The Conrad , LA - Luxury Hotel

Located in The Grand by Gehry, the hotel occupies a unique vantage point as the “only Gehry building on earth to overlook another Gehry building (Walt Disney Concert Hall)”.

Our design approach was to capture the essence of Downtown LA – a dynamic and diverse infusion of historic and contemporaty architecture, culture, and arts. A driving force in the design journey was to merge constructivist architecture with timeless mid-century inspired design, as seen in many residential properties across LA. This was achieved through the use of juxtaposed curves, and the combination of rugged materiality (Ceppo di Gre stone as the building core, hand crafted cement tiles, textured polished plaster) with luxurious textiles to create a harmony of finishes throughout.

With 18’ ceilings in the public spaces, human scale was introduced to the spaces using tiered ceiling details that flow organically through the building. The restaurant bar gantry was deconstructed from a typical countertop gantry, and we used the scale and height to create a dramatic bar design that rains down from the ceiling.

The spa was designed as an escape from the urban environment. A tranquil space with low ceilings, dark polished plaster, and subtle lighting illuminating pathways through the space.

We furnished the hotel with highly detailed joinery, using reflective materiality, bold contrasting metal, and refined timber and marble detailing. Reflective surfaces were a key component in creating inviting vistas that highlight the exterior views in a different perspective, as is a philosophy followed by Frank Gehry.

I coordinated a large portion of the project design, and managed the entire installation of the hotel until completion.