by Jan R Dewitt • Oct 9 • 3 min read

Designing for Connection: How Great Amenity Spaces Build Community

933 W. Van Buren

The best spaces do more than look beautiful, they bring people together. Whether it’s a corporate lounge, a multi-family clubhouse, or a country club dining area, great commercial interior design has the power to spark connection and belonging.


At KDI Design, we approach every project with one goal: to create environments that make people want to stay.

Start with purpose

What does connection look like for your audience? In a corporate setting, it might be casual meeting zones or coffee bars that foster spontaneous collaboration. In multi-family environments, it’s spaces that encourage residents to interact - a cozy fireplace lounge, a shared gaming room, or a flexible event space.


Understanding the psychology of how people connect informs everything we do, from the floorplan to the furniture.

Balance energy and calm

The best amenity spaces have a rhythm. We layer high-energy zones (like social kitchens or lounges) with quieter, more reflective areas (like reading nooks or terraces). This creates an ebb and flow that feels natural, never forced.


Our designers think about how materials, acoustics, and lighting influence behavior. Warm wood tones soften conversation; plush seating invites longer stays. These are subtle design decisions that make spaces feel human.

Design for flexibility

Connection thrives when people use a space in their own way. That’s why flexibility is key - stackable chairs, movable partitions, and modular furniture allow spaces to evolve from morning yoga to evening events. We design with longevity in mind, so your investment continues to serve your community for years to come.

Add personality and local flair

Every space should feel rooted in its surroundings. Incorporating regional art, color palettes inspired by local landscapes, and custom installations help create an authentic sense of place. It’s these local details that transform a beautiful room into a meaningful experience.


When spaces are designed for connection, people feel it - and they keep coming back.


If you’re developing or reimagining your community spaces, KDI Design can help create the environment where connection naturally happens.

share this

Latest Posts

By Alexis Camp October 27, 2025
An intentional office design does more than look beautiful. It builds employee pride, improves productivity, and reinforces what your business stands for. When people feel like they belong, they show up better. And when clients see that consistency, from your digital brand to your physical space, it builds immediate trust. If you’re ready to design an office that truly embodies your company culture, KDI Design can help. We’ve been transforming workspaces across the Chicago area & nationwide for over 20 years - creating office environments that look good, feel good, and work beautifully.
Modern living room with artwork, tan chairs, and round table.
By Jan R De Witt August 19, 2025
Arrive Michigan Avenue was featured in Flor's 2025 Commercial Look Book.
By Jan R De Witt June 17, 2025
If you’ve ever been in charge of furnishing a commercial space, you know how complex it can be; hundreds of pieces, countless manufacturers, and a timeline that needs to align perfectly with construction. That’s why partnering with a full-service furniture dealership like KDI Design can be a game changer. Here’s what clients can expect when we take the lead on your furniture package from start to finish.