Contemporary residential lobby design featuring blue velvet sofas, custom booth seating, warm globe lighting, indoor houseplants, and expansive glass grid windows.

Discover the Full Story

Discover the Full Story

Discover the Full Story

Designing Rambler Atlanta process / Behind-the-scenes issue

Designing Rambler Atlanta process / Behind-the-scenes issue

Designing Rambler Atlanta process / Behind-the-scenes issue

Designing Rambler Atlanta process / Behind-the-scenes issue

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8 min

8 min

Stepping away from polished final reveals, this quarterly edition pulls back the curtain on Archie Bolden’s complete spatial creation process from urban research and conceptual positioning to technical construction documentation and custom furniture curation. Situated at 736 Peachtree Street in Midtown Atlanta (formerly an Elks Lodge social club and surface parking lot), Rambler Atlanta (affectionately nicknamed "Peaches") serves as a benchmark project. Developed alongside LV Collective, the project reimagines traditional student accommodation into an intentional, boutique hotel-inspired residence tailored to Midtown's diverse, highly active community.


Methodology Framework: How We Work

Interior Design Phases

Concept Design (establishing narrative and spatial rules), Design Development (translating concepts into room sizes, joinery, and material palettes), and Construction Documentation (creating precise technical drawings and schedules for builders).

Decoration Phases

Curation (assembling ready-made and custom items), Customization (adjusting fabrics, colors, and designing bespoke pieces), and Documentation (producing itemized procurement and styling schedules).


Demographic & Contextual Research: The Homework

Before drafting plans, the studio mapped Midtown Atlanta's urban dynamics, transportation networks, hospitality spots, and historical site context. Research revealed a dense, ambitious resident base students from nearby campuses like Georgia Tech, young professionals, startup founders, and night owls. This user mix demanded flexible spaces that seamlessly transition between work, social, and rest throughout the day.


Midtown Alliance development activity infographic featuring a area map, project photos, and location markers for under-construction and proposed buildings in Midtown Atlanta.


Conceptual Blueprint: The Big Idea & Personas

To guide design decisions, Archie Bolden established the concept Euphoric Coalescence, a harmonious colliding of varied daily energies. The team mapped out three specific user archetypes:

  • The Socialite: Desires photo-worthy, generous social spaces for hosting, dining, and pool deck gatherings.

  • The Misfit: Seeks flexible, non-traditional spaces to recharge, study, or socialize.

  • The Intellectualist: Requires reliable study pockets, excellent lighting, integrated power, and calm environments.


Architectural 3D rendering by Archīe Bolden for Peachtree Lobby cafe, featuring a two-story design with staircase, hanging greenery, bar counter, and lounge area.


Spatial Execution: Making It Real & Drawing the Line

Design Development translated abstract ideas into floorplates, sightlines, and amenity zones including Peachtree-facing café/lobby spaces, study mezzanines, wellness zones, and rooftop areas. Construction Documentation followed, establishing technical specifications, reflected ceiling plans, custom millwork details, and stair/balustrade metalwork to protect the design intent during buildout.


Level 1 Residential Lobby furniture board by LV Collective with Rugs USA and Nordic Knots rugs, upholstered sofas, and floor layout plan.


Curated & Bespoke Interior Elements: All the Bigs and All the Smalls

Decoration is divided into two essential layers:

  • The Bigs: Anchoring furniture such as lounge sofas, marble dining tables, curved consoles, and primary light fixtures that establish the room's tone.

  • The Smalls: Character-rich finishing touches including cushions, books, ceramics, art prints, and greenery that infuse warmth and personality.

  • Customization: Bespoke furniture pieces, custom-colored rugs, re-upholstered seating, and tailored plinths ensure the interior feels specific to its location.


Architectural mood board presentation by LV Collective for Rambler ATL showcasing cafe furniture selections, seating layouts, light fixtures, and fabric color palettes.

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