Project Spotlight: The Pad

In the spirit of the worldwide Earth Day celebration on April 22, we’re shining a light on The Pad, a newly opened hybrid boutique hotel/hostel in Silverthorne, Colorado that features environmentally responsible design and honors the natural beauty of Summit County. Our team created a mountain modern concept for this new eco-friendly destination, which is certified as a pending B CorpTM.

Centrally located along the Blue River, the 101-bed property showcases eco-friendly design rooted in low-impact construction methods and local sourcing and upcycling of materials. We designed a custom bunk bed for the dorm rooms, which were fabricated locally in Denver by Where Wood Meets Steel, a company renowned for pairing sustainable, reclaimed trees with certified American-made steel. In addition to 18 up-cycled shipping containers that were incorporated in the design, wood from the dairy building that previously existed on site was integrated as salvaged material in an art piece by Colorado native Erica Nicol, the back bar area, and accent pieces throughout the property.

Combining the comfort and service of a hotel with the uncomplicated nature of a hostel, The Pad features a range of room types, from private higher-end suites – such as the “deluxe private room” suites featuring a private balcony with a view of the mountains – to hostel-style shared bunk experiences. The amenity-rich, flexible accommodations put people in touch with Summit County's skiing, mountain biking, hiking, and fly-fishing activities while promoting spontaneous connections, new experiences, and friendships amongst guests and locals.

Artwork by local artists immerses guests more deeply in the spirit of their surroundings. A local artist, Jessica Day, depicted nearby mountains – Red Mountain and Buffalo Mountain – in two commissioned paintings that bring vibrant color to the lobby bar. Featured in the hot tub area overlooking the Blue River, a mural by Max Komarov and Matt Maderer of the Chicago-based street art duo, It’s Mathematical encourages those who witness it to reflect on their place in the natural environment and feel a responsibility to protect, maintain, and restore its rivers and streams.

With amenities such as a welcoming riverside bar, hot tub, rooftop deck, co-working space, and spacious community kitchen, The Pad makes for the perfect spring and summer getaway, and a great place to celebrate Earth Day.

Designer Diaries - Rachel Fischbach

Get to know Principal Rachel Fischbach in this month’s Designer Diaries!

1)      What is your favorite BHD project (either that you have worked on or not)?

The Kuki’o Golf Club. First of all Hawaii is one my favorite places. I’ve been lucky enough to work on quite a few projects there. What I loved about working Kuki’o was that design was seamless between the exterior and interior spaces as well as between the interior architecture and the furnishings. From the art to the furniture, to the lighting to accessories everything just felt cohesive.

2)      What is your favorite design product?

I love the wallcoverings from Phillip Jeffries. They package their product so beautifully, do wonderful vinyl that doesn’t look like vinyl and have great murals. A great wallcovering really serves as a backdrop to any great design scheme.

3)     What (or who) inspired you to be a designer?

My grandmother inspired me to a designer. She was an artist. For those of you that have been to our office, we have two of her pieces hanging in studio. Whenever I visited, I would help her in her studio. She was a printmaker and a painter. She taught me about color, proportion, and layering. She introduced to me to the world of art and design by taking me to museums and the way she talked about the world around her.

4)     If you could have dinner with any 3 people dead or alive who would they be?
Jane Austen, Oprah and Amy Schumer.

5)     What was your first job?

I worked in the marketing department at the animation studio that produced “The Simpsons”.

6)  What are you streaming right now?
The Flight Attendant

7)  If you could teleport somewhere right now where would you go?
Paris! I love Paris anytime of the year.

8)     Where have you gotten lost on purpose?

Venice, Italy. It is such a fun to place meander without a map.

9)     Coffee or Tea? How do you take it?

Equator’s Rooibos Chai Latte

10)      How do you get your news?

Twitter & Streaming

Project Spotlight: All About The Women

In celebration of International Women's Day taking place on March 8 and Women’s History Month, BraytonHughes Design Studios is excited to share that we were recently certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise through a regional certifying partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the nation’s largest third-party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women in the US.

The visionary women designers at BraytonHughes help fuel our firm’s growth through their talent, creativity, dedication, and hard work, and we would like to shine light on the incredible members of our leadership team, Janea Nakagawa, Kiko Singh and Rachel Fischbach.

Recently promoted as President, Janea joined BraytonHughes in 2005 and became the first female principal in the firm’s history. Bringing her project management and corporate design expertise to the company, she has specialized in corporate, multi-family, and residential interiors projects for a diverse group of clients, including law firms, consulting groups, venture capitalists, and healthcare projects.

