Architect Nathan Litera Speaks On His New York Venture
Nathan Litera loves New York. The Paris-based architect has worked on a number of projects in the Big Apple, where he has studied, worked and plans to set up shop in the near future. “New York was my first foreign experience,” he says. “I have considered it my second home ever since.” After the debut of his latest venture, Spring Place, Luxe chatted with Litera about the new members’ club as well as the philosophy behind his furniture designs. nathanlitera.com
Talk about your connection to New York. We lived in the West Village and I was studying at Cooper Union. Then I had the opportunity to work at Kohn Pedersen Fox uptown. I have met so many inspiring individuals there over the years. I have always tried to work on projects with a connection to New York and am now working with French and American contractors on a daily basis.
Describe the vibe of Spring Place. The project was conceived as a space to foster creativity and networking. In order to balance the industrial design of the building, our intention was to create a suave atmosphere inspired by the 1970s and midcentury furniture. References to history, modern art and fashion are made with the moiré carpet and the plaster ceiling, both created in France specifically for Spring Place. I thought over the shapes and finishes to make the venue a dynamic one that facilitates the members’ interactions.
You also design furniture. What common thread runs through your pieces? I try to maintain an architectural gesture—which you might say is a common thread. Ideally, each item should stimulate dreams. I have been told that my European architectural background and its historical fundamentals are evident, which is very rewarding.