Case Study

The Draftsman, Autograph Collection by Marriott®

Charlottesville, VA Collaborators DashDesign Highlights Custom 22 x 17 foot ceiling mural based on a historic map of the area Project Scope Public spaces and guest rooms

Located in the birthplace of Colonial America, The Draftsman Marriott is a hotel that knows its history and embraces it in every piece of art found in this one-of-a-kind property

The Draftsman Marriott sets the standard for the boutique hotel experience featuring art with plenty of local flavor to remind visitors of the historic importance of this city and its storied inhabitants. The name of the hotel refers to three Virginians (Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe) who contributed to the drafting of our nation’s founding documents, and the goal was for all design elements to take a cue from history with a modern twist.

The hospitality art advisors at KBAA took the Draftsman Marriott’s motto of “stately not stuffy” to heart when selecting statement pieces, as well as small but meaningful touches.

Some examples of our favorite hotel art elements are the lounge ceiling centerpiece, a historic map of the hotel’s home, the city of Charlottesville, and framed pieces like a print of Jefferson’s storied Monticello and the Virginia state seal.