Growing up in Hawaii, Kiko was submerged in the island’s striking colors and textures and developed an affinity for nature and the environment. Her design style follows a pattern of clean lines, highly textured textiles and a neutral palette infused with pops of color coming from art and nature. Her latest project, The Pad in Silverthorne Colorado, is BraytonHughes’ first ever hybrid boutique hotel/hostel project, and features interiors that stay true to Colorado’s active mountain community and celebrate the natural beauty of the locale. Kiko works closely with her clients in all project phases, including initial concept and space planning, design development, and FF&E solutions, documentation, and construction administration.

Growing up in the colorful city of Los Angeles, Rachel’s passion for the arts developed at a young age and was nurtured by her grandmother, an artist, who introduced her to the world of art and design. At BraytonHughues, Rachel is involved with all phases of design, providing creative and innovative design solutions for a variety of hospitality, restaurant, and private club projects. Her latest project, the newly opened resort Montage Big Sky, incorporates references to Big Sky’s history and nature through artwork, a locally inspired color palette of natural hues, textures, patterns, and materials.

Please join us in honoring the many incredible women at BraytonHughes and in our everyday lives!

Designer Diaries - Cindy Reyes

Cindy Reyes gives some insight to herself in this month’s Designer Diaries!

1)      What is your favorite BHD project (either that you have worked on or not)?

I'm loving the architectural finishes for The Yellowstone Club; Everything in the details of the space, from the ceiling to the walls has a layered and clean design. You really see this in the Spa area where each space is cohesive and flows well.

2)      What is your favorite design product?

I find the USM Haller system interesting in the way it was created. I love how creative and varied this product can be applied in any sector.

3)     What (or who) inspired you to be a designer?

A college course in AutoCAD.

4)     If you could have dinner with any 3 people dead or alive who would they be?
Stephen Hawking, Bill Gates, Barack Obama

5)     What was your first job?

I worked in Napa for a non-profit rehab center for youth.

6)  What are you streaming right now?
Many podcasts from Spotify.

7)  If you could teleport somewhere right now where would you go?
Jay Walker's private library

8)     In a parallel universe, what is your profession?

The modern-day woman version of the Renaissance Man, master of multiple subjects and skills.

9)     Coffee or Tea? How do you take it?

Tea with Manuka Honey UMF.

10)      How do you get your news?

Online

Project Spotlight: I left my Heart in San Francisco

Valentine’s Day is approaching, and as Tony Bennett crooned about the city, “I left my heart in San Francisco,” the city by the Bay beckons couples with its iconic morning fog, breathtaking views, vibrant culture, and spectacular spaces to celebrate love this year.

The journey begins with one of Bay Area’s natural wonders, The Presidio, where passing through the Presidio Gate and following a path through the forest leads to the one of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Presidio National Park also invites couples to discover what is considered the oldest pathway in the city, Lover’s Lane. Here, a zigzagging art installation by Andy Goldsworthy called the “Wood Line” guides lovers down an enchanting path through the forest. Surrounded by the sweet scent of eucalyptus, with a sun dappled road beneath their feet, couples will feel like they are tucked deep in the wilderness.

Inn at the Presidio, Paul Dyer

The boutique hotel Inn at the Presidio was designed to encourage hotel guests to go out and explore such little-known gems in the Presidio. Couples will get a glimpse of San Francisco history at Pershing Hall, a Georgian Revival building where the design combines the charm and interest of a historic landmark with a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates the National Park. Originally bachelor officer’s quarters, the design pays homage to the Presidio’s military history, and artwork amplifies the experience with antique maps of San Francisco, a vintage bugle collection dating to the Civil War, authentic army memorabilia from the Presidio Salvage Yard, and original oil paintings and army photos.

Couples can soak up the restored historic architecture and art pieces from the Presidio’s historic archive in the lobby, where comfortable, contemporary furnishings accommodate intimate moments by the fire.

Florio Bar and Café

Florio Bar and Café

After a day of exploring San Francisco history and hidden trails in The Presidio, a romantic dinner in an intimate bistro setting awaits at Florio Bar and Café on Fillmore Street. Couples will enjoy French and Italian fare in spaces designed to exude warmth and the chicness of the Pacific Heights surroundings. With interiors featuring a dark, warm material palette and elegant lighting, the neighborhood restaurant with sophisticated vibes is the perfect match for a memorable Valentine’s Day meal.

