Born in London and raised in Sydney, Rosie Rainbow had an inherent desire to get to know and immerse herself in different cultures. This fascination led her to study, work, and live in cities around the world—from Copenhagen and Berlin to London, New York, and Pittsburgh.
In London, she worked alongside Anouska Hempel, before moving to New York to help build AvroKO’s portfolio. In 2017, she joined AvroKO alum Matthew Goodrich at his newly launched firm Goodrich.
What are your early design memories?
Rosie Rainbow: I loved the work of Tadao Ando. When I was in Japan with my family, I convinced my parents to redirect our plans via Osaka to visit his iconic Church of Light. After a long train ride and an even longer walk, we got there and it was closed. Circumnavigating the concrete block, my mum discovered an unlocked door and we let ourselves in. With the space to ourselves and the light shining in, it was a truly magical experience.
Ci Siamo restaurant in New York evokes a warm residential feel
First memory of hospitality?
RR: I held my 18th birthday party in the event space at our local pub. No bells and whistles but the service was impeccable, and the food and drinks satisfied my sophisticated 18-year-old palette. I went back the next morning to apply for a job as a bartender, and I have dedicated my career to hospitality ever since.
Where did you go to school?
RR: I studied interior architecture at the University of New South Wales in Sydney. At first, I didn’t feel design came as naturally to me as it did for some of my peers. I felt like I was fighting an uphill battle. During my studies, I spent a year at the Aarhus Arkitektskole in Denmark. Immersed in such iconic design and culture and taking every opportunity I could to travel around Europe, something just clicked, and I fell in love with the process of design.
A guestroom at Mayfair House Hotel & Garden in Coconut Grove, Florida flaunts a deep jade bathtub
What project defines your approach?
RR: Designing the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York was so far beyond the scale of any project our team had worked on. We were challenged to infuse hospitality into a building typology that is notoriously lacking for a diverse audience. When we kicked off the project, our whole team put pencils down on everything else and collaborated on creating a groundbreaking pitch.
Most challenging part of the job?
RR: We have all worked on projects that, for one reason or another, never came to fruition. It’s a strange kind of heartbreak when something you and your team have poured endless hours of creativity and work into ceases to exist.
Most rewarding part of the job?
RR: After years of hard work, I love to celebrate the first time we can take off our work boots and step into a venue in open-toe shoes. It’s important to let your eye skip past the final imperfections and become a guest in the space you have created.
The lounge at the UBS Arena at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York recalls traditional New York cocktail clubs
Favorite place to travel?
RR: I adore Italy. While I love traveling to new places, one of my favorite things is returning to a city I’ve been to before. There is no pressure to visit the sights, and I can spend too long in a café, discover little neighborhood gems, and take my time.
Do you have a mentor in the industry?
RR: I met Matthew Goodrich during our time at AvroKO. From day one, he had taken me under his wing. When he left to start his own firm, I realized every designer at the studio felt the same way—that’s his superpower. When Matt asked me to join him, we were a team of three sharing one desk, but we were ready to take on the world. He is a fearless leader and genuine friend, and I aim to bring that kind of generosity of knowledge and mentorship to my team.
A striking red and blue color palette defines So & So’s, a new piano bar and supper club at Romer Hell’s Kitchen
Describe your personal style.
RR: I live in a midcentury home built by Tasso Katselas that has a lot of incredible interior brick and wood detailing. I channel my Gae Aulenti obsession through my endless hunt for vintage 1970s furniture and an eclectic mix of art that I spend my evenings eternally rearranging.
What is your vice?
RR: Sleeping in. Everyone told me becoming a parent would make me a morning person. They were wrong. My 2-year-old son wakes up sweet as anything, singing to himself every morning, but he doesn’t get that from me.
What will it say on your tombstone?
RR: She told great stories.
