Hospitality Design

Baglietto and Meyer Davis Reveal Vesta56 Superyacht Concept

Stephanie Chen — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 13:30:00 +0000

Italian shipyard Baglietto has partnered with New York-based design studio Meyer Davis on Vesta56, a 184-foot concept yacht. The project also features striking exterior design by Enrico Gobbi of Venice-based Team for Design.

Vesta56’s exterior concept

Vesta56’s silhouette is informed by sweeping lines and slim aft deck overhangs reminiscent of jet wings, complemented by continuous bands of glazing that heighten the yacht’s sleek, kinetic profile.

A hallmark of the design is its focus on “lines in movement,” a sense of continuous flow and energy, even when the yacht is at anchor.

The concept brings the amenities of a larger yacht to a more intimate scale, including a foredeck dedicated solely to the owner and an infinity pool integrated into the aft platform, blurring the edge between vessel and sea. Expansive glazing in key spaces—like the main salon and Owner’s Suite—enhances views and strengthens the dialogue between interior and exterior.

An organic, home-like design

For the interiors, Meyer Davis drew inspiration from the yacht’s namesake, Vesta, the Roman goddess of hearth and home.

“We were inspired by the name Vesta56 for its rich symbolism—the quiet strength of home, the comfort of sanctuary, and the enduring presence of spaces designed not just for living, but for feeling truly at home,” says Gray Davis, cofounder of Meyer Davis. “Each material, curve, and proportion is imbued with intention to reflect that spirit.”

The material palette evokes this spirit through tactile richness and timeless restraint: travertine, raffia, cognac leather, and anthracite finishes bring depth and warmth. Sculpted curves and soft geometry define social spaces like the main salon, dining room, and upper lounge, while retractable glass walls invite in ocean air and shifting light.

Extending this ethos, the Owner’s Suite is anchored by a soulful design and handcrafted details.

The Vesta56 interiors resist the futurism common in many yacht designs. “Embracing organic form, personal layers, and lived-in elegance, we designed the yacht to age gracefully, accumulating stories as it travels,ˮ adds Will Meyer, cofounder of Meyer Davis.

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Five on Friday: July 18th, 2025

Alissa Ponchione — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 13:22:50 +0000

Architecture embraces a more regenerative role, the Louvre launches a design competition for upcoming expansion, and private clubs take a more family-friendly approach. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday.

The remote work gender gap widens

Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock

As companies tighten return-to-office mandates, The Wall Street Journal explores how this shift is playing out differently for men and women. While more women than ever are part of the workforce, they’re also more likely to stay remote, often to balance childcare responsibilities. In 2024, 36 percent of employed women reported working from home compared to 29 percent of men, down from 34 percent. Remote work offers flexibility, especially for parents, but it also comes with risks. Economists warn that women may be missing out on mentorship, visibility, and promotions. With the remote work gender gap growing, so do the stakes: executives say they plan to reward in-office workers with raises and favorable assignments.

Rethinking architecture through rewilding

The Tirpitz Museum in Denmark from BIG; photo by Rasmus Hjortshoj

As the climate crisis intensifies, architecture is embracing a more regenerative role. A recent ArchDaily feature explores the emerging practice of rewilding—a design ethos rooted in restoring biodiversity, rebalancing human presence, and allowing landscapes to evolve on their own terms. No longer confined to conservation biology, rewilding in architecture challenges the notions of permanence, authorship, and dominance. Take Studio Ossidiana’s Earthsea Pavilion in Bruges, which functions as a living organism—decomposing, regenerating, and housing other species. These projects prioritize light-touch interventions, often reversible, adaptive, and shaped by local ecologies. Examples like Scape Landscape Architecture’s Living Breakwaters project off Staten Island and Tirpitz Museum in Denmark by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) show how architecture can become a scaffold for ecosystem recovery rather than an obstacle to it. Meanwhile, initiatives like the Knepp Estate and Rural Studio highlight the value of low-impact design, encouraging a shift from form-making to facilitating natural processes.

