Our work with The Ritz-Carlton, Portland celebrates storytelling, artistry, and design. We had the pleasure of connecting with Margaret Crimmins of Marriott International to reflect on her experience with our advisory team. Hearing Margaret share her vision and revisit the details of our unique art program was truly a delight.

 

 

Hi Margaret! It has been such a joy to work on The Ritz-Carlton, Portland project. Can you tell us about yourself and your team’s role at Marriott International?

Throughout the development of The Ritz-Carlton, Portland, we helped lead the creative direction in close collaboration with the design team. Our team meticulously oversees every aspect of the hotel and residences—from operations, architectural design and interior finishes—ensuring they align with The Ritz-Carlton’s luxury standards and exceed our guest expectations.

 

 

For those who haven’t yet had the pleasure of visiting the Ritz-Carlton, Portland can you describe a bit more about the space?

The Ritz-Carlton Portland, which opened in October 2023, is the brand’s first property in the Pacific Northwest. This 35-story luxury hotel is housed in a striking 460-foot crystalline tower, designed by local GBD Architects, with interiors by Dallas-based ROAM Interior Design. Known as Block 216, the development by BPM Real Estate includes five key components: underground parking, 10,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space, including a food hall, 165,000 square feet of Class A office space, a 251-key Ritz-Carlton hotel, and 138 branded condominium units occupying the top eleven floors. The 19th floor is a haven to nurture the mind, body, and soul with a “rose city” inspired spa. Adjoining the spa is a 4,000 sq. ft. fitness facility featuring equipment favored by professional athletes. The 20th floor features the hotel’s signature restaurant, Bellpine. 

 

 

What sets The Ritz-Carlton, Portland, apart in terms of experience, and how does the art contribute to this goal?

I think guests and local visitors are pleasantly surprised upon entering our hotel – a legendary luxury brand has thoughtfully embraced Portland’s unique character. For BPM, Marriott, and the design teams, it was essential for this hotel to serve as a heartfelt tribute to a remarkable city. Every design choice was made with care to celebrate its distinct identity. And as a result, this property seamlessly blends the magic of the Pacific Northwest with modern luxury – and artwork, of course, played a key role in that overall experience. By featuring a variety of artistic mediums and subjects, a sincere setting connects each guest to the city’s spirit. Whether unwinding in their rooms, enjoying the spa, lounging by the pool, or taking in the terraces, there are countless opportunities at every turn to engage with Portland through art.

 

Can you describe why featuring Portland’s local landscape was important to you and your team for the design & art program? How did our team ensure the artwork reflects Portland’s natural beauty and culture?

With each hotel we open, it is essential to engage with the local landscape, and our design teams dedicate countless hours to crafting that story, which we refer to as a design narrative. KBAA has been pivotal in translating the hotel’s narrative into an art reality through your careful curation process. Your curation allowed us to not only select, but also create deeply meaningful pieces inspired by the region’s iconic features, materials and, most importantly – community. The art collection at The Ritz-Carlton highlights KBAA’s tailored approach, and as a result, a visual dialogue between the region’s artists and our guests exists.

 

 

Can you share a bit about how the collaboration between Marriott, KBAA, and the designers ensured seamless integration of the art?

Marriott, BPM, KBAA, and the design team came together seamlessly, sharing a vision of collaboration from the start. Each team brought their perspective, and through ongoing workshops and discussions, we carefully selected artworks that not only enhanced the interiors but enriched the story we wanted to tell. It always goes back to the narrative. With each new artwork KBAA found for the hotel, we were amazed by how much each piece individually added to the guest experience. We truly value KBAA’s commitment to quality.

 

Why is working with an art advisory like our team at KBAA an important part of bringing a brand’s vision to life?

Working with an art advisory team like KBAA is essential for bringing our brand’s vision to life simply because they possess the expertise and insight needed to curate a luxury collection that aligns with our Brand’s identity and values. We have worked with KBAA countless times because your team understands how to select and integrate artwork that takes the design narrative to the next level, and this resonates deeply with our guests. Your expertise in local artists, trends, and cultural context ensures that the artwork remains relevant. Our partnership has undeniably enriched our art collections across our portfolio of brands.

 

 

Is there a piece in the space’s art program that stands out to you personally as one of your favorites? Why do you love it?

It’s hard to choose just one favorite, but if I had to pick, I would say the lobby centerpiece really stands out. This stunning piece draws the eye toward the library and fire feature, creating a captivating focal point from the moment of guest arrival. I’d also like to highlight our avian installation— the artist’s delicate sculptures of regional birds are a display of vibrant colors, textures and compositions. A local once noted, ‘The Ritz even put a bird on it!’—an unintentional nod to Portlandia on our part, it was quite a funny observation.

 

Since we’re talking so much about Portland, and the importance of Local Wanderlust, do you have a favorite hidden gem in the city (outside of The Ritz of course!)?

One of my favorite, albeit not-so-hidden gems is the Portland Japanese Garden. The gardens so beautifully blend natural beauty with cultural elements, capturing the essence of peace and harmony that is so intrinsic to Japanese design. Walking through its lush pathways and experiencing the carefully curated gardens, I find a sense of calm – something that’s always needed during the hectic weeks of cross-country travel!