Todd Spiewak

Bau Wau Haus is my interior design scheme for a luxury wellness hotel that reimagines hospitality by centering the deep emotional bond between humans and their dogs. Designed as a five-star sanctuary, the hotel offers an environment where guests can relax, recharge, and find creative inspiration—all alongside their canine companions.

The brief for this project was to reimagine New York City's Hotel Chelsea as a place for wellness-led hospitality. Taking inspiration from the hotel's rich artistic history, Bau Wau Haus honors the kind of enduring connection that once existed between muses and makers of the Hotel Chelsea—such as Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe—and mirrors it in a design that reflects the lifelong companionship shared by people and pets. In Bau Wau Haus, dogs are not just welcome; they are central to the hotel’s philosophy of holistic well-being.

The design blends modern luxury with warmth and playfulness, creating a space that nurtures both creativity and comfort. Every detail—from spa offerings and thoughtfully designed suites to communal lounges and wellness programming—is tailored to enhance the shared experience of human and dog.

Core Values:

Creativity—Encouraging innovation and self-expression. Companionship—Nurturing the bond between humans and dogs. Luxury—Providing high-end comfort for guests and their pets. Wellness—Supporting mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Inclusion—Welcoming all pet lovers and wellness seekers.

Bau Wau Haus is more than a pet-friendly hotel—it’s a celebration of the transformative power of connection, comfort, and creativity.