The Loren at Lady Bird Lake Wins IIDA Award

November 19, 2025

Rhode Partners staff attended the IIDA Texas Oklahoma chapter awards ceremony earlier this month to celebrate a design award for our flagship hospitality project in Austin, The Loren at Lady Bird Lake.

Among 125+ entries, the Loren at Lady Bird Lake received recognition for interior design excellence in Hospitality. The IIDA awards celebrate the highest quality and achievement in interior design, honoring the creativity and innovation of Texas and Oklahoma's finest designers.

The Loren at Lady Bird Lake is a premier hotel situated at the urban intersection of Riverside Drive and Lamar Boulevard in Austin, Texas. The property encompasses 108 five-star hotel rooms, 24 residences, an interior event space, a rooftop restaurant, and a pool.

The Loren's interior design stems from a holistic vision where materials, textures, and colors draw from the natural and urban character of the site, ensuring design decisions transcend fleeting fashion and trends. Flanked by parkland on three sides and bordered by a major transit corridor, the project captures its unique position at the nexus of urban energy and greensward calm.

In the lobby, a reflective hammered copper ceiling echoes the movement of Lady Bird Lake across the street, its shade referencing the water's hue at sunset. Guests are greeted with a white oak and bronze front desk that mirrors the fluted bronze panels that adorn the exterior windows. A glass elevator transports guests and residents to one of Austin's favorite new rooftop restaurants, the perfect venue for sunset cocktails and private events.

Hotel rooms feature local craftsmanship and built-in furniture that elevate the typical hotel stay into a boutique yet comfortable hospitality experience, including built-in blackened-steel bars and custom white oak bedframes.

Wood details extend throughout the restaurant and bar with white oak end grain floors, walnut and steel screening, Shou Sugi Ban wall panels, and bespoke walnut banquettes. The curvilinear bar ceiling references a grand piano's shape, enveloping guests in jewel-toned banquette seating. Layered lighting and rich materials continue through the pool club, fitness room, spa, and café. The resulting design language reflects architectural principles of honesty, durability, and delight.

We’re grateful for a strong collaboration and partnership with the project team to create The Loren at Lady Bird Lake:

Owner/Developer: Sardis Developments Architecture: Rhode Partners Interior Designer: Rhode Partners with Client Collaborator, Stephen King FFE: Fleur De Lis Contractor: Hoar Construction Structural Engineer: Viewtech MEP Engineer: Blum Consulting Engineers Civil Engineer: Consort Inc.