA is creating spaces for Gen Zers and Millennials: https://bit.ly/3pgYOvk

Does your apartment building feature creative spaces for this new generation of entrepreneurs? Here's why it should.

09/29/2021

Mary Cook Associates designing Tribune Building - Chicago Business Journal

“While our design process is always informed first and foremost by the psychographics of the individuals who will ultimately use the space, there’s certainly no shortage of inspiration to be drawn from the Tribune Tower’s beautifully ornate and detailed exterior — not to mention the aspirational lifestyle future residents will enjoy in this premier downtown location.” via Chicago Business Journal https://bit.ly/3CTiHfC

A Chicago-based commercial interior design firm announced it has been awarded a five-project Midwest portfolio that includes a 259-unit rental community in west suburban Warrenville, and the former Tribune Building in Chicago.

08/26/2021

Council Post: 15 Social Media Tips For Real Estate Agents Looking To Reach More Clients

Designed to share. Read our tips to making memorable spaces over on Forbes. https://bit.ly/3DiA3n7

Given how far reaching social media can be, agents not already utilizing these platforms are missing a critical opportunity to engage with prospective clients.

08/03/2021

Project Spotlight: A high-demand, chic waterfront neighborhood boasts the scene’s newest, sophisticated 242-unit community at Dey & Bergen. See more of this distinctive 1950s-era design on our latest project in New Jersey with BNE Real Estate Group. https://bit.ly/3ynYWLs

07/27/2021

Council Post: When You Need To Do More Than React To Market Changes, It’s All Systems Go

Featured on Forbes: President and Founder, Mary Cook, shares insights on how organizations are able to grow with poise and grace and not only meet new market demands, but also be prepared for whatever may lie ahead. https://bit.ly/3l2w6fU

With EOS as a driver, organizations are able to grow with poise and grace and not only meet new market demands, but also be prepared for whatever may lie ahead.

05/11/2021

Day & Bergen, latest luxury multifamily in Harrison, begins leasing (SLIDESHOW) | ROI-NJ

They say "It's straight out of Mad Men." ROI-NJ is sharing a first-look at our latest project in Harrison, New Jersey: https://bit.ly/3y4Yhi7

Dey & Bergen, the latest luxury rental building in Harrison — one that began leasing its 242 waterfront rental residences Monday — has a distinctive design. Straight out of “Mad Men.” At least, that’s the way BNE Real Estate Group described it. BNE hired interior designer Mary Cook Associa...

04/30/2021

Q&A With Mary Cook on Post-Pandemic Design Trends

Founder, Mary Cook, caught up with Multifamily Executive to discuss trends and other lessons learned from the pandemic. Read the full interview: https://bit.ly/2S8h2Rc

The Chicago-based interior designer says focus on wellness and remote working is here to stay.

04/16/2021

Nothing is changing faster than the nature of 'home.' This is fundamentally changing where people choose to live, how they choose to live, and what they physically expect from the place they live. It presents an enormous opportunity for builders and developers. Those who understand these trends and their trajectories and are nimble enough to get out in front of them will be the biggest winners. Read our first whitepaper on the future of home: https://bit.ly/2Q7tu36

10/19/2020

Project Delayed? Materials Shortages Slow Remodeling and Development

Project delays, increased imports and overall shortage of materials are all on the horizon for designers and builders for years to follow. Josh Kassing, MCA VP of Design Development, talks everything down to nuts and bolts with Mansion Global: https://mansion.global/31oid0O

Project Delayed? Materials Shortages Slow Remodeling and Development Covid-19 and trade issues mean it’s taking longer to renovate By Michele Lerner  |  Originally Published On October 18, 2020  |  Mansion Global Save A kitchen renovation project in Potomac, Maryland, includes a unique marble ...

10/15/2020

Homework: The Rise of the Home Office

As builders and buyers look to the future of home design they are certainly valuing home offices and work spaces. Founder, Mary Cook, shares her insights with Realtor Magazine on the importance of flexible work spaces at home: https://bit.ly/2H1a3V9

Families cramped together around a kitchen table, working, and learning online isn’t sustainable for productivity. Now, more home builders and interior designers are carving out workspaces.

10/09/2020

3 Ways COVID-19 Will Impact the Future of Residential Interior Design - Builder and Developer Magazine

Thanks to the pandemic, homes have become far more than mere living spaces. People have found new ways to work, study, exercise, play and entertain using existing spaces. This need for adaptive spaces has enormous consequences for the future of residential interior design. Read Josh Kassing’s insights on how COVID-19 will impact the future: https://bit.ly/3iLrKVF

Josh Kassing highilghts how covid-19 is changing popular trends of interior residential design in small ways for a more efficent home space.

09/03/2018

How to Accommodate the Needs of a Multigenerational Household | House Method

Multigenerational households are becoming more and more popular and we are here to help you design for all the generations in your home. Read more here: https://bit.ly/2oj29JN

For multigenerational households that aren’t looking to buy or build a new house, there are changes that can be made to an existing space to make it work for everyone. Here are three ways to accommodate the needs of a multigenerational household.

08/30/2018

This study in a recent model home we completed for M/I Homes, Inc. is the perfect place to get some work done from home.

03/06/2018

The only thing missing from this Toll Brothers model is a bottle of champagne! 🥂🍾

02/09/2018

5 Game Changers for Building and Development in 2018 - Builder and Developer Magazine

Mary Cook reveals the most important real estate market trends for multifamily housing in 2018, especially given tax reform.

The most important real estate market trends for multifamily housing in 2018, especially given tax reform By MARY COOK Game-changers,

01/31/2018

So Much Cooking in Latest Kitchen Designs

The catchy title caught our eye, but these kitchen trends are spot on for 2018.

The latest kitchen layouts offer an abundance of options and design trends follow social trends. These were among the key takeaways during a recent International Builders’ Show seminar in Orlando f…

01/28/2018

Currently looking for Architects, Interior Designers and Interns - please submit resumes to [email protected]

01/26/2018

Better Together: 3 Reasons to Hire a Commercial Interior Designer - Randy Fifield

Better Together: 3 Reasons to Hire a Commercial Interior Designer - Randy Fifield

We truly believe we are better together. In this segment, written by Mary Cook and Associates, articulates our thinking as to why we hire an outside design team to help inspire, implement and follow through. Have you ever walked into a restaurant or store and walked right out again? Nothing engaged....