AXIS/GFA Architecture + Design is a California based firm that has established itself all across the US, majorly in hospitality and hotel design, but also other typologies like residential, commercial, and mixed-use buildings. It was formed in 2017 after the merger of two successful firms, AXIS Architecture + Design and Gene Fong Associates, and is a relatively small firm of around 62 employees. It is focused on client and user-based design and renovations and has since then, won many awards and recognition in the hospitality sector.
1. Courtyard by Marriott Santa Monica, California
It is located in downtown Santa Monica and is in a location that makes it easy to access the Santa Monica Pier as well as the Santa Monica Place Mall. The hotel has a striking red and white-colored façade that has glass openings and railings for the balconies. It has a deck pool, a bar, and a spa along with retail space on the ground floor. The intention was to utilize the available space and surroundings to create an environment that allows its residents to fully enjoy the hotel, its amenities, and everything on the outside.
2. Bernardus Lodge Boutique Hotel, Carmel Valley, California
The Carmel Valley had an existing site consisting of some existing resorts and a vineyard located just beside it. The requirement of 16 new villas was fulfilled by adding on to the similar ambiance of the place, which was done by utilizing the advantages of the site and its visual permeability. The design elements and materials are chosen such that to blend with the natural environment. The site also includes a spa and a heated outdoor pool.
3. The Axiom Hotel Renovation, San Francisco, California
The hotel is located in a popular neighborhood where the cable car of San Francisco is minutes away. The location allows it to be well connected with the rest of the city. The hotel is contrastingly modern in its historic backdrop and façade, as was attempted during its renovation. The building itself is an amalgamation of the technologies and styles of today while incorporating the older fixtures that were originally a part of the building.
4. Aloft El Segundo, California
The hotel is located within a distance of 2 km from LAX. The project included an existing building and it was remodeled entirely. Additions were also made to it such that it made a completely new image from the much older hotel that had existed before. The building itself is a rectangular block with cut-outs for windows and small balconies. Its location also allows it to be easily accessible to nearby attractions, which can also be observed by the lobby deck and the outdoor pool.
5. Marriott Residence Inn, Anaheim, California
The hotel is located 1.6 km from Disneyland Adventure Park, the Anaheim Convention Centre, and 7.4 km from the Riverview Golf Course. There is a sun deck, in addition to a pool and lounge. The accommodation has been designed to bring a simplistic and relaxed environment. The guest rooms have different living and sleeping areas, and there are multiple themed kids’ suites. The entire site is landscaped with greens and standard hotel amenities.
6. Timber Cove Renovation, Jenner, California
The hotel which was once built by a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright underwent a renovation and the older built structure was revitalized and refitted with modern attributes. As the name suggests, the building is made with timber and is lighted in yellowish – reddish tint, giving it a warm feeling. The renovation included some new suites and upgraded public spaces and meeting rooms. Outdoor spaces like the deck with ocean views and fire pits are also available.
7. Hotel Paseo – Autograph Collection, Palm Desert, California
The design for the hotel is based on its surrounding context, in terms of the material used as well as the art pieces used in the hotel. The linear symmetry of the façade is broken right at the entrance, where the roofs are slightly slanted. The location of the boutique hotel makes it accessible to the many charms of the city including the Palm Springs and valleys and the nightlife of the El Paseo.
8. Homewood Suites by Hilton, Long Beach, California
The hotel is located in the vicinity of the Long Beach Airport. Right beside the hotel is the Hampton Inn by Hilton, with which it shares amenities including the pool, fitness area, and other indoor and outdoor lounges and meeting spaces. The rooms are spacious and have separate living and sleeping areas, fully attached with functioning kitchens, to allow the occupants to live in full comfort and freedom.
9. Hotel Trio and Citrine Apartments, Healdsburg, California
This is a hotel and a housing development which is located on the same site. The hotel is a minimalistic building which allows for a simple and relaxed ambiance. Right beside it, the residential community provides affordable living options and multiple size options for the flats as per requirements. Modern and sleek four-story buildings have been designed for the same, which are supplemented by the many facilities and amenities offered by the hotel and by the housing.
10. Fillmore Center Plaza, San Francisco, California
The mixed-use project consists of a residential community at which a public plaza was designed. The firm worked with the retail sector of the plaza to increase pedestrian footfall and enrich the user experience. The plaza uses concrete steps and floors, and a colonnade to act as an area with a versatile function. The design is such that it has seating and a space for any kind of event that may be organized.
11. Covey Lounge Renovation, Carmel, California
The Covey was renovated by the firm in conjunction with The Gettys Group. The restaurant is located in the Quail Lodge Resort and Golf Club and has remodeled its luxury interiors without modifying its comfortable feeling. It offers stunning views of its surroundings in the outdoor seating area and has a warm colored interior seating with a fireplace, velvet, and leather upholstery. Also, the Lodge lobby and the clubhouse were enlarged and enhanced with new features and refurbished interiors.
12. Bishop Grill Renovation, San Ramon Marriott, San Ramon, California
The renovation was done with the Interior Architect Group, Design Group Carl Ross. The project allowed the restaurant and its nearby places to be retouched and redesigned as the rest of the hotel. The restaurant was made to have a casual yet luxurious environment and allowed its occupants to enjoy the well-lighted interiors. The restaurant, bar, and the outdoor patio setting allows space for relaxed meetings or gatherings for the hotel residents or the locals.
13. Boudin Bakery, Costa Mesa, California
The bakery is located in the South Coast Plaza, an upscale shopping center. The intention was to create a mood of casual dining and to act as a pause point in the plaza. The design of the bakery is chic with its black and red façade and comfortable with its refined interiors.
14. Spring Creek Country Club, Ripon, California
The firm designed a club, restaurant, rooms, and a shop for this project that is located along the Stanislaus river along a site lined up with oak trees. The atmosphere is of a quaint but sophisticated set up which allows for themed events and relaxed gatherings. An outdoor swimming pool and a large banquet hall cater to a varied crowd.
15. Regeneron Headquarters Renovation, Tarrytown, New York
The project involved making an addition to the existing buildings on the site, which was done in the form of a bridge, which contained a pathway and public lounges overlooking the site. The bridge was built in a way that seamlessly integrated the two buildings while matching the existing form and façade expression.