InterContinental San Francisco, Paul Dyer

After an eventful day, couples can escape to InterContinental San Francisco, where the renovated Presidential Suite delivers a stylish home away from home. With stunning views of the city skyline and standout features such as a dramatic black and white stone floor inspired by nearby SFMOMA and custom de Gournay wallcovering in the master bedroom, the 2-level suite is sure to inspire romance and deepen a love for the beautiful City by the Bay.

Project Spotlight: Montage Big Sky

Happy New Year from BraytonHughes! This year we are toasting in celebration of the newly opened Montage Big Sky and daydreaming of skiing on the dramatic and awe-inspiring mountaintops of Big Sky, Montana.

Christian Horan Photography

Opened December 15, 2021, Montage Big Sky is a modern alpine retreat surrounded by the grandiose Spanish Peaks range and under an hour from Yellowstone National Park. Drawing from the grandeur of the surrounding landscape for design inspiration, we imparted a contemporary take on the North American lodge and captured the genuine spirit of Big Sky. Nature’s range and splendor is expressed through a material palette of regional wood and stones, surfaces in the spa that appear like rocks that have been abstracted and sliced from a boulder, and double-height spaces with soaring gables in the public spaces that embody the iconic Spanish Peaks seen on the horizon line. The interiors offer a sense of renewal and respite so guests can connect with loved ones and feel refreshed after enjoying the outdoor recreation and incredible access to Big Sky Resort’s 5,850 skiable acres.

Christian Horan Photography

This iconic ski community is the perfect destination to create cherished family traditions and celebrate the new year surrounded by natural beauty.  

Christian Horan Photography

Designer Diaries - Towan Kim

Get to know one of our partners, Towan Kim in this month’s Designer Diaries!

Kukio

1)      What is your favorite BHD project (either that you have worked on or not)?

I just couldn’t pick one… so here are three

KUKIO

This project was a turning point for me, trained as an architect, and helped me embrace Interior Design to the full extent. It occurred to me that the interior should not be an afterthought, but an inspiration at the onset of the project to culminate in an overall success. It certainly helped to have an amazing team working together on this one and I can proudly say it finished out beautifully.

Avow

AVOW 

Every challenge in this project became a design opportunity

Jackson Street

Jackson Street

This project reveals the recipe for how BraytonHughes creates spaces. It combined the architecture, interiors and objet d’art effortlessly and it came together in a uniquely urban and sophisticated ensemble.

2)      What is your favorite design product?

I’m a big fan of a ‘Bulldog clip’.  Use it every day.

3)     What (or who) inspired you to be a designer?

My grandmother.  Starting at an early age I would rearrange everything around me and once finished I’d find myself restarting the process all over again.  My grandmother pointed out that there is a profession for people like me.  Nowadays, I draw first before moving anything. 

Side note.  I would, if I could, live in a place that’s surrounded by E. J. Ruhlmann’s furniture in Molino’s interiors with Scarpa’s details in Zumthor’s building, somewhere along the Mediterranean…

Sketches – Ruhlmann + Interiors – Ruhlmann  Carlo Mollino - Wikipedia
Carlo Scarpa - Wikipedia     Peter Zumthor - projects

4)     If you could have dinner with any 3 people dead or alive who would they be?
Botticelli, David Bowie, Miles Davis with his trumpet

5)     What is your most used emoji?

I don’t like emojis, not yet anyways ; )

6)  What are you streaming right now?
Premier League, UEFA Champions League and plenty of S. Korean shows.

7)  What is your favorite snack food?
Apples, the ones in season! Also, I’m trying to eat more chocolate.

8)     If you could teleport somewhere right now where would you go?

Bottom of the ocean.  I imagine it being wondrous and extraordinary.  I would be speechless.

9)     In a parallel universe, what is your profession?

Yoga Instructor by day, Jazz musician by night? or Truffle hunter!

10)      Coffee or Tea? How do you take it?

Americano. I take it piping hot. Also, green tea before coffee.

Project Spotlight: Warm By The Fire

‘Tis the season for staying cozy in the company of family and friends, and there is nothing like a beautiful fireplace to draw people together, a tradition that extends across the globe and over centuries. In the spirit of the holiday season this December, we’re spotlighting some of our favorite fireplaces that we designed that came to life in different shapes and materials and draw inspiration from distinctive locales.

