Ross Renjilian Of En Masse Architecture and Design On Five Things You Need To Create A Highly Successful Career As A Commercial Designer
An Interview With Athalia Monae
Community. You can’t build great spaces alone, design is deeply collaborative. Building a strong community of trusted partners is essential to bringing a vision to life. Every project is an opportunity to unite people toward a shared goal, and the most successful ones are those where people genuinely enjoy the process, and want to work with you again. At En Masse Architecture and Design, we host an ongoing event series that brings together nonprofits and local businesses. It’s a way to support our neighbors, grow our network, and create meaningful connections beyond just the work.
As a part of my series about the ‘Five Things You Need to Know To Create A Highly Successful Career As A Commercial Designer,’ I had the pleasure of interviewing Ross Renjilian. Ross is a commercial designer and co-founder of En Masse Architecture and Design, a firm based in Chicago known for its community-driven approach and cross-disciplinary design philosophy. With an entrepreneurial mindset and a background that bridges high-end residential and commercial work, Renjilian emphasizes collaboration, adaptability, and user-centered environments in his projects. His designs prioritize comfort, identity, and functionality, drawing inspiration from travel, hospitality, and a strong local network of partners. He is a proponent of inclusive, flexible design as a tool for community building and professional growth, often integrating public engagement through events hosted at his firm. Renjilian continues to shape commercial spaces that reflect evolving work cultures while fostering connection and a sense of place.
Thank you for joining us today! Can you share the story of what led you to pursue a career in commercial design?
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset, so commercial design is the perfect balance between design practices, brand identity, and spatial experience. Creating spaces for commercial oriented clients makes you feel like you’re part of their team, and there is nothing more rewarding then watching a space you have created actively support their vision.
What’s the most interesting or amusing experience you’ve had in your career so far, and what lesson did you learn from it?
One of the most interesting projects I’ve worked on involved designing a space for a global venture capital firm that included both an NFT mural cave and an F1 simulator, yes, both in the same office. It was a great reminder that commercial design is never one-size-fits-all. The real challenge and reward is meeting clients exactly where they are, reflecting not just their needs but their personality and culture. It taught me to always leave room for the unexpected. That’s often where the magic happens.
Do you have a favorite life lesson quote? Can you share a story about how it has been relevant in your life?
A professor once told us to always remain curious, and I have held onto that ever since. When opportunity presents itself, it’s ok to take a risk and jump into the unknown. In architecture there is always a new, unprecedented challenge to be faced with. But through creative thinking, collaboration, and investigation, the answers will emerge. Staying curious challenges me to explore new project types and trust that these unknowns can lead to new opportunities.
As a successful business leader, what three character traits have been most crucial to your success? Can you share a story or example for each?
1. Do the work: Most successful people I know got where they are by doing the work. Take big swings, but always make sure you are baking up your promises with some grit, vision, and follow-through.
2. Collaborate: It takes a village. In the design industry finding trusted partners really has made me a better designer and commercial leader. I’ve learned so much from industry reps, contractors, and clients. Aligning yourself with your team allows you to raise-up the work.
3. Think outside of your discipline: Ideas rarely come from one place. Some of the best work happens when we blend different perspectives. At En Masse Architecture & Design, we started in high-end residential work, but it was our clients who pushed us into new territory. The crossover between these disciplines has become a defining part of our approach. All of our projects, no matter the scope, look to bring the creature comforts of a place that feels like home. This has become even more important in the current climate to bring new life into what it means to go back to the office.
Can you describe a recent project you completed and your specific contributions?
We just completed a co-working space in Chicago that is geared towards the design industry by providing a space where smaller designers and industry professionals can rent smaller spaces within a bigger organization. The main idea was how do you create a space that fosters community and allows smaller businesses to have all the amenities and benefits of larger organizations. The owner of the organization is an architect as well, so it was really great collaborating with her.
The existing building was an empty bowtruss building, which really was a blank canvas. There was a large ridge skylight that brought light into the center of the space where we focused the communal spaces. By strategically placing the kitchen millwork volumes we were able to define “rooms” for multiple users to feel comfortable using the spaces simultaneously. A communal conference room drenched in pink tones was also located off the same axis for more private and client focused meetings.
Flexible desking were key solutions for tenant mixes and their individual needs. As companies grow the need for more employees may become inevitable. These desks provide room for growth. A balance of desking solutions provide users flexibility including standing desks, large communal tables and more traditional desking. Private offices along Damen Avenue make use of natural light and for users that need hotel desking, a larger open office space flanks either side of the communal spaces.
At the heart of the space is a large communal kitchen and island that acts as the watering hole for the tenants. Large sliding doors open up onto a patio for fresh air breaks on nicer days, and the front locker room supplies secure storage for member’s bikes, bags, and gear. These types of inclusions, encourage impromptu meetings, group gatherings, and supply the space for a workplace that adapts, supports, and inspire
How do you balance aesthetics and functionality in your designs?
Aesthetics and functionality go hand-in-hand in our work. Many of our design decisions start with a functional need but we always approach it through an aesthetic lens. Take millwork, for example: it’s inherently functional, yet it often drives the overall design vision. Even in something as utilitarian as a break room, thoughtful design can turn it into a multifunctional space ideal for team meetings, casual coffee chats, and shared lunches.
