BY NATALIE KNOTH LOOK UP The black paneled ceiling is adorned with carved, gold-colored Chinese calligraphy. Sets of wooden slats partially conceal the panels. PRIVATE MOMENTS Flanking the Quanyin statue are two private dining areas, each seating 12 to 16 guests. To create a more intimate feel, each room features a custom chandelier with metal beaded tassels and colorful sheer drapery. TAO DOWNTOWN A pair of ballrooms in the Maritime Hotel in New York have been reborn as the two-story TAO Downtown restaurant. Hired to create that luxury dining environment was Rockwell Group. Founder and president David Rockwell says his team filled the cavernous space with a materials palette that combines raw and industrial elements with rich and lush vintage details from the Far East. The result-which Rockwell describes as "a Gotham speakeasy with an Asian sensibility"-is on vivid display in the lower-level main dining room shown here. 24 boutiquedesign.com MAY 2014 ERIC LAIGNEL NEW YORKhttp://www.boutiquedesign.com