2008-10-13 22:07:05 -
- Award-winning architect Lauren Rottet, FAIA, recently launched a new, privately held, international architecture and design firm, Rottet Studio. Based in Houston, the firm has offices in New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC, San Francisco, Scottsdale and Shanghai. A long-time Houstonian with an international reputation for excellence in design, Rottet previously was principal-in-charge of DMJM Rottet, a subsidiary of architecture-and-engineering
giant, AECOM Technology Corporation.
The new firm is maintaining a "heads down," "design as usual" style and is primarily focused on the numerous prestigious commissions already won in New York, Houston, Los Angeles, Tokyo and Shanghai. Rottet notes the transition to an independent practice has provided new creative opportunities as well as the flexibility to craft a practice with low overhead, efficient and experienced staff and a real sensitivity to clients' needs.
"Rottet Studio delivers a unique range of design services that respond to the growing need for timeless solutions with simple, refined power," she said. "This is as true in the corporate realm as it is in the condominium and hospitality markets. Today's leaders are looking for environments that draw attention, entice customers, and attract and retain the best talent."
Rottet has been recognized globally as a leader and innovator in the field of interior and product design, having won every major award and accolade within her industry, including: Designer of the Year awards from both Interiors and Contract magazines; induction to Interior Design magazine's Hall of Fame; and appointment to the American Institute of Architect's prestigious College of Fellows. Rottet's work can be seen in spaces around the world - in cities such as Los Angeles, New York, Washington DC, London, Paris, Milan and Shanghai. Some of her most celebrated projects are in Houston, including BMC Software Headquarters Campus and The Royal Bank of Scotland's offices. Recently, Rottet and her work have been featured in Dwell, Wallpaper, Metropolis, Interior Design, The Robb Report, The New York Times and the Houston Chronicle.
"For some time I have been looking at design from a holistic perspective; that is, I have come to believe that the best possible approach to design combines architecture, craft, graphics, lighting and art into our environments," Rottet said. "Design is not just about the one-time image of a space or a building, it is about the daily exposure to an environment that delivers the necessary objects and services, and also brings pleasure and satisfaction to the inhabitants," she added.
The major commissions that Rottet Studio has won to-date include a number law firm offices worldwide (Rottet is considered an industry expert in law office design), corporate offices for some of the world's leading entrepreneurs and companies, and strategic planning services for several companies seeking new geographic locations. In addition, the Studio is in the midst of interior design projects for four prestigious hotels--two in New York, one in Buenos Aires and a fourth in Los Angeles that also includes historic renovation and additional building structures. The firm is also working on the architecture and interiors for an airplane hangar facility that, according to Rottet, is one of her favorite projects as it combines planning, landscape design, architecture and interiors.
Recent praise for Rottet's work reflects her versatility and unmistakable imprint. According to Interior Design magazine, Rottet "has developed her own brand of design for corporate interiors," one that Architectural Record commended for its "refined geometry, with precise details, calculated angles, and edgy material applications." Regarding her product design, for which she is equally well respected, Interior Design noted, "Hall of Fame member, Lauren Rottet's new furnishings line embodies the sophistication of the Architect's style."
"I am fortunate to have enjoyed a wonderful career in the design industry - a business that is exciting and competitive and at the same time uniquely warm and genuine. I am also thrilled to launch a firm which will practice design from every aspect in my favorite cities and with the talented people I have enjoyed working with for many years," said Rottet.
Rottet's all-inclusive design approach is founded on deep and varied experience. Prior to launching one of the most impressive Interiors practices in the industry, she spent the first part of her career designing significant and award-winning high rise buildings, including serving as the senior designer for the Trammell Crow Center and Renaissance Tower, both located in Dallas.
According to Rottet, she is building the new firm in concert with some of the most talented professionals in the industry. Many of them have worked with her for years, but Rottet Studio is also recruiting new architects and designers of like mind from throughout the industry.
