Mandarin Oriental, The Setai New York, Laura Geller Makeup Flagship, ABC Holiday Windows

1. 1
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PROJECT SNAPSHOTS 1
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The Spa at the Mandarin Oriental Miami Design Development
The Setai New York Public Spaces Interior Architecture
3 Laura Geller Flagship Store Retail Concepts
4 ABC Carpet & Home Visual Merchandising

2. 1 Reception
2 Mani/Pedi
3 Salon
4 Men’s Locker
5 Men’s Restroom
6 Men’s Relaxation
7 Men’s Wet Area
8 Women’s Wet Area
9 Women’s Relaxation
10 Women’s Restroom
> 11 Women’s Locker
6 N 12 Spa Office
5 Scale: NTS 13 Spa Boutique
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At the Mandarin Oriental Miami, green materials and organic
forms used for the interior design of the Spa reinforce the
brand’s signature holistic treatments of Traditional Chinese 8 4
3 2
Medicine (TCM). A balanced use of fire, water, wood, metal,
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and earth Feng Shui principles are considered throughout the 9
spatial layout. 10
At Right: A schematic sketch of the proposed Spa layout. 11
12 13
Opposite Page: Natural neutrals are used to build a soft,
soothing palette that honors the property’s signature colors
of blue and gold. Inspiration is taken from the rhythmic,
procession of tree trunks and weathered, texture of drift wood.
The gingko leaf is used as a decorative motif throughout and
interpreted as an abstracted logo of the fan.
NATURAL INSPIRATION
THE SPA AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL MIAMI IS CONCEPTUALIZED TO BE AN ANTITHESIS TO THE
CITY’S BRIGHT COLORS AND BOLD CULTURE

4. A
RETAIL ME THIS: THE SPA BOUTIQUE
Biomimicry is the imitation of nature.
Elevation A (Above): The retail space millwork
is designed to be a procession of posts like that
of bare tree trunks.
B
A A
Elevation B (Below): Each retail piece is unique
and varies in width, storage, and display capacity.
Spa Boutique Plan
Scale: NTS
B
B
THE SPA AT THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL MIAMI ENTRANCE CORRIDOR

5. A
B
FIRST IMPRESSIONS: THE RECEPTION AREA
Elevation A (Top): A stacked driftwood façade clings
to the monolithic stone of the front desk. The back wall
is illuminated by candles.
A A
Elevation B (Right): A continuous signage system
visually leads guests from the outside inside.
Entrance Plan E N T R Y
Scale: NTS
B
R
B

6. ONLY IN YOUR DREAMS
Elevation A (Right): An organic crevice in the wood
paneling reveals a line of candles.
B
A
A
B
Relaxation Room Plan
Elevation B (Above): Custom carved
Scale: NTS
wood chaises are separated by curtains
B that go opaque at eye level for privacy.
THE SPA AT THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL MIAMI RELAXATION ROOM

7. CLASSIC
GEOMETRY
ORGANIC
COMFORT
Clockwise from Left (Above): The Le
Corbusier chaise is used as an ergonomic
example. A classically constructed Andy
Goldsworthy stone sculpture. A sketch of an
inspired, driftwood chaise. A section detail
of the chaise. An Andy Goldsworthy art
piece depicting lightening strike.
Right: Relaxation room material board

8. As a new venture for the acclaimed hotel on South Beach, The Setai
New York was envisioned as a mixed-use luxury condominium and
hotel project. The building offers its residents hotel amenities as well
as proximity to the city’s finest. Twin concierge staffed lobbies service
both residential and commercial clients, while an elaborate restaurant
and meeting space on the second floor is followed by a spa and fitness
facility on the third. The crowning element is the rooftop that serves
as the residents’ own backyard and offers everything needed to host a
lavish affair from a kitchen and bar, to daybeds and fire pits.
N >
Scale: NTS
Sphere of Influence
A LUXURY BRAND EXTENDS ITS REACH TO COMBINE THE AMENITIES OF A HOTEL WITH THE
COMFORT AND PERMANENCE OF A PRIVATE RESIDENCE

9. HEIGHTENED DRAMA
Style concepts for the elevator lobby
emphasize the thin and vertical.

10. N >
Scale: NTS
THE SETAI NEW YORK RESTAURANT

11. WINE AND DINE
The French-Asian establishment known as SHO Shaun
Hergatt features fine dining, private conference and party
areas, or a simple lounge to finish off the day.
Tidbit: Panic hardware of the emergency metal fire doors are
covered aesthetically with wood veneer.

