Throughout the art program at Fairmont Breakers in Long Beach, California, an iconic past and breathtaking present weave a luxurious yet grounded narrative. Here we chat with Kasra Esteghamat—Fairmont’s primary design consultant for the project—on his approach to storytelling through art and the experience of working in tandem with KBAA.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your role within the Fairmont Breakers project.
As a Long Beach resident, I greatly appreciate the city’s proximity to the beach, its diverse community, and its historic architectural treasures. I’m privileged to have the developers, Pacific6 Enterprises, as friends—their commitment to preserving the Breakers hotel allowed me to integrate my expertise and passion as design consultant on the project, where my experience as luxury travel agency owner, at Eden For Your World, contributed significantly to achieving the desired aesthetic.
For those who haven’t had the pleasure of visiting, can you give us a glimpse into the space, and how you integrated art into the overall vision?
Given that it is a historic property with significant classic architectural details integrated into its structure, we had limited flexibility in our design choices. Carved plaster columns and ceilings, iron archways, mirror and brass paneling, and beautiful windows are the focal points of this Renaissance Revival gem. Our walls and spaces couldn’t accommodate large-scale artwork, and often, there wasn’t enough room to step back and appreciate pieces from a necessary perspective, so we had to be more subtle with our selections, but they were no less spectacular. With the outstanding team at KBAA, we successfully found artists and artworks enabling us to create moments of pause and introspection. Smaller pieces were strategically placed in ideal locations, while larger pieces were chosen to complement rather than compete with the architecture. These thoughtful decisions allowed us to integrate art seamlessly.
How did the history of the space play a role in the art program?
The hotel is approaching its 100th anniversary, so its rich history and evolution were key influences. We’ve subtly woven these elements into the design, with many pieces nodding to our name, Breakers, and our deep connection to the ocean and beach. However, there’s more to discover—like a mural featuring a quote from Clark Gable, a regular guest of the hotel, or an intimate portrait of Elizabeth Taylor, another frequent visitor and brief owner during her marriage to Hilton. We’ve also included historic photos and artworks that pay tribute to the key decades and eras that shaped the hotel’s storied past. More than that, we’ve been lucky to reimagine the hotel in new ways, bringing in pieces that reflect not only its legacy but its exciting future for the years to come.
Do you have a favorite art piece or area that KBAA curated?
There are a few pieces in the hotel I’d easily call my “favorite,” but if I had to choose, it would be Wallride by local artist Chasen Wolcott. There’s something captivating about the chaos in the piece—the way the dark and light seem to collide. Its placement also plays a big part in its impact. I see it every time I enter. Surrounded by the clean lines of the architecture and furniture, this formation—almost like a wave or a school of fish—feels both dynamic and immersive. It never fails to pull me in.
We had such a great time working alongside you! Can you tell us about the collaboration between your in-house team and KBAA?
It was a pleasure to collaborate with KBAA, with the exceptional contributions of Katie, Megan, Valerie and Julia. The team diligently worked within our budget to maximize our art package, ensuring significant impact where it was most needed. One of the primary achievements was the sense of genuine collaboration. KBAA worked tirelessly alongside me and our design firm, HBA San Francisco, to perfect every detail with constant communication and dedication. Collaborating on projects of this scale is crucial—without it, you risk overlooking ideas or artists you might never have encountered. Honestly, I cannot imagine undertaking this without the guidance of an advisor, with their expertise, resources, immense knowledge, and fresh perspectives.
What advice can you give other design professionals about working with our advisors on projects of the scale and caliber?
It’s a collaboration, so come in with an open mind, ready to explore new ideas and approaches. At the same time, it’s important to be clear about your overall vision and intentions for the space(s) you’re working with. Balancing flexibility with focus will help guide the process and ensure everyone is on the same page.