The Louvre’s growing pains spark a $316 million expansion

The Louvre in Paris; photo courtesy of Adobe Stock

After a recent workers’ strike left Louvre visitors locked out and frustrated, the Louvre is looking to the future with a major expansion plan, writes Smithsonian magazine. The Parisian museum just launched a global architecture competition for a $316 million overhaul aimed at alleviating overcrowding and improving operations. At the heart of the redesign: a second entrance tucked into the 17th-century colonnade near the Seine to ease strain on I.M. Pei’s iconic pyramid. Also in the works is a 33,000-square-foot room dedicated to the Mona Lisa, offering a more intimate experience. As Louvre president Laurence des Cars puts it, the pyramid “is no longer enough” to handle the institution’s nine million annual visitors. Finalists for the design will be announced this fall, with completion slated for 2031.

The rise of the family clubhouse

The Cocoon in Tribeca in New York; photo courtesy of the Cocoon

New York’s latest wave of private clubs is taking a more family-friendly approach, writes Curbed. Opening next summer in an 1860s Brooklyn Heights building, the Beginning aims to blend the sensibility of a Soho House with kid-friendly offerings like a double-height play space and a pizza restaurant. “Usually there is nothing to do with kids indoors besides taking them to a crappy play space or to a restaurant where they’re not really welcome,” says Chris de Koos, who founded the Beginning with Michael Schoen. The duo is part of a broader movement addressing a long-overlooked need: beautiful, functional spaces that kids and parents both can enjoy. At Cocoon, a Montessori-inspired space in Tribeca and the Upper West Side, parents sip wine while kids climb handwoven webs. Dubbed “a play space made for parents,” House of Wonder in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn wraps a Nordic café around a modern play zone with clear sightlines. “There’s no reason why you can’t make spaces that are cohesive and design-led for families, where parents actually want to spend time,” adds de Koos.

Waldorf Astoria makes its return to New York

The Waldorf Astoria New York lobby; photo by Noë & Associates and courtesy of the Boundary

Last month, after nearly eight years and a $1.95 billion transformation, the iconic Waldorf Astoria New York reopened its doors. The Art Deco landmark has been reconfigured: 1,600 historic guestrooms condensed into 375 luxurious hotel rooms and 372 private residences, all designed to feel spacious, modern, and distinctly Manhattan, writes The New York Times, which details the hotel’s journey throughout the years. Preserving its storied heritage, the hotel, from Skidmore Owings & Merrill (SOM) with interiors by Pierre‑Yves Rochon, keeps treasures like the Queen Victoria-gifted clock and Cole Porter’s Steinway piano. Further, the public spaces (including the forthcoming Guerlain Wellness Spa, envisioned by Wimberly Interiors) have been painstakingly restored but with a contemporary edge, ushering the property into the 21st century. Three new culinary experiences—the AvroKO-designed Lex Yard, a Michael Anthony-helmed two-story brasserie; Yoshoku, an intimate kaiseki-style Japanese restaurant; and the signature Peacock Alley—have also opened to entice guests.

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Kabawa Brings Caribbean Warmth to the Table in New York

Stephanie Chen — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 13:00:57 +0000

Chef Paul Carmichael and Momofuku have unveiled Kabawa and Bar Kabawa, a restaurant and adjacent 24-seat daiquiri and wine bar in New York that pay homage to Caribbean culture, cuisine, and craftsmanship.

A love letter to island life

Designed in collaboration with Joseph Alayón Ormaza of New York- and Puerto Rico-based based studio SUITE, the split-space concept channels the energy and hospitality of a Caribbean family home.

While rooted in a shared visual language of bold color, natural materials, and layered artistry, Kabawa evokes the feel of a formal island dining room. The space is anchored by a sweeping mosaic mural by artists Princess SeDa and Gaby Ruben that depict a vibrant tableau of Caribbean landscapes and daily life. Ruben also reimagined and repurposed lighting fixtures throughout, adding tactility and texture.

The design is further enriched by the work of Dominican-American artist Raelis Vasquez, whose paintings explore Afro-Caribbean identity, memory, and the intimacy of familial rituals. His emotionally resonant pieces span both Kabawa and Bar Kabawa, weaving a visual thread between the two spaces.

Bar Kabawa

Adjacent to the restaurant, Bar Kabawa offers a more intimate counterpoint with rich wood finishes, tropical-toned upholstery, and a relaxed, elevated ambiance.