12. A STUDY IN COMPRESSION
Above and Right: A 3D rendering and section of the
dining area reveals the compression and expansion
of the space. This in turns defines intimate and public
zones to vary the diner’s experience.
THE SETAI NEW YORK RESTAURANT

13. RESTRAINED OPULENCE
Clockwise From Left: Over-sized pendants
reinforce the double height room. Marble Foo
dogs watch over guests. The “Golden Purse”
menu item features caviar and gold leaf. The
show kitchen behind tinted glass. A lounge area
features back-lit shelves with antique books.
Tidbit: The lanterns are hand
pleated to hide the fixture’s
framework and coincide with the
linearity of the surrounding lattice.

14. N >
Scale: NTS
THE SETAI NEW YORK CLUB SPA

15. TAKE OFF YOUR COOL
Clockwise From Left: Spa materials are mounted for
display at the sales center. The women’s water suite with
waterfall and whirlpool. The fitness center with slivers
of lighting. The VIP treatment room features a double
occupancy option for couples.

16. ALL THINGS CONSIDERED
Every moment shapes a patron’s experience. Here,
sketches and renderings of the spa hallways explore
ways to make every step a visual journey. Photos of
the finished product remain fairly true to form.
THE SETAI NEW YORK CLUB SPA

17. FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT
Patrons are led up a dark, tiled corridor from the
locker rooms to a bright, golden whirl pool area.
Below, sketches and renderings illustrate the
concept that is finally actualized at left.

18. DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH: THE VIP ROOM
Early sketches of the VIP treatment room explore possible
millwork designs. The rendering shows a CNC-routed
wood and mirror sliding door, teak platform supported
soaking tub, and glass tiled niche.
THE SETAI NEW YORK CLUB SPA

19. FALLING WATER
SUSPENSION
CONTRASTING MATERIALS

20. N >
Scale: NTS
THE SETAI NEW YORK SOLARIUM

21. FIRE AND WATER
The roof top offers gathering space for parties,
special events, or simple socialization with
other residents. The cultivated gardens and
sweeping views are framed wood lattices.
NOW YOU SEE ME, NOW YOU DON’T
Pop-up massage enclosures and daybeds
compartmentalize the giant roof top in to
more private sections.

22. MAKEUP’S MAKEOVER
A FACE LIFT FOR THE FLAGSHIP STORE OF LAURA GELLER MAKEUP YIELDS A
SPACIOUS AND MORE EFFECTIVE RETAIL SPACE
A cluttered and crowded interior due to lack of storage and poor display techniques were among the many design issues to be
addressed. The renovation, paired with rebranding efforts were aimed to push Laura Geller Makeup from a neighborhood favorite
to a national icon.

23. A NEIGHBORHOOD RELIC
N> Clockwise From Left: The store’s original floor plan. The tester counter. Two
Scale: NTS employees crowd around the POS. A haphazard arrangement of furniture
seats customers awaiting makeup appointments. The store’s cluttered window
displays.

24. LAURA GELLER CONCEPT & DEVELOPMENT

25. N>
Scale: NTS
Clockwise From Left: A cleaner floor plan is
made possible by improving circulation and
adding storage. The private make up rooms
feature dimmable night and day options. An early
rendering features dual-sided suspended mirrors.
DO YOU LIKE RED?
To enhance the merchandise, a monochrome palette was used
with only red added as accent. The simplicity of the palette
creates a calm and unified space while allowing each shade of
makeup to stand out.

26. THE MONEY-MAKER
Clockwise From Right: A built-in TV offers dynamic graphics and video for
customers waiting in line. The brand’s logo is inscribed in stone. A functional
cash wrap features ergonomically adjustable monitors, pull out trays for
equipment, and made to measure compartments for supplies and packaging.
A close up of the translucent corian on the cash wrap reveals abstracted,
hexagonal lips shapes.
LAURA GELLER FINAL PRODUCTION

27. I’M READY FOR MY CLOSE-UP
Clockwise From Left: A Laura Geller gift set. An overall shot
of the store. A changeable display niche. The tester counter
allows customers to free their hands by putting belongings in the
cubbies below. A magazine side table is flanked by twin banquets
for shoppers to rest. The window display is suspended to bring
merchandise to eye level.
Tidbit: The bottom of the display window features a concealed
hatch for access to the exterior lighting that illuminates the
store’s facade at night.

