Street Art Inspiration

Those of us who have visual minds find that although we dream in color, there is one fact that is inherently black and white. We are cursed to picture things in our mind that we would rather not – but on the flip-side we are blessed to have the ability to envision a draft-worthy product before we even have the materials ready to sketch. Some visual-minded individuals, like Nikita Nomerz of Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, are blessed to see things that do not exist, and have the ability to bring them to life. Nomerz has brilliantly personified a collection of towers, dilapidated buildings, and deteriorating urban spaces by forcing us all to see what he sees. Read more of this post

Liverpool Interlomas: Grand Opening

On November 10, 2011, Jim Tippmann, Young Rok Park and myself had the great opportunity to be part of the Liverpool Interlomas Grand Opening Celebration in Mexico City. We have had the privilege of partnering with Liverpool for nearly a decade, but this was the first time we were able to attend the opening of one of the Liverpool stores we designed. Read more of this post

Meet FRCH: An Interview With Tom Horwitz

Tom Horwitz, the head of FRCH’s Hospitality Studio, is also known for his comedic presentations, attention to detail, and love of spreadsheets. I had a chance to ask him a couple of questions about his career and he had several smart and witty things to say: Read more of this post

Travel Traders Retail Becomes A Part Of New Orleans Rebirth

Blending in to the redevelopment of the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, Travel Traders new concept of mixing retail with a 24-hour fresh market and bringing it to the heart of the massive hotel and city center begins a new step in their evolution. In the same way the city is being rejuvenated with development and expansion after years of devastation, Travel Traders is looking to a new future with expanded offerings. Lagniappe, which translates to “Gift with purchase” is the perfect descriptive name for this retail experience, which provides just a little extra than what you would expect from Hotel Retail. Over 2,000 square feet located in the heart of the Hotel Lobby, customers and hotel guests are presented with a wide range of options for purchase. Pastries, coffee, sandwiches, gumbo and other local favorites are available at any time. Gourmet selections can be taken to rooms or taken home to bring the flavor of New Orleans back from a trip to the city. The retail selections are a combination of souvenirs, jewelry, apparel and necessities for the business and vacation traveler. Read more of this post

Meet FRCH: An Interview With Jim Lazzari

Jim Lazzari, FRCH’s Chief Architectural Officer and Partner ( and self-proclaimed Chief Shorts Officer) has been here at FRCH for a while. In fact, 27 1/2 years. This past week, I had a chance to sit down with him and ask a few questions about the design industry, FRCH, and his personal life. Here is just a glimpse at Mr. Jim Lazzari…

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Ultra Local and Hyper Familiar

Out on the edge of the Hamptons, there are a couple of small hotels that may be a vision for the future of hospitality.

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Rebuilding Ground Zero

With the tenth anniversary of 9/11 rapidly approaching, workers have been racing to achieve their goal of completing 1,000 feet of construction of the new Tower 1 at One World Trade Center in time for the official opening of the WTC Memorial.  The massive effort and creativity involved in this undertaking is something that everyone can find inspirational.  Read more of this post

It’s Grand

No matter how many times you’ve seen it, Grand Central Terminal in New York never ceases to inspire. At 42nd and Park Avenue, it is the largest train station in the world by number of platforms: 44, with 67 tracks along them.

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Decameron Blazes a Trail in Brazilian Architecture

Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan’s design for the furniture store, Decameron, reflects an architectural trend in the country: the reuse of cargo containers to build stores, hotels and houses.

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Brilliant Basket Case

Video displays can be found anywhere and everywhere lately, but more often than not the placement, function and content of the display is sorely lacking consideration. Not the case with this incredible installation at Cal State University Fresno’s new Henry Madden Library. Read more of this post

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