Roman and Williams explained

Roman and Williams is an American-owned, New York-based multidisciplinary design studio known for its work on museums, hotels, restaurants, retail spaces, homes and product design. Founded in 2002 by principals Robin Standefer and Stephen Alesch, the firm consists of four interconnected enterprises: Roman and Williams Buildings and Interiors,[1] an architecture and interior design firm; Roman and Williams Guild New York[2] (RW Guild), a brick-and-mortar store and online retailer offering handmade high craft in furniture, accessories, and housewares by Roman and Williams Guild Original Designs and a guild of independent artists from around the world; La Mercerie, an award-winning French restaurant and bar helmed by executive chef Marie-Aude Rose;[3] and Guild Gallery, an art gallery in SoHo showing established and emerging artists.[4]

Known for what the Wall Street Journal called "slow design," with its emphasis on craft and substance,[5] the firm undertakes building design, interior design, branding, as well as the design of custom furniture, lighting, tableware, glassware, and other home goods.

In 2011, the firm's principals, Standefer and Alesch, were recognized in Fast Company's list of "America's 50 Most Influential Designers."[6] In 2014, they received the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum’s National Design Award for Interior Design.[7] They went on to win The Wall Street Journal's 2017 Innovators Award in the Design category,[8] and in 2018 the pair received the "Visionaries Award" from the Sir John Soane's Museum Foundation[9] as well as an award for "Architecture" by Fashion Group International.[10] They have made Architectural Digest's annual "AD 100" list 11 times since 2012, and Elle Decor’s A-List five times since 2013.[11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24] [25] [26]

In 2016, Roman and Williams was commissioned to redesign the British Galleries at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, which opened in March of 2020.[27] This commission was the firm's first project in a museum. They were later commissioned to design an exhibition space for a special section of Frieze Masters 2023.[28]

Firm history and projects

Standefer and Alesch's first residential design project was for Ben Stiller, who hired the pair to design his family's Los Angeles home after working with them on the set of his film Duplex,[29] leading to the founding of their firm, Roman and Williams Buildings and Interiors.[30]

Named for the founders’ maternal grandfathers, the firm opened its first office on the lot of Paramount Pictures. In 2004, it relocated to New York and established its office on Lafayette Street[31] before moving to Canal Street in 2023.

Roman and Williams has designed major residential projects for celebrity clients including Kate Hudson, Elisabeth Shue and Davis Guggenheim, and Gwyneth Paltrow.[32] [33] [34] [35] Other residential projects include the renovation and expansion of one of Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian Houses.[36]

Standefer and Alesch view their own homes, in Manhattan and Montauk, as an expression of their interests, and the homes act as design laboratories and inspirations for the firm's projects.[37] The New York Times called their East Fourth Street loft "an appealing hybrid, as if an apartment from the Apthorp had been reassembled by the furniture designers Pierre Chareau or Jean Prouve."[38]

With a reputation as “luxury’s default designers of atmosphere” (the Financial Times),[39] the firm has designed the interiors of more than a dozen hotels, including the Ace Hotel’s Brooklyn,[40] Manhattan,[41] and New Orleans[42] locations; Freehand’s New York,[43] Los Angeles,[44] Chicago,[45] and Miami[46] locations; the Standard High Line, including The Standard Grill and the 18th Floor Club, also known as the Boom Boom Room;[47] the Chicago Athletic Association;[48] the NoMad London;[49] Maison Estelle, a private members’ club in London;[50] and its partner countryside property, Estelle Manor,[51] a luxury hotel and private members’ club in Oxfordshire, England, for which they also restored the property’s historic Neo-Jacobean buildings and designed and built 20 ground-up structures.

The firm has designed two ground-up residential buildings. The first, at 211 Elizabeth Street in NoLiTa, was praised for its use of traditional, hand-laid brick.[52] The second, The Fitzroy, was inspired by Art Deco architecture and is located in Chelsea, near the High Line.[53]

Roman and Williams Buildings and Interiors has also designed a number of restaurants and bars, including Upland, The Dutch, Lafayette, Le Coucou, Veronika, John Dory Oyster Bar, The Breslin, Simon and the Whale, and the firm’s own restaurant, La Mercerie, in New York; La Rotonde de la Muette in Paris; Octavius Bar in Milan; and Cantinery in Istanbul.[54] Additionally, the firm designed the Tin Building by Jean-Georges, a 53,000-square-foot culinary complex featuring six full-service restaurants, six fast casual outlets, three bars, and private dining, housed in the former Fulton Fish Market in Manhattan’s Seaport neighborhood.[55]

