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Obama Presidential Center Unveils Custom Desk by Demarest & Carroll

architecture-design · 2026-06-02

Architectural Digest exclusively revealed President Barack Obama's new desk for the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, designed by New York–based firm Demarest & Carroll. The desk is crafted from American black walnut and features a minimalist silhouette with subtle nods to the Obama presidency, including a hidden compartment for a basketball. The center, designed by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, is set to open in 2026 in Jackson Park. The article also highlights other design discoveries: Sheila Bridges's Americana tableware collection for Lenox, a psychedelic Beverly Hills restaurant by GRT Architects, and more.

Key facts

  • President Barack Obama's new desk for the Obama Presidential Center was revealed exclusively by Architectural Digest.
  • The desk was designed by Demarest & Carroll, a New York–based firm.
  • The desk is made of American black walnut.
  • It includes a hidden compartment for a basketball.
  • The Obama Presidential Center is designed by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects.
  • The center is located in Jackson Park, Chicago.
  • The center is scheduled to open in 2026.
  • Sheila Bridges created a new Americana tableware collection for Lenox.
  • GRT Architects designed a psychedelic restaurant in Beverly Hills.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

Locations

  • Chicago
  • United States
  • Jackson Park
  • New York
  • Beverly Hills

Sources