The Zarina Hotel

I’m excited to share my final project for my fourth year — a proposal for a new hotel in place of the existing J. Edgar Hoover Building in Washington, D.C.

From the beginning, I approached this design with one guiding belief: a good hotel doesn’t just serve its guests — it contributes meaningfully to the life of its neighborhood. That philosophy shaped every decision throughout the project.

The core concept centers on circulation as an experiential journey. Guests are guided through a sequence of richly ornamental rooms, each intentionally crafted to celebrate architectural beauty. The goal was to create moments of wonder — allowing guests to feel a sense of royalty as they move throughout the hotel.

My design was informed by several key precedents, including The Seven Hotel in Chicago, Union Station in Denver, The Ritz-Carlton, and Hôtel de Ville d’Ivry. Each offered lessons in Beaux-Arts formal language, spatial hierarchy, and ornamental richness, all of which helped shape the direction of this proposal.

After extensive exploration through parti studies and development sketches, I’m proud to present The Zarina Hotel — a project that reflects my growth, curiosity, and passion for architectural storytelling.

Thank you to everyone who supported me throughout this journey. I’m excited for what’s next. 🏛️✨