Lawrence Group Designs Chicago Flagship Store, Gallery for Upscale Camera Brand Leica

NEW YORK – In photography, capturing the perfect image is everything.

The same holds true in retail design. Utilizing the principles of lighting, framing and focus, architect-of-record Lawrence Group, with design partner Jetsen of Singapore, successfully captured the rich legacy of Leica Camera at its recently opened flagship store and gallery in Chicago, IL.

Leica Camera AG is an international premium manufacturer of cameras, lenses and sports optics products with over 150 years of company history. As part of its growth strategy, the company has expanded its business to include mobile imaging (smartphones) and the manufacture of high-quality eyeglass lenses, watches and home cinema projectors. Headquartered in Wetzlar, Germany with a second production site in Portugal, Leica Camera AG has a global network of sales companies and over 120 stores worldwide.

Opened on April 30, 2026, Leica Store & Gallery Chicago is in a landmarked Arts & Crafts style building at 800 N. Michigan Avenue on the Magnificent Mile, a prestigious shopping and cultural area. The two-story, historic building is surrounded by the Museum of Contemporary Art, theaters and galleries.

Lawrence Group’s New York office designed the store’s ground floor to showcase Leica’s complete line of cameras and watches, with a home cinema and area for pre-owned product sales. The upper floor, with its high ceilings, became the ideal setting for exhibiting international photographic art in the light-filled Leica Gallery.

A VIP room and bar on the second floor invites customers to relax and socialize while taking in the gallery’s changing exhibitions and curated events showcasing the work of renowned photographers. Communal creative spaces provide a welcoming setting for collaboration, conversation, and coffee.

“The goal of the project was to create a light-filled, immersive environment that fosters connection among photographers through a shared passion for the craft,” said Rob Gatzke, Managing Principal of Lawrence Group’s New York office.

The opening of Leica Camera’s Chicago store coincided with a pair of significant Leica milestones – the 20th anniversary of Leica retail, which opened its first store in Tokyo, and the 50th anniversary of Leica Galleries which showcase the work of renowned photographers, as well as newcomer talent.

About Lawrence Group 

Founded in 1983, Lawrence Group is an integrated planning and design firm headquartered in St. Louis, MO with professional staff in Texas, Florida and New York. Using the power of people with great ideas to bring their clients’ dreams to life, Lawrence Group specializes in architecture, interior design, master planning, landscape architecture and furniture procurement. Lawrence Groups’ talented team of professionals work nationally and locally in healthcare, education, retail, hospitality, housing, senior living and workplace with the common goal of providing legendary customer service.

To learn more about this powerful alignment of experience and expertise, visit www.thelawrencegroup.com or contact Director of Marketing Cindy Hausler, CPSM at cindy.hausler@thelawrencegroup.com.