BD | NY 2020 Virtual Conference - "The Seelbach Story"

Campo Architects’ own Kerry Soniat participated in the Boutique Design New York 2020 Virtual Conference that took place earlier this week. With over 40 influencers packed into two days of virtual presentations, the conference offered much needed inspiration to offset the change of venue from NYC due to COVID-19. This year’s conference kicked off with four panels featuring leaders among the hospitality development and design industry. The panels provided insight on struggles faced as a result of the pandemic and shared strategic solutions for moving forward as an industry. All panelists emphasized the importance of partnerships now more than ever, and how to establish effective collaborations to develop a successful project. Day two of the BDNY conference held five panels focusing on women leadership in hospitality, the NEWH Beyond design competition, boutique hotel design, hospitality hybrids typologies, and the story of the Seelbach hotel.

“The Seelbach Hotel Story” panel was moderated by Michael Suomi (President, Suomi Design Works). In addition to Kerry Soniat (Campo Architects, Project Architect), the panel also featured Bethany Gale (Interiors Associate, Stonehill Taylor), Jim Merkel (President and CEO, Rockbridge Capital), and Chris Rupp (Sr. Vice President, RB Hotel Development). With the Owner and design team, this panel focused on the rich history of this luxurious hotel and how the renovation plans to bring its iconic architecture back to life.

Founded by brothers Louis and Otto Seelbach, the Seelbach Hotel opened in 1905 on the outskirts of then downtown Louisville, Kentucky. Since its inauguration, the Seelbach Hotel has had enormous success, which led to subsequent additions to the building in its early years of operation. The hotel’s European-inspired grandeur resulted in the shift of Louisville’s downtown hub and reshaped the city’s planning efforts. Over the past 115 years, the Seelbach Hotel has become a beloved icon of Louisville hospitality, and its upcoming renovation will continue to celebrate the hotel’s luxurious legacy.

Two prominent historic features that are part of the upcoming renovation include the rediscovery of the historic rooftop garden and the invigoration of the hotel’s ground and basement level gathering spaces. At the backside of the building, an addition will be incorporated that features a new rooftop with qualities inspired by the once existing historic roof garden, including a solarium and bar. The Bavarian-styled Rathskeller located in the hotel’s basement is decorated with rare Rookwood Pottery and includes historically preserved ornamentation throughout the space. As a nod to their German heritage, the Seelbach brothers designed this space to resemble a Biergarten and incorporated dozens of pelican figures that are meant to represent good luck.

New Rooftop Solarium

Proposed Lobby Bar

Proposed Private Lounge

Proposed Library

Proposed Reception

Proposed Rackhouse Restaurant

New Rooftop Bar

The Seelbach Hotel’s renovation will celebrate the building’s grandeur by bringing back a sense of luxury for the guests upon their immediate arrival to the property. The project will relocate the hotel reception, allowing for a comfortable space for guests to check-in and allow the larger public space to reflect the hotel’s historic design intent though it’s interior finishes. During the renovation, the design and development team has been able to investigate the legends surrounding the Seelbach Hotel first-hand, including the discovery of secret passages to underground tunnels of Louisville used by Al Capone.

The panel also communicated challenges they faced when diving into the Seelbach project. For example, to achieve a higher level of luxury, larger bathrooms were incorporated to existing guestroom layouts. These changes required complete alteration of the existing plumbing system and reconfiguration of the guest spaces. As with any historic preservation project, there are unforeseen challenges when converting older buildings into modern facilities. Due to the previous experience and skill-set of this project’s design team, the Seelbach Hotel’s complex renovation will maximize guest experiences and revive the property’s former potential.

Announcement - Hurricane Zeta

We are grateful for the concern shown to us during these challenging times. Thankfully, the Campo Architects team is safe.

Due to power and internet outages, our office will be returning to full production sometime next week. We appreciate your care and understanding. Follow our social media for more updates.

The Campo Quarterly

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Employee Spotlight - Janina Scalfano

At Campo Architects, we have some outstanding employees on our team. Each month, we’ll be turning the spotlight on one of our team members responsible for bringing our designs to life. Get to know Architectural Designer, Janina Scalfano.