The firm's other completed projects include the design of the goop mrkt pop-up store, on which they worked with goop Creative Director Gwyneth Paltrow.[56] Other projects include a mess hall on the new Facebook campus in Menlo Park, California, and the HuffPost Live studio set and offices in New York, which opened in Spring of 2012.[57] [58]

In 2014, Roman and Williams was commissioned to redesign the British Galleries at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York—an ambitious renovation project to create what the Museum called a "spectacular, narrative-rich, and profoundly sympathetic setting for the works of art."[59] The firm designed ten galleries devoted to British decorative arts and sculpture of the early 16th through 19th century, including three historic interiors.[60] The renovated British Galleries reopened in 2020, the year of The Met’s 150th anniversary.

Selected projects

!Project!City!Year Complete
Estelle ManorOxfordshire, UK2023
Tin BuildingNew York City2022
Maison EstelleLondon, UK2022
Nomad LondonLondon, UK2021
Paltrow ResidenceMontecito2021
Ace Hotel BrooklynNew York City2021
VeronikaNew York City2020
British Galleries at the MetNew York City2020
The FitzroyNew York City2019
Aoyama BuildingTokyo, Japan2018
Freehand New YorkNew York City2018
La MercerieNew York City2017
Freehand LALos Angeles2017
Goop LabLos Angeles2017
Ace Hotel New OrleansNew Orleans2016
La Rotonde de MuetteParis, France2016
Greydon HouseNantucket2016
Le CoucouNew York City2016
Hotel EmmaSan Antonio2015
Chicago Athletic AssociationChicago2015
Freehand ChicagoChicago2015
CantineryIstanbul, Turkey2014
Freehand MiamiMiami2012
John Dory Oyster BarNew York City2010
Tribeca Penthouse for Gwyneth PaltrowNew York City2010
Ace Hotel New YorkNew York City2009
The Standard High Line & Boom Boom RoomNew York City2009
211 Elizabeth StreetNew York City2009
New Moon Residence for Kate HudsonLos Angeles2005
Castilian Residence for Ben StillerLos Angeles2002

Product design

Roman and Williams launched a product design division in September 2012. Their Roman and Williams Guild Original Design products—which include light fixtures, furnishings, tableware, glassware, and beyond—are designed and prototyped by Alesch and Standefer, who then partner with master artisans around the world to produce their pieces, all of which are made by hand, employing heritage techniques.[61]

In celebration of their tenth year, the firm released a monograph, Things We Made, with Rizzoli, in October 2012, followed by the release of a Japanese edition in May 2014 with Graphic-Sha.[62] The book shows the firm's work from the past decade, as well as the principals' previous work in film.

Selected products

Roman and Williams Guild Original Designs Furniture!Product Name!Year Launched
Angelica Console2017
Catalpa Sofa2017
Dado Bench2023
Davenport Chair2020
Napper Sofa2017
Ovo Dining Chair2022
Ovo Table2022
RW Montauk Sofa2017
Riser Coffee Table2023
Teneresque Credenza2017
Roman and Williams Guild Original Designs Lighting!Product Name!Year Launched
Alabaster Rotonde2023
Dahlia Table Lamp2024
Calyx2017
Oscar Counterweight2017
Oscar Flushmount 2017
Oscar Pendant Light 2017
Rotonde X 2021
Seed Pendant Light 2022
Solna2017
Woodrum Chandelier2017

Awards

Work for film

Robin Standefer film credits

YearFilmRole
1989 New York Stories Fine arts curator
1990 Goodfellas Art department researcher
1991 The Rapture Production designer
1992 Mac Production designer
1993 The Age of Innocence Video research consultant
1994 The New Age Production designer
1995 Search and Destroy Production designer
1996 The Pallbearer Production designer
1997 Commandments Production designer
Addicted to Love Production designer
1998 Illuminata Production designer
Practical Magic Production designer
1999 The Invisible Circus Production designer
2001 The Caveman's Valentine Production designer
Get Over It Production designer
Zoolander Production designer
2002 The Guru Production designer
2003 Duplex Production designer

