Phillips Martin Real Estate, a well established Chicago based commercial real estate development, brokerage and asset management company, recently approached me as they were gearing up for a major update of their website. For marketing related purposes the partners were looking for a visually clean and distinct architectural photographic style.

Ideal conditions of the subject matter, a fully present muse, good weather, and mostly a trusting and enthusiastic client who allows for creative freedom, pave the way for potentially compelling images.

A beautiful setting for the Oak Brook Office Plaza

As with most photography, architectural photography in particular is meant to convey the feel of design and aesthetics. To express and showcase the space and its surroundings. To give the viewer a hint of a story.

The historic Drake Hotel in downtown Chicago, IL

The historic Drake Hotel in Chicago as well as the Drake Oak Brook Office Plaza in Oak Brook that I photographed for this assignment, boast many stories.  The history of Phillips Martin Real Estate goes back to 1930 when Edwin L. Brashears, Sr., and renowned Architect, Benjamin H. Marshall, founded National Realty & Investment Company (NRIC).

Alongside of Michigan Ave., The Drake Hotel in downtown Chicago, IL

The two had teamed up to manage Chicago’s Drake and Blackstone Hotels and developed the adjacent Drake Towers co-operative apartment building – Marshall serving as architect and Brashears as engineer for the project. NRIC later acquired the Drake Hotel, which it owned and operated until 1979 when the company converted its position to Landlord under a reversionary ground lease.

Nestled nicely into its surrounding landscapings, the Oak Brook Office Plaza

In 1960, NRIC acquired property in Oak Brook to develop the area’s first hotel. The Drake Oak Brook Hotel acted as the suburban affiliate to the internationally famous Drake Hotel and was easily accessible to O’Hare International Airport and downtown Chicago.

The twin towers of the Oak Book Office Plaza

Unique facade of the Oak Book Office Plaza

The company continued its investment in the site in 1980 with the development of the Drake Oak Brook Office Plaza, a 250,000 square-foot, twin-tower atrium office building. Both were sold in 1983 and 1990 respectively.

Visually appealing architecture of the Oak Book Office Plaza

Phillips Martin Real Estate was founded in 1984 and maintains business roots in DuPage County and Chicago.

Phillips Martin corporate offices in DuPage County

The partners have collectively been responsible for over $750 million worth of commercial real estate assets.

Interior common area at The Iroquois Club

It’s two current operating officers, Stanley P. Brashears and James M. McGinn extended NRIC’s holdings in 1987 by developing the 385,000 square foot, 272 unit, Iroquois Club in Naperville.

Entrance to The Iroquois Club

Lobby and interior common area at The Iroquois Club

Looking at the indoor pool and outdoor recreational area at The Iroquois Club

One of the holdings, Phillips Martin Management, Inc. also manages Greenbriar Place Condominiums in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, which was developed by Brashears and McGinn.

Nicely tucked away, the outdoor pool of Greenbriar Place

Recently, Phillips Martin developed a new 20,000 square foot, single tenant retail building at 162 East Superior adjacent to Neiman Marcus just one half block east of Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago. This is now home to the highly famous and successful Gino’s East Pizzeria.

A very mighty dwarf amidst giants - Gino's East Pizzeria.

New projects are in the making and I look very much forward to lay my eyes on a new restaurant in the near future that is nearing it’s completion. My eyes started clicking when I recently saw the drawings. Going by my first experience with Phillips Martin Real Estate it will no doubt be a thrill to be photographing the stunning interiors and exteriors. Stay tuned for more to come.

Marian Kraus Photography is a Chicago area based professional architectural photographer, multi media artist and purveyor of fine art photography who has been consistently delivering compelling architectural photography to clients ranging from architects, advertising agencies, construction companies, home builders, corporations, real estate companies and the like since 1999. Additionally, Marian Kraus Photography’ s nature and architecture fine art photographs can be found in a growing number of corporate and private art collections.

Interior architectural photography of apartment or condominium buildings can be a bit tricky due to a number of reasons. For one, the owner or realty management company oftentimes prefer to primarily show the utilizable space and sometimes less of the architectural features, as much as an architect would want to show.

Luxury style living space and kitchen of a unit at the Roosevelt Collection

The other aspect is that many of the rooms are over accessorized, which mostly is what interior designers like to show. Not to mention the spatial challenges that come with smaller living spaces.

