The Shedd Aquarium’s immersive underwater-themed retail experience, Go Overboard! was designed to evoke the feeling of diving beneath the surface. The store uses theatrical lighting and custom-designed water-effect projectors to create the illusion of being submerged. A 50-speaker surround sound system provides ambient aquatic audio, while a large video wall and photo murals complete the sensory environment. An octopus—measuring 28 feet across and 10 feet high—is suspended from the ceiling, each tentacle wrapped around the building’s original circular foundation.  Go Overboard! was honored with a 1998 Design Award from the International Interior Design Association and a1999 Interior Architecture Award  from AIA Chicago. 

Role:  Project Architect / Project Manager

           (at Frederick Schwartz Architects)