Chelsea Hershelman’s childhood in Denver was filled with outdoor adventures and time spent lost in books.
During a gap year before college, Hershelman spent her time in a rural French town in the Loire Valley, where she fell in love with architecture and art.
She honed her skills at Benjamin West for nine years (helping launch the purchasing firm’s London office) and later joined Ace Hotel Group, opening five hotels in five years. In 2021, Hershelman joined hospitality management company CoralTree, where her passion for creativity and holistic design continues to guide her work.
What were you like as a kid?
Chelsea Hershelman: I loved being outside and exploring then hopping in the hammock in our backyard and getting lost in a book or daydreaming. I’m the oldest of four so I was bossy and protective (in the most loving way, of course). Playing dress up was one of my favorite things. I was obsessed with sequins and loved altering my Barbie’s clothes to match my outfits, much to my mom’s chagrin. I was big hearted and hated people being left out. I didn’t always have the courage to do something about it, but I had (and still have) an innate sense of inclusion for everyone since I knew what it was like to be the outsider with all the times I was the new kid at school.
A dramatic lighting installation hangs above the bar at the soon-to-open Hotel Polaris at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, shown in a rendering
Early design memories?
CH: We used to go on long drives when I was young to help soothe my twin sisters to sleep and to discover all the parks in Denver. My brother and I would sit in the back and point out the houses we thought were beautiful. If there was an open house, my mom would take us in so we could poke around. I was fascinated by how people created their living spaces.
When did you know you wanted to be in hospitality?
CH: I wanted a job that let me travel and have work that made me feel I was part of something special. I didn’t know that would be in hospitality until I was temping around Denver, having finished the coursework for my master’s degree in art history. I ended up at Benjamin West, first in accounting and then in purchasing. It was a revelation to me to see how design was brought to life, and I was so excited to dive in and be a part of it.
Large windows surround the rooftop bar at the BLUR Workshop-designed Hotel Polaris, shown in a rendering
First work-related reality check?
CH: The biggest one was around managing people. It was a rough transition from being focused on my projects with a coordinator by my side to managing a team. I went on a three-day intensive management course and learned so much about leaning into each team member and fostering their [unique work styles].
Most challenging project?
CH: The greatest test of learning to trust myself and step out in a leadership role was opening the Ace Hotel Pittsburgh. I’d never been a part of a pre-opening before, and there were so many firsts. Orchestrating an opening is not a solo endeavor, and I appreciate how everyone came together to make it happen. I didn’t have time to overthink things. I trusted my gut and stayed nimble as the day unfolded, and we had a successful opening.
The bar at the sprawling Woodlands Resort in Texas, reimagined by Merriman Anderson Architects
Most rewarding part of the job?
CH: I have so much to be proud of, from helping build the London office at Benjamin West to all the incredible openings at Ace and working hands on with designers to create some fantastic projects at CoralTree. My biggest achievement is in maintaining good and trusting relationships with our community. People who go through the fire with me on any given project and want to come back again for more—that is the best feeling.
How do you define success?
CH: By the success and commitment of those I am working with. If everyone around me is shining, then I am too. Creating that kind of environment is hard to do, but so worth it.
A rendering of Harrison’s restaurant at the Woodlands Resort, which boasts wood and stone accents
What keeps you passionate?
CH: The people I get to work with, that every day is a new challenge, and that every project is an opportunity. I wouldn’t do well with a predictable job. I like to think on my feet, learn as I go, and connect with new people to see their point of view. Design is ever-changing, and finding the right way forward for each project is something I can’t imagine ever finding boring.
Do you collect anything?
CH: Tacky magnets for my fridge and charming ornaments from everywhere I go. I’m overflowing on both but can always make room for more.
Dream project?
CH: Working on an adaptive reuse project in a beautiful old building. Yes, it’s endlessly challenging but the souls of those buildings call to me. Extra points if I get to work with artisans on some of the more special details. I respect those skills and want to support them as much as possible.