David Davis, AIA, who led SOM's New York office for 15 years after an 8-year stint with Richard Meier, has joined the team as managing principal and heads the New York and Washington, DC offices. Richard Riveire, AIA, continues 25 years working with Rottet as principal and leads the Los Angeles, San Francisco and Shanghai offices. Kelie Mayfield, who has worked with Rottet for 15 years, is principal and leads the Houston and Scottsdale offices. The principals of the firm are all Texas-educated, and their collective portfolio comprises 30 million square feet of commercial and hospitality interior spaces, as well as furniture and carpet collections.
Rottet, who was raised in Houston, spent a number of years practicing architecture in other cities - Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles - and then returned to Houston to practice in the city that she believes is the ideal location to serve as her firm's home base.
"Not only is the city incredibly supportive both of entrepreneurs and the arts, it is also an up-and-coming center in the design world," said Rottet. "Many people don't realize it, but Houston has spawned some of the most thoughtful, original thinking in interior design anywhere in the world," she added.
In January of this year, an exhibition on international avant-garde furniture design curated by Rottet - and featuring her work - opened to critical acclaim at the Barbara Davis Gallery in Houston. The show was covered by the Houston Chronicle, numerous European and Asian outlets, and The New York Times, which reported, "Houston will get a little more fabulous when two design themed exhibitions open there...'Imperative Design' will show art-inspired furniture designed by seven artists and architects including Lauren Rottet."
According to Rottet, "our focus is on great design, which translates into creating efficient and inspiring architecture for small companies as well as for large high profile clients. Our designers get excited about the opportunity, the challenge, whether the budget is small or large--as long as a client values design we truly enjoy helping them realize and go beyond their imagination. That's what drives our firm," said Rottet.
Rottet Studio offers design services ranging from commercial and hospitality interiors to base building architecture and expertise across the real estate spectrum. The Studio is a full-service firm providing programming, strategic and space planning, design, construction documentation and administration services. In addition to expanding Lauren Rottet's award winning furniture and product design practice, the firm also intends to offer branding and graphics design in the future. RECENT CRITICAL PRAISE FOR LAUREN ROTTET, FOUNDING PRINCIPAL OF ROTTET STUDIO
"Rottet's award-winning commercial interior, furniture and carpet designs have received international recognition. In her 22 years of practice, Rottet has garnered an impressive array of accolades, including the coveted "Designer of the Year" title from Interiors magazine...and she became one of an elite few interior architects to be elevated to the American Institute of Architects' prestigious College of Fellows." (Contract magazine)
"Hall of Fame member Lauren Rottet's new furnishings line embodies the sophistication of the architect's style ..." (Interior Design magazine)
"Rottet is known globally for her award-winning interiors and product designs. Her work is exhibited and published widely and permanently installed at the Chicago Art Institute..." (Architectural Products)
"Lauren Rottet, in her relatively young career, has developed her own brand of design for the corporate interiors constituting her specialty. For Ms. Rottet, corporate design is grounded in precise detailing and what she terms 'architecturally derived solutions.' These characteristics pervade every Rottet project." (Interior Design magazine)
"Refined geometry...with precise details, calculated angles, and edgy material applications." (Architectural Record)
"Taking a cue from Origami, Lauren Rottet turned a flat plane into a table using as few folds as possible." (Dwell)
"Lauren Rottet is an award-winning designer of commercial interiors, furniture, and carpets..." (Metropolis magazine)
"Lauren Rottet works her magic to bring her refined design aesthetic to a new collection..." (Contract magazine)
"The renowned interior architect's clean signature and timeless architectural elegance with the high-end..." (Interiors & Sources)
"Houston will get a little more fabulous when two design-themed exhibitions open there... 'Imperative Design' at the Barbara Davis Gallery will show art-inspired furniture designs by seven artists and architects, including Lauren Rottet." (New York Times)
"Rottet's reference to sustainability is certainly true and an under-lauded offshoot of design art... But what we find more interesting is the notion that Houston's Barbara Davis Gallery, one of Texas art galleries, has opened its doors to displaying design in the same way as it would art." (Wallpaper*)
"Rottet uses form and reflective surfaces to make her pieces appear larger, deeper, and more complex..." (Houston magazine)
Media Contact
20K Group, LLC
Rose Hochner, 713-962-2867
or
Business Contact
Adam Gibson, 713-221-1830
Business Development Director
Mobile: 713-377-2802
adam.gibson@rottetstudio.com 