Two custom paintings by Vasquez serve as visual anchors, capturing quiet moments from everyday island life.

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Omni Las Colinas Hotel Wraps $33 Million Revamp in Texas

Stephanie Chen — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 15:06:14 +0000

Omni Las Colinas Hotel in Irving, Texas has completed the final phase of a $33 million property-wide transformation with the debut of its guestroom and ballroom renovation.

The update—handled by Omni’s in-house design team—encompasses all 421 guestrooms, including 111 suites, and the expansive Las Colinas Ballroom, building on a previous $13 million refresh of the hotel’s common areas, dining concepts, and resort-style outdoor amenities.

Rooted in the spirit of Las Colinas

Presidential suite

Located on the banks of Lake Carolyn, the hotel’s latest design evolution draws on the spirit of Las Colinas—a master-planned community born from ranching roots.

Formerly known as El Ranchito de Las Colinas by its original landowners, the area’s sense of place now informs the guestrooms, where warm neutrals, natural wood tones, and soft dusty blues nod to the surrounding landscape and peaceful waters.

Brass accents and curated abstract art add layers of refinement, while intuitive room layouts promote comfort and ease. In the Governor and Presidential Suites, original floor-to-ceiling green marble bathrooms have been thoughtfully preserved to honor the hotel’s legacy.

“Our goal was to design spaces that feel both grounded and elevated, where guests can connect with the cultural identity of Las Colinas while experiencing modern comfort,” says Lindsey Nelson, senior interior designer at Omni. “We were especially inspired by the idea of contrast: wide-open landscapes brought into refined interior moments, rugged history interpreted through elegant materials. The color palette, furnishings, and finishes all reflect that duality, capturing a spirit that’s distinctly Texan, yet unexpectedly serene.”

The full renovation of Omni Las Colinas

LRH dining room

The property’s earlier transformation introduced a lakeside resort ambiance, anchored by the Lakehouse Waterfront Lounge & Pool Deck—complete with firepits, cabanas, and a 10,700-square-foot event lawn.

New F&B offerings include LRH Restaurant & Bar, a contemporary Texas-style dining experience; Flossie’s, a casual breakfast spot inspired by the land’s ranching past; and Over the Counter (OTC), Omni’s first gourmet market concept, which features locally sourced snacks and drinks.

Presidential suite dining room

Original green marble in the Presidential suite bathroom

Omni Las Colinas ballroom prefunction

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Selene Brings Myth and the Mediterranean to Vancouver

Stephanie Chen — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 14:54:23 +0000

Following the success of clandestine raw bar AMA, the Kerasiotis brothers have teamed up once again with Vancouver design studio &Daughters to create their latest concept: Selene.

Rooted in Greek mythology and elemental materials, the 2,100-square-foot restaurant transports guests into an ethereal Mediterranean setting that feels both timeless and tactile.

Though Selene is located within a newly built structure, a municipal heritage requirement led the team to recreate the Mediterranean-style façade of the home that once stood on the site. Architectural nods—including terracotta roof tiles and arched windows and doors—carry through into the restaurant’s interior layout, where guests ascend a small staircase into the main dining room framed by natural light.

Mythology meets materiality

Drawing from the namesake moon goddess, Selene’s interior design tell stories of Greek mythology through emotive, handcrafted layers.

Local artist Emiko Mizukami painted a series of large-scale, site-specific frescoes that evoke elemental symbols—earth, sky, and sea—as well as ancient deities like Gaia, Uranus, Helios, and Hyperion, who animate the walls with a sense of otherworldly whimsy. At the entry, the goddess Selene herself offers a celestial welcome above the bar.

Rather than rely on the blue-and-white palette often associated with Greece, &Daughters leaned into a more nuanced interpretation. The result is a sophisticated, earthbound palette of gray plaster walls, polished concrete floors, and quartz countertops—an approach that channels the rugged serenity of the Greek isles.

Tactile storytelling at Selene

The design embraces simplicity and sensuality. Columns and handrails wrapped in coarse rope nod to Greece’s fishing and agricultural heritage while inviting touch and natural wear. A row of oversized braided rattan Dou shades, running the length of the dining room, adds both rhythm and warmth.