We also find ways to make conventional objects feel more tailored and boutique to the space. Modifying stock cabinets to incorporate a natural stone top can transform them into something very lux. Decorative lighting is an opportunity to add a little drama to a space. We pull ideas from our residential work and bring them into our commercial designs: large pendants, layered lighting, natural materials all help to make more utilitarian spaces to feel a bit more tailored.
What is your design philosophy for commercial spaces?
My design philosophy for commercial spaces is rooted in creating environments that feel genuinely comfortable to be in. Too often, commercial spaces come across as cold, impersonal, or overly sterile. We aim to counter that by breaking down large programmatic needs into smaller, more intimate moments, spaces that feel warm, inviting, and human. By layering in character and comfort, we not only support day-to-day functionality but also reflect and reinforce the client’s culture and brand identity in a meaningful way.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
Travel and hospitality are major sources of inspiration for me. There’s something about discovering new places that deepens your understanding of joy and human connection. A beautifully designed space for sharing a great meal or spending time with good company creates lasting memories and a sense of narrative. I strive to bring that same intentionality and user-focused experience into our commercial designs. After all, there’s no reason the workplace can’t offer a touch of hospitality too.
What strategies ensure your designs meet end-users’ needs?
The key to meeting users’ needs is really listening to the client. If they’re not on board with the vision, things can go off track. We take our time during the schematic design phase to make sure they understand the vision and feel comfortable sharing ideas. We focus on not just what they need now, but what they might need in the future. We bring everything to life with sketches and visualizations to help them see what’s possible beyond just the immediate needs. Our goal is to design spaces that work today but also set up a strong foundation for what’s to come.
How do you approach sustainability in commercial projects?
We approach sustainability through longevity, flexibility, and our local networks. That means collaborating with local businesses and trades, designing build-outs that can adapt to changing user needs, and steering clear of wasteful trends. Every space has an environmental cost, so we prioritize doing it right the first time. Even if a client moves on, the next user should be able to build on the quality that’s already there. In Chicago, we also embrace adaptive reuse finding potential in existing spaces and unlocking it through thoughtful, strategic design.
What impact do you think remote work and digital transformation will have on commercial design?
While remote work and digital transformation have changed how people work, many of our clients still value the benefits of face-to-face interaction. A strong sense of place allows businesses to offer a branded, meaningful experience for both employees and clients. Every organization is different, but we’re seeing a clear shift toward fewer dedicated desks and more flexible, multi-use spaces. At the end of the day, we’re social beings so creating environments that support collaboration, connection, and even entertaining remains essential.
What are the five essential things for building a highly successful career in commercial design? Can you share a story or example for each?
- Community
You can’t build great spaces alone, design is deeply collaborative. Building a strong community of trusted partners is essential to bringing a vision to life. Every project is an opportunity to unite people toward a shared goal, and the most successful ones are those where people genuinely enjoy the process, and want to work with you again. At En Masse Architecture and Design, we host an ongoing event series that brings together nonprofits and local businesses. It’s a way to support our neighbors, grow our network, and create meaningful connections beyond just the work. - Business Mindset
Designers often have to prove their value in business conversations. I make it a point to understand the business drivers behind every commercial project. When you approach design with a business mindset, you can anticipate your client’s goals and offer creative, strategic solutions that are not only beautiful but also make good business sense. - Travel
Travel is the most rewarding form of continuing education. Seeing how different cultures design, use, and inhabit space expands your perspective in ways no textbook can. I always return from trips with new inspiration whether it’s spatial planning in Tokyo or materiality in Mexico City that influences how I think about form, flow, and function. - Cross-Disciplinary Thinking
Some of the best ideas come from outside of design. Whether it’s pulling inspiration from art, fashion, science, or tech, stepping outside your lane can unlock fresh thinking. I try to stay curious and open, constantly looking at how other fields solve problems, it often sparks ideas that wouldn’t have come from architecture alone. - Identity
Design should always tell a story whether it’s about the client, their community, or their values. A successful space goes beyond just looking good; it feels rooted, authentic, and intentional. That’s always the goal: to create spaces that express something meaningful and resonate with the people who use them.
What role does commercial design play in community building and social interaction?
Commercial design is ultimately about bringing people together. Our goal is to create spaces that foster connection, spaces that spark collaboration, curiosity, and a sense of belonging. I believe the workplace shouldn’t feel like a place you disconnect from the world, but rather somewhere you continue to grow with your community. As the definition of “work” evolves, commercial spaces need to reflect a deeper understanding of what being in the office means for each organization, and design with that purpose in mind.
If you could inspire a movement to bring the best results and solutions to the greatest number of people, what would it be?
Inclusive, Adaptive Design for Community Enrichment. I’m all about creating spaces that spark curiosity and bring people together. When we embrace flexible design and pull ideas from different fields, it leads to innovative solutions that can truly benefit everyone. At En Masse Architecture & Design, we open our space to the community, hosting events for nonprofits, artisans, and mission-driven organizations. I’d love to keep growing this by partnering more with local businesses and trades to strengthen community ties and encourage meaningful connections.
How can our readers follow your work online?
You can follow our work on social media, find us on Instagram @designenmasse. For a closer look at our completed projects and deeper insights into our process and partnerships, check out our website at designenmasse.com.
Thank you for your time and excellent insights! We wish you continued success.
Ross Renjilian Of En Masse Architecture and Design On Five Things You Need To Create A Highly… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.