OAKLAND, CA—The recent $22 million renovation of the Marriott City Center has caused Marriott to look at the way it designs hotels, incorporating more of a sense of place and local influences. Lisa Haude, president of Paradigm Design Group, designed the guest rooms based on the area's shipping and industrial industries, as well as the state's golden poppies. She discussed these design elements in this exclusive Q&A. (Related: Data on hotel sales may indicate a downward trajectory.)

GlobeSt.com: Please share an example of how the guest room designs are based on the industrial industry and the state flower.

Lisa Haude: There are several elements to the guest rooms that invoke the industrial aspects of Oakland. The custom furniture is a modern interpretation of authentic shipping containers and is stamped with 1852, the year of the city's founding. The bold artwork above each bed highlights the iconic cranes that punctuate the city's skyline and creates a bold focal point. Patterns in the carpet resemble the rolling currents from the Bay, a fundamental element of Oakland's shipping industry.

The colors of the rooms call to mind the industry and native golden poppies with warm grays, poppy gold, industrial black metal and pops of white setting the color palette, which looks modern, yet inviting.

GlobeSt.com: What tech influences/conveniences were built into the design?

Haude: All of the casegoods feature multiple electrical outlets with USB ports to allow several options for guests to power their devices.

GlobeSt.com: How have room designs changed in the last five years to incorporate the business traveler, i.e. tech?

Haude: Electrical outlets are easier to access and more plentiful. You'll always find outlets built directly into a desk or bedside table so guests aren't hunting for a plug. There's also technology like apps and iPads for the hotel and in the rooms, respectively, that make check in, check out and other requests much more seamless. In the lobbies and other public spaces, uninterrupted WiFi and unique locations to work from are necessary to keep business travelers accommodated.

GlobeSt.com: Are there any other “just like home” conveniences that you've included?

Haude: A luxurious bathroom, state of the art 55- to 60-inch flat screen television and high-end bed linens all create a sense of comfort and feeling of home.

GlobeSt.com: What are some of the design trends that are just coming into being?

Instant Insights /

Hotel Project Borrows From Industrial to Influence Future Designs

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