Downtown LA Proper Hotel

Situated on iconic Broadway in downtown Los Angeles, this reimagined “Old Hollywood” structure, once a private club and later YMCA, was given a new life. Immersed with lush textures, patterns, and layers of eclectic art and youthful spirit, you’ll find a fresh surprise around every corner. AD’s hall of fame designer Kelly Wearstler had a vision for something soulful and unique, drawing inspiration from Mexican, Spanish, Portuguese, and Moroccan influences. Development for the project began in early 2014 and from the beginning, we knew we were working on something very special.

We crave hospitality projects. It’s a fun challenge to find materials that aren’t just beautiful but practical, authentic, and achievable within budget. We worked closely with factories around the world to curate a selection of glazed quarry tiles, Moroccan-inspired ceramics, hand painted tiles, and dramatic stone. This process encouraged us to explore deeper and experiment with fabrication and glaze techniques we hadn’t used before. This research and customization led to our discovery of one of the most sought after product lines we currently carry, Santos Moroccan.

Depth and character were important during development. We wanted our materials to have a meaningful presence, even when they stood alone. Transparent glazes were used that highlighted the imperfections and beauty of the clay body underneath. A variety of quarry tiles in breathtaking earth tones and metallic glazes were paired with dimensional elements. The stone was sampled countless times until the selection was just right. We worked tirelessly with our clients and project team to refine all the details, creating a stunning backdrop that guests and visitors would remember for years.

Featured Collections
Santos Moroccan
Santos Heritage Field
Santos Relief 
Cev Antico
Naka Modern Glazed
Umi Brill