A rustic stone fireplace adds cozy warmth to the idyllic retreat, Camp Runamok, where a charming camp cabin is tucked away in Marin’s mellow coastal town, Inverness.

The towering stone fireplace in the lobby at The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe creates the perfect ambiance to unwind, amidst stunning views of Martis Valley seen through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows.

The lounge at Wyoming’s premier luxury mountain resort, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole, boasts a massive flagstone fireplace with a split face slab mantel, offering a warm invitation for guests to relax by the fire after a day on the slopes or exploring Grand Teton National Park.

On the outskirts of Teton Village, where Shooting Star Clubhouse evokes memories of old ranch houses and barns, the coziest seat in the bar lounge is at the natural stone fire pit capped with a copper clad hood, where guests can sit back and relax in furniture custom designed with a refined western sensibility.

At Vaquero Golf & Country Club’s pro shop in Westlake, Texas, a custom tile mosaic by Heath Ceramics is embedded in the fireplace hearth. The tranquil landscape in the mosaic reinforces the inviting, boutique atmosphere of the room, where wood textures, warm colors, and comfortable furnishings create the feeling of a luxury private home.

The fireplace at El Dorado golf and beach clubhouse in Los Cabos, Mexico features spiraling pedestals that support the mantel and distinctive brick masonry with an elegant arched opening, adding romance and warmth to the space alongside stunning wrought iron candelabras.

At the mountain retreat Mountaintop Golf and Lake Club in Cashiers, North Carolina, where the interiors draw from the historic Blue Ridge Mountain range and the region’s American homestead architecture, an elegant fireplace with wooden mantel, high-back leather chairs, and a rustic center table make for a dreamy wintertime scene.

From the homey cabin hearth in Inverness, California to the elegant wood fireplace in Cashiers, North Carolina, we hope these cozy centerpieces kindle a desire to linger fireside with loved ones. Happy holidays from all of us at BraytonHughes Design Studios.

Designer Diaries - Nicole Smith

Meet our newest addition to our team, Nicole Smith in this month’s Designer Diaries.

1)      What is your favorite BHD project (either that you have worked on or not)?

No secret I’m a newbie to BHD but I would say a lot of the quality of projects drew me to want to work here (in addition to the amazing people 😊). I’m loving Canopy Baltimore and excited to hopefully see this win an award at the BDNY Gold Key Awards this Monday.

2)      What is your favorite design product?

I’m a sucker for Phillip Jeffries wallcoverings. There are my go-to for most products and they’re always coming out with great designs.

Beyond - HEAVEN ON MARSHMALLOW MANILA HEMP

3)     What (or who) inspired you to be a designer?

Kudos to my Dad, who is an Architect. Growing up he would sometimes bring me to his project sites. I experienced being on the ground in a hard hat to the final install when he met up with his clients. The final install was the most inspiring to me. The memory that sticks out to me is when I tagged along with him to a fancy chocolatier/café he did in Seattle. The name of the Café never stuck with me, but my experience feels like it’s out of a movie scene. People were sipping coffee at the bar, throwing their head back and laughing about who knows what. The sound of my Dad chatting with his client in the background was muffled and it almost felt like it was in slow motion. It was so inspiring to me that these ‘random” people using the space were really enjoying themselves in an environment that my dad had created. The moment in time I think I knew this is what I also wanted to do too. I guess you could say it’s in my blood.

4)     If you could have dinner with any 3 people dead or alive who would they be?
If you know me, I like to have a good time. I think this would be a fun table.

• Amy Schumer

• Will Ferrell

• Kobe Bryant

5)    What are you streaming right now?
All the things. I’m a big TV watcher. Right now, it’s all about Succession, Insecure and Curb Your Enthusiasm. I may or may not still watch Grey’s Anatomy every Thursday night on ABC 😊

6)     What is something that none of your coworkers know about you?

I’m part Japanese. Below is me in a Kimono at the Kinkaku-Ji. My family and I visited Japan in 2018 where we met family for the first time. I’m so grateful that I got to experience my heritage with my Baba (grandma) and see where she grew up as well.

7)  Where have you gotten lost on purpose?
I do this everywhere I travel. Paris, London, Japan, Puerto Rico, etc. I’m a Sagittarius so big on adventure. The believe the best experiences are the ones unplanned.

8)     In a parallel universe, what is your profession?

I would be a Surgeon, no question.

9)     Coffee or Tea? How do you take it?

Coffee. Americano, no room for cream (but leave room when I take it to go so there is no spillage)

10)      How do you get your news?

