Houston architect and interior designer Lauren Rottet, closes on property for a new Houston headquarters, Rottet’s plan includes designs for new construction along with restoration of an historic building
Lauren Rottet, FAIA, FIIDA, internationally celebrated architect, designer and founding principal/president of Rottet Studio, has closed on two adjacent properties totaling 1.72 acre located in the Briar Hollow neighborhood, which encompasses a house by iconic Houston architect Howard Barnstone built in 1960. Noted for his modernist style, Barnstone’s clients included Houstonians John and Dominique de Menil, who funded the Rothko Chapel, which was also designed by Barnstone with Eugene Aubry and Philip Johnson.
Houston’s population has grown exponentially in the past decade, as noted in the recent 2020 census and Rottet’s investment in her hometown is no coincidence. During the pandemic she decided to take steps in the development of her own property and purchased these unique lots with plans to restore the Barnstone structure as well as build an adjacent office. “We don’t want our new building to look like we’re trying to match a mid-century modernist style,” says Rottet about her concept for the new build, adding, “We want it to be constructed of glass because the site is so beautiful.” The remodeling of the Barnstone-designed three-story house, which was modeled on Mies Van Der Rohe’s Farnsworth House, will include a space that will serve as a showroom and accommodate furniture and accessories from the Rottet Collection. The new building is being envisioned as a new iteration of a hybrid office and will also include space for Rottet Studios’ design team and administrative staff. While Rottet does not anticipate everyone coming into the office every single day, “We need a desk for everybody, as well as a parking space,” she states. Detailed plans for the property are pending. Purchase price undisclosed.
About Lauren Rottet/Rottet Studio
Lauren Rottet is the Founding Principal and President of Rottet Studio, an international architecture and interior design firm, recognized as one of the Top 3 Most Admired Design Firms in the World. Their extensive portfolio of residential, hospitality, corporate and maritime projects for the world’s leading companies and brands, includes: Goldman Sachs, Disney, BGC3, New York Stock Exchange, Target, Four Seasons, Langham, Starwood, Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, Belmond, Viking Ocean Cruises and more. “Rottet is facile whether it’s a client’s private home or a million-square-foot project. I am not sure I have seen someone who is as skilled in such a wide vernacular of design styles from contemporary minimal to elegantly traditional in such an authentic manner.”– from Authentic Design, Paul Goldberger. Rottet’s product designs have received many accolades, including Interior Design’s Best of Year, four gold medals for Best of NeoCon and four Chicago Athenaeum Awards. She serves on the board of the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston.
Learn more about Lauren and Rottet Studio by checking out their website here.
