Can a hotel be both a sanctuary and an extension of the city itself? We think RA! studio’s latest hospitality project answers with a resounding YES. At Laiva Hotel in San José del Cabo, geometric architecture meets local heritage to create an immersive, context-driven experience.
—New Orleans–based sustainable furniture designer BOA, founder of OI Studio
Some brands don't chase attention. They command it. That’s Henge, the Italian furniture brand that's opened a dedicated space inside Luminaire Chicago, the city's expansive luxury design destination in River North. Debuting during Design Week Chicago, the immersive space invites architects, designers, and clients to experience the brand's sculptural furniture, extraordinary materials, and unmistakable approach to contemporary interiors.
White tablecloths? Sure. White-knuckling it over which fork to use? Nope, not here. The new Pollini at Ladbroke Hall in London isn't just about a refreshed menu. It's about redefining what luxury hospitality feels like, with warm interiors by Linda Boronkay.
She almost walked away from architecture altogether, after years of feeling undervalued in the industry. But instead, Samantha Josaphat-Medina founded STUDIO 397 Architecture, named for her distinction as the 397th African American woman licensed as an architect in the U.S.
Here, Samantha reflects on resilience, why clients should value design beyond the drawings, and the importance of creating spaces that balance exploration with rest.
Who isn’t looking for solutions to cut through the noise when it comes to product specification—especially when designing for inclusivity? The IBCCES's Certified Autism Resource (CAR) product designation helps specifiers find products that have been rigorously vetted by a board of experts that includes autistic self-advocates. These five furniture solutions prioritize universal design principles for the wave of neurodivergent individuals soon to be entering the workforce.
Alkemis Paint at the OFS at Chicago Design Week
Paint has come a long way (baby) since the days of oil-based solvents. The industry as a whole has worked hard to become healthier. But Alkemis Paint takes that effort a step further by introducing a mineral-based formulation that delivers wellness and Cradle to Cradle certification, while also keeping microplastics out of the ocean. This paint has zero VOCs and no toxic synthetic pigments, so we can all breathe easier.
The Axia Chandelier isn’t trying to make a statement, nor does it try to disappear into the background. By reinterpreting a classic fixture, Italian lighting brand Lodes, in collaboration with design team Martinelli Venezia, modernizes the traditional chandelier.
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The Comm Sheet celebrates the commercial design world while sparking community connection. Our twice-monthly newsletter delivers bite-size content—including insights from top designers; spotlights on new projects and innovative products; and deep dives into topics like neurodiversity, inclusivity, environmental sustainability, and democratization in design—all in a sharp, lively, easily digestible format.