NPR Radio in the mornings

Project Spotlight: Congratulations To Our Team!

This November is brimming with activity for BraytonHughes Design Studios, and our team members are looking forward to some exciting award celebrations and speaking opportunities this month.

We are thrilled our recent project, the lively waterfront hotel Canopy by Hilton Baltimore Harbor Point, has been nominated as a finalist in two categories for Boutique Design’s 41st Annual Gold Key Awards for Excellence in Hospitality Design. Big shoutout to the project team Kiko Singh, Joel Villalon, Lisa Vasquez, and Mino Bautista for bringing the locally inspired interiors to life.

This month we also want to congratulate Mino Bautista, a tremendously talented Associate and member of our Interior Architecture team, for being named to this year’s Boutique Design’s 2021 Boutique 18 class! This honor is bestowed upon rising design stars who are creating the most compelling hospitality venues of today and tomorrow. We will be toasting to Mino as he is celebrated with other winners at the 2021 BDNY Kickoff Party in New York on November 13.

We are also gearing up for CALA’s Fall Conference, where Kiko Singh will be presenting next week in Palm Springs. Drawing upon case studies such as our design at Casa Dorinda in Montecito, CA, Kiko will walk participants through our design process and share techniques for incorporating wellness into senior living communities, exploring topics such as how to tap into the senses, activate public spaces, and design for multi-generational appeal.

With all the events this November, it will be tough to slow down! But we want to take this moment to recognize our team’s hard work and how fortunate we are to work with great clients and partners on meaningful projects.

Designer Diaries - Nicole Alcayaga

Get to know Nicole Alcayaga in this month’s designer Diaries!

1)      What is your favorite BHD project (either that you have worked on or not)?

CHUAN SPA, LANGHAM PASADENA - Work — BraytonHughes Design Studios (bhdstudios.com). I really enjoyed being a part of the team on this project with its decorative elements & fun details.

2)      What is your favorite design product?

I have always liked how Johnathan Browning’s pieces combine classic lines with an attention to detail which elevates the designs. Jonathan Browning Studios | (jonathanbrowninginc.com)

3)     What (or who) inspired you to be a designer?

When I was going to SRJC, right out of high school, I had a job doing retail displays. Several of the regular customers & my boss at the time encouraged me to look into interior design courses. I had always been interested in how a spaces impact people, and until then, had not considered design as serious career choice. To this day I am still friends with that boss & grateful for her encouragement to get into a field that I love as much today as I did when I first started out.

4)     If you could have dinner with any 3 people dead or alive who would they be?
Mel Brooks, Ian Flemming & Julia Child.

5)    What is your most used emoji?
😘

6)     What was your first job?

Sonoma French Bakery.

7)  What are you streaming right now?

Only Murders in the Building

8)     What is your favorite snack food?

Dark chocolate covered pretzels.

9)     In a parallel universe, what is your profession?

Mystery writer.

10)      Coffee or Tea? How do you take it?

Coffee, black.

Project Spotlight: Leadership Change

The air is fragrant, crisp, and cool, and leaves are turning beautiful shades of crimson, yellow, and orange. We are loving the change in seasons and are excited to announce new leadership changes at BraytonHughes!

In addition to our 30th Anniversary, this year we are celebrating the promotion of Janea Nakagawa to President and Joel Villalon’s new role as Executive Advisor.

When Janea joined BraytonHughes in 2005, she became the first female principal in the firm’s history.  Her project management and corporate design expertise has been invaluable to the company, where she has specialized in corporate, multi-family, and residential interiors. Before pursuing interior design, Janea considered a career in fashion design, and through she is not a big fan of sewing (to this day she can’t sew a button), she taps into aspects of fashion design in her work, putting together elements such as art, architecture, and furnishings into unique combinations that reflect the vision of her clients.  

Joel has been with our firm since its beginnings, and his hand is evident in the team’s designs, including various projects that have been recognized for design excellence.  When he’s not working or attending concerts, he’s collecting art and tiles on his travels around the globe.  See some of his curated collectibles in his Guanajuato home. 

Working collaboratively as principals through the years, Joel and Janea have created a nurturing space for everyone to feel respected in their growth as designers. We would not be where we are today without their strong leadership and design expertise, and we are grateful they will have the opportunity to continue working closely together, deepening our roots in hospitality, residential, and corporate work and further diversifying our portfolio. 

