Quirk Hotel is a boutique hospitality destination in the heart of the Art and Cultural and Commercial Historic districts on Broad Street in Richmond, Va. This area is home to some of the finest and well-preserved turn-of-the-century commercial buildings. The Quirk Hotel is true to its name and delivers just the right amount of “quirkiness” with an inviting and artistic décor that still manages to incorporate classic southern hospitality.
The hotel was revitalized and redesigned using both materials and inspiration from the original structure, a 60,000-square-foot historic Richmond landmark built in 1916 as the J.B. Mosby & Co. department store. The building’s overhaul and design was spearheaded by its owners, husband and wife duo Ted and Katie Ukrop. Working in conjunction with Poesis Design interior design firm—led by founding partners Pilar Proffitt and Robert Bristow—and 3north architectural firm, the team of creative minds chose to focus on emphasizing the building’s original business through unique architectural elements. Features such as the main floor’s segmental arches, groin vault ceiling, and the ornamental ironwork staircase are from the original J.B. Mosby store.
“The way we started the process was to think about the envelope and the historic nature of the building and how we can bring that through [the design],” explained Proffitt. “We didn’t want to lose any of it; that was really important to everybody [involved in the project]. You walked into the building and couldn’t believe it. We were thinking, ‘What a beautiful piece of architecture we have to work with.’”
Jay Hugo, managing principal of 3north, noted, “It was crucial for this client to create a successful boutique art hotel, and establish an important place for Broad Street and the community at large. We tried to balance and honor the history but with a new, fresh, contemporary space, which we desperately need down here [in this part of Richmond]. We want to appeal to a broad audience. And it has been successful. An incredibly diverse mix of people enjoy being there, spending time together, crossing over between different settings and different groups.”
Wireflow Chandelier
By Vibia
The striking Wireflow Chandelier hangs over the hotel’s reception desk, a complement to the vintage details in the lobby while coordinating with
Quirk’s overall design.
Custom Design Desk
By Poesis Design
Quirk’s metallic front desk is striking yet welcoming, drawing attention to the bold, heightened design in the space.
Custom Design Shelving
By Poesis Design
Tying in the building’s history as a department store, Poesis created these glowing glass boxes similar to what the designers noticed in historic photographs. The large cases house museum-like objects while acting as partitions to other lobby areas.
Nero Marquina Marble
By Paris Ceramics
The black marble tile centerpiece selected for the lobby is the perfect platform for the standout focal piece that is the front desk, along with restaurant tables and chairs.
Ashby Wing Chairs
By Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
These seating options offer an updated old-school feel with flared arms and tall, tapered wood legs.
Devon Sofa
By Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
This sofa provides an additional pop of color to the white lobby that is energized by bright, decorative elements like the retro-modern furniture used throughout.
Black-Back Chairs, Oval Marble Tables, and Brass Side Table
by Robert Bristow for Poesis Design
These decorative yet functional elements illustrate the design firm’s unique work at Quirk that fits the hotel’s local artistic vibe.
Custom Design Tables
By Poesis Design
Tables in the lounge and dining areas were also custom designed by Poesis. The metallic detail in the table base helps tie into the statement desk at hotel check-in and other pieces throughout the lobby.
Smart Chair
By Andreu World Chicago
The Smart stackable chair is balanced in its form, ergonomic, and possesses strength and lightness.
Custom Design Seating
By Poesis Design
The curved walnut sofa is another Poesis creation, upholstered by Trend Fabrics.
Custom Design Desk
By Robert Bristow for Poesis Design
The specially designed desk is a heavier piece in the room juxtaposing some of the lighter, more simplistic design details.
About a chair
By Hay
The desk chair selected for guest rooms is “quite sculptural,” Profitt noted. Simple yet unique and aesthetically pleasing, it balances with the thicker and darker desk.
Custom Design Beds
by Poesis Design
Guest room beds were custom constructed specifically for the Quirk Hotel by Poesis Design. All of the bed frames are made out of reclaimed timbers from the remodel of the main hotel building and the Quirk Gallery art space located next door.
Tilt Cone Wall Sconce
by Cedar and Moss
This wall sconce has a shade that is adjustable to a 90-degree tilt and 30-degrees to each side. It is made with heavy gauge, exclusive, solid-brass parts featuring artisan waxed finishes.
Capitol Pendant Light
By CB2
The Capitol Pendant Light is “simple but with a great shape to it,” Profitt said. She saw the combination of a large, black pendant fixture with a white chair as “really nice complement[s]” to each other because of their shapes.