Bedroom with view onto city at the Roosevelt Collection

That leaves the architectural photographer with the task of showcasing a fine balance that incorporates all aspects and shows the space in its authentic and best possible way.

Clubhouse and fitness area

One of Marian Kraus Photography’s recent architectural photography assignments was to represent the outstanding features of the latest addition to McCaffery Interest’s portfolio.

Living room and kitchen

My client recently acquired The Apartments at Roosevelt Collection in downtown Chicago, IL. The redevelopment is a top notch apartment community with a focus on luxurious metropolitan living. It was a joy for me to photograph it.

Fitness space with state of the art equipment

Situated south of the loop at Roosevelt Rd. and State Street, the units offer spectacular views of the city and surrounding areas.

Looking northbound from the rooftop garden

McCaffery Interests services focus on minimizing risk and a determination to develop ‘the right thing’ has led McCaffery Interests to consider property development, retail leasing, property management and redevelopment opportunities from a unique perspective.

Dusk view of Chicago

The company boasts an impressive portfolio in all four segments and more can be found out my client’s website.

Dusk view of Chicago

The Roosevelt Collection complex also features the outstanding Kerasotes Icon Showplace Theater and I had the pleasure to previously photograph it. Find out more here.

Kerasotes Icon Showplace Theater at the Roosevelt Collection

To the southeast is another high end luxurious development. Designed by architecture firm Pappageorge Haymes and constructed by Lend Lease, One Museum Park West is a uniquely modern yet classic structure. In October of 2010 I had the pleasure to photograph it for my client Lend Lease, a multi faceted construction company of global scale.

Looking at Museum Park

Marian Kraus Photography is a Chicago area based professional architectural photographer, multi media artist and purveyor of fine art photography who has been consistently delivering compelling architectural photography to clients ranging from architects, advertising agencies, construction companies, home builders, corporations, real estate companies and the like since 1999. Additionally, Marian Kraus Photography’ s nature and architecture fine art photographs can be found in a growing number of corporate and private art collections.

Detail view of surrounding area high rise

As an architectural photographer I value and appreciate aesthetics, outstanding architectural and interior design as well as a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere to photograph and work in. Therefore I was thrilled and grateful when in late summer OnRequest Images chose Marian Kraus Photography to photograph DoubleTree by Hilton hotels in 24 locations throughout Chicago and the Midwest.

Atrium of the DoubleTree by Hilton Guest Suites & Conference Center in Downers Grove, IL

Having worked with OnRequest Images, a Seattle based leading global provider of powerful, custom imagery and photo production services on other hotel brands before, my personal affinity to the Hilton brand made this project extra valuable to me.

The exterior of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago - Arlington Heights, IL at dusk

DoubleTree by Hilton is a rapidly-growing international collection of upscale hotels that span a variety of metropolitan areas and vacation destinations across more than 200 cities, 15 countries and five continents.

Exterior of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Rochester - Mayo Clinic Area in MN

Each of the properties that I had the pleasure of photographing as part of this architectural photography assignment, exceedingly delivered high levels of hospitality and a consistent high level collection of amenities for its guests.

An exquisite Pan Asian dining experience at the "Karma" restaurant of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Libertyville - Mundelein, IL

This is demonstrated by each member of the hotel staff and fueled by the brand’s CARE (Creating A Rewarding Experience) program.

The extraordinarily beautiful lobby of the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Detroit Downtown - Fort Shelby

My overall very positive experiences of being at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotels was furthermore supported by each of the hotel’s gratifying architectural features and interior designs of high and substantial quality standards.

A sophisticated and truly beautiful cocktail lounge adjacent to the highly regarded and popular Karma restaurant at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Libertyville - Mundelein, IL.

Satisfying to a critical and discerning eye and a very welcome criterion for an architectural photographer who’s eyes start clicking upon entering a visually pleasing and exciting interior or exterior setting.

Exquisitely beautiful lobby entrance of the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Detroit Downtown - Fort Shelby

Especially on hotel and resort photography assignments.

Lobby of the DoubleTree by Hilton Guest Suites & Conference Center in Downers Grove, IL

So yes, who would not want to move and work in and around such a setting…?

Lobby of the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel in Minneapolis, MN

The very first DoubleTree hotel opened in January 1969 and as a result of a merger became part of the Hilton Hotels Corporation in December 1999. To read some very interesting facts about the history of the DoubleTree by Hilton hotels please go here.

