Podcast Summary: Roman & Williams: Design’s Masters of Mood
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Grand Tourist with Dan Rubinstein
- Host: Dan Rubinstein
- Episode: Roman & Williams: Design’s Masters of Mood
- Release Date: September 25, 2024
Introduction to Roman & Williams In this episode of The Grand Tourist, Dan Rubinstein delves into the creative worlds of Robin Standifer and Steven Alish, the dynamic duo behind the renowned design firm Roman & Williams. Celebrated for their ability to craft immersive environments, Robin and Steven have significantly influenced the aesthetics of modern hospitality through their distinctive projects.
Early Lives and Backgrounds Robin Standifer and Steven Alish bring diverse backgrounds to their partnership. Robin, a native New Yorker, recounts her formative years immersed in the city’s vibrant art scene, including high school at Art and Design in Manhattan. Steven shares his journey from Milwaukee to the hills of California, where his early exposure to the New Age movement and surfing instilled a free-spirited ethos.
Robin Standifer (00:26): “Growing up in New York, I was always connected to the city and its endless creativity. Meeting Basquiat at 16 was just part of the everyday experience.”
Steven Alish (03:45): “Moving to California opened up a world of health food, meditation, and surfing. It was a transformative time that shaped my love for nature and craftsmanship.”
Transition from Film to Interior Design Both Robin and Steven initially ventured into the film industry, working as set designers. Their collaboration began on the set of the independent film The New Age, where Robin was introduced to Steven’s exceptional sketching skills. This professional relationship quickly blossomed into a personal partnership, blending Robin’s artistic vision with Steven’s technical prowess.
Steven Alish (12:31): “When I met Robin, her ability to envision and describe spaces was unparalleled. Her passion for combining art and functionality was exactly what Roman & Williams needed.”
Key Projects: Ace Hotel and Standard Hotel Roman & Williams made their mark with the design of the original Ace Hotel in New York and the legendary Boom Boom Room at the Standard Hotel in Manhattan. These projects not only showcased their unique aesthetic but also redefined hospitality spaces as vibrant, community-centric environments.
Robin Standifer (31:38): “The Ace Hotel was about creating a new definition of hospitality. It wasn’t just a place to sleep; it was a place to hang out, work, and engage with the community.”
Steven Alish (39:51): “The Boom Boom Room became synonymous with a great time because of its glamorous design and the atmosphere we meticulously crafted.”
Design Philosophy: Atmosphere and Haunting Beauty Roman & Williams are often referred to as "luxury's default designers of atmosphere" by the Financial Times. Their design philosophy centers around creating spaces that evoke deep emotional responses, often described as "hauntingly" beautiful. They emphasize layers of atmosphere, integrating sensory elements like scent and sound to bring spaces to life.
Robin Standifer (43:28): “Atmosphere is about more than just furniture and decor. It’s about how a space feels—what it smells like, what sounds permeate it. We want our spaces to be alive.”
Steven Alish (44:46): “Hauntingly beautiful means something about the space stays with you. It’s about creating an experience that resonates long after you leave.”
Expansion: Roman & Williams Guild and Guild Gallery In 2017, Roman & Williams expanded into retail with Roman & Williams Guild, followed by the establishment of Guild Gallery. These ventures allowed them to curate and sell artisanal products, particularly focusing on earthbound materials like ceramics and glass, further cementing their role as tastemakers in the design world.
Robin Standifer (50:22): “With the Guild, we wanted to curate collections that reflected our vision and allowed us to collaborate with artisans on our own terms.”
Creative Process and Collaboration Robin and Steven's creative process is highly collaborative, blending Robin’s narrative-driven approach with Steven’s technical expertise. Robin often serves as the muse, inspiring concepts that Steven then translates into detailed designs. Their ability to seamlessly work together ensures that each project maintains a cohesive and compelling vision.
Steven Alish (59:02): “Robin describes our drawings and takes everyone on a journey. Her storytelling ability transforms our presentations into something unforgettable.”
Robin Standifer (60:05): “Steven’s drawings speak for themselves, and together we create a narrative that captivates our clients and brings our visions to life.”
New Ventures: Lighting Collection Continuing their tradition of innovation, Roman & Williams are venturing into lighting design with their new collection, A Certain Slant of Light. This collection merges industrial design with delicate, jewelry-like forms, aiming to create lighting that enhances atmosphere and integrates seamlessly into various environments.
Robin Standifer (62:44): “Lighting is a perfect collaboration for us. It combines form and function to create layers of atmosphere, much like our other projects.”
Steven Alish (66:57): “Our lighting collection is about bringing light into dark times, both metaphorically and literally. We want to illuminate spaces in a way that feels extraordinary.”
Future Vision and Plans Looking ahead, Robin and Steven plan to focus more on ground-up architectural projects and retaining ownership over their creative endeavors. They aim to continue building and innovating within their own spaces, ensuring they maintain control over the care and evolution of their designs.
Steven Alish (69:27): “We love the slow growth of building projects and want to focus more on ownership and creating spaces that inspire us daily.”
Robin Standifer (70:18): “Our gardens and experiments in Montauk are becoming a big part of our lives, influencing our designs and keeping our creativity flowing.”
Conclusion Roman & Williams exemplify the integration of art, architecture, and hospitality, creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also emotionally resonant. Through their innovative projects and expansion into various design realms, Robin Standifer and Steven Alish continue to shape the landscape of modern design, staying true to their philosophy of crafting immersive and heartfelt atmospheres.
Notable Quotes:
- Robin Standifer (00:26): “In the world of design, projects don’t just make a statement, but ship the culture in unexpected ways.”
- Steven Alish (44:46): “Hauntingly beautiful means something about the space stays with you.”
- Robin Standifer (43:28): “When something really is remarkable, it is alive.”
Key Topics Covered:
- Foundational backgrounds of Robin and Steven
- Transition from film set design to interior design
- Landmark projects: Ace Hotel and Standard Hotel
- Design philosophy centered on atmosphere and emotional resonance
- Expansion into retail and art galleries with Roman & Williams Guild and Guild Gallery
- Creative collaborative process
- New ventures in lighting design
- Future aspirations focusing on ownership and architectural projects
Conclusion: This episode offers an in-depth look into the creative minds of Robin Standifer and Steven Alish, highlighting their journey, philosophy, and ongoing contributions to the design world. Whether you're a design enthusiast or new to their work, this summary encapsulates the essence of Roman & Williams as masters of mood and atmosphere.