30 Dramatic Staircases Elevate Their Surroundings

The Nobu Hotel Palo Alto recently underwent an extensive renovation at the hand of Montalba Architects. Guests are greeted by a reimagined arrival experience and lobby that establishes the property’s Japanese-meets-California aesthetic. “The staircase balances lightness to its appearance with weight to its presence in creating a focal point that invites the guest up to the privacy of the second floor check-in,” says Montalba Architects founding principal David Montalba “Its design pushes the limits of performance, while celebrating the connection of materials and their joinery, marrying ideas of precision engineering and the craft of Japanese detailing.”