1.       How has working at Campo Architects helped you in your career development?

Campo Architects has provided me the space to take on as much responsibility as I want which has made my career flourish.  There is no glass ceiling in this firm.

2.       What advice would you give to people who hope to follow a career path similar to yours?

Be yourself.  Each person’s unique experiences bring a richer perspective to design.

3.       If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

My love of travel and interest in other cultures has given me the desire to be fluent in different languages.

4.       What are your hopes for the future of the design industry?

My hope for the future of the design industry is to make a stronger impact on discriminatory injustice through the workplace and through the spaces we create.

5.       What is something you learned in the last month?

I’ve learned that the creative process happens in all phases of a project, even construction administration!

6.       Describe a typical day for you.

A typical day for me involves immense amount of coordination with the design team and construction team to resolve issues, reviewing submittal/RFIs as well as frequent site visits.

DESIGN TO CHANGE 2020

Last weekend, our Studio Director, Miriam Salas Orta, represented Campo Architects at this year's Design + Practice Exchange, a two-day symposium hosted by the American Institute of Architects and Women In Architecture chapters in both New Orleans, LA and Austin, TX.

This year’s event focused on equity and the environment. The annual DPE program creates a collaborative space of leadership growth for women of all backgrounds in the architecture, design, and building industries. The program of the Design To Change 2020 symposium included paired presentations by women in the field focused on educational typologies, roundtable conversations about environmentally-focused design in landscape, residential and equitable housing, virtual tours, and mentorship small groups. Studio director, Miriam Salas participated in the mentorship sessions on day two.

Image by WIA New Orleans

Design To Change Symposium
Saturday Morning Mentorship Session

Image by WIA New Orleans

“Acknowledging that we don’t know it all is not just OK but it is to be anticipated. A lot of women designers don’t ask the questions that they need to be asking because they feel there is a lot of judgment that you don’t know as much as your counterparts. It makes you stronger and have a stronger voice. The second I was able to put that second-guessing to the side, I not only had an easier road but a much more fun road.”

- Miriam Salas, AIA, LEED AP

“You have the ability to represent your projects easier, better. The tools of visualization are right at your fingertips. It’s not just about your ideas but about how you present them”

- Miriam Salas, AIA, LEED AP

Campo Architects + InterMountain Form a Strategic Alliance to Redefine the Post-Pandemic Hotel

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John T. Campo JR., AIA, NCARB Campo Architects | President

Mary Gilmore, AIA, NCIDQ Campo Architects | Director of Interior Design

Jared Walker, InterMountain Renovation Consultants | Executive Vice President

Colby Weaver Walker, InterMountain Renovation Consultants | Design & Purchasing Manager

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Louisiana Extends State Commercial Tax Credit Program

On Tuesday July 14, House Bill 4 (now Act No. 25) was signed by Governor John Bel Edwards to extend the State Commercial Tax Credit to December 31, 2025.

John T. Campo, Jr., President of Campo Architects proudly serves as an advisor on state historic tax credits to Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. Since the inception of State of Louisiana Historic Tax Credits, Campo Architects has utilized state historic tax credits to design adaptive reuse projects in various industries throughout the state, including hospitality, healthcare, and student housing.

We are thankful for all of the support that the state historic tax credit program has received from the public, State Representatives, and State Senators to successfully get the program extended!

Campo Architects Welcomes Historian Shelby L. Shankle

Campo Architects is pleased to welcome Shelby L. Shankle as the Company’s Historian. Prior to joining the Campo team, Shelby was a historic consultant that conducted extensive research for the preparation and writing of National Register nominations on behalf of Campo Architects. Shelby’s firsthand knowledge of the Historic Tax Credit process makes her well-positioned to help clients navigate the challenges specific to their state. Her dedication to upholding the standard of excellence that Campo Architects has sustained for 35 years makes her a valuable asset to clients looking to benefit from the historic tax credits available to them through the firm's commitment to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards of Rehabilitation. 
 

