The David Kempinski (Architectural Digest)
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.
- Projects
- 2026
Adaptive Reuse and Heritage Preservation give new purpose to old structures, illuminating their potential in the modern world. In hospitality, it transforms historic buildings into unique hotels, marrying old-world charm with contemporary needs.
It is not merely about ārecyclingā old buildings; itās about understanding their historical and cultural value, appreciating their architectural merit, and finding ways to repurpose these characteristics to benefit the present and future generations.
A prime example is the Setai hotel in Tel Aviv. It is a site with roots that extend back to the Crusader era. From a fortress to an Ottoman Empire compound, from a walled compound to a jailhouse, and a police station.
In 2005, the Nakash family began the transformation of the building into a hotel, where today, guests can live a slice of history in the lap of luxury. Thatās where we, at ara Design, stepped in, helping to convert a relic of the past into a modern masterpiece. Our mission wasnāt just about designing a hotel, but about telling stories through spaces, preserving the buildingās historical value while accentuating it with the strokes of the present.
The hallways of The Setai Tel Aviv speak of the past; the stone walls show its age. While restoring the original structures, we found hidden treasures like walls, rooms, and historical secrets. A thrilling prospect, isnāt it? To have the opportunity to unearth a forgotten past while carving the future. Thatās precisely what makes our work at studio ara, not just a job, but a delightful adventure. Every wooden beam, every ironwork, every cobblestone we preserved is a time capsule for our guests to explore.
One of the most fascinating revelations during the restoration was the discovery of a multitude of artifacts, remnants of different civilizations stacked on top of each other. Finding Roman, Christian, and Turkish objects jumbled together was like unearthing a storybook of history, an archaeologistās delight, and a storytellerās dream.
The transformation of The Setai Tel Aviv was not a solitary effort. It relied on meaningful collaboration with experts in preservation, architecture, and archaeology.
We worked alongside the Israel Antiquities Authority, whose archaeological expertise guided the uncovering and conservation of historical elements. The Israel Preservation Society provided vital insight into safeguarding the siteās heritage value. Architect Eyal Ziv, a specialist in preservation, ensured that every intervention respected the original structure. And Feigin Architects brought architectural vision to the transformation, integrating modern needs without overwhelming the historical context.
This shared effort meant that no single perspective dominated. Instead, the project became a dialogue between designers, archaeologists, architects, and preservationists, each voice shaping how the building could live again.
After the notable achievement of the Setai Hotel in Tel Aviv, the Nakash family has chosen to continue our collaboration with two distinctive new properties. Each property possesses its own very unique charm and character.
The finished hotel is a space where time layers upon itself. Ottoman archways meet sleek contemporary furnishings; centuries-old stone sits alongside modern glass and brushed bronze. The dialogue between past and present is visible in every corridor and courtyard.
Guests are not simply staying in a hotel. They are inhabiting a story that spans Crusaders, Ottomans, and Israelis, with each era leaving a mark that still resonates today. The adaptive reuse of The Setai Tel Aviv exemplifies how heritage preservation can create immersive guest experiences while advocating for sustainability, cultural respect, and creative design.
The success of The Setai Tel Aviv has led to new chapters in our collaboration with the Nakash family. After Tel Aviv, we worked on the Setai Miami, a property that bridges East and West in a fusion of cultures and aesthetics. We also partnered on the creation of Setai Glamping, an oasis inspired by the natural beauty of the Sea of Galilee.
Each of these projects has its own unique spirit, but all share the same principle: preserving what is meaningful from the past while embracing what is possible in the present.
At studio ara, we believe architecture and interiors are never just about buildings. They are about stories, experiences, and the people who give them meaning. The Setai Tel Aviv shows how adaptive reuse can be both preservation and renewal, ensuring that the past is not lost but rather continues to shape the present.
As we look ahead, our goal remains clear: to collaborate with visionary partners, to work alongside craftspeople, architects, and communities, and to keep creating spaces where heritage and contemporary life meet in harmony.
The success of The Setai Tel Aviv has led to new chapters in our collaboration with the Nakash family. After Tel Aviv, we worked on the Setai Miami, a property that bridges East and West in a fusion of cultures and aesthetics. We also partnered on the creation of Setai Glamping, an oasis inspired by the natural beauty of the Sea of Galilee.
Each of these projects has its own unique spirit, but all share the same principle: preserving what is meaningful from the past while embracing what is possible in the present.
At studio ara, we believe architecture and interiors are never just about buildings. They are about stories, experiences, and the people who give them meaning. The Setai Tel Aviv shows how adaptive reuse can be both preservation and renewal, ensuring that the past is not lost but rather continues to shape the present.
As we look ahead, our goal remains clear: to collaborate with visionary partners, to work alongside craftspeople, architects, and communities, and to keep creating spaces where heritage and contemporary life meet in harmony.
