Custom Furniture Production for a 303-Unit Los Angeles Hotel
Photo Credit: stayinglevel.com
Early in my career, I had the chance to take on a massive and exciting project - designing and overseeing the furniture production for a brand-new, 32-story hotel in downtown Los Angeles. This wasn’t just any hotel; it was a unique concept that combined the comforts of a fully furnished condo with the convenience of hotel living. Every suite had a full kitchen, ample storage, and a stylish, home-like feel - all while offering hotel amenities like concierge service, valet parking, outdoor rooftop pool experience, and a gym.
The original furniture concepts were created by an external design team, but my role was to take those designs and make them a reality - which, as I quickly learned, was a whole different challenge. I had plenty of experience designing custom millwork, built-ins, and furniture, but producing thousands of pieces on this scale? That was new territory, and I was all in.
Planning and Logistics
The process began with detailed inventory management - an itemized furniture count, tracking spreadsheets for every suite, and careful consideration of procurement logistics. We negotiated pricing, factored in regulatory testing, and determined how many extras to order (because things break, and hotels need backups). Coordination with the construction team was critical; since the building was still under construction, we had to time deliveries to align with occupancy schedules and ensure phased furniture installations flowed seamlessly as floors were completed from bottom to top.
One of the biggest challenges? Space. Picture 25+ shipping containers filled with furniture arriving at once with limited space to put everything that came out of them - potential chaos. By strategically phasing shipments, we ensured a smooth transition from factory to suite installation.
Customizing and Refining the Details
Once the logistics were mapped out, it was time to focus on the details. This wasn’t just about selecting furniture; it was about ensuring every piece was functional, durable, and fit the space perfectly.
First, I worked through all the shop drawings with the factory, learning along the way just how much goes into large-scale furniture production: how weight affects shipping costs, how prefabrication can streamline final installation, and how small design tweaks - like integrating USB ports in lamp bases or notching furniture legs to accommodate baseboards - could enhance both aesthetics and functionality.
During factory visits overseas, I worked hands-on to refine and approve prototypes before full-scale production. Every element was meticulously considered, from the selection of durable marbles and quartz for tabletops to optimizing dresser depths for smaller bedrooms. Even seemingly minor details, like remembering to request down-filled pillows when polyester fill was considered the norm, or being able to specify smoked glass tops at no additional cost, became opportunities to enhance the guest experience.
A significant design revision involved the pull-out sofa beds. We reworked them to achieve a sleeker aesthetic while discreetly housing a queen-sized mattress - a perfect balance of style and practicality. Throughout the process, I worked closely with the factory team, discussing materials, finishes, and the long-term maintenance needs of the hotel’s operations team. Every decision was made with these four key elements in mind:
Aesthetics
Durability
Ease of Cleaning
Guest Comfort
Beyond the core furniture, we also considered the full design package. The suites needed much more to complete them, so we incorporated more personalized accessories, lighting, and artwork that enhanced the overall aesthetic. While a lot of time, time, resources, and costs was focussed on furniture procurement and production, every detail contributed to the guest experience - from the layout of a dining set to the artwork above the bed.
Installation and Execution
One of the most critical decisions was ensuring the fabricator managed not just production and shipping but also receiving, unpacking, and installing every furniture piece. This negotiation proved invaluable - any necessary site adjustments, final tweaks, or unforeseen challenges were handled directly by the fabricator, preventing costly delays or logistical challenges. This level of hands-on involvement allowed me to ensure the project was executed exactly as envisioned, down to the last detail, keeping everything on schedule and within budget.
Watching it all come together: each floor, each suite, each carefully placed piece of furniture - it was a huge effort, but the result was a seamless and welcoming space for guests to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
This project was a defining experience in my career. Managing furniture production at this scale taught me so much - about working with overseas manufacturers, refining designs for efficiency, and ensuring that everything from logistics to installation ran smoothly. These lessons have shaped how I approach large-scale projects to this day.
Beyond furniture, I also played a hands-on role in curating the hotel’s art collection - a process that added another layer of personality and warmth to the space. In my next blog, I’ll take you behind the scenes of the art selection process, from sourcing pieces to installation. Stay tuned for more on how art brought this hotel to life!
“I believe that if you are true to expressing yourself, coupled with the right amount of discipline and routine, your space can reflect your personality, and you can turn your home into your haven.”
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