Modern interior space with wooden and marble accents, featuring black shade table lamps, nature-themed artwork of birds, and a glass wall with a fireplace inside.

redesigning the statler

A cozy living room with a large beige sectional sofa, circular armchair, and a small round coffee table with a red decorative ball. There's a dark wooden bookshelf filled with books and decorative items on the left, and two windows with wooden blinds allowing sunlight to fill the room. A large landscape painting hangs on the wall between the windows, and the floor is covered with a patterned stone tile.
Spacious hotel lobby with curved seating areas, wooden flooring, modern lamps, and decorative columns.

Software used: Revit, SketchUp, Enscape

ABOUT THE project

This hotel redesign reimagines the Statler at Cornell as a luxury sanctuary that bridges the university’s historic legacy with the raw, natural beauty of Ithaca. Targeted toward high-income urban guests, the concept balances sophisticated, high-end materials with an earthy, organic vibe inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s philosophy of blending the built environment with its habitat. Key architectural elements, such as glass columns that mimic the rhythm of local waterfalls and the use of regional stone, ensure the space feels like a natural extension of the landscape rather than a typical city hotel. By integrating local textures, "Cornell pride" memorabilia, and student-driven social programming, the project creates a unique, elevated experience deeply rooted in its specific collegiate and environmental context.

Interior view of a luxurious hotel or apartment lobby with a large circular seating area, modern furniture, artwork, and warm lighting

The lobby

The lobby serves as the primary transition between Ithaca’s rugged landscape and the hotel’s refined interior. Glass columns act as the central architectural features, using transparent forms and textured ridges along the lower third to subtly mimic the vertical flow and crashing spray of the local gorges. Anchored by local stone and warm timber, the space balances a grand, open-air feel with the intimate, organic warmth of a Wright-inspired environment. This design immediately establishes the hotel as a luxurious sanctuary that is deeply rooted in its specific environmental context.

Living room with wooden floors, tan sofa, wooden chair with white cushion, modern floor lamp, framed market map on wall, wooden shelves, and an abstract art piece on the left.

These corner seating sections are designed to ensure the main lobby isn't the only functional sitting area, offering guests a choice in how they engage with the space. They provide a secluded "perch" where you can still feel the energy and action of the main lobby without being directly in the middle of it. By avoiding physical walls or separate rooms, these pockets maintain a visual connection to the grander architecture while offering the privacy and comfort of a quiet sanctuary. It’s the perfect middle ground for someone who wants to be part of the hotel's atmosphere while remaining tucked away in a more intimate, human-scale environment.

Interior of a modern, well-lit hotel lounge with brown sofas, marble accent chairs, and various tables and lamps, featuring wooden flooring and decorative art.
Interior of a modern room with wood accents, featuring a marble counter, mounted artwork of birds, and a glass door with a fireplace visible through it.

reception

The reception desk serves as a tectonic centerpiece that balances Cornell’s heritage with a clear Wrightian influence. Built from a mix of warm wood and rich red marble, the desk uses staggered elevations to seamlessly integrate ADA-accessible heights without breaking the rhythm of the design. Vertical wood paneling mimics the cascading lines of Ithaca’s waterfalls, while the backdrop features two oversized paintings of birds from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to anchor the space in local history. This combination of rich stone, natural textures, and academic art creates a welcoming focal point that is both functional and deeply rooted in the surrounding habitat.

Valet

The valet experience is designed to be a simplified, high-end introduction that sets the scene for the entire stay. Using a mix of marble and warm wood to tie into the interior, the desk also incorporates black steel to echo the hotel's exterior entryway. Large, clear signage ensures easy wayfinding for arriving guests, while the station is equipped with a monitor so staff can see exactly when a car pulls up outside. To maintain a professional look during long shifts, a subtle bar stool is integrated into the setup, allowing employees to stay comfortable and attentive without detracting from the polished aesthetic.

Hotel lobby with a wall featuring vertical black letters spelling 'V I A L E T', a black door, beige walls, wooden flooring, a beige sofa, a table lamp, and marble chairs with illuminated cylindrical structures nearby.
Interior of a building with a white marble reception desk accented with black, a potted flower on top, cream and red marble walls, and dark wood flooring.

the parlor

Looking through an open doorway into a hotel lounge or lobby with seating, large windows, and modern decor.
Spacious living room with beige and cream upholstered furniture, a black grand piano and drums in the background, a wooden room divider with shelves, and a large dark wood bookshelf filled with decor and books, illuminated by warm lighting.

The parlor transforms the former gym and management offices into a vibrant social hub, shifting the focus toward community and interaction for current guests. As the designated home for "cocktail and music hour," the space features live performances by local and student musicians alongside a bar cart serving complementary local wines. The design utilizes intimate lounge pockets and a warm, residential scale to encourage guests to linger, moving away from the clinical feel of the previous layout. By merging sophisticated social programming with regional flavors and talent, the parlor acts as a versatile sanctuary that highlights the best of the Ithaca environment.

Living room with large beige sectional sofa, round coffee table with red floral arrangement, two wooden chairs, and a bookshelf with books and decorative items. Large windows with blinds show a sunset view with trees and buildings outside.
Living room with large beige sectional sofa, modern chairs, wooden shelves with books and decorative items, marble floor, and large windows with blinds, illuminated by warm sunlight.