Stephen Alesch film credits

YearFilmRole
1993 Matinee Set designer
1994 Cabin Boy Set designer
New Nightmare Set designer
Stargate Set designer
1995 Galaxis Set designer
Search and Destroy Art director
1996 The Pallbearer Art director
1997 Commandments Art director
Addicted to Love Art director
Gattaca Set designer
1998 Illuminata Art director
What Dreams May Come Set designer
Practical Magic Architectural consultant
1999 The Invisible Circus Art director
2000 Gun Shy Art director
2001 The Caveman's Valentine Art director/visual consultant (New York)
Get Over It Art director
Zoolander Art director
2002 Issaquena Production designer
The Guru Production designer
2003 Duplex Production designer

References

Notes
Bibliography

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Buildings and Interiors . 2024-05-16 . Roman and Williams . en-US.
  2. Web site: Original Designed Furniture, Lighting & Art Roman & Williams Guild . 2024-05-16 . Roman and Williams Guild . en.
  3. Web site: La Mercerie at Roman and Williams Guild New York . 2024-05-16 . www.lamercerieny.com.
  4. Web site: Guild Gallery New York . 2024-05-16 . Guild Gallery NY . en.
  5. News: Married to the Job. Hartman. Darrell. Wall Street Journal. 2016-03-15. 0099-9660.
  6. News: Infographic Of The Day: America's 50 Most Influential Designers. 2011-09-14. Fast Company. 2018-09-13. en-US.
  7. Web site: 2014-05-01 . Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum Announces Winners of the 15th Annual National Design Awards Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum . 2024-05-15 . www.cooperhewitt.org . en-US.
  8. Web site: Since 2002, WSJ. Magazine 2017 Design Innovator: Roman and Williams, have been re-defining modern design to create spaces that are inviting, warm, and create a deep sense of belonging.. MediaStorm. en. 2018-09-13.
  9. Web site: Soane Foundation - Gala Dinner in New York City. www.soanefoundation.com. 2018-09-13.
  10. News: Vera Wang, Olivier Rousteing, Anna Sui, Carol Lim, Humberto Leon and Moncler to Be Honored at FGI's Night of Stars. Feitelberg. Rosemary. 2018-07-17. WWD. 2018-09-13. en-US.
  11. Web site: 2012-01-01 . 2012 AD100: Roman and Williams Buildings and Interiors . 2024-05-15 . Architectural Digest . en-US.
  12. Web site: 2014-01-01 . 2014 AD100: Roman and Williams Buildings and Interiors . 2024-05-15 . Architectural Digest . en-US.
  13. Web site: Mafi . Nick . 2015-12-03 . Meet the Architects and Designers of the 2016 AD100 . 2024-05-15 . Architectural Digest . en-US.
  14. Web site: Digest . Architectural . 2015-11-18 . Roman and Williams Buildings and Interiors . 2024-05-15 . Architectural Digest . en-US.
  15. Web site: Digest . Architectural . 2017-12-06 . Introducing the 2018 AD100 . 2024-05-15 . Architectural Digest . en-US.
  16. Web site: Digest . Architectural . 2018-12-11 . Introducing the 2019 AD100 . 2024-05-15 . Architectural Digest . en-US.
  17. Web site: Digest . Architectural . 2019-12-04 . Introducing the 2020 AD100 . 2024-05-15 . Architectural Digest . en-US.
  18. Web site: Digest . Architectural . 2020-12-08 . Introducing the 2021 AD100 . 2024-05-15 . Architectural Digest . en-US.
  19. Web site: Digest . Architectural . 2021-11-30 . AD100 2022 . 2024-05-15 . Architectural Digest . en-US.
  20. Web site: Digest . Architectural . 2022-11-29 . Meet the 2023 AD100 . 2024-05-15 . Architectural Digest . en-US.
  21. Web site: Nast . Condé . AD100 2024 . 2024-05-15 . Architectural Digest . en-US.
  22. Web site: 2013-05-20 . A-LIST 2013 . 2024-05-15 . ELLE Decor . en-US.
  23. Web site: 2018-09-29 . A-List Designers Honored at Sir John Soane Museum Visionaries Gala . 2024-05-15 . ELLE Decor . en-US.
  24. Web site: 2019-06-15 . The 2019 A List: 100+ Of ELLE DECOR's Favorite Interior Designers . 2024-05-15 . ELLE Decor . en-US.
