Sam Gelin was dining at Los Angeles favorite Gjelina in Venice when he became captivated by the restaurant’s subtle design details. He knew immediately that Studio MAI, the local firm responsible for Gjelina’s rustic-industrial look, was who he wanted to execute Made, his new hotel set to open in December in New York. “At the time, they hadn’t done a hotel before so, objectively, it was a big risk for both of us,” Gelin explains. “But we hit it off and understood that we could trust each other to create something genuinely special, reflecting what our generation wants today when traveling.”

The 108-room property in Manhattan’s NoMad neighborhood—already known for its slew of fashionable hotels—is inspired by the city’s ambitious DIY mindset. Gelin, who worked in finance and private aviation before launching a company devoted to experiential F&B events, has put an engaging F&B program at the forefront of Made. Upon entry, for instance, guests cross a bridge overlooking the restaurant below, which has both indoor and outdoor components and a retractable roof. In the “open and airy lobby, an accent table serves as a focal point of the communal coffee shop,” while in the back bar, heavy wood block stairs lead up to a landscaped alfresco terrace. Prime views of the Empire State Building are savored on the rooftop.

“We’ve created a space that transitions seamlessly from morning to night,” says Gelin. “We want guests to start with a cup of coffee and stay into the evening to mingle over a craft cocktail.”