Blog

Joe Spano | December 21,2022

A ROCK-STAR HOTEL LIVES AND DIES IN THE DETAILS.  Originally home to the New Mills Hotel, which opened its doors in October 1907 with the promise of affordable accommodations for working-class men, the site of the Moxy Times Square has a rich history of hospitality. The star team of architects, interior designers and developers who worked on the project were united in their intent to transform the historic building’s interior into a cohesive space with a youthful urban aesthetic and relaxed, residential vibe.Renovation work began with the reallocation and division of the historic building’s interior space into 612 intentionally cozy guest-rooms by architectural design firm Stonehill & Taylor. The interior concept for the guest-rooms, lobby and second floor common area was developed by interior design firm, Yabu Pushelberg – known for their creative designs and visionary works.ChallengeA problem arose when the team realized that the beautiful, barn shower and bath door design was not feasible because they couldn’t find a vendor that could design, prototype and build it. With a lack of concept sketches, a model room inspection in 60-days and an unwavering desire to preserve the design intent, the project – and the time-line – were in trouble.Photo: Courtesy of @mikutas / Jacqueline MikutaBenefits:High-quality solutions preserving design intentSoft-close detailsShort lead timesBid was 1/3 of the price of other manufacturer’sLocal design and engineering support to customize and assemble imported piecesTeam coordination amongst various partiesPhoto: Courtesy of Ali Smith / @bostonsladyWe had the vision, but no one knew how to design and build it. We were out of options and, with the upcoming model room inspection scheduled, nearly out of time.Peter Nicolosi,Associate at Stonehill & Taylor ArchitectsPROJECT INFORMATIONProject Name: Moxy NYC Times SquareProject Location: 485 7th Avenue, New York, NYHotel Brand: Moxy HotelsParent Company: MarriottClient Company: The Lightstone GroupArchitect: Stonehill & Taylor ArchitectsDesigner: Yabu PushelbergGeneral Contractor: Magnetic BuildersProducts Manufactured: Custom Shower Enclosures and HardwarePhoto: Courtesy of Isabel Alexander / @isabel.alexanderSolutionAs collaborative problem-solvers driven by innovation and thoughtful design, Source Direct played an integral role in bringing the design intent to life.Source Direct worked closely with the project’s architects, interior designers and contractors to problem solve for: design feasibility, variations in space size and floor–ceiling heights across 12 different room configurations, constructibility concerns, tight deadlines and ADA compliance. Without Source Direct, neither the design intent nor a constructibility constant could’ve been achieved within budget and on time. Source Direct was instrumental to the project’s overall success.Source Direct was a good partner in terms of working with design and adjusting the details to protect and enable the design intent. They understand that they need to be at the table during the design process – a rarity amongst manufacturers in this industry.Greg Iannacone,Director | Hotel DevelopmentPhoto: Courtesy of An Duda / @ggungxdProducts Delivered:Custom door extrusions and hardware assemblies for over 12 different room configurations with multiple floor–ceiling heights and signature soft-closeAluminum-framed shower with mullionsFirst ADA compliant bi-fold shower doorsSpy holesCustom wardrobe doorsOngoing design consultation (e.g., where to end tile height, etc)RAISE YOUR STANDARDS, NOT YOUR BUDGETS.Given the intense competition in the hotel industry, there has never been a more important time for architects, interior designers and hotel developers to keep up with design trends and emerging consumer behaviors. Hotel guests today are seeking unique, bespoke experiences that they can share on social media—namely, Instagram. To be “Instagrammable,” architects, designers and developers must create spaces that appeal to a hyper-connected, Internet-driven consumer population by anticipating these opportunities and incorporating them into the design early on. Source Direct took that challenge in stride, working as a detail driven partner to create moments that have been captured, shared and liked by thousands.