“I’m excited to join the Campo team and be a part of a firm that embraces strategic mentorship between the shared expertise of architecture, interior design, and historic tax credit consulting,” said Shankle. “In addition to the firm’s multi-faceted approach, Campo’s long-standing relationship with the National Park Service and many State Historic Preservation Offices provides clients with an exclusive understanding of the intricacies of historic preservation and adaptive reuse projects.”

As a historian, Shelby embraces the opportunity to continue learning throughout her career. She has a strong appreciation for the way that architectural preservation can be used to communicate local, state, and national histories through restoration, rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse projects. While earning her M.A. in History at the University of New Orleans, Shelby assisted the Midlo Center for New Orleans Studies with public history projects across the Greater New Orleans Area. Two of these exhibitions included Your Story, Our Story, The Tenement Museum’s crowd-sourced exhibit on the stories of immigration across the United States, and the Humanities Action Lab’s Climates of Inequality international exhibit. Her experience interacting with local and national audiences furthered her passion for making history accessible to the public through innovative ways. 

“Shelby’s technical expertise as well as her shared commitment to historic rehabilitation makes her a valuable new member of our team. The addition of a historian to Campo Architects reflects the company’s culture in providing complete services to the client in order to exceed expectations. We’re excited to welcome her to the firm and provide her unique expertise to our clients,” said John T. Campo Jr., President of Campo Architects. 

Campo Architects Statement on Racial Injustice

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Campo Architects is against discrimination of any kind.  We believe in the values of diversity and inclusion for all people regardless of their race, color, sex, language, national origin, religion, orientation or age.

The tragedy of the killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd is truly disheartening.

The adage "Change occurs when the pain of staying the same outweighs the pain of change" could not be more applicable than now. The design community is one of many that can make a positive impact to address this problem. In order to move forward we need to work toward improving and creating a more inclusive profession that supports and encourages networks meant to foster Black Architects/Designers.

The healing of communities is not something that can directly be affected with architecture in a built form but rather by individuals in positions of power willing to listen and effectively endorse the voices of those that are underrepresented. One of our roles as Architects and Designers can be to raise awareness about our designs that promote a more equitable social environment. In doing this, we should consider having these uncomfortable conversations with each other, in and out of the Architectural profession, about creating spaces that are more diverse and inclusive.

Future of Hotel Design Post-COVID19: Protecting Your Bottom Line

BY MARY GILMORE, AIA, NCIDQ
DIRECTOR OF INTERIOR DESIGN

It’s no secret to hotel developers that buying opportunities will be increasing as more and more properties begin coming online due to the financial stresses of the post-COVID 19 economy. As many as 20% of existing hotels may change ownership, creating opportunities for developers and hotel owners to purchase and reposition these assets. But the rules have changed this time around. Major hotel brands like Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt and others are instituting new sanitation and hygiene policies for existing and all proposed hotels. As real estate starts changing hands, developers and hotel owners will need experienced architects and interior designers to provide efficient ways to reposition and refresh existing properties to meet new sanitization standards and create an inviting, flexible environment, all while improving operating margins.

Campo Architects, the architect on the first AC Hotel by Marriott in the USA  and well known for their expertise in historic renovations and boutique design, offers this look at post-COVID design considerations, as well as opportunities for developers to increase efficiencies in the renovation process to get the most “bang for your buck”. 

OPPORTUNITIES TO INCREASE EFFICIENCY:

When planning a hotel renovation, efficiency is more critical now than ever. The integration of Architecture and Interior Design plays a major role in the efficiency of design and construction processes. Public spaces will need to be rethought to incorporate social distancing protocols, and these designs will need to be coordinated with enhanced HVAC systems, sanitation processes, and of course: design appeal. 

Some of the best designs come as the result of challenges and restrictions. As Hotel Owners move into the next era of hotels, designers and architects will be playing a major role in solving these challenges.