Solid pine furnishings—including custom chairs and curio shelving—were left natural or lightly stained. Plus, a stained pine ceiling trellis crowns the space and creates the illusion of a skylight overhead, drawing focus to a central olive tree that anchors the layout and subtly connects the reception, dining room, bar, and chef’s table.

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Heatherwick Studio Unveils Mixed-Used Project in Bangkok

Stephanie Chen — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 14:45:20 +0000

Heatherwick Studio has revealed the design for Hatai, a mixed-use development in Bangkok’s Silom neighborhood. This marks the London-based firm’s first project in Thailand.

Set on the historic site of the original Narai Hotel, Hatai is envisioned as a new business district dubbed the Lantern Quarter. The project features two hotels—a Six Senses and a new Narai Hotel—alongside nearly 56,000 square feet of public space.

Drawing from traditional Thai forms

Inspired by the intricate artistry of traditional Thai lanterns, the design comprises stacked, glowing forms that soften the city’s skyline.

“We’ve designed a series of lanterns stacked on top of one another, collectively forming a much softer silhouette in the skyline, and we have the opportunity to create a major piece of public space—including rain protection, planting, and water—all designed to encourage street-level life filled with curiosity and exploration,” says Thomas Heatherwick, founder and design director of Heatherwick Studio.

What to expect at Hatai

The development will comprise more than 300 guestrooms between the two properties, in addition to a wellness center, ballroom, and conference facilities.

At ground level, a green public plaza shaded by a canopy of native plantings will host open-air markets, a nursery, a shrine, and event programming, while a restored canal will reintroduce a sense of tranquility to the dense urban district.

“There’s a richness to Thailand’s culture and historic architecture, but the anonymous, blank severity of many so-called modern buildings in Bangkok does not speak to this at all,” Heatherwick adds. “We wanted to do something that connects with the country’s heritage in a deeper way and builds detail, feeling, and story back into the city.”

Hatai is slated to open in 2027.

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What Surprises Young Designers Most About Hospitality Design

HD Staff — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 19:17:43 +0000

From the thrill of fast-paced timelines to the joy of inventing custom pieces and discovering a deeply connected community, four emerging designers, who are part of the 2025 New Design Professionals class, share what caught them off guard—and captured their hearts—in the world of hospitality design.

“I knew I always wanted to work in hospitality, but I never knew the feeling I would take away from working on these spaces, seeing the end result, and going to industry events. It’s a feeling of pure inspiration, euphoria, and purpose. —Sara Armeanu, Aria Group Architects

“I was surprised to find how much control we have when it comes to customization. To be able to sketch something like a chandelier and watch it be built and installed in a project is unbelievable. We get to play inventor.” —Curran Conklin, AvroKO

“I knew the hospitality industry was relatively small, but I didn’t realize just how tight-knit it truly is. It’s reassuring and motivating to see how connected everyone is within the community. The sense of camaraderie and support is noteworthy—whether it’s through sharing knowledge, offering guidance, or celebrating each other’s successes.” —Marlee Frances Young, BLUR Workshop

“I was surprised by how fast paced the industry is. These projects are often large scale, but they have demanding timelines. It is a surprising but exciting to be involved in them.” —Kalie Sigman, HBA

The 2025 New Design Professionals class is made up of 34 individuals with three to five years of industry experience, who were nominated by exhibitors to attend HD Expo + Conference for the first time in May.

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A Nanjing Hot Pot Restaurant Is Rooted in Nature and Nostalgia

Stephanie Chen — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:45:59 +0000

In Nanjing, Studio8 Architects has transformed two adjacent buildings into Conglong, a wagyu hot pot restaurant that channels the serenity and symbolism of the Chinese city’s iconic sycamore trees.

The immersive interiors evoke the feeling of dining beneath a tree canopy—an expression of both natural abundance and the brand’s vision of prosperity.

The project bridges time and typology by preserving the unique architectural identities of the two structures: Congying, a 1930s villa, and Longyu, a 1970s building. A landscaped garden connects the two entrances, where a light steel canopy and deep green marble wall establish a tranquil arrival experience.

