NEWH - March 2009 - (Page 44)

project tulalip Elemental Design Translating a tribe’s heritage to a casino hotel By Tara Mastrelli Photography by Bob Weyrick F Above: Bright colors and a fireplace warm the lobby of the Tulalip Resort Casino. Opposite page, clockwise from top left: A seating area in the T Spa; a wool throw blanket with woven tribal designs defines the bed in a guestroom; and the elevator lobby. For the addition of a new 370-room 4-Star hotel to the Tulalip Resort & Casino in its namesake Washington State city, the Tulalip Tribes turned to Seattle-based Interior Design International (IDI) who, along with local firm Ruhl-Parr & Associates (RPA), created the local tribe’s multi-million dollar casino five years ago. “We have an in-depth view and understanding of their South Coast Salish heritage and with their trust, it allowed us to develop a luxury hotel that would bring honor to their tribe while incorporating modern innovative ideas and style that transcends any culture,” says Randy LaFollette, vice president, IDI. Earth, wind, fire, and water, which were the basis for the thematic elements of the casino, are carried strongly throughout the new hotel. “The hotel, as an extension of the casino, was intended to showcase and complement it yet be a unique entity that would cater to both families and businesses,” says LaFollette, noting that IDI created “the high-stakes glamour of Europe’s high stakes gaming while remaining true to the natural elements that the Pacific Northwest is known for such as modern wood paneling with dramatic basalt and fire and water treatments.” To capture the spirit of the tribe, the hotel became a showcase for local artists and artisans. In the lobby, guests are greeted by three intricately carved, 25-foot sculptures, handmade by Tulalip artists, while a multi-colored stained glass mural accentuates the front desk. In the guestrooms, an intensely hued wool throw blanket with woven tribal designs defines the bed, while each room showcases local South Coast Salish artwork. And for the 2,500-square-foot Tulalip Suite, IDI and the Tulalip Art Committee worked hand in hand to select sculpture, paintings, and woven art from leading artisans in the tribe to curate a private collection. In the T Spa, natural elements abound: a handcarved translucent sign of a spring leaf leads toward sculpted rock walls inset with candles that envelop preserved birch branches set before glowing eco-resin panels of tranquil forest scenes. In the center of the treatment area, the Tulalip massage room is flanked by four birch tree trunks growing up through the ceiling and encircled by gardens of river rock and moss. Says LaFollette: “Tulalip ancestors have a saying, ‘strengthen our people so that they may walk a good walk.’ By combining natural elements with art and design we understand the importance of including all people in a powerful emotional experience.” > 44 march 2009 www.newh.org tel 800.593.NEWH http://www.newh.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NEWH - March 2009

NEWH - March 2009
Table of Contents
Network Leaders
News
Have you Seen?
Product Know-How
Point of View
Design 101
On the Scene
Sustainability: Case Study
Sustainability: NEWH Leadership Conference
Scholarship
Service: the Recognition of Excellence Award
Cover Story: Man in the Mirror
Project: Hotel Monaco
Project: Tulalip
Project: Pinehurst
New Members
Save the Date
Partner Profiles

NEWH - March 2009