Discover Lauren Rottet’s Design Secrets: Key Places, Projects, and Inspirations Revealed!

From a young age, Lauren Rottet was drawn to design, spending her childhood in Waco, Texas, engaging with her natural surroundings by constructing treehouses and sculpting miniature lakes. “At five years old, I was blissfully unaware that I was essentially designing our backyard,” she recalls.

After her family relocated to Houston, Rottet found herself captivated by the architectural landscape of the city’s downtown area. However, she found the interior of the buildings notably less inspiring. This early impression stuck with her and later influenced her work when she became an architect at SOM, where she was determined to design office spaces as striking as their exteriors.

In 2008, Rottet established Rottet Studio, which has since realized over 90 million square feet of sophisticated and luxurious built environments. Her designs encompass a range of spaces from lavish hotels to private homes and even seafaring vessels.

Expanding her design philosophy into tangible products, Rottet launched the Rottet Collection in 2017. This furniture line, inspired by artists like James Turrell and Robert Irwin, serves dual functions as both functional pieces and standalone sculptures.

Today, we are thrilled to have Lauren Rottet join us for our Friday Five feature!

1. My Siberian Cat

My home becomes a studio when I work on design projects with my Siberian cat, Sirree, by my side.

2. Art by Rebecca Moses

Rebecca Moses, a close friend, creates artwork that captivates me with its emotional depth, reflecting her kindness and artistic brilliance.

3. George Nelson and Gordon Chadwick 1962 House in Montauk

I am the proud owner of a replica of this iconic mid-century modern house, constructed by the original owners’ son from the same blueprints, including the original millwork, lighting, and some furnishings. This architectural gem highlights the era’s lean towards organic forms that foster a connection between humans and the natural world, with each room uniquely shaped as a hexagon for spatial efficiency.

4. The Delano Hotel in Miami Beach

The iconic Delano Hotel in Miami Beach has recently reopened, maintaining its classic features like the stunningly deep pool that has become a symbol of the hotel’s allure over the years.

5. Beaches

Beaches offer a juxtaposition of empowering vastness and serene tranquility that fuels my creativity. The spectrum of blues and the ever-changing light invigorate my thoughts, bringing a surge of ideas and energy. Each beach has its own character; some are invigorating, others soothing, and some even intimidating. Understanding these nuances is key to truly relaxing by the sea.

Highlights from Lauren Rottet’s Portfolio

1. Conrad Washington D.C. at City Center

The Conrad Washington D.C. epitomizes a blend of historical reverence and contemporary luxury, crafted thoughtfully by Herzog de Meuron to reflect the city’s rich past and vibrant present.

2. River Oaks in Houston

This project entailed a comprehensive transformation of a 1963 concrete building in Houston, which, while entirely updated, preserves the integrity of one of the city’s significant modernist structures. The redesign emphasizes clean, minimalist lines and a harmonious indoor-outdoor connection.

3. The Surrey Hotel

The Surrey Hotel in New York holds a dear place in my heart as my inaugural hotel project, which topped the city’s hotel rankings for a decade.

4. Paul Hastings LLP’s New York Office

This office design project set the foundation for my career in interior design, offering invaluable lessons in spatial efficiency, lighting, and the strategic placement of art and mirrors that continue to influence my work.

5. The Stolle House

The design of the Stolle House is a modern take on Mediterranean aesthetics, blending rustic elements with contemporary architectural details to create a uniquely inviting space.