Inside Congying, original wooden beams and a pitched attic roof remain intact. A circular green marble bar on the ground floor anchors the main space, framed by semi-translucent ceiling panels that dapple light like leaves above. Upstairs, layered materials and bespoke partitions define a series of intimate dining zones, culminating in a nostalgic private room tucked beneath exposed rafters.

In contrast, Longyu’s private dining suites offer a grounded, tactile atmosphere. Rich brown tones, vertical-stripe marble, and brass accents convey the metaphorical solidity of a tree trunk. A serene tea room on the top floor leads to a round 15-seat table with views across the canopy and toward the villa next door.

Although the buildings have separate entrances, they are unified by a central plaza-turned-garden. Organic planting beds, sycamore bark-inspired branding, and a continuous slab of dark green marble subtly guide guests between the two spaces—fusing history, nature, and a sense of shared memory.

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Palisociety to Open Le Petit Pali St. Helena in Napa Valley

Stephanie Chen — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 20:20:57 +0000

Avi Brosh’s Palisociety is expanding its Le Petit Pali brand with the upcoming Le Petit Pali St. Helena, slated to debut in Napa Valley this fall.

Marking the fifth Le Petit Pali location, the new California property sits on nearly three acres surrounded by vineyards and brings a new, resort-style vision to the brand’s elevated bed and breakfast model.

The property will include 29 guestrooms—five of which are standalone cottages—a main house, garden bar, and a pool and spa area.

A classic take for Le Petit Pali St. Helena

Brosh and his design team have reimagined the property to reflect Le Petit Pali’s signature blend of California-meets-European charm, layering residential-style details, classic patterns, and a warm, lived-in color palette.

Inside, guestrooms feature burnt orange moldings, plaid headboards and curtains, cream wainscoting, and a thoughtful mix of checkered floors and wood planks. The interiors maximize the cozy, collected sensibility with ambient lighting and soft finishes.

Anchoring the experience is the brand’s hallmark: an elaborate champagne breakfast served daily in the main house, followed by an all-day menu of light bites and a curated wine and cocktail program that spotlights local vintners.

“For years, we’ve been inspired by the art of the bed and breakfast hospitality concepts we’ve seen and experienced in Europe and beyond, and believed that the American landscape needed a similarly inspired renaissance of this beloved style of stays,” says Brosh. “Le Petit Pali is our most personal vision to date, incorporating all the things we know and love, with incredible locales and a signature, carefree take on luxury service and the St. Helena hotel will be a real beacon for the brand with its idyllic location in Napa and innate sense of place.”

Le Petit Pali St. Helena joins existing locations in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Laguna Beach, and Los Angeles’ Brentwood neighborhood.

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Neil Jacobs Launches Creative Advisory Wild Origins

Stephanie Chen — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 18:49:37 +0000

Following his 13-year tenure as CEO of Six Senses, Neil Jacobs has launched Wild Origins, a creative advisory collective and studio dedicated to bringing soulful, sustainable projects to life.

Guided by instinct over industry, Wild Origins aims to unlock new ways of thinking across hospitality, wellness, regenerative development, lifestyle, and beyond. The purpose-driven platform is built to support founders, developers, and visionaries in creating ventures that matter. Its mission: waste less, wonder more, and build with reverence—for the land, for the people, and for the future.

“Wild Origins is about building what’s next,” says Jacobs. “It is a space to reimagine how we live, create, and connect with each other and the world around us. We are partnering with people and projects that are bold and purposeful. I believe the best ideas feel both inevitable and inspired, while being deeply grounded in purpose.”

Wild Origins services

Wild Origins will provide strategic services—including asset management and financial assessment, operational analysis, brand and marketing strategy, sustainability planning, comprehensive pre-opening planning and concept development—for developers, creatives, and visionaries across the hospitality, residential, retail, and wellness markets.

Among the firm’s first partnerships, Jacobs has been appointed senior strategic advisor to Capella Hotel Group, supporting global expansion and strategic growth. He also serves as advisor to Desa Potato Head, helping guide the Bali brand’s continued evolution.

Additional partnerships across hospitality, retail, and regenerative development will be announced in the coming months.

Under Jacobs’ leadership, Six Senses expanded from eight to 26 properties with a pipeline of 30 additional projects. Prior to that, Jacobs held senior leadership roles at Four Seasons and Starwood Capital Group.

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