Parisian brand Printemps opens in New York, Lisa Vanderpump takes on hotels, and a new survey by the AIA highlights AI skepticism. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday.
Printemps makes its U.S. debut
The Sneaker Room at Printemps in New York; photo by Gieves Anderson for Printemps New York
Printemps, the historic Parisian department store, has made its debut in the U.S. with a new store located on the ground floor of a residential skyscraper at One Wall Street in New York. This launch reflects the transformation of the city’s Financial District from a business hub to a dynamic neighborhood filled with high-end residential offerings, restaurants, and diverse industries, writes Fast Company. Unlike its sprawling Paris flagship, the New York store offers a more intimate experience. “We thought, what if Printemps had a pied-à-terre in New York,” says Laura Lendrum, CEO of Printemps America. “So we kind of took that idea literally and designed the store around the concept of an apartment.” To that end, French designer Laura Gonzalez created various rooms much like you would find in a home, including a walk-in closet for shoes and a bathroom-inspired beauty area with green-tiled walls. The home-like feel is deliberate, Lendrum continues, as consumers want an experience that goes beyond the transactional. Printemps also emphasizes community engagement with flexible spaces for pop-ups and events, alongside dining options created by James Beard award-winning chef Gregory Gourdet.
Get to know four architects redefining public libraries
The Arabian Library in Scottsdale; photo by Bill Timmerman
Toyo Ito’s Sendai Mediatheque, with its iconic tubular structural columns and futuristic design, served as a landmark for a new era of library architecture. Libraries have since transformed into multipurpose community hubs with captivating designs central to drawing visitors in our digital age. Cultured magazine writer Karen Wong talked to four architects about how they are creating libraries that combine aesthetics with functionality. Take Seattle Central Library, designed by OMA’s Rem Koolhaas and Joshua Ramus, which features a diamond steel-and-glass façade and a book spiral holding 800,000 volumes. Scottsdale’s Arabian Library by Richärd Kennedy Architects contrasts its corten steel exterior—modeled after nearby slot canyons—with a retail-inspired interior designed for easy access, even offering a drive-through window for book pickup. WORKac’s North Boulder Library in Colorado integrates colorful zoning, interactive public art, and whimsical elements like a tubular slide. Lastly, the Eastham Public Library by Oudens Ello Architecture blends historical and modern elements with warm, inviting interiors surrounded by nature, creating a tranquil retreat for its Massachusetts community.
Lisa Vanderpump takes on hotels
Lisa Vanderpump with her dogs; photos by Patrick Gray of Kabik Photo Group and courtesy Caesars Entertainment
TV personality and entrepreneur Lisa Vanderpump is expanding her hospitality empire by partnering with Caesars Entertainment to transform the Cromwell hotel on the Las Vegas Strip into the Vanderpump Hotel. This marks Vanderpump’s first hotel venture, building upon her successful restaurants and venues such as Vanderpump Cocktail Garden, Vanderpump à Paris, and WOLF by Vanderpump. Renovations are slated to begin this summer, with the reimagined hotel expected to launch in early 2026. The Vanderpump Hotel will feature Vanderpump’s distinctive style, blending luxury and whimsy across the 188-room property. “I am thrilled to once again be partnering with Caesars Entertainment, this time to venture into the hotel business,” says Vanderpump. “What an extraordinary opportunity to develop this iconic location into something unique, playful, and upscale. Hospitality has always been our passion, and our mission is to create something sumptuous with a unique atmosphere.” Hopefully, for Vanderpump Rules fans, Bravo execs are paying attention.
AIA study highlights skepticism about AI
Lake Bled Estate in Slovenia; renderings courtesy of Studio Tim Fu
A recent study by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) highlights the limited use of artificial intelligence (AI) in architectural practices across the U.S., reports Dezeen. While over half of individual architects surveyed (53.1 percent) have experimented with AI, only 6 percent of professionals report regular usage in their workflows. Larger firms account for the majority of studios integrating AI into their processes, yet concerns about the technology are widespread. Architects cited issues such as inaccuracy, unintended consequences, and privacy risks as primary worries, with nearly 90 percent of respondents expressing apprehension about AI adoption. However, as the industry evolves, understanding AI’s capabilities and limitations will remain pivotal in navigating this fast-changing landscape. Consider Studio Tim Fu’s Lake Bled Estate in Slovenia, which showcases AI’s role in architecture and design.
Join the Icons and Innovators at HD Expo + Conference
AvroKO founders William Harris, Greg Bradshaw, Kristina O’Neal, and Adam Farmerie; photos by Jade and David
With a focus on fostering creativity and collaboration, the keynote speakers at this year’s HD Expo + Conference aim to inspire professionals at all levels. Dubbed the Icons and Innovators series, the exceptional lineup of speakers includes: Todd Avery-Lenahan, the creative force behind Wynn Design and Development, who will share how his team merges innovation with craftsmanship to create iconic spaces; the founding partners of AvroKO, who will come together for a rare discussion, reflecting on nearly 25 years of collaborative success in cultivating a global design powerhouse; Firmdale Hotels founder and visionary designer Kit Kemp will talk about fusing traditional elements with her signature use of patterns, art, and color; and Sam Nazarian, the trailblazing entrepreneur behind global lifestyle company sbe, will offer an exclusive look into the future of hospitality and travel. You won’t want to miss it. Register for HD Expo + Conference today!
