Join us for a Q&A with the principals of Sims Patrick Studio about the Hotel Hartness project. Explore the design and craftsmanship behind this exceptional property, where BSF helped bring intricate design concepts to life.

What inspired the design concept for Hotel Hartness?

The hotel’s design concept relates directly to its idyllic setting, incorporating nods to nature and the environment throughout. Located within the existing Hartness Living development and building on the prominent Hartness family’s decades-long history in the area, the hotel sits on 400 acres of rolling meadows, lakes, trails, and pecan groves.

Each of the property’s many spaces explores how light, texture, local woods, and foliage can provide depth and meaning, as well as how the character of a space changes at different points throughout the day. Building on the rich history of local charity, civic events, community, and friendship synonymous with the Hartness family name, Hotel Hartness blends the location’s past with a modern spirit.

Were there any specific design challenges you encountered during this project, and how did you overcome them?

Amid the challenges posed by COVID-19, our five-year project experienced intermittent starts and stops, along with multiple rounds of value engineering. Throughout this journey, the support of our outstanding purchasing agent and contractor proved essential, playing a pivotal role in guiding us toward the successful completion of the project.

How did the collaboration with BSF come about, and what made them an ideal partner for this project?

Our collaboration with the BSF team for our BDNY (Boutique Design New York) booth, Beaujois Speakeasy, offered us firsthand insight into their operational excellence. Working closely with them was a seamless experience. They proved to be highly cooperative and accommodating while also delivering exceptional shop drawings.

The result exceeded our expectations and showcased the quality of their work. After the show, our confidence in BSF led to a successful partnership for completing the custom guestroom casegoods, and once again, they delivered outstanding results.

What considerations went into selecting materials and finishes for the furniture pieces in this project?

All the finish and furnishing selections tied back to our narrative for the project. The color palette and wood species reflected the textures of the local woods and foliage. We wanted to consider the hotel’s surroundings and how each space evoked a different feeling based on the time of day it was designed to represent.

We also had to consider the design of each furniture piece when determining which fabrics and finishes would be the right fit.

How did the choice of materials align with the overall design concept?

The property’s unique aesthetic combines a variety of warm, earthy neutrals and textures, including antique gold metal, black steel, smoky gray mirrored glass finishes, and raw-cut quartz stone walls.

Natural elements were also reinterpreted throughout the design. The vestibule represents dawn with its dramatic, sun-like pendant, while the reception area evokes the dark moodiness of night through its moon-like light fixture and rug design. Book-matched gray and taupe marble-veined fireplaces, pecan wood veneers, reclaimed rustic barn wood walls and beams, and artwork sourced from local Greenville artists are also featured prominently throughout the property.

In your opinion, what was the most significant impact of BSF’s involvement in this project?

BSF demonstrated diligence in addressing any minor issues that arose during the installation process. As a designer, trusting a vendor to handle such matters proactively is incredibly important because it allows us to focus on the creative aspects without carrying the burden of problem-solving.

The true significance lies in how the project culminates. It is not merely about securing a project, but ensuring its completion to the highest standards.

What would you say to other designers considering partnering with BSF?

Our experience with BSF has been exceptional. They not only successfully completed the guestrooms but also crafted specialty pieces for the public spaces. The impeccable quality of their work aligned seamlessly with both our budgetary constraints and timeline, showcasing the commitment to excellence expected from an experienced hospitality furniture manufacturer.