28. Established in 1897, ABC Carpet & Home has grown from being
simply a retailer of home goods to an inspirational destination for
consumers, designers, and New York City visitors alike. ABC’s
buying department sources vendors and manufacturers from all
over the world to tap a truly international perspective on style.
Furthermore, custom requests ensure exclusive merchandise that
encapsulate emerging product trends. The selection is constantly
changing and so is the store’s look. The visual merchandising
team is a conglomerate of contractors, antique restorers,
designers, and artists that continuously shape the setting in which
consumers encounter the space.
INFINITE POSSIBILITIES
PROGRESSIVE BUYING, WHIMSICAL MERCHANDISING, AND
INSPIRATIONAL WINDOW DISPLAYS ARE WHAT MAKE ABC CARPET &
HOME A LANDMARK RETAIL INSTITUTION IN NEW YORK CITY

29. POSITIVE ENERGY AND WATER CRYSTALS
Based on the theory by Japanese researcher,
Masuru Emoto, the theme for the Holiday windows
were the effects of positive thinking. According
to Emoto’s theory, water crystals would form
differently based on the aura or energy in their
surrounding environment. For example, water in
containers with positive words such as “gratitude”
or “love” would freeze as symmetrical and
complete. On the other hand, water in containers
with negative words such as “hate” or “disgust”
would freeze deformed and sometimes broken.
At ABC, each window recreated a water crystal
made of trimmings and decorations on plexi-glass
that represented positive energy: Peace, Change
Gratitude, Happiness, Heart, and Love.

30. ABC CARPET & HOME 2009 HOLIDAY WINDOWS ACCESSORY DISPLAY

31. FLASH FREEZE
To simulate an icy effect, merchandise was dipped
in melted wax and then quickly in water. White or
clear objects are used to maintain a monochrome,
snowy aura.
The back wall gets a layer of icicles which is done by
slowly pouring and layering hot wax. White confetti
is quickly rubbed on to the surface before it dries.

32. ABC CARPET & HOME 2009 HOLIDAY WINDOWS CHILDREN’S DISPLAY

33. WINTER WONDERLAND
Clockwise from Left: A miniature landscape of painted
cardboard and Christmas ornaments is created within a child’s
playhouse. Lace trim is painted and used as a stamp. A panel
of snowflakes hangs next to a garland of paper heart outlines.
Paper hearts are stitched together.

34. ABC CARPET & HOME 2009 HOLIDAY WINDOWS FEATURE DISPLAY

35. SNOWFLAKES REINCARNATED
Various methods of representing snowflakes were explored
from crystallizing pipe cleaners with Borax and water to lace
puffs and fabric cut outs.

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3
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A HOME SHOULD BE LIVED IN
Clockwise from Left : 1 Layers of gauze drape over the space not unlike spider webs,
while clothing is strewn on the bed, crumpled papers decorate the desk, and an ominous
raven watches over an absent writer. 2 A seating group with a smashed vase and raven
motifs on the wall suggest the scene of an accident. 3 Another seating group has an
escaped raven perched on a shelf stacked with apothecary items. 4 The remnants of a
diner party is recreated on a dining set by stacking random china and burned out candles.
ABC CARPET & HOME MERCHANDISING CONCEPTS

37. REMNANTS OF HUMANITY
The matter@ home collection inspired a spooky, forgotten
story. The furniture seemed to be that you would inherit from
a relative’s attic or salvage from a thrift store. To elaborate on
this idea, inspiration was taken from cluttered environments,
unfinished tasks, and the ominous, messenger raven.
Consignment merchandise such as clothing, toiletries, and
stationary would be used here as props.
$995 matter@home
raw industrial style with an old world twist on 4
$2695
$295
di ti

38. Leg connections are
notched in to the wood
surface as square
columns or channels
A cantilevered desk
features a pop of color on
the interior of the cubbies
Sleek, powder coated
legs and body contrast the
driftwood work surface
A school style type desk
embodies old world
charm with expressed nail
connections and round legs
on glides
STAYING ON TOP OF THE TRENDS
The concept was to innovate a best seller with the
emerging trend of driftwood table tops. At the left are
various sketches of different desk styles with the same
proportions of the original product.
ABC CARPET & HOME PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

39. PEEK-A-BOO
A signage concept for the store’s directory details
a section cut through both buildings to reveal what
merchandise each floor holds.