Joe Spano | December 21,2022

THOUGHTFUL DESIGN DELIVERS AN UNPRECEDENTED SENSORY EXPERIENCE  The Watermark Hotel, located in Baton Rouge, LA, is part of the Marriott Autograph Collection. Noted for its lush, high design aesthetic, the distinguished Autograph Collection celebrates independent boutique hotels that are unprecedented in design and thoughtful in spirit. The unifying element across all of these properties is an uncompromising attention to detail. Each destination is chosen for its quality, striking originality, sense of place and unique details. Needless to say, admittance into this prestigious club is no easy feat.ChallengeFrameless glass panel shower doors inherently have a “rattle” as they close. Despite the thickness of the glass or the cost of the door, to the user, this sound translates as cheap. But given the minimal hardware area typical of frameless glass panel doors, the impact one can have on the overall stability of the door and closure is relatively small; in turn, making their seemingly inherent ‘cheapness’ difficult to overcome.The Autograph Collection® cannot be associated with mid-level properties, let alone cheap quality. So, what is one to do when the design calls for a modern, frame less glass door with a rustic, barn door aesthetic and high-quality feel, but no time to make it happen? Call Source Direct.PROJECT INFORMATIONProject Name: The Watermark HotelProject Location: Baton Rouge, LouisianaHotel Brand: Marriott Autograph CollectionParent Company: MarriottClient Company: GenslerArchitect: GenslerDesigner: GenslerGeneral Contractor: Milton J. Womack, IncProducts Manufactured: Frame less glass barn door using exposed track system hardware and soft closing mechanism in both directionsPhoto: Courtesy of @zaskieBenefits:Innovative design solutionSoft-close featureDesigned and engineered to ensure the easiest installation and highest performanceSoft-close frame-less glass door was the first of its kindKip and Scott are team players, always willing to go the extra mile. When a product arrived on site with the wrong part, Source Direct quickly corrected the issue. They have an amazing recovery shot.Doug Detiveaux,Associate, Interior Designer GenslerPhoto: Courtesy of @tindal9Tasked with finding a feasible design solution that was within budget and in accordance with Marriott’s strict brand standards, Source Direct’s creative team of engineers hit the ground running. Their quest for a solution came to a head with the development of a unique and novel design solution never before used on a frame-less piece of glass: soft-closing mechanisms. This led to the creation of the first softclose, frame-less glass panel door.Full List of Products Delivered:Custom soft-close mechanisms designed around a custom door systemFirst soft-closing, frameless glass panel doorSDI 500 series flat track hardware in a black finish with face mounted matching roller hardwareBlack ladder and flush mounted pull handles used on a white laminated glass door panel for a striking presentationSolutionGiven the caliber of design across the other Autograph Collection hotels, it was clear that not just any frame-less glass panel or barn door would suffice. In fact, this project would require something that hadn’t even been invented yet.This is a highly demanding business. It moves fast, with little room for error. Source Direct’s team of engineers are incredible. They are passionate and always ready to offer fresh ideas and creative solutions. Case in point: They designed, prototyped and built us a custom, frame-less, glass panel door system with a special soft-close mechanism—a truly unique solution. Doug Detiveaux,Associate, Interior Designer GenslerRAISE YOUR STANDARDS, NOT YOUR BUDGETS.Given the intense competition in the hotel industry, there has never been a more important time for architects, interior designers and hotel developers to keep up with design trends and emerging consumer behaviors. Hotel guests today are seeking unique, bespoke experiences that they can share on social media—namely, Instagram. To be “Instagrammable,” architects, designers and developers must create spaces that appeal to a hyperconnected, Internet-driven consumer population by anticipating these opportunities and incorporating them into the design early on. Source Direct took that challenge in stride, working as a detail driven partner to create moments that have been captured, shared and liked by thousands.

