A view of the bedroom with the king size bed in the centre of the room. A view of the city through the wall to ceiling windows
8 Oct 2025

ARIDO Award: The Loren at Lady Bird Lake

Written by: Eric McClelland, ARIDO

The overall design strategy of the guest rooms and suites at the Loren at Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas was to create modern boutique hotel spaces that are comfortable and flexible on a modest budget while creatively accomplishing the feeling of bespoke and tailored experiences.

Category: EAT + STAY

Interior Designer: Eric McClelland, ARIDO
Design Firm: Fleur de Lis Interior Design  

Photographer: Casey Woods & Chad Wadsworth 

Bed side floating shelf on a wooden panel 'wainscoting' that is mounted across the entire wall behind the bed
View from the bed on to the opposite wall with a flat screen tv hanging on a dark green accent wall, with two small green ottomans underneath

Curation of an authentic culture and urban landscape relatable to mid-western clientele was achieved by connecting guest experiences to Austin’s skyline and Lady Bird Lake.

Floor to ceiling glazing were base building features; utilizing this window space for both lounging and business functions provides a connection to the vibrant Austin energy beyond. Wood, steel, glass and natural stones blended with plaids and leathers to create a southwest yet still urban experience.

Batroom in white finishes with a marble floating vanity , backlit mirror above and a modern small pendant hangig by the mirror
A view from the entryway into the bathroom, and a reflection of the bedroom in the tall wall mirror in the bathroom

The view from the custom built-in desk is by far the prevailing design solution of this room as it spans the full width of the room, creating an elongated surface which exudes luxury.

The use of raw steel mixed with natural rift-sawn oak references the nature of the river side setting giving an unexpected modernity that is both warm and cool at the same time. Wall to wall carpet custom designed in vivid green, taupe, and sand tones reflect the greenery and riverbed beyond.