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Location: Grande Lakes, Orlando

Architect: Cooper Carry

Interior Designer: Opus 356 / Boris Mathias

Hotel Group: Marriott the Ritz-Carlton/ Trinity Investments

Construction: Balfour Beatty

Photography: Jeff Herron

The interior design firm Opus 356 undertook a large-scale hospitality renovation, transforming expansive event floors into refined, place-driven environments that balance operational efficiency with an immersive guest experience rooted in regional identity. The brief called for the complete reimagining of these spaces as a sanctuary, one in which guests may momentarily retreat from the demands of daily life and engage with an atmosphere defined by tranquility, natural beauty, and timeless elegance.

Spanning over 126,000 square feet across 49 event rooms, the project required a considered approach to reconcile intimacy with scale. Opus 356 envisioned interiors that perform seamlessly for large-scale functions while simultaneously evoking a sense of calm, wonder, and connection to place. The design draws upon the city’s layered heritage, blending Mediterranean influences, Art Deco references, and the character of historic architecture with the serenity of the surrounding natural landscape.

As a renovation, the existing architectural framework, particularly the pronounced ceiling forms was carefully reinterpreted rather than replaced. Through a restrained palette, water-inspired carpets, and sculptural lighting, the interiors achieve a cohesive and harmonious identity across all spaces, from intimate breakout rooms to a grand ballroom accommodating over 6,000 guests.

Operational functionality remains integral, with durable materials, flexible lighting systems, and thoughtfully designed prefunction areas supporting both efficiency and guest comfort. Ultimately, Opus 356 has delivered a sophisticated environment that seamlessly integrates performance with emotional resonance, redefining contemporary hospitality design through a nuanced balance of scale, atmosphere, and experience.