Joe Spano | December 21,2022

DEFYING THE CUSTOM PRODUCT AND FINISH EXPERIENCE BY MAKING IT EASY AND WITHIN BUDGET  Hilton Hotels & Resorts, one of the most recognized names in the industry, is a global leader and mainstay in the world of hospitality. Known for its fresh and innovative approach to products, amenities and customer service, Hilton Hotels & Resorts is a stylish, forward-thinking thought leader focused on delivering the ultimate guest experience through smart design, avant-garde restaurant concepts and authentic hospitality. And the Hilton Norfolk The Main, an upscale landmark hotel in Norfolk’s vibrant downtown, is no exception. Situated in the heart of Norfolk’s iconic naval hub, The Main hotel’s contemporary style and luxurious accommodations are complemented by the sweeping views of the Elizabeth River and downtown skyline to create an unforgettable experience for guests and locals alike.ChallengeThe client sought a custom frosted glass barn door to separate the guest room from the bathroom as well as a glass sliding shower door – sounds simple enough, right? Wrong. With budget constraints limiting the designer’s options, Source Direct had to find a different solution – one that gave the appearance of a custom look at an off-the-shelf price point.Photo: Courtesy of @hiltonnorfolkthemainPROJECT INFORMATIONProject Name: Hilton Norfolk – The Main Hotel and Conference CenterProject Location: 200 Main St, Norfolk VA 23510Hotel Brand: HiltonParent Company: HiltonClient Company: W.M. Jordan CompanyArchitect: Cooper Carry ArchitectsDesigner: BaskervilleGeneral Contractor: W.M. Jordan CompanyProducts Manufactured: Frosted glass bar doors and sliding shower doorsPhoto: Courtesy of @hiltonnorfolkthemainSolutionUsing Source Direct’s custom solutions, the designer was able to coordinate the shower and bath entry doors to achieve a cohesive, custom look that fit within the brand standards—and importantly, within the budget.Custom work is typically laborious, expensive, and with all the backand-forth involved, time-consuming. It can be daunting to attempt and equally difficult to complete. But with Source Direct, it’s different. They made it easy and convenient.Elizabeth Temple, Senior Interior Designer, BaskervillPhoto: Courtesy of @hiltonnorfolkthemainBenefits:Innovative design solutionSoft-close featureDesigned and engineered to ensure the easiest installation and highest performanceKEY HILTON PROJECTS:Canopy Thresher MinneapolisCurio Collection by Hilton, H Hotel Los Angeles,Curio Collection by Hilton, The Darcy Washington DCHilton Anatole DallasHilton Hawaiian Village HonoluluHilton Waterfront Huntington BeachHilton MinneapolisWaldorf Astoria Biltmore PhoenixHilton McCormick Place Chicago, three property hotelADDITIONAL BRANDS INCLUDE:Products Delivered:Custom sliding glass shower systemFrosted glass bar door systemRAISE YOUR STANDARDS, NOT YOUR BUDGETS.Given the intense competition in the hotel industry, there has never been a more important time for architects, interior designers and hotel developers to keep up with design trends and emerging consumer behaviors. Hotel guests today are seeking unique, bespoke experiences that they can share on social media—namely, Instagram. To be “Instagrammable,” architects, designers and developers must create spaces that appeal to a hyper-connected, Internet-driven consumer population by anticipating these opportunities and incorporating them into the design early on. Source Direct took that challenge in stride, working as a detail driven partner to create moments that have been captured, shared and liked by thousands.

Joe Spano | December 21,2022

NATIVE BEAUTY, 5-STAR FINISHES  Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach is an office building turned high-concept hotel in Hawaii that offers guests a rich and immerse island experience. Central to the design narrative was the consensus that the hotel embody the rejuvenating island spirit of Waikiki Beach through the incorporation of natural, local elements into the property.ChallengeBecause Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach was an adaptive reuse project, the designers and developers were tasked with concepting a design suited to the building’s existing structure without compromising the visual intent. By the time Source Direct was brought in, the project was well over budget. The client needed to obtain a constructibility constant that maintained the focus of the design intent while constraining the cost. Specifically, the client sought basket-weave wooden doors for the lobby and guest rooms as well as the glass and vanities required for the baths.Photo: Courtesy of @hyattcentricwaikikibeachBenefits:Soft-close detailsHigh-quality, custom design solutions at a cost-effective price pointCut down on expenditure, from product to install costsTeam coordination amongst various partiesSolutionSource Direct sourced a special, premade, weave wood veneer that could be incorporated into the guest room and lobby door designs and, importantly, would help maintain the design intent.Source Direct was easy to work with and a responsive team player. They understood and were able to meet the design style, client budget, and tight time schedule which contributed to the success of the project.”Linda Miki, AIA, Principal and Vice Chair, G70 DesignPROJECT INFORMATIONProject Name: Hyatt Centric HonoluluProject Location: 349 Seaside Ave., Honolulu Hi 96815Hotel Brand: Hyatt CentricParent Company: HyattClient Company: Chartres Lodging GroupArchitect: Group 70 InternationalDesigner: Design 360 UnlimitedGeneral Contractor: Swinerton BuildersProducts Manufactured: Custom screens in lobby, custom doors, shower systems, vanity units, casing and valancesPhoto: Courtesy of @hyattcentricwaikikibeachThen, in attempt to help the client get back on budget, Source Direct found a quartz vanity countertop of equal caliber to the product the client had previously specified but at a significantly lower cost. Moreover, Source Direct helped the client save more money by delivering the vanity as a full unit, making the install costs cheaper.Source Direct are real problem solvers—not just a sellers of products. One example, on a hotel project they were supplying doors, hardware, vanities and other building products to, we needed custom metal screens for the exterior to cover up the distribution lines for the HVAC system. I simply spoke to Kip about this challenge and Source Direct stepped-up and delivered. Far above the original ask, I might addBarry Nidiffer, Founder, Barry Partners LLCThe screens in the lobby are jaw-dropping! I was astounded by the level of quality and the thoughtfulness of the design. Source Direct was able to take that concept and translate it to the interior barn doors—same style and level of finish. The price was the added bonus— they delivered 5 star quality at a reasonable priceBarry Nidiffer, Founder, Barry Partners LLCProducts Delivered:Doors with custom weave wood veneer insets6200 series track systems with soft-closeWood valanceDoor pulls, hinges,jamb/casings and custom screensShower glass, hinges, pulls, u-channels and sealsDrapery valanceWood trim at outside shower panelFull unit vanitiesRAISE YOUR STANDARDS, NOT YOUR BUDGETS.Given the intense competition in the hotel industry, there has never been a more important time for architects, interior designers and hotel developers to keep up with design trends and emerging consumer behaviors. Hotel guests today are seeking unique, bespoke experiences that they can share on social media—namely, Instagram. To be “Instagrammable,” architects, designers and developers must create spaces that appeal to a hyper-connected, Internet-driven consumer population by anticipating these opportunities and incorporating them into the design early on. Source Direct took that challenge in stride, working as a detail driven partner to create moments that have been captured, shared and liked by thousands.

