Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1525828
Williams have designed buildings and interiors in seven countries and three continents. Among them are the Metropolitan Museum of Art's British Galleries; The Standard, High Line, crowned by the iconic Boom Boom Room; The Reykjavik Edition hotel in Iceland; and The NoMad hotel in London. Ambitious hotel projects in historic buildings are a focus. In San Antonio, Hotel Emma was refashioned from the 19th-century former Pearl Brewery into a cool, industrial space w i t h c o n c re t e beams, leftover m a c h i n e r y , vintage leather sofas, tilework f l o o r s , a n d antique carpets. Their 2022 redo of the 1907 Tin Building in lower M a n h a t t a n ' s historic Seaport turned a sprawling and dilapidated warehouse into an enticing culinary destination and market hall for chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Roman and Williams' projects are steeped in time and place, and part of what makes them so appealing is how much research they put into each one. Their design process includes studying and experimenting with historical materials and traditional forms of craftsmanship — such as bricklaying and the lost wax method of casting bronze — and they frequently work with artisans to apply them to their projects. The Birdsall hotel — which pays homage to Birdsall Parmenas Briscoe (1876 - 1971), an architect who helped shape Houston in the mid-20th century — may not be located in a historical building, but timelessness is what matters, and Standefer and Alesch are taking history, materials, and techniques of the past and translating them into a modern context. The 34-story residence-hotel tower will be operated by the Auberge Resorts Collection — the city's first Auberge — with Roman and Williams designing the hotel's interiors, including its 105 guest rooms and suites. In an exclusive interview, Standefer and Alesch provide insight behind their designs for The Birdsall hotel, which references the sprawling oak groves from the first half of the 20th century when the River Oaks neighbor- hood was built. Perhaps the ground floor best illustrates the hallmarks of Roman and Williams' historic techniques and exquisite materials. The famed architecture team leaves its calling card in the oak- paneled lobby, double-height living room with fireplace, Auberge restaurant, cafe, and members club for The Birdsall hotel guests, residents, and club members. Timeless Integrity. Robin Standefer and Stephen Alesch: We are fortunate to be in a place with our business where we can be very selective about our architecture and design projects. Transwestern Development Company and the teams at The RO and Auberge Resorts Collection understood our need to place quality and authenticity above everything else. As a practice, we do not cut corners. Everything we make, from a lamp to a table to a hotel, is built to last. That kind of timeless integrity comes from mining historical techniques, using exceptional materials, and making things by hand. In this hotel, you can feel the hand in every detail — the curved railing of a staircase, hand-painted murals. And every aspect is having a conversation with the landscape, the history of the neighborhood, and the future of what this new cultural hub will become. Rich, textural atmosphere. RS and SA: We were drawn to the natural elements of the neighborhood — River Oaks was named in part for its sprawling historic oak trees. Oak became the foundation of the From top: The Birdsall hotel restaurant and bar. Guest room at The Birdsall hotel. The Birdsall hotel lobby. Opposite page: The Birdsall members' living room. 47