Practitioners and their C-suite clients dish about a recent project—and the value design brings to the table
shop talk
power players
corgan + aiport dimensions
“Today’s travelers have evolved, and offering restorative spaces with a strong sense of place is essential. For The Club SFO by Airport Dimensions, we drew inspiration from California’s redwood forests to create a peaceful, modern retreat. Translating regional identity into spatial design in this way feels both elevated and immersive.”
—Ginger Gee DiFurio, Corgan
studio piet boon + rosewood amsterdam
“Stepping into Rosewood Amsterdam feels like discovering a hidden gem—a place where Dutch heritage meets modern luxury. Each space reflects the city’s soul: rich in history, effortlessly elegant, alive with charm. Every detail makes guests feel at home, immersed in a journey that flows from the 17th century to today. More than 1,000 works of art— from Dutch masters to contemporary talents—spark discovery and conversation, positioning the hotel as a living gallery.”
—Piet Boon, Studio Piet Boon
“Great design doesn’t just shape how an airport lounge looks but also how it makes you feel. In The Club SFO, design brought clarity to complexity, translating bold concepts into grounded solutions that delight travelers while staying true to the local identity. Connecting story, setting, and function elevated the experience far beyond expectations.”
—Laura Banse, Airport Dimensions
“Our mission was to craft an experience where Amsterdam’s history and culture intertwine with Rosewood’s distinctive lifestyle. By honoring the architectural legacy of the former Palace of Justice—the last new hotel development permitted within a monumental building in Amsterdam—and creating thoughtfully designed spaces, we not only restored a cherished landmark for locals but also invite guests to immerse themselves in the heart of this vibrant city. It’s a celebration of heritage, innovation, and meaningful connections.”
—Thomas Harlander, Rosewood Amsterdam
cetraruddy + housing works
“The Lirio in New York is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together to build a more inclusive city. A safe, beautiful, and supportive home is what all New Yorkers need to thrive. This development is rooted in resilience, and the CetraRuddy team has been a great partner in bringing it to life. With its advanced Passive House approach and inspiring, healthy units, the project offers a powerful case study in investing in supporting the environmental, physical, and mental well-being of those in need.”
—Andrew
shop talk
power players
spacesmith + foundrae
“Design was never just about finishes; it was a strategic tool for storytelling. Collaborating with Spacesmith helped translate our ethos into four distinct FoundRae boutiques across the U.S., each rooted in its local context while staying true to our jewelry brand. The firm brought deep expertise and genuine respect for my vision, pushing it further in ways I hadn’t imagined. The thoughtfulness of the design shapes the customer’s experience from the moment they walk in. It was a true creative partnership—one that made the outcome greater than any one perspective alone.”
“Working closely with Jack and his team at Clearview Hospitality, we reimagined Sofitel Philadelphia’s lobby and public spaces, marrying French modernism with the building’s brutalist bones. Drawing inspiration from the city’s French Quarter, we created spaces that feel like a bustling morning stroll through Paris. Rhythmic wayfinding leads guests to the lounge, full of jeweltoned furnishings and hidden animal prints—a menagerie that channels a well-traveled collector.”
“The Lirio provides affordable apartments for families and housing for formerly homeless individuals, including long-term survivors of HIV/AIDS. A deep understanding of residents’ perspectives and needs is especially important for designers of such housing communities, and we’re fortunate to be collaborating with experienced and thoughtful client teams at Housing Works and Hudson Companies. Their insights have been critical at every step of decision-making, from incorporating programming that emphasizes health and well-being to working with our designers on material selections that create comfortable, inviting homes imbued with a sense of belonging.”
“Together with Beth, we designed a series of her FoundRae boutiques that feel like sanctuaries: layered and full of quiet moments of discovery. The goal was to create places where clients feel invited to design jewelry that means something to them—pieces they’ll treasure and eventually pass down.”
//3877 + clearview capital
“The collaboration with //3877 showcased how design can directly impact both user satisfaction and business outcomes, particularly in a high-demand neighborhood like Rittenhouse Square. The result enhanced operational efficiency, the guest experience, and customer satisfaction, ultimately translating to higher foot traffic and repeat visits—in short, contributing to measurable ROI.”
Coamey, Housing Works
—Beth Hutchens, FoundRae
—David Tracz, //3877
—Jack Shay, Clearview Capital
—Ámbar Margarida, Spacesmith
—Ximena Rodriguez, CetraRuddy