Woogmaster Studio Transforms Lobby of Residences
at the Ritz-Carlton Central Park with Rich Materiality and Understated Extravagance

| Las Vegas, NV - November 12, 2024 | Alex Woogmaster and his eponymous design firm, Woogmaster Studio, announce the recently completed lobby renovation of the Residences at the Ritz-Carlton on Central Park South, Manhattan. Adapting cues from the history of the hotel, originally built in 1930, and its iconic Central Park location, Woogmaster Studio brings a subtle opulence amenable to design tastes throughout the building.

Originally home to the Hotel St. Moritz, the building has since been converted to 12 luxury residences connected with the Ritz-Carlton, Central Park hotel. Renovations began with New York-based architects Ferguson & Shamamian dividing the existing large single-room lobby into six distinct spaces— an entrance lobby, vestibule connecting to the main hotel, living room, corridor, and elevator lobby.

With a focus on creating a timeless, sophisticated ambiance, Woogmaster Studio established a foundational palette inspired by the elegant aesthetic of Ed Tuttle's work at the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme. The resulting design, a complement to the building’s ethos, features simple details with classical allusions and interest, rich materialities, and simple layerings of limestone, taupes, warm creams, gold, and mahogany, along with Nero Portoro marble accents and textured bronze elements.

“The pre-renovation lobby had a dated feel that was disconnected from the building’s overall elegance. We sought to create a cohesive elevation of the residential experience while staying true to the property’s character,” says Alex Woogmaster, Founder and Creative Director of Woogmaster Studio. “By curating a selection of exquisite pieces, primarily sourced from Parisian vendors, we infused the space with a classic charm.”

Upon entering, guests are greeted by a serene reception lobby. The space is clean and simple, characterized by a muted, yet rich palette. The corner walls curve elegantly near the ceiling, adorned with wallcoverings that mimic chiseled limestone. A striking Chanel-inspired reception desk, featuring a blend of Nero Portoro marble and textured bronze, anchors the space. A brass side cabinet complements the desk, adding a touch of warmth. To the right, a small living room offers respite, while the service vestibule leading to the Ritz Carlton lies to the left.

The living room is a study in refined simplicity. Clean architectural lines are complemented by rich materials, meticulously layered and arranged. Gregorius Pineo lounge chairs, custom bronze and stone side tables, and a Patrice Dangel chandelier furnish the space. The walls are adorned with Porta Romana sconces, Schumacher wallcovering, and Ghent upholstery, while a custom mirror adds a touch of drama. Sheer drapery filters natural light from Central Park, ensuring privacy while maintaining a connection to the outdoors.

The corridor leading from the elevator lobby to the living room holds a secret: a hidden door concealing the building’s office. As one journeys down the corridor, a custom pedestal designed by Eric Brown emerges, showcasing an uplit Murano glass masterpiece.

The elevator lobby is a study in elegance. A circular gold glass mirror from Gallery Glustin commands attention, reflecting the space’s opulent details. A pair of iconic 1970s Barovier & Toso vases, displayed on a Nero Portoro counter, adds a touch of vintage glamor.

About Woogmaster Studio
Alex Woogmaster founded Las Vegas-based Woogmaster Studio in 2019 with a focus on elevated hospitality and residential projects. The namesake studio has become known for its bespoke and transportive designs which can be seen at the Bellagio and the Venetian, and numerous grand residences throughout Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Woogmaster Studio's debut East Coast project, the lobby renovation of the Residences at the Ritz-Carlton, Central Park South, brings the firm's signature luxury design to Manhattan's iconic skyline.

Prior to opening his own growing firm, Alex led the Interiors department at Wynn Design & Development as Creative Director under his mentor, legendary designer Roger Thomas, together delivering groundbreaking and award-winning designs for Five-Star resorts worldwide. Alex and his team at Woogmaster Studio have also designed licensed lighting and furniture with multiple manufacturing partners. Alex holds a degree in Architecture from Cornell University, with a concentration in Architectural History, and couples that academic background with travel experience to formulate spaces that are classically informed, rich, timely, and emotionally impactful.