Avatar Hotel, Hilton Tapestry Collection
Art Curation & Design
A full hotel remodel, from selecting furnishing, fixtures and finishes to custom commissions and art curation. This hotel design is curated with art inspired by a retro theme which combines nostalgic design elements with unique local art to create a playful experience and cheerful vibe. We aimed to capture the essence of a bygone era while highlighting the local culture and artistic talent of the area.
Artists: Benjamin Henderson, Brijean, Erin McCluskey Wheeler, Linda Fahey, Katie Gong, Jean B. Smith, Jenny Phillips, Kelly Carámbula, Hayley Sheldon, Josie Iselin, Rob Delamater, Laura Naples, Candice Luter, Poppy Dodge
Image by Miguel Ozuna
Exterior Mural
We began the design of a breathtaking four-story mural to serve as a bold proclamation of our presence along the Great America Parkway corridor. With a background in graphic design, sign painting and branding work, Ben Henderson sees his art as a way for a business to express what they are trying to say to the community. This rebrand for Avatar Hotel begins with this mural and embedded logo sign hand painted on the front of the building. Ben incorporated the vibe and style of our hotel design elements along with inspiration from Erin Wheeler’s collage piece commissioned for the lobby of the hotel, which channels the excitement and retro vibes of the area. Ben elegantly contributes to the synergy between Erin’s artwork and our recently chosen design elements for the overall project.
Images by Miguel Ozuna
Hotel Art Curation
This hotel design is curated with art inspired by a retro theme which combines nostalgic design elements with unique art to create a playful and cheerful vibe. A key part of the art curation strategy was to source primarily from local artists, creating opportunities to showcase the surrounding arts community.
To extend our approach into the guest rooms, we worked creatively with artist Erin McCluskey Wheeler and wallpaper vendor Twenty2, on how to transform an original paper collage artwork into a limited edition custom vinyl wallcovering. This adaptation allowed the unique character and energy of the artist’s work to translate beautifully throughout the space while meeting the hotel’s brand standards, installation requirements, and overall project budget.
Select images by Katie Newburn
Design
Our plan was simple yet ambitious: transform this hidden gem. It all started with the white slub bricks on the existing building, we added cantilevered roof lines, airy breeze block walls, gallons of bright white paint and fresh landscape to breath new life into the setting. The vibe here is a blend of carefree fun and modern excitement, where retro charm meets the vibrant energy of travel. Inside, our vision was to create an atmosphere with a blend of welcoming charm and distinctive flair. Authenticity was key, which is why we proudly showcase local artwork alongside our selected textures of rattan, woven fabrics, handcrafted tiles and light woods, capturing the essence of California modernity.
Select images by Katie Newburn
Brand Identity Curation
The creative direction for Avatar Hotel centered on building a distinct brand identity through the interplay of interior design, art, and local culture. We developed a visual language that brought together retro-inspired forms, vibrant color, playful materials, and contemporary California sensibility, using art as an integral part of the hotel’s identity rather than as decoration. Local artists, custom commissions, murals, and original artwork were thoughtfully integrated throughout the property to create continuity between the guest experience, the architecture, and the surrounding community. The result is a cohesive, memorable identity that feels both nostalgic and distinctly of-the-place.