Few designers can judge a project’s struggles as well as another designer can. That idea drives ROOM‘s Designers on Design video series, which pairs designers for open conversations about architecture, design, and human connection. The newest pairing puts the spotlight on hospitality work, including the thinking behind anda andrei hotel design.
“When we launched ROOM’s Designers on Design series, the idea was simple: create a space for designers to have the kinds of conversations that don’t always happen in the day-to-day,” says Elyse Heckman, SVP, Brand & Communications at ROOM. “No interviewer, no moderator, no prescribed talking points. Just two creative minds coming together to exchange ideas, challenge perspectives, and explore what moves the industry forward.”
The latest episode features hospitality designer Anda Andrei of Anda Andrei Design and Matthew Goodrich of Goodrich design studio. Unlike earlier pairings, these two already know each other well, and have for years. Goodrich traces his interest in hotel design to Andrei’s hotels. Andrei, whose anda andrei hotel design work spans decades, has watched his career develop up close.
The two designers share another link. Andrei recently renovated the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris, and Goodrich has past work in museum exhibition design.
The Musée Yves Saint Laurent project shows how museum work carries its own demands, and Johnston Marklee’s elevated pavilions for Miami Beach’s Bass offers a useful comparison for anyone curious about expanding a cultural institution.
Heckman explains the change in format. “Rather than bringing together designers who may be meeting for the first time, we were drawn to the idea of connecting two individuals who already share a history and familiarity with each other’s work,” she says. “We loved the opportunity to explore how those relationships shape our perspectives, influence our creative instincts and ultimately help us grow as designers.”
Anda Andrei Hotel Design and a Long Friendship
The conversation opens with their first near-meeting. In 2003, Goodrich was helping his partner, Barnes Foundation Executive Director Thomas Collins, open Zaha Hadid’s Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati. He learned that Andrei would arrive in 20 minutes. “I looked to Thom, and I said, ‘You’ve got to go home, take a shower, and put on a suit. This is a big deal,'” Goodrich recalls.
They did not formally meet until years later. By then, Andrei had left the Ian Schrager Company and started her own firm at 59. “You came very highly recommended, and I wanted to hire you,” she says. “But then I asked you a crucial question: ‘Have you ever opened a hotel before?'” Goodrich answers: “And I had to say no.”
That gap in experience taught him quickly. Goodrich opened his first hotel, Arlo SoHo, in 2016. He describes the final month before opening as chaos. Andrei, who has spent nearly 40 years on anda andrei hotel design projects, says the harder problem comes after the design is done. Operations change, and the building must keep pace with staff and guests for years.
Both designers see these hard moments as useful. “Understanding how operations affect the success of restaurants and of hotels is foundational for making great designs,” Goodrich says.
Converting older buildings into hotels raises similar tradeoffs between history and daily operations, and Cincinnati’s Fidelity Hotel Blends Historic Charm shows how a revitalized landmark keeps its character.
Andrei argues that a strong anda andrei hotel design project needs a clear story. She asks projects to fit into a single sentence. For the Delano Miami Beach, which she developed with Philippe Starck, that sentence was “a Greek fisherman that finds a diamond in the sea.” Goodrich backs the method. “If you have that short phrase, if you can go back to the essence of what your concept is, things fall into place.”
Respect runs through the episode. Goodrich calls Andrei a superhero collaborator. Andrei praises his work and his name. Both prize collaboration, imagination, and demanding projects. Heckman sees the exchange as evidence of the series’ purpose. “It’s a wonderful example of how seemingly different creative paths can intersect, and how the work we encounter early in our careers can continue to influence us in unexpected ways.”
Andrei recalls the start of Goodrich’s firm. “When you started your company, we had some empty desks in my office and we shared offices. And who knew that nine and a half years later, we would be sitting here and talking about how amazing you did,” she says with a laugh.
The series works because it puts the person ahead of the portfolio. Each episode covers the ideas behind the work and the friends, colleagues, and mentors who shaped it. This episode goes further, into how designers form their instincts and how inspiration passes between generations. Heckman calls it “a platform for authentic exchange, unexpected perspectives and the stories behind the work.”
The pairing may also lead to new work. “I want to do a project together,” Andrei says. Goodrich replies: “I know, me too. That’s my dream.”
Watch the full episode at room.com on the ROOM website.
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Frequently asked questions
Who are the designers featured in ROOM’s Designers on Design hotel episode?
The latest episode features hospitality designer Anda Andrei of Anda Andrei Design and Matthew Goodrich of Goodrich design studio. The two already know each other well and have for years.
Why do hotel design problems get harder after the design is finished?
Anda Andrei says the harder problem comes after the design is done, when operations change. The building must keep pace with staff and guests for years.
What one-sentence concept did Anda Andrei use for the Delano Miami Beach?
For the Delano Miami Beach, which she developed with Philippe Starck, Andrei’s concept sentence was “a Greek fisherman that finds a diamond in the sea.” Andrei asks projects to fit into a single sentence like this to keep a clear story.
Which hotel did Matthew Goodrich open as his first hotel?
Matthew Goodrich opened his first hotel, Arlo SoHo, in 2016. He describes the final month before opening as chaos.
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