Hotel Chaco

This new, five-story hotel was designed by Gensler. The interiors were conceptually designed by Kris Lajeskie, an interior designer. Our job was to make these designs a reality for the lobby, within the space provided, given the structural, plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems requirements.

The design concept for the hotel was to honor Native Peoples’ spirituality, artistic sensibility and oneness with nature. To this end, we designed the kiva shaped lobby to have mud plastered walls with stacked stone bases and banco’s and a ceiling with a metal structure to support backlit glass with a design by Tammy Garcia (Santa Clara Pueblo). This oculus is surrounded with vigas and mud plaster. We designed reception desks of metal, plaster and wood. The entry doors are copper-clad with designs by Tammy Garcia (Santa Clara Pueblo). The vestibule walls are stacked stone and those ceilings contain vigas and a Navajo rug design.