Parallel Design

OMNIA, ZERMATT, SWITZERLAND

Annie Block -- Interior Design, 12/1/2007 12:00:00 AM

This contemporary interpretation of a mountain lodge sits high ona Swiss Alp. Owned by furniture manufacturer USM, the hotel opened in 2000 but closed soon thereafter due to structural problems. Principal Ali Tayar came in to reconstruct—and to up the luxury ante. Reducing the key count from 45 to 30 was one move. Installing balconies in all guest rooms to take advantage of the stunning views was another. Furnishings combine pieces byLudwig Mies van der Rohe, Eero Saarinen, and Raymond Loewy with custom designs that rely on local craftsmanship and local materials (white oak, granite). The finishing touch? Custom comforters suggest skiwear.

Tonychi and Associates

PROJECT Park Hyatt, Washington, D.C.

STANDOUT The nation's history is channeled through cherry-tree images, traditional quilt patterns, and Windsor-style chairs.

HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates

PROJECT Ritz-Carlton, Beijing.

STANDOUT Traditional Chinese materials meet a contemporary aesthetic, as exemplified by the backlit rock-crystal panels behind the main stair.