From Andre Kikoski to Leo Marmol to David Mullman, top architects spill the beans on their favorite products—glazing, surfaces, and finish materials.
Lasvit
Liquidkristal
A molded-glass sheet suitable for interior and exterior applications, the relief pattern is continuous between panels.
“In Sophie’s restaurant at Saks Fifth Avenue in Chicago, we installed a wall of digitally-engineered Liquidkristal by Lasvit. The optical effects of cascading ripples of glass create playful reflections, painterly distortions, and elegant abstract patterns that are beautiful in their subtlety and striking in their boldness.”
—Andre Kikoski, Andre Kikoski Architect, New York City
Lutron
Dorma
Digitally controlled commercial lighting-control and monitoring system. Compatible with dimming ballasts.
“Lutron and its EcoSystem node allows for multiple lighting atmospheres that enable us to create unique spatial environments, while saving our clients money on their electrical bills.”
—Ricardo Alvarez-Diaz, Alvarez-Diaz & Villalon Architecture and Interior Design, Miami/San Juan
Duravit
Happy D.2
Offered in pedestal, console, and surface-mounted models; with or without tap platform.
“We love the simplicity and rounded corners of the Happy D.2 sink from Duravit. It has enough presence to stand on its own as a wall-mounted unit, but can sit happily atop an elegant modern vanity as well. It’s our go-to sink!”
—Susan Doban, Doban Architecture, New York City
Heath Ceramics
Sun Valley Bronze
Seven in-stock collections of field, trim, and dimensional tile; custom orders accepted. LEED eligible.
“We love the handcrafted, high-quality products that Heath creates; its wonderful tile adorns many of our projects, and we share a set of core design principles that celebrates the efficiency and elegance of modern design.”
—Leo Marmol, Marmol Radziner, Los Angeles
Luceplan
Trama
Available as suspension and ceiling/wall model, in 20-inch or 25-inch diameter. Aluminum with polycarbonate diffuser.
“The Luceplan Trama fixture gives lots of beautiful light and it’s amazingly easy to change the bulb. For us, it’s often the vendor that is as significant as the product; nothing is more important than good service and help when you need it.”
—David Mullman, Mullman Seidman Architects, New York City
Vorwerk
Re/Cover Green
SPVC-free, roll-based floor covering. High slip-resistance. Offered in 30 solid colors and patterns. LEED eligible.
“Engineered textiles sourced from sustainable materials—like the Re/Cover line by Vorwerk—is what made us select Relative Space as a design partner at Barclays Center.”
—Ayumi Sugiyama, SHoP Architects, New York City
Nawkaw
LiTHIUM Concrete and Masonry Stains
Suitable for use on masonry and pre-cast concrete surfaces, the stain is offered in 40 colors, as well as metallic and reflective finishes.
“For exteriors where we can’t match the brick color or where some stucco or coating has been applied to the masonry, one of products that we like a lot these days is LiTHIUM by Nawkaw. It’s similar to paint, but it’s not a film; it actually forms a chemical bond with the surface of the masonry.”
—Jerry Caldari, Bromley Caldari Architects, New York City
Hansgrohe
Croma Green Showerpipe
Assembly includes both Raindance S 150 AIR Green 1-jet showerhead and Croma E 100 Green 3-jet handshower.
“In hotel renovations, we see a trend to replace the traditional bathtub with a shower. The Croma Green Showerpipe, with its all-in-one, outside-the-wall design is easy to install and service—things which are always a concern, especially in the hospitality sector. The handshower is not only great for guest bathing, but also ideal from a housekeeping perspective.”
—Foreman Arden Rodgers, TVS Design, Atlanta
