A special thanks to The Scout for making this amazing video about Roman & Williams design firm. This video really explains what it means to design in a way to evoke a feeling and emotion. Visual cues, texture, light, and music all play a part in their design. We often get asked what modern design is and does it have to be cold. Modern design to us is a new way to look at what you already know. It is putting things together in new interesting ways.  Here is the video and below is what The Scout says about it:

Roman & Williams from The Scout on Vimeo.

The partners behind Roman & Williams, Robin Standefer and Stephen Alesch are anti minimalists. It’s apparent in the spaces they create, whether it’s a hotel, restaurant or private residence – texture is very much a part of the firm’s identity, and the studio is no different. Nothing is too pristine nor too precious here. Scarred tables, found objects, layers of books and source materials surrounds you throughout the office. Roman & Williams is the second subject in our documentary series on craftsmanship.

“It’s a shame to only have dreams at night. You should have a few opportunities during the day.” This wistful quote from Stephen Alesch speaks volumes about the spaces he and Robin Standefer create as architects and designers. Their firm Roman & Williams, is named for their grandparents, paying homage to another era. Together, they draw on the evocative moods, textures, and meaningful objects that linger somewhere between past and present. Their work is infused with memory and allows participants to connect with a more romantic and important time.

Alesch still renders all of their presentations by hand, a skill he has preserved and honed from an early age. Standefer evolved her skills as a painter into creating sets for the likes of Scorsese. As a team they have developed an approach to creating buildings and interiors that reveres craft and tradition, combined with a contemporary viewpoint. This unique vision has lead to a number of important public and private projects including the Ace Hotel, The Standard Hotel, and 211 Elizabeth. Photo by Rose Callahan