The Theodore
Hospitality
Dallas, TX
ART DIRECTION + FABRICATION: Marisa Dukowitz + Christy Black
ARCHITECTURE: Droese Raney Architecture
BRAND IDENTITY: MiniSuper Studio
PHOTOGRAPHY: Kelsey Foster
Set within NorthPark Center, Dallas’ distinctive modernist shopping center since the 1960’s, the client called on Lou Verne (Marisa and Christy Black) to drive the art direction of their newest restaurant. They had a vision - the space was to feel theatrical, layered and irreverent like a Wes Anderson film. It was to be centered around Teddy Roosevelt, the naturalist, president, and explorer. We joined forces with Droese Raney Architecture and Blair Richardson of MiniSuper Studio.
After a whirlwind dive into old world handcrafts and absorbing Edmund Morris’ The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt, a classic Victorian estate home emerged as the foundation with copious amounts of built-ins, a library, an extensive parlor for entertaining, a snug, and a secret dining room.
Taking this foundation, we staged a rhythm of discovery throughout the rooms - Maxine Helfman’s personal collection of natural artifacts and various handcrafted murals created the depth and irreverence of ‘a collector’s life’.