  25. Web site: 2020-06-24 . The 2020 A-List: 125 of ELLE Decor's Favorite Interior Designers . 2024-05-15 . ELLE Decor . en-US.
  26. Web site: 2021-06-03 . It's Here: The ELLE DECOR A-List 2021 . 2024-05-15 . ELLE Decor . en-US.
  27. The Met Announces Renovation of British Galleries . www.metmuseum.org . 2018-09-13.
  28. Web site: Rosa Bertoli . 2023-10-12 . Roman and Williams' Guild Gallery makes Frieze Masters debut . 2024-05-15 . wallpaper.com . en.
  29. Web site: Comfort Me With Flanges. Swanson. Carl. 10 October 2010. New York Magazine. 19 March 2012.
  30. Web site: Robin Standefer and Stephen Alesch. Del Signore. John. 3 March 2010. Gothamist. 31 January 2011. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20100421144505/http://gothamist.com/2010/03/11/robin_standefer_and_stephen_alesch.php. 21 April 2010.
  31. News: Back in the Studio. Kellogg. Craig. 1 March 2005. Interior Design.
  32. Web site: Kate Hudson: Homegirl. West. Kevin. October 2005. W Magazine. 19 March 2012.
  33. Web site: Style & Substance Metropolis Magazine . 2012-03-01 . 2016-03-15 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120301234319/http://www.metropolismag.com/story/20090722/style-substance . March 1, 2012 .
  34. Web site: Starck Contrast: Move Over Minimalism, Says Design Duo. Bryan. Meredith. 18 February 2008. The New York Observer. 19 March 2012.
  35. Web site: Gwyneth Paltrow's Fuzzy Nap Zones Exposed in Tribeca Penthouse. Arak. Joey. 12 July 2010. Curbed.com. 19 March 2012.
  36. Web site: FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT EDWARD SERLIN HOUSE, USONIA . 2024-05-15 . Shana Sigmond . en-US.
  37. News: Guest Room. Muhlke. Christine. 2010-04-30. The New York Times. 0362-4331. 2016-03-15.
  38. News: A Movie Couple's Home Reflects the Joy of Sets. Green. Penelope. 2004-10-31. The New York Times. 0362-4331. 2016-03-15.
  39. Web site: Roman and Williams, luxury's default designers of atmosphere . 2024-05-15 . www.ft.com.
  40. Web site: Ace Hotel . Brooklyn . 2024-05-15 . Roman and Williams . en-US.
  41. Web site: The Ace Hotel . New York . 2024-05-15 . Roman and Williams . en-US.
  42. Web site: The Ace Hotel . New Orleans . 2024-05-15 . Roman and Williams . en-US.
  43. Web site: Freehand . New York . 2024-05-15 . Roman and Williams . en-US.
  44. Web site: Freehand LA . Los Angeles . 2024-05-15 . Roman and Williams . en-US.
  45. Web site: Freehand Chicago . Chicago . 2024-05-15 . Roman and Williams . en-US.
  46. Web site: Freehand Miami . Miami . 2024-05-15 . Roman and Williams . en-US.
  47. Web site: The Standard Highline . New York . 2024-05-15 . Roman and Williams . en-US.
  48. Web site: Chicago Athletic Association . Chicago . 2024-05-15 . Roman and Williams . en-US.
  49. Web site: NoMad . London . 2024-05-15 . Roman and Williams . en-US.
  50. Web site: Maison Estelle . 2024-05-15 . C2J . en-US.
  51. Web site: Estelle Manor - North Leigh - a MICHELIN Guide Hotel . 2024-05-15 . MICHELIN Guide . en-US.
  52. Web site: Palladio Awards 2010. www.palladioawards.com. 2016-03-15.
  53. Web site: The Fitzroy . New York . 2024-05-15 . Roman and Williams . en-US.
  54. Web site: Buildings and Interiors . 2024-05-15 . Roman and Williams . en-US.
  55. Web site: Tin Building . New York . 2024-05-15 . Roman and Williams . en-US.
  56. Web site: Martin . Hannah . 23 November 2015 . Gwyneth Paltrow Opens Goop Pop-Up in New York Architectural Digest . 2016-03-15 . Architectural Digest.
  57. Web site: Facebook . Menlo Park . 2024-05-15 . Roman and Williams . en-US.
  58. Web site: 2012-08-13 . Meet The Designers Who Have Set The Tone For Live Debates... In Style . 2024-05-15 . HuffPost . en.
