With their remarkable awareness of spatial composition, capable of transcending geographical and temporal boundaries with precision and sensitivity, Robin Standefer and Stephen Alesch are the formidable duo behind Roman and Williams. This American studio has been forging a name for itself in the world of hospitality since 2002, delivering projects such as The Ace Hotel, The Standard Highline, the revamped galleries of The Metropolitan Museum of Art and, more recently, the Guild, their first personal project in which they pair their passion from craftsmanship to gastronomy. From their background in the film industry, they bring an ability to generate unique narratives, with a flair for surprising through the assertive, passionate and seamlessly integrated way in which they are developed.

Inês Graça: For decades, you were responsible for set designs on prestigious American films. Are there similarities between the way you think about narrative in both areas? Roman and Williams: Film taught us a lot about controlling the frame, controlling the palette and controlling the story. Everything has to support the script in a film – there can be no self-important peacocking working on a production. We still like to follow that structure.

IG: After almost 20 years of hard work, challenges, and achievements, what are the values that continue to permeate all your projects? RW: Humanism. Hospitality design is a communication tool to say “I was expecting you and I prepared something for you” so it is an act of love and generosity towards a stranger. We try never to get jaded and feel “it doesn’t matter” – because we know there is someone who will appreciate it.

IG: About your creative process, how does it usually work? RW: We always start with a traditional background that is very strict and formal – it’s the first layer of all of our work. As we progress we loosen up a bit and by the time we get to the final touches, we’re not following any rules and we go freestyle. So in a sense, our minds control the first half of a project and our hearts and eyes control the latter.