How David Rockwell Turns Architecture into an Experience

David Rockwell and his studio can look back on four decades of success. Even after all these years, the architect puts his heart and soul into each and every project.

In 2024, David Rockwell celebrated the 40th anniversary of his studio – a major milestone for a designer who, like few others, creates spaces in which people connect, remember, and share experiences. Growing up between the US East Coast and the colourful everyday life of Guadalajara, Mexico, at an early age Rockwell was shaped by two very different worlds: theatre visits in New York and the vibrant street life of Latin America. Following the early death of his father, he found comfort in building models – tiny, imagined worlds inside shoeboxes, created as personal places of retreat. Later, he brought together his love of theatre and architecture – to this day, his studio of over 300 people designs hotels, restaurants, public spaces, health centres, museums, and stage sets, each with a unique atmosphere. ​“I don’t just want to preserve – I want to continue shaping, with meaning and intention,” he said in an interview. Despite global acclaim, Rockwell remains curious, optimistic and full of energy. For him, design is a tool with which to build community – lively, accessible and full of spirit.

Nothing Ordinary About It

When we met him in Milan for the launch of his Cork Collective, it became immediately clear: even after more than 40 years running the Rockwell Group, he remains passionate about every single project. David Rockwell is no ordinary architect – with his studio, he creates environments that tell stories and shape experience.

Two projects exemplify his approach: the COQODAQ restaurant in New York and the NOBU restaurants. COQODAQ is more than just a restaurant – it surprises with flowing, organic forms that link different areas and enable a clearly choreographed guest journey. The combination of warm wood, raw stone, and industrial materials strikes a balance between comfort and urban character. Carefully considered lighting highlights specific zones, creating an atmosphere that is both intimate and open.

Places to Experience

In the NOBU restaurants, Rockwell’s sensitivity to culture is clearly visible. At NOBU Downtown New York, Doric marble columns meet custom wood structures inspired by origami. The interiors are designed with a sense of restraint, using warm wood tones and deep blacks – inviting calm, focus, and appreciation for the culinary experience. Rockwell’s work is characterised by materiality, atmosphere, and the flow between space and human presence. His architecture is not simply something you enter – it’s something you experience.

At a glance: three things that inspire David Rockwell

1. Fascination with Madrid
Our Madrid studio recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. Many of our projects there, such as the Gran Hotel Inglés, are housed in historic or listed buildings – which gives added depth to the stories we tell through them. The city has become a very dynamic creative space for us.

2. In the light of Urban
Because of how his architectural training influenced his set design, and his use of lighting and painterly effects, Joseph Urban is one of my theatrical heroes. ​“Urban Blue,” one of his signature shades, has served as inspiration in many of our projects.

3. Cork, elevated
In 2024, we launched the nonprofit Cork Collective, encouraging restaurants and hospitality venues to collect cork stoppers rather than throw them away. We then recycle them to create surface materials used in the restoration of playgrounds. At this year’s Salone del Mobile, our Casa Cork served as a gallery, studio, and event space – built almost entirely from cork.

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