Kelly Wearstler

Kelly Wearstler, the founder and principal of Kelly Wearstler, is an American designer known for her ability to craft diverse and immersive environments across various domains, including residential, hospitality, commercial, and retail spaces. Additionally, she has created extensive collections of lifestyle products. With a portfolio characterized by thought-provoking concepts and expressive narratives that are her signature, Wearstler has gained international recognition through distinctive design awards and extensive media coverage.

Central to Wearstler's design philosophy is the creation of multi-layered and stimulating sensory experiences. Her approach involves a meticulous exploration of materiality, color, forms, and a skillful juxtaposition of contemporary and vintage elements, architectural and organic influences, and graphic and instinctual elements. She carefully curates a wealth of experiences within each space she designs. Wearstler firmly believes that paying homage to history, embracing the unique characteristics of a location, and respecting architectural elements are crucial elements in pushing the boundaries and challenging conventional design norms.

Notable among Wearstler's projects are the Santa Monica Proper Hotel, Austin Proper Hotel, San Francisco Proper Hotel, Four Seasons Anguilla, BG Restaurant at Bergdorf Goodman, the Viceroy Hotels and Residences, Westfield Century City, Tides Miami, and bespoke residences for high-profile private clients. She played a pivotal role in the rise of designer hotels in the early 2000s and is currently shaping a new era of elevated residential hotel living with a distinctive vision focused on authentic cultural immersion and site-specific design.

Kelly Wearstler received her formal education in interior, architectural, and graphic design and has authored five design books. Her list of accolades includes being featured on Elle Decor's A-List, Architectural Digest's AD100, AD France's AD100, AD Spain's Top International Designer list, Wallpaper Magazine's Top 20 Designers, and Time Magazine's The Design 100. Notably, Wearstler holds the distinction of being the first interior designer to teach a MasterClass and serves as a board member for Desert X.