Interplan, founded over 50 years ago in the Chicago suburbs, is a full-service architecture and engineering firm integrating architecture, MEP engineering, civil engineering, permitting, and interior design under one roof to deliver comprehensive design solutions.
Meaning and Symbolism
- The deep blue (#264b5e) conveys professionalism, reliability, and technical expertise—essential qualities for a firm managing complex building projects
- The abstract logo design suggests interconnected disciplines working in harmony, representing Interplan’s integrated service model
- The color choice evokes trust and stability, reassuring clients that their projects will be executed with precision and coordination
- The geometric mark implies structure and planning, reflecting the architectural and engineering processes that define the firm’s work
- The visual identity balances technical capability with creative vision, positioning Interplan as both problem-solvers and design innovators
History and Evolution
Interplan was founded in the late 1960s or early 1970s in the Chicago metropolitan area, initially focusing on architectural services for commercial and retail clients. The firm recognized early that fragmented design disciplines—where architects, engineers, interior designers, and permit specialists operate independently—create coordination challenges, communication gaps, and project delays. Interplan pioneered an integrated approach, bringing multiple disciplines in-house to improve collaboration, streamline workflows, and deliver higher quality outcomes.
Over five decades, Interplan expanded its capabilities to include mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineering, civil engineering, permitting and code consulting, and interior design services. This comprehensive offering allows the firm to manage projects from initial concept through construction documents, permitting, and construction administration without relying on external consultants. The integrated model proved particularly effective for retail chains, restaurants, and commercial clients requiring rapid design and permitting across multiple locations with varying local codes. Interplan adapted to evolving market demands, incorporating sustainable design practices, energy modeling, and technology integration into its services. The firm serves clients across the United States from its Chicago-area headquarters, managing projects in diverse jurisdictions with varying building codes and permitting requirements. Interplan emphasizes empathy-driven design—understanding client business goals, end-user needs, and site constraints to deliver solutions that balance aesthetics, functionality, budget, and schedule. The firm’s longevity reflects its ability to maintain strong client relationships, adapt to changing building technologies and codes, and deliver consistent quality across economic cycles.
Typography and Design
The Interplan visual identity employs refined typography and the deep blue (#264b5e) that projects professional authority without corporate coldness. The abstract logo mark suggests architectural plans, structural diagrams, or interconnected systems, representing the coordination of multiple disciplines under Interplan’s integrated service model. The design system maintains flexibility to accommodate diverse project types—retail, hospitality, office, industrial—while preserving consistent brand recognition. Marketing materials balance technical capability demonstrations with client success stories, appealing to both financial decision-makers evaluating costs and operational leaders focused on design quality. The visual approach extends across proposal documents, construction drawings, project photography, website, and client presentations, maintaining professionalism while showcasing creative design solutions. The restraint in the visual identity reflects the firm’s philosophy: design should serve client goals rather than designer egos, and effective coordination matters more than flashy presentations. The deep blue anchors the brand across applications, providing stability and recognition while allowing project-specific imagery and content to demonstrate Interplan’s versatility across building types and client sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What services does Interplan offer? Interplan is a full-service firm offering architecture, MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) engineering, civil engineering, permitting and code consulting, and interior design services under one roof. This integrated approach improves coordination, reduces errors, and streamlines project delivery compared to managing multiple independent consultants.
How long has Interplan been in business? Interplan has operated for over 50 years since its founding in the Chicago suburbs in the late 1960s or early 1970s. The firm’s longevity reflects its ability to adapt to changing building technologies, codes, and market demands while maintaining consistent quality and client relationships.
What makes Interplan’s integrated approach beneficial? By housing multiple disciplines in-house, Interplan improves communication and coordination, reduces the risk of design conflicts between trades, streamlines permit approval by ensuring code compliance across all disciplines, and provides clients with a single point of accountability rather than managing relationships with multiple independent consultants.