Mary Gilmore, Director of Interior Design at Campo Architects, outlines the way designers are thinking about the future of hotel rooms, public spaces, and restaurants:
 
HOTEL ROOMS
Campo Architects’ experience in the healthcare industry offers insight into how to maximize cleanability and guest safety.  Antimicrobial fabrics and surfaces will become the new norm.  Touchless fixtures and voice-controlled equipment can be used for lighting, television, and HVAC control, similar to the technology behind Google Home.  Bathroom amenities may be expanded to include complimentary face masks and disinfectant wipes.

Lead times may also be affected due to delays in the supply chain of products procured from Asian countries that were hard hit by the virus, and procurement agents will need to look more closely at alternate supply chains and domestic products.

Designers are also starting to look at natural materials that have inherent antimicrobial properties, such as copper-alloy finishes, and materials utilizing the lotus flower effect, which naturally repels dirt and bacteria.
 
HOUSEKEEPING
Housekeeping practices will no doubt see a major overhaul in the post-pandemic world.  Technologies such as Electrostatic Spraying (using an electrically charged disinfectant to more effectively cover a surface) are already being implemented by several brands, and ultraviolet light technology is also being explored. Hotels are experimenting with various housekeeping approaches and some Guests may prefer minimum personnel in the room during a stay.

One future trend may be to offer guests a credit to provide housekeeping only upon checkout to minimize the exposure of housekeepers. The opposite approach may be to implement additional charges for cleaning fees, similar to the way short-term rental properties operate. Some brands may even opt to provide sanitation kits for guest use.

PUBLIC SPACE DESIGN
Changes are also coming to the public spaces of hotels, including reception, lounge areas, gyms, meeting rooms, and restaurants. Campo Architects advises consideration of low-touch experiences such as mobile check-in as the new baseline, along with physical partitions at front desks, similar to bank teller stations. OSHA and AIA have developed a system of “Engineering Controls” to protect employees, including clear plastic barriers, roller screens, and sneeze guards.

Furniture in public spaces will be re-arranged to promote social distancing. This measure should be combined with attention to HVAC in terms of airflow direction and frequency of air exchanges to minimize guest exposure to airborne contaminants. Hand sanitizer stations will be highly visible outside of high-touch areas such as elevators, entrances, meeting rooms, and fitness centers. Drapery can also be used as a decorative way divide spaces and promote social distancing.

Breakfast buffets are likely to be eliminated in favor of pre-packaged items or enhanced room service and grab and go options. Restaurants that continue to operate will be run at a much lower capacity. Two-top tables will be more prevalent in lieu of the currently popular communal tables. Physical menus may be replaced by digital technology to create a more low-touch experience.  And say goodbye to the 24/7 communal coffee stations.

WHAT TO INVEST IN: COMMUNICATION & TECHNOLOGY

Communication of safety measures is critically important for fostering trust with guests. Brands have begun releasing their new guidelines for sanitation and commitments to cleanliness, which are designed to make guests feel safe. It will be critical for hotel operators to communicate a perceived sense of cleanliness and safety. 

Technology is constantly adapting, and hotels already struggle with what/when/how to implement new systems.  Mobile check-in and keyless entry systems will be expected as a minimum investment. HVAC technologies will also be a critical component to consider during a renovation.  Specialized zoning of systems will allow hotels to operate efficiently at lower occupancy by shutting off whole floors when not in use.  HVAC design will also likely include increased air exchanges, high efficiency filters, and automatic disinfection of mechanical systems.

There is no doubt that these new protocols will require physical renovations in addition to operational and management adjustments. Despite the current decline in RevPAR due to COVID-19, forecasts are still predicting several years of double-digit RevPAR growth in the next few years. The world will start to travel again, starting incrementally at first, and growing into the first and second quarters of 2021. There are steps Hotel Owners can take during the down-cycle to ensure relevance once travel demand rises again.

As with all previous cycles, there will be great opportunities with the challenges.The right architect and interior design team can be a critical element in in creating the successful post COVID-19 hotel. Now is the time to make investments in properties that will reopen as market leaders, with a focus on safety and good design.

Campo Architects is an industry leader in hotel design, specializing in adaptive re-use, historic renovations, and interior design. For more information on our current services, please visit www.jtcampo.com.