When given the task of creating a custom lobby within brand standards for Westin and giving the Westin Austin a sense of place within the community, the poetry of Austin’s contemporary music scene served as inspiration and the attitude and persona of country singers such as Waylon Jennings, along with his famous telecaster guitar, influenced the design direction.
The lobby is informed an interpretation of the telecaster guitar. Guests see what is reminiscent of guitar strings in the railings of the staircase and the ornate mother of pearl inlay integrated in the architecture and artwork is reflective of the ornamentation of a guitar. The repetitive patterns found in a guitar strap are used for the dividing screens in the restaurant and a mixture of beautiful high polish wood reflects the fine craftsmanship of this instrument. Repeating ceiling planes reflect the frets on the neck of the guitar. Even the materials of the guitar (wood, strings, inlays), the strap of the guitar (texture of the material, patterns, colors), the neck of the guitar (strings, construction of the fret board, details in the tuning knobs) are used throughout for authenticity, adding to the architectural significance of the space.
The guestrooms are more of a respite from the busy hustle of Austin. Here, a neutral palette in crisp whites and rich earth tones is juxtaposed against the plum to violet analogous accents inspired by Austin’s sunsets well-known as the “violet hour.” Furniture pieces are custom and move towards the feeling of mid-century modern – clean with western inspired lines
