Boutique Design - June 2