Photo: The Bungalow Huntington Beach – Some of the Best Hospitality Designers

Skilled architects and interior designers often spend years contributing their talents to crafting dazzling hospitality spaces for guests to dine, drink and stay. Designing a unique hospitality atmosphere is a valued artform that joins ambiance with functionality. Some of the industry’s best hospitality designers are pros at producing innovative concepts that keep guests coming back to experience the details of each space. Dive into the interiors of some of the most accomplished hospitality design teams in the business.

With such an expansive portfolio of hospitality venues, Rockwell Group has made its mark on properties around the world delivering originality and innovation to every project. They joined with Tao Group to create the design for Tao Downtown in NYC and Tao LA continuing the brand’s signature look in new markets. Once just a restaurant, the Nobu empire extended to places like Miami Beach and Las Vegas in the form of a hotel, both with Rockwell’s designs. The group has designed multiple other Vegas locales such as Chef José Andrés’ renowned Jaleo, as well as nightclub hot spots Jewel and Omnia. Virgin Hotels Chicago has also gotten the Rockwell Group treatment in uniting with mogul Richard Branson to open the first Virgin Hotels location.

The team at Studio Collective is well known for their original designs, offering a level of detail that creates a signature ambiance for each space. Having worked with icons like Ian Schrager, Frank Gehry and Philppe Starck, the Studio Collective team brings seasoned expertise to the hospitality design industry. Santa Monica and Huntington Beach’s The Bungalow are both known for their kitschy, eclectic ambiance, made up of hundreds of pieces that come together to transport guests to a beachside escape. Studio Collective also designed Hyde Lounge at the Staples Center, with leather seating, glimmering chandeliers and sleek marble to elevate the typical concert or sporting event experience with a sophisticated touch. They are also known for their designs of Los Angeles’ Hotel Figueroa, Crossroads Kitchen, In Sheep’s Clothing, and The Spare Room.

The Kelly Wearstler Studio has built a name in hospitality design through crafting creative and unique environments using architecture, interiors and products that complement each other in innovative ways. The firm’s focus on storytelling and building collaborative designs can be seen in their countless projects, such as the Proper Hotel in Santa Monica, which uses earth tones and mixed textures to draw guests into the brand’s aesthetic. Along with the Proper Hotel in San Francisco, the firm designed its rooftop bar Charmaine’s, known for its beautiful views and eclectic mix of patterned decor. The Viceroy Santa Monica was also designed by Kelly Wearstler, with bold lines and vintage inspiration creating a clean, modern feel.

Restaurant design is in the spotlight at Spacecraft, a design group based in Los Angeles that has brought forth concepts for some of the city’s local favorite destinations. Silver Lake’s Mohawk Bend brings a touch of modernity to a gastropub setting, while fresh and rustic elements make up the aesthetic of restaurant Salt’s Cure. The Wellesbourne in Santa Monica was created in the image of a 19th century British Pub, with bookcases lining the walls in the intimate hideaway.

An illustrious icon of American nightlife, Ian Schrager made a name for himself as one of the founders of storied New York City nightclub Studio 54. He later moved on to work on hotel concepts such as The Mondrian Los Angeles, Delano South Beach and Hudson New York. Currently, his Edition Hotels in places like Barcelona, Shanghai and Abu Dhabi bring glamour and style to their cities along with chic nightclub outlets onsite such as Basement in Miami, Sunset at The Edition in West Hollywood and The Paradise Club in Times Square.

This innovative design firm prides themselves on quality concepts and style, focusing on giving guests an emotional connection to their hospitality experience. The team has designed projects in 22 countries around the world, being recognized by the renowned James Beard Foundation for their craftsmanship. They designed Imperial Western, a bar within Los Angeles’ historic Union Station, and have made their mark on New York City with their concepts for 1Hotel Central Park and glamorous hot spot Beauty & Essex.

The hotel and restaurant concepts that have come out of Schoos Design evoke a range of brand personalities, earning them numerous awards for their buzzworthy work. They brought adventurous design to Tao restaurants in New York City and Las Vegas, uniting traditional Asian accents with sleek, contemporary furnishings. They have also produced expressive restaurant designs for Margot, Norah and Herringbone in Los Angeles.

The designers at Built, Inc. have established an impressive presence in the Los Angeles nightlife scene, joining with key players like h. wood Group to conceive, construct and brand numerous properties known for LA glamour. Built Inc. has created all-encompassing worlds in spaces like the whimsical nightclub Poppy or the chic karaoke bar Blind Dragon. With mid-century modern influences, guests can visit Delilah, The Nice Guy, Bootsy Bellows and a range of other hot spots to be whisked away into a world of compelling hospitality design.