For the new Four Seasons St. Louis, located in the new redevelopment project along the Mississippi River and adjacent to Lacledes Landing in the historic part of the city, San Francisco-based design firm BraytonHughes had to appeal to not only the city’s business clientele, but also the adjacent casino’s highest rollers. The designers’ solution: to pay homage to the city’s architectural history and the nearby modern Saarinen arch.

Thanks to the contemporary 19-story all glass tower courtesy of building design architects Marnell Corrao and architect of record HOK, floor-to-ceiling windows prevail, both in the lobby and the guestrooms. "It’s living in the sky with a natural view," explains BraytonHughes’ Stanford Hughes. "Using transparency and glass extends a sense of place. We wanted to complement that with a clean, contemporary line so that it feels fresh."

After passing through the porte cochere and the arrival lobby outfitted with a large commissioned sculpture by Bill Barrett set in a reflecting pool, guests are whisked up to the sky lobby house on the eighth floor. Here guests are treated to the 5-Star restaurant Cielo and expansive pool deck done in white, gray, red, and brown. A highlight? The three-level glass enclosed grand stair, with unobstructed views of the arch, which leads to the spa, fitness room, ballroom, and meeting rooms below.

Throughout the public spaces and 200 guestrooms, the use of wood "warms the space, complementing the hard edge quality of the glass," Hughes says, while a neutral color palette and expanses of stone create a luxurious feel without taking away from the heady views. And local artwork and modern furnishings like Eames chairs and Eileen Grey tables and desks designed to mimic the shape of the arch, nod to St. Louis.

"It’s a new landmark," says Hughes.