Joe Spano | December 21,2022

KEEPING UP WITH THE KIMPTONS: DESIGN DELIVERS A LAID BACK LUXURY EXPERIENCE  Kimpton Aertson Nashville, the boutique hotel hub of the highly anticipated Aertson Midtown mixed-use destination, is the perfect complement to the creative spirit and ingenuity of the Music City. Located in the young, bustling neighborhood of Midtown, the Aertson Hotel offers guests an authentic, local experience by infusing the neighborhood’s lively energy and upbeat feel into the hotel’s high design concept.ChallengeThe client sought a metal barn door system with a soft-close feature, aspiring to deliver a retro look without compromising modern functioning. However, soft-close was not yet available for this product and, what’s more, the space where the barn doors were to be installed was extremely limited.Benefits:Innovative design solutionSoft-close FeatureDesigned and engineered to ensure easiest installation and highest performanceSolutionSource Direct, who was involved in the design process from the outset, developed a custom solution that delivered aesthetically and functionally. The result was a beautifully made steel frame barn door system, complete with specialty etched glass and soft-close technology, that could be easily modified and adjusted in the field – making installation a breeze.Source Direct, who was involved in the design process from the outset, developed a custom solution that delivered aesthetically and functionally. The result was a beautifully made steel frame barn door system, complete with specialty etched glass and soft-close technology, that could be easily modified and adjusted in the field – making installation a breezeAmonia’ Thompson, Senior Designer, GenslerPhoto: Courtesy of @aertsonhotelPhoto: Courtesy of @aertsonhotelPROJECT INFORMATIONProject Name: Kimpton Aertson NashvilleProject Location: 2021 Broadway, Nashville TNHotel Brand: KimptonParent Company: IHGClient Company: GenslerArchitect: Tori Gallas and Partners Inc.Designer: GenslerGeneral Contractor: Buckingham Construction CorporationProducts Manufactured: Metal framed bar doorProducts Delivered:Custom black metal barn door systemCustom Soft Close hardwareFrosted etched glassPhoto: Courtesy of @aertsonhotelRAISE YOUR STANDARDS, NOT YOUR BUDGETS.Given the intense competition in the hotel industry, there has never been a more important time for architects, interior designers and hotel developers to keep up with design trends and emerging consumer behaviors. Hotel guests today are seeking unique, bespoke experiences that they can share on social media—namely, Instagram. To be “Instagrammable,” architects, designers and developers must create spaces that appeal to a hyperconnected, Internet-driven consumer population by anticipating these opportunities and incorporating them into the design early on. Source Direct took that challenge in stride, working as a detail driven partner to create moments that have been captured, shared and liked by thousands.