CROSSROAD HOTEL - Kansas City, KC

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Client: Aparium Group

Design Firm: Simeone Deary Design Group

Industry: Hospitality Design: Guestrooms + Public Areas

Interior Designers: Yan Li, Eva Tomma, Lauren Winter

Lead Designers: Christine Babine

ABOUT THE DESIGN

The Crossroads Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri, stands out for its artful integration of historic architecture with modern design elements, reflecting the vibrant spirit of the Crossroads Arts District. Originally a Pabst Brewing Company bottling and distribution plant, the building has been transformed into a stylish boutique hotel by the Simeone Deary Design Group and El Dorado architects.

The hotel's design emphasizes industrial chic aesthetics, featuring exposed brick and concrete walls, custom steel doors, and bespoke artworks that highlight the local creative scene. A notable architectural feature is a four-story atrium that brings natural light deep into the building's interior, enhancing the ambience and showcasing layers of the building's historical architecture.

The Crossroads Hotel also serves as a cultural hub, fostering connections with the local community through an artist-in-residency program and a public gallery space that hosts exhibitions and artist-driven events. This focus on local collaboration and artistry makes the hotel a lively destination that mirrors the artistic and innovative energy of Kansas City.

For more about the hotel and its offerings, you can visit their official website.

MY ROLE

As an Interior Designer for a hotel design, my role encompasses a range of responsibilities that contribute to creating a cohesive, functional, and aesthetically pleasing environment. Here’s a breakdown of my typical involvement in such projects:

- Design Concept: I develop a comprehensive design concept that aligns with the hotel brand’s ethos and the desired customer experience. This involves creating conceptual drawings and mood boards to vividly communicate the overall vision.

- Interior Layout: I am responsible for crafting detailed floor plans and executing space planning to ensure optimal functionality and flow within the hotel. Strategic placement of various elements, such as seating, bakery displays, and service areas, is key to enhancing customer interaction and satisfaction.

- Aesthetic Details: I select materials, colors, and finishes that reflect the hotel's premium and artisanal branding. My choices often include natural materials like wood, stone, and metals, along with suitable color palettes and textures to enrich the ambiance.

- Customer Experience: I focus on enhancing the customer journey through thoughtful interior design. This includes creating intuitive pathways from the entry to the service counter to seating areas, designing wayfinding systems, and ensuring compliance with accessibility standards (ADA).

- Brand Integration: My role involves integrating the distinct elements of the hotel’s brand with any specific thematic identities, such as a partnered bakery or cafe. This is achieved through consistent use of design elements, signage, and overall aesthetic cohesion throughout the space.

- Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E) Selection: I carefully select and specify furniture, fixtures, and equipment that align with both the aesthetic and functional needs of the hotel. This includes sourcing tables, chairs, lighting fixtures, display cases, and kitchen equipment.

- Construction Drawings and Documentation: I produce detailed construction drawings and documentation necessary for the build-out process. These documents include architectural drawings, elevations, sections, and detailed specifications for construction teams.

- Millwork Detailing: I design custom millwork items such as cabinetry, counters, display cases, and shelving. I provide detailed millwork drawings specifying materials, finishes, and construction methods to ensure quality fabrication and installation.

- Coordination with Contractors and Vendors: Collaborating closely with contractors, vendors, and other stakeholders is crucial to ensure the design vision is accurately executed. This part of my role involves regular site visits, reviewing shop drawings, and resolving any issues that arise during the construction phase.

- Attention to Detail: I pay meticulous attention to details, including the selection of custom fixtures, artwork, and specialty lighting, all designed to unify and elevate the space.

Through these varied tasks, I ensure that each project I undertake not only meets the aesthetic and functional requirements but also adheres to the highest standards of design excellence and operational efficiency.