Behind the Build: How We Brought Chicago’s Match Hair Salon to Life
At R&R Chicago, we believe every great space starts with intention — not just how it looks, but how it works. That mindset was key when we were brought on to build out MATCH Hair Salon, a first-time salon for a group of experienced stylists who had spent years working across the city and were finally ready to open a place of their own. They had a strong vision, a full set of architectural plans, and had already secured a location: a 3,000-square-foot former ABA therapy center tucked away between the South Loop and Chinatown neighborhoods.
Former ABA Therapy Center room
When we first walked the space, it was clear that while the layout didn’t work for a salon yet, the bones were there. Our job was to turn it into something clean, functional, code-compliant, and beautiful — a place that felt effortless to be in, even though it was anything but effortless to build. We broke ground in early-to-mid summer 2024, beginning with selective demolition. Not all the walls needed to come down; in fact, smart reuse of existing structure can save time and cost. We carefully removed unnecessary partitions while repurposing others to create features like a new VIP room — a clever way to get privacy without wasting square footage.
Repurposing 3 offices into two VIP rooms
Once the space was opened up and redefined, we turned our focus to systems. Hair salons require robust plumbing and electrical infrastructure — far more than a typical commercial unit. We installed new plumbing throughout, including coring new drains for five new shampoo bowls. That also meant upgrading the electrical system to handle lighting, hair dryers, and styling tools at every station. All of our work was necessary to meet current building codes, which is where experience really matters. Code compliance isn’t just red tape — it ensures the space is safe, efficient, and built to last.
Next came the finish work: fresh drywall, new flooring, new plumbing fixtures, and an all-new coat of paint to tie it all together. Every surface was selected for a balance of durability and design — materials that would hold up under daily use while still feeling warm and inviting to clients. Our finish carpentry team brought everything home with clean lines and careful detail work that gave the space its final polish. Once complete, we staged the space for final inspection and prepared it for opening.
Almost there! Starting painting to give the building a vibrant and warm feel
Every project comes with its own set of challenges, and MATCH was no different — but what made this one special was how collaborative it was. We worked closely with the owners and their architect to find smart solutions that kept the project aligned with the original vision. That kind of teamwork is what transforms a build from just functional to something truly inspiring.
In the end, MATCH Hair Salon isn’t just a well-built space — it’s a thoughtfully executed environment where form, beauty, and function come together. The finished salon reflects the personality and purpose the owners brought into it from day one. It was an honor to help them bring it to life.
Watch below to see the journey, from start to finish.
