The Dean
In collaboration with Travis Hyde Properties, we embarked on a transformative journey—peeling back the layers of a 1920s-era warehouse to reveal the soul of a building poised for its next chapter. Once home to horse stalls and utilitarian storage, this historic structure has weathered nearly a century of change, evolving from its industrial roots to the refined elegance of New York’s Art Deco age. Our vision was to honor both: preserving the grit while celebrating the glamour.
Upon arrival, guests are welcomed by custom Axminster carpets that flow through the hallways, their design a subtle nod to the building’s equestrian past. We also crafted custom signage and wayfinding, each element infused with a modern Art Deco sensibility that guides visitors with both clarity and charm. Delicately woven into the building’s identity are cranes—a cherished Art Deco motif and a heartfelt tribute to the client’s love of birds and their grandfather’s enduring legacy. These poetic details bring texture and narrative to every step of the experience.
Inside, a thoughtful dialogue unfolds between raw industrialism and ornamental flourish. Fluted wood kitchen cabinets echo the vertical elegance of Deco architecture, while fluted glass shower doors shimmer with vintage allure. Custom iron barn doors anchor the space with a bold, masculine presence, softened by patterns inspired by Art Deco iconography. Even the bathroom medicine cabinets were sculpted with care—silhouetted in graceful Deco curves.
Each bathroom vanity strikes a careful balance between strength and sophistication—masculine and minimal—while remaining fully ADA-compliant. The lower portion was designed to detach seamlessly, ensuring the space is both beautiful and accessible for all users.
We chose to leave the original concrete ceilings exposed, pipes and all, embracing the building’s honest imperfections. It’s a deliberate contrast—where elegance meets utility, and history finds harmony with modern design.
As for furnishings and lighting, we leaned into whimsy. The vision was to create a space that feels artful, playful, and deeply welcoming. We partnered with local artisans to design custom floor and table lamps, wall art, and a show-stopping headboard adorned with sculpted crane heads—yet another elegant nod to our avian muse.
