We are delighted to share some exciting news: the pages of Architectural Digest have showcased our most recent project at the David Kempinski Hotel in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Featured as the 4th suite in their â8 Gorgeous Hotel Rooms with Private Poolsâ article, the spotlight shines on our design for the David Penthouse Suite with its iconic infinity-edged pool.
This recognition is an opportunity to celebrate the collaborative spirit that shaped the project. We are honored to have worked alongside the Kempinski team and to see our shared vision acknowledged by one of the worldâs most respected design publications.
Every corner of the Penthouse Suite was approached with the same precision as its larger gestures. Custom-designed furniture pieces were chosen not only for their elegance but also for their tactile comfort: linen, stone, and warm woods that invite touch as much as they please the eye. Subtle art pieces nod to Tel Avivâs creative pulse, while carefully layered lighting allows the mood of the suite to shift from energising daylight to intimate evening calm. These details may seem quiet, but together they define the atmosphere, reminding us that true luxury often lives in the small things.
Tel Avivâs White City is celebrated for its Bauhaus architecture… buildings defined by their clean lines, functional forms, and subtle elegance. We wanted the Penthouse Suite to carry a whisper of that legacy. The geometry of the interiors, the restraint in ornamentation, and the emphasis on light and proportion all nod to Bauhaus principles, reinterpreted for a contemporary hospitality setting. The intent is not to replicate history, but to allow the cityâs design DNA to shape the guest experience.
Working with Kempinski was a journey defined by collaboration and trust. From the earliest sketches, we shared a vision with the client, which was to set a new benchmark for urban luxury that feels both rooted in context and internationally relevant. Every decision, whether about materials, lighting, or circulation, was made together, ensuring the space reflected not just design ambition but also the hospitality DNA of the Kempinski brand.
One of the most technically complex elements, the penthouse terrace and pool, required careful coordination with engineers and builders to balance structural integrity with our aesthetic intent. The result is a space where guests can move fluidly between indoors and outdoors, never losing sight of the Mediterranean.
This collaboration has since grown into new projects, including Kempinski Yanbu in Saudi Arabia, a conversion of an existing property. Weâre excited to continue this partnership and bring the same spirit of creativity and precision to new contexts.
At studio ara, we believe design is ultimately about experience, about how a space is lived in. At the David Kempinski, this translates into moments that flow between beachfront panoramas and social hubs.
Guests can linger in Sereia Restaurant and Lounge, where sea views set a relaxed rhythm, savor rare whiskies or cigars in The Common Bar, home to Israelâs first Macallan Whisky Bar and a Cohiba branded cigar zone; or retreat to the 22nd floor Horizon Lounge for elevated privacy. At the pinnacle, Cloud 51 offers a rooftop escape with 360-degree views of Tel-Avivâs skyline.
Recognition from Architectural Digest is a proud milestone, but for us, the projectâs real success lies in how it is experienced by guests, how it allows them to feel both at home and inspired, grounded and elevated.
As we continue our journey, our mission remains the same: to create spaces that resonate with their surroundings, celebrate collaboration, and enrich the human experience. Whether designing hotels, residences, or cultural projects, we approach each commission with the same balance of passion and precision.
The David Kempinski Penthouse Suite is a story of heritage, collaboration, and design excellence, and we look forward to sharing more stories with you as our journey continues.
