The Flat Iron Hotel

We embraced the opportunity to transform Asheville’s iconic Flat Iron Building into a boutique hotel that seamlessly blends Art Deco elegance with contemporary design. Originally constructed in 1925 and proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Flat Iron stands as one of the city’s earliest skyscrapers. Our design honors this legacy while reimagining the interiors through a vibrant, modern lens.

Our approach focused on preserving and celebrating the building’s historic fabric while channeling Asheville’s eclectic spirit. In the lobby, original terrazzo floors and a grand marble staircase anchor the space, offering a timeless foundation. Against this backdrop, pastel-toned finishes and custom lighting elements introduce playful contrasts. A custom mural by The Lawns, serves as a striking focal point and a tribute to local artistry. Throughout the hotel, glass-paneled doors and transom windows continue the dialogue between past and present.

Guest rooms evoke a sense of nostalgic luxury, featuring custom wallpaper with sun motifs and pinstripes—a visual nod to Asheville’s “Land of the Sky” nickname. Bathrooms are outfitted with vintage-inspired tilework, and marble vanities, echoing the building’s historic charm with refined detail.

In Luminosa, the hotel’s signature restaurant, Appalachian warmth meets Italian sophistication. Dark wood paneling, leather banquettes, and brass accents create a dining atmosphere that feels both rooted and transportive. Upstairs, the rooftop bar offers panoramic views of downtown Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains, while The Red Ribbon Society—a hidden speakeasy tucked behind velvet curtains—celebrates the city’s rebellious spirit during Prohibition.

Across every space, the design weaves together architectural preservation with imaginative storytelling, inviting guests into an experience that is both deeply historic and unapologetically forward-looking.