Hull-House Reception Desk
Elegant. Modern. Contextual.
A reception desk carved beneath the central stair of the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum in Chicago. The sweeping three-quarter arch form resolves a once-awkward passage into a signature centerpiece for the institution, welcoming visitors from both entrances. The desk's elaborated front hull takes a playful interpretation of Jane Addams' signature, realized in custom-cast flexible faux-wood. Techniques from traditional scribe to 3D scanning were used to map the irregularities of the historic curving staircase. Since installation, the desk has become both a point of welcome for museumgoers and a working hub for staff — a gathering place from which to envision future exhibitions and events. Part of Continuing a Radical Craft, winner of the 2025 AIA Chicago Lerch Bates People's Choice Award in the Cultural category.
This project would not have happened without the skills and ingenuity of Cain Baum from Encore Finishing, John Badal from Third Coast Restorations Inc., Matt Anderson, David Welborn & Mara Cid from Flextrim & Carterflex, Max Davis, Anthony Landek, and Irene Urmeneta.
Special thanks to Ross Jordan, Liesl Olson, and the Hull House Staff for supporting this project
