Westwood, Los Angeles

Welcome to the W 

Upon arriving at the W Hotel in Los Angeles guests are greeted as they check in with a series of Airplantman displays that never fails to catch their attention.  This design focused upscale hotel uses the striking and unique interior botanicals of Airplantman to burnish their cutting edge aesthetic while offering a glimpse of fun and whimsy which invites visitors to let down their hair and enjoy.

A Long Partnership 

The W Hotel was one of our earliest hospitality clients, and many years later we are happy to say they still love our work.  We encounter people all the time who came across our work while staying there and wanted to learn more.  For this reason we enjoy having our work on display for the public where more people can be touched by nature and our vision.  The series of tabletop AirplantVessels and our vertical garden AirplantFrames fashioned with our custom designed wood 'feet' allow them to be displayed on the concierge, check-in desk, and tabletops throughout.  We love bringing the vertical garden off the wall and creating an unexpected botanical display that highlights Tillandsia unique beauty.  Our favorite is the moment when people catch a glimpse of our work, and then have to look back, because something unusual is happening.  The combination of our refined design aesthetic and the incredible ability of air plants to thrive suspended in air is simply too much for even the busiest traveler to not take a moment to pause, contemplate, and relax.  People enjoying plants and design is a good thing, and it makes us happy to share it!

Staying Alive

Airplantman's displays occur throughout the hotel and we maintain the installation through routine site visits.  Rather than watering and caring for the plants on-site the lightness of Tillandsia and our display techniques makes 'swapping' the best approach.  While a set of plants are on display in somewhat challenging environmental conditions for long term plant growth, another thrives at our studio receiving ideal light, water, and air circulation.  By the time another swap happens they are ready to head to work, keeping plants looking great indefinitely and reducing waste.  This also gives us an opportunity to continually update the display with fresh looks to keep guests and staff engaged.   

Plants Plants Plants

The palette of Tillandsia used is always changing but some of our favorite species to use are brachycaulos, xerographica, tectorum, chiapensis, stricta, aeranthos, bergeri, caput-medusae, bulbosa, and capitata domingensis.  The mix of shapes, foliage color, bloom types, and their whimsical sculptural appearance makes Tillandsia the perfect art piece for our designs.  Our tabletop AirplantVessels are made from powder coated steel with a hand wired specimen Tillandsia while our AirplantFrame is made from lightweight and waterproof powder coated aluminum with a hand strung stainless steel cable mesh.  These products are durable, resilient, and functional making them perfect for a commercial and hospitality location.  The lack of soil ensure displays remain clean with minimal pests and allergens.