Lobby of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago O'Hare Airport-Rosemont, IL

After a hard and demanding day of travel every little thing a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel does to make the stay more pleasant adds up to create a rewarding experience for the guest.

The espresso bar at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Detroit Downtown - Fort Shelby

 Unquestionably an important aspect in choosing ones’ overnight place to stay in today’s highly competitive and saturated hotel and hospitality market place.

Interiors of the Dover restaurant at the DoubleTree Hotel Minneapolis - Park Place

You deserve it.

Luxurious guest room at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago O'Hare Airport-Rosemont

So what comes to my mind immediately is the signature warm chocolate chip cookie the guests receive upon arrival. DoubleTree by Hilton gives out approximately 60,000 chocolate chip cookies each day adding up to more than 21 million cookies annually.

One of the numerous elegantly and contemporary furnished corner suites at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Detroit Downtown - Fort Shelby

That makes for about 580,000 lbs of chocolate chips annually that go into making The Cookie! To illustrate, by weight, that is the equivalent of about 290 VW bugs.

King-suite at the DoubleTree by Hilton Guest Suites & Conference Center in Downers Grove, IL

And speaking of sweetness, the luxurious beds are heavenly, and I mean heavenly!

Fitness center at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago - Arlington Heights, IL

In short, the whole experience of staying at a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel is something not to be missed and needs to be experienced.

Ballroom of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago - Arlington Heights, ILM

Words and photographs can only remotely do proper justice.

Massive lobby fireplace at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Libertyville - Mundelein, IL.

I would like to express a deep sense of gratitude to the management and all the helpful and friendly staff members at the properties I had the pleasure photographing.

Detail perspective of the elegant furniture at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Detroit Downtown - Fort Shelby

In addition I also thank my producer Alisa and my assistants I had the joy working with on these 15 properties.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago - Oak Brook, IL

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago O'Hare Airport-Rosemont, IL

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Schaumburg, IL

I absolutely love what I am doing

Marian Kraus Photography is a Chicago area based professional architectural photographer, multi media artist and purveyor of fine art photography who has been consistently delivering compelling architectural photography to clients ranging from architects, advertising agencies, interior design firms, construction companies, home builders, corporations, real estate companies and the like since 1999.

Whatever it takes, up or down, rain or shine...

Additionally, Marian Kraus Photography‘ nature and architecture fine art photographs can be found in a growing number of corporate and private art collections.

Photos of Marian courtesy of Matt LaVere.

My latest architectural photography assignment for one of my architectural photography clients, recently led me to Merrillville, IN where I photographed the swimming pool and exteriors as well as interiors of the clubhouse and model apartment units. The property, Prairie Point, is a new apartment community that offers serene, scenic living in Merrillville, IN which is just a short commute to Chicago and historic downtown Crown Point, IN.

For the past 10 years or so that I have had the pleasure and privilege of working with RMK Management, a Chicago based real estate company which proudly manages 23 rental properties, totaling over 8,000 units throughout the Midwest. It has been awesome to witness my client’s expansion into the luxury rental community market. With a deep commitment to superior customer service, RMK is a nationally recognized leader in innovation, high standards and overall excellence in the apartment management industry…and this for the past 34 years. Truly an admirable accomplishment, especially in the chaotic world we live in today.

And as also I continually use high quality and professional standards at Marian Kraus Photography, in the above photos and on their website you can get a sense that all of RMK’s properties have a distinctly luxurious, professional and high standard feel to them. If you are looking for an apartment or change in lifestyle, check out one of the RMK properties nearest you. And if you would like to find out more about various forms of current living trends go here.

For those of you who may not be so familiar with the international professional soccer scene…Mr. Bakary Soumare, is a Malian born professional soccer player, who played as a defender for the Chicago Fire during the 2008 and 2009 seasons and currently plays in Europe for the US Boulogne in France’s Ligue 1.

Bakary called me the other day and was wondering whether I would photograph his condominium that has been in the making for the past year in Chicago’s Wicker Park area. My eyes started clicking as he described it to me and his dwelling turned out be a very slick, functional space with a very contemporary design. Despite the rain and dreary looking conditions outside, representative of the rainy spring we have had this year in Chicago, the space shows very nicely and the rooftop terrace is absolutely phenomenal. A very nice place for a very nice person.

So without further ado, here is a multimedia show from the shoot, stills are below. Enjoy.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Stills from the shoot can be seen in the Interior Photography gallery.