  59. Web site: The Met Announces Renovation of British Galleries - The Metropolitan Museum of Art . 2024-05-15 . www.metmuseum.org.
  60. Web site: The Met British Galleries . 2024-05-15 . Roman and Williams . en-US.
  61. Web site: Discover the Story Behind Roman and Williams Guild: Our Mission & Vision . 2024-05-15 . Roman and Williams Guild . en.
  62. Web site: ja:ローマン アンド ウィリアムスの軌跡. ja. http://www.graphicsha.co.jp/shosai.php?snumber3=1440. 1 July 2014.
  63. Web site: NoMad London, United Kingdom . 2024-05-16 . AHEAD Awards Global.
  64. Web site: 2021-11-29 . NoMad London declared Hotel of the Year at AHEAD Europe 2021 awards . 2024-05-16 . Dezeen . en.
  65. Web site: HD Platinum Circle 2019 Inductees: The Founders of Roman and Williams . 2024-05-16 . Hospitality Design . en-US.
  66. Web site: 2019-10-02 . The 2019 AFAR Travel Vanguard . 2024-05-16 . AFAR Media . en.
  67. News: The 2018 A List: 100+ Of ELLE DECOR's Favorite Interior Designers. 2018-05-08. ELLE Decor. 2018-09-13. en-US.
  68. Web site: Since 2002, WSJ. Magazine 2017 Design Innovator: Roman and Williams, have been re-defining modern design to create spaces that are inviting, warm, and create a deep sense of belonging.. MediaStorm. en. 2018-09-13.
  69. News: AHEAD Americas Awards Recognize Hospitality Design. 2017-07-06. LODGING. 2018-09-13. en-US.
  70. News: Le Coucou Named Best New Restaurant at James Beard Awards. 2018-09-13. en.
  71. News: Winners Announced at 13th Annual HD Awards Hospitality Design. Hospitality Design. 2018-09-13. en-US.
  72. News: Most Creative People in Business 2016 Fast Company. Fast Company. 2018-09-13. en-US.
  73. News: Top 10 Hotels in the United States: Readers' Choice Awards 2016. Condé Nast Traveler. 2018-09-13. en.
  74. Roberts. Maggie. 2013-08-01. Cats come first for award winner. BSAVA Companion. 2013. 8. 26–27. 10.22233/20412495.0813.26. 2041-2487.
  75. Web site: Award-winners 2015 - Including EuroShop RetailDesign Award ceremony – EHI Retail Institute. Institute. EHI Retail. www.euroshop-award.com. en. 2018-09-13.
  76. Web site: Winners of 35th Gold Key Awards for Excellence in Hospitality Design announced Hotel Management. www.hotelmanagement.net. en. 2018-09-13.
  77. News: 2014 AD100: Roman and Williams Buildings and Interiors Architectural Digest. Architectural Digest. 2018-09-13. en.
  78. News: The Wallpaper* 100: who are the design world's most wanted?. Magazine. Wallpaper*. 2014-09-03. Wallpaper*. 2018-09-13.
  79. News: Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum Announces Winners of the 15th Annual National Design Awards Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. 2014-05-01. Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum. 2018-09-13. en-US.
  80. News: The 2018 A List: 100+ Of ELLE DECOR's Favorite Interior Designers. 2018-05-08. ELLE Decor. 2018-09-13. en-US.
  81. News: FIT Awards Roman + Williams Lawrence Israel Prize. 2013-04-04. Interior Design. 2018-09-13. en-US.
  82. News: Eater Awards Voting: New York's Stone Cold Stunner 2013. Eater NY. 2018-09-13.
  83. News: 2012 AD100: Roman and Williams Buildings and Interiors Architectural Digest. Architectural Digest. 2018-09-13. en.
  84. News: Announcing the 2011 Eater Award Winners for NYC. Eater NY. 2018-09-13.
  85. Web site: Palladio Awards: 2010 Winners. The Traditional Building Conference Series. en-us. 2018-09-13.
  86. Web site: Best of Year Awards 2021 . 2024-05-16 . Interior Design . en-US.
  87. Web site: Khemsurov . Monica . 2010-01-28 . The Nifty 50 Robin Standefer and Stephen Alesch, Designers and Architects . 2024-05-16 . T Magazine . en-US.
  88. Web site: Winners Announced at 14th Annual HD Awards . 2024-05-16 . Hospitality Design . en-US.

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