Upon the firm’s 30th Anniversary this year, please join Towan, Rachel, Kiko, and the rest of the BHD team in congratulating Janea and Joel for forging a path of success and paving the way for more exciting milestones at BraytonHughes Design Studios.

Designer Diaries - Phuong Mai

Today we get hear from our amazing intern Phuong Mai.

1)      What is your favorite BHD project (either that you have worked on or not)?

My favorite project is Canopy Baltimore! The material choices convey a sense of coziness inside and really enhance the beautiful views outside. Also love the color combinations and the amount of details involved. Chef’s kiss!

2)      What is your favorite design product?

Echo Totem Light by the sustainable brand ZZ Driggs. Sculptural looking, minimal, and made from locally-harvested birch.

3)     What (or who) inspired you to be a designer?

My dad. He’s super into beautiful houses and details, it was probably through the conversations I had with him that I realized interior design was something I’m passionate about.

4)     If you could have dinner with any 3 people dead or alive who would they be?
My grandfather, Dan Brown, and Helly Tong.

5)    What is your favorite hotel or restaurant?

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam.

6)     What are you streaming right now?

Vagabond on Netflix.

7)  What is your favorite snack food?

Lay’s, seaweed flavor.

8)     If you could teleport somewhere right now where would you go?

Vietnam! I haven’t got a chance to go back and visit my family since the pandemic started.

9)     In a parallel universe, what is your profession?

A detective or a director.

10)      Coffee or Tea? How do you take it?

Tea (Taro milk tea with boba pearls …)

Project Spotlight: The Year It Began

When Richard Brayton and Stanford Hughes got together to establish BraytonHughes Design Studios thirty years ago, a cultural shift and major innovations were happening. The Soviet Union collapsed, the Hubble telescope took its first observations of the planet Jupiter, and the very first web page was created, changing our lives forever! Amidst these world events and advances in knowledge, BraytonHughes Design Studios was launching in San Francisco.

With these 10 noteworthy moments in history, we hope you enjoy this look back to the year of our founding, 1991, a time when:

The Melchor Investment Company, Palo Alto

1. Brayton Hughes Design Studios completed its first project, offices for The Melchor Investment Company in Palo Alto. In a building that once housed a glass factory, Stanford and Richard created interiors that honored the building’s original industrial character.

2. The World Wide Web was launched to the public, with instructions on how to use it. We owe the ease with which we retrieve and share information online to British computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee.

3. Disney released Beauty and the Beast, the first animated film ever nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture.

4. The MP3 file format was accepted as a standard.

5. 60 Minutes was the most popular TV show, Terminator 2: Judgment Day was the highest-grossing film, and A Thousand Acres was the best-selling book.

6. The “Grunge Revolution” began, and Nirvana’s Nevermind became one of the most popular albums of the decade, selling 11 million copies in the U.S.

7. The Super Nintendo Entertainment System launched in the U.S., marking Nintendo’s entry into the 16-bit console market.

8. In San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Park, a free concert called “Laughter, Love and Music” was held to honor the memory of promoter Bill Graham (January 8, 1931 – October 25, 1991), who died in a helicopter crash ten days earlier. Approximately 300,000 fans made their way to the park’s polo grounds to hear performances from Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, The Grateful Dead, Journey, Santana, and more. “I haven’t seen this field this full since we tried to stop the Vietnam War,” Crosby said.

9. A passed referendum in South Africa supported creation of a new constitution for multicultural society, bringing an end to Apartheid.

10. People Magazine named Patrick Swayze the “Sexiest Man Alive.”

There have been many high points in our thirty years as a firm, and we’re grateful to our amazing founders, clients, partners, and committed team members for being a part of this journey.

Designer Diaries - Janea Nakagawa

Today we feature our first Principal for our Designer Diaries, Janea Nakagawa!

1)      What is your favorite BHD project (either that you have worked on or not)?

Jackson Street is my favorite BHD project. It represents the balance of art, architecture, and furnishings which defines BraytonHughes’ work.

Photos by Paul Dyer Photography

2)      What is your favorite design product?

Muji stationary products

3)     What (or who) inspired you to be a designer?

My journey to becoming a designer was a circuitous path. Originally, I wanted to be a journalist because I was inspired by Connie Chung. I quickly realized that I didn’t enjoy writing or researching so I moved on to fashion design, but I couldn’t even sew on a button (and I still can’t). I took the aspects of fashion design that interested me the most, which was the creative part of putting together individual pieces or elements into a unique combination. This is when I found interior design.

4)     What is your favorite hotel or restaurant?
Sushi Ran

5)    What was your first job?

I was a hostess at a restaurant

6)     What is your favorite snack food?

Lays potato chips

7)  If you could teleport somewhere right now where would you go?

Dubai

8)     Where have you gotten lost on purpose?

Paris

9)     Coffee or Tea? How do you take it?

Coffee, preferably Illy dark roast, two sugars

10)      How do you get your news?

I read the NY Times and SF Chronicle

Project Spotlight: Looking back on 30!

As we enter our 30th Year (yes, you heard that right), we find ourselves looking back at some of our most iconic projects.

The chapels at St. Ignatius Church at USF is an iconic early San Francisco project. The 10’ by 10’ scale allowed us to zoom in on each detail and address interior architecture, furniture, accessories and art holistically. The stained-glass oculus crowing the dome in The Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe shows celestial bodies as they would have been positioned in the sky over Mexico City on December 12, 1531, when Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to Saint Juan Diego.

Another early showcase of the firm’s meticulous attention to detail is the Hellman & Friedman office at One Maritime Plaza in San Francisco. Warm and tactile pear wood adds richness, while sliding glass doors allow daylight to penetrate the heart of the space. For added openness, designers experimented with interior partitions until we found the perfect solution to optimize the view for each occupant.

At Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt we channeled the spirit of the distinctive locale. Here, a large-scale dome pierced with colored glass lands over a minimalist, white-washed room with a simple disc-shaped granite fountain in the center. This contrast of opulence and austerity makes for a dramatic arrival experience, while guestrooms draw inspiration from the simple homes of North Africa and Egypt.

Similarly, The Yellowstone Club in Big Sky, Montana displays great sensitivity to the surrounding terrain. For the spa, we worked with natural, textured materials and finishes, dramatic yet soothing cove lighting, and modern, sculptural furniture influenced by the landscape outside. To design the resort’s signature restaurant, BāBā, we looked to historic barn, school, and ranch house structures, integrating weathered wood planks into the design to reinforce a sense of place.

Here’s to the next chapter and to creating beautiful and iconic spaces together!

Designer Diaries - Serena Park

One of our newest additions to our team, Serena Park shares her inspiration and favorite snacks.

1)      What is your favorite BHD project (either that you have worked on or not)?

Avow. I am impressed how well the space embraces the history of the building with sophisticated design details.

2)      What is your favorite design product?

Bower Studio – Archway Mirror (Black & Clear)

3)     What (or who) inspired you to be a designer?

My Mom. She often brought me to home decoration stores that sells imported European furniture, home accessories and fabric in my teenage and asked my opinion when she shopped and I liked to shop with her.

4)     What is your most used emoji?
🙃

5)    What was your first job?

A teacher at a Private institute in Korea

6)    What are you streaming right now?

Jordy Searcy - Fire Radio on Spotify during the day + What/If on Netflix at night.

7)  What is your favorite snack food?

Strawberry Bliss Balls

8)     Where have you gotten lost on purpose?

The Met in NYC

9)      In a parallel universe, what is your profession?

Painter who inspires by impressionism.

10)      Coffee or Tea? How do you take it?

Straight Americano(Ice/hot) in the morning. Latte with Almond milk after lunch. And Licorice & Peppermint tea at night!

Project Spotlight: National Parks

July is National Park and Recreation Month, and with all 63 national parks open this summer, it is the perfect time to venture out to the places that rejuvenate and inspire. BraytonHughes has designed several projects as portals to outdoor exploration, each one with a story around a distinctive locale.

Four Seasons Jackson Hole, Image by John Sutton Photography 

Featuring authentic and timeless design, Four Seasons Jackson Hole in Wyoming invites guests to discover the natural beauty of the Teton Mountains. Upon entering the property, guests sense Native American influences in lighting, upholstery, and carpets. Jackson Hole’s old western history is also expressed in materials, with a leather panel at the bar area inspired by cowboy boot stitching patterns.

Montage Big Sky, a forthcoming property where resort guests and residents will have incredible access to outdoor amenities, is designed as a contemporary take on the classic North American national park lodge. Incorporating the region’s history and nature, our design welcomes travelers to Montana and Yellowstone National Park with a fresh expression of modern mountain luxury. Timeless materials such as regional wood and stones ground users in the locale, with subtleties in patterns, textures, and materials delivering an elegant outdoor theme.

In Silverthorne, Colorado, The Pad is a new hostel/boutique hotel lodging concept that puts locals and travelers in touch with Rocky Mountain adventures and flexible, amenity-rich accommodations. Partially constructed from up-cycled shipping containers, The Pad features contemporary-chic design authentic to its surroundings, where guests can bike up to Vail using a bike path from The Pad or relax in the rooftop deck and hot tub. To convey a story true to Colorado’s active mountain community and reflect the surrounding natural beauty, our team built upon the elemental, clean tone established in the architecture and introduced simple patterns and materials with timeless influence.

Encouraging a greater appreciation of nature and the history and culture of each destination, our designs invite people to slow down and notice the small details, and to take a new mindfulness home with them after traveling. We hope you have some exciting outdoor summer adventures in store that leave you feeling refreshed and energized.  

Designer Diaries - Valerie Liang

Senior Associate Valerie Liang shares her inspiration and a few of her favorite things in this edition of Designer Diaries.

1)      What is your favorite BHD project (either that you have worked on or not)?

Grand Hyatt SFO – one of the BHD projects I’ve been lucky enough to experience as a guest. The materiality of the public spaces helps make the hotel feel both grand and welcoming, which are the first things you notice when you check-in.

Grand Hyatt SFO, Photo by Paul Dyer

Grand Hyatt SFO, Photo by Paul Dyer

2)      What is your favorite design product?

Currently eyeing Indigo-dyed linen prints by Bay Area artist Carrie Crawford.

Carrie Crawford

3)      What (or who) inspired you to be a designer?

Frank Lloyd Wright – in elementary school my class learned about Falling Water by recreating it out of graham crackers and frosting

4)     What is your most used emoji?

 🤦‍♀️

5)    What was your first job?

A summer internship with a construction company after my first year of college - I worked on the basement level of the REX/OMA-designed Wyly Theater in downtown Dallas

6)  What are you streaming right now?

The Americans and YouTube cooking videos – anything featuring chefs Sohla El-Waylly or June Xie

7)      What is your favorite snack food?

Flaming hot Cheetos with lime. Or extra toasty Cheez-Its. Basically anything with cheese.

8)      In a parallel universe, what is your profession?

Mechanical or aerospace engineer working at NASA

9)      Coffee or Tea? How do you take it?

Unsweetened green tea for every day and masala chai for special occasions

10)      How do you get your news?

NYTimes app

Project Spotlight: Return of Summer Travel

Summertime is here, and California offers some of the best destinations, views and lodging to enjoy some much-needed R&R. BraytonHughes has designed stunning road trip destinations that not only offer some of the best scenic views California has to offer, but also include timeless design with the perfect connection between natural setting and interior experiences.

Grand Hyatt SFO, Photo by Paul Dyer

If landing at San Francisco’s International Airport, the journey begins at the luxurious on-airport hotel, Grand Hyatt at SFO. In designing interiors for the hotel’s lobby, guestrooms, and public spaces, we channeled the spirit of Northern California by gesturing toward the bay, parks and green spaces, allowing guests to embark on a journey as soon as they step off the AirTrain or arrive by car. For example, the lobby palette hints at a walk through the local redwoods with slatted partitions of dark wood creating dappled light, complemented with the warmth of wood plank floors and a fireplace.

Avow Restaurant, Photo by Paul Dyer

When in Wine Country, Avow, a historic and iconic restaurant in downtown Napa, is the perfect place to discover a new wine and enjoy authentic California cuisine amid a sophisticated and lively cosmopolitan vibe. The renovated tri-level bar and restaurant features delicately layered interiors across three levels, each with its own set of windows and features. Though tones may or may not change subtly from floor to floor, the common denominator across all three levels are tin ceilings, original, refinished wood floors and oak and brick texture on the walls.

Driving south of San Francisco? The iconic Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort, magnificently perched overlooking the Pacific Ocean, offers a luxury resort experience to unwind and fill your spirit. Ventana’s rustic-refined design is inspired by the region’s natural beauty and history. Surrounded by lush forests, this resort feels like a secret enclave in the woods, and its wood and stone details enhance the natural ambiance of the space. Don’t forget to stop by the Big Sur Smokehouse, the 1867 Post Family homestead, that we restored along with Mason Architects into the roadside joint serving tasty BBQ.

We are certain that these travel destinations are perfect to toast the breezy California summer nights away!

Big Sur Smokehouse, Photo courtesy of Big Sur Smokehouse

Ventana Big Sur, Photo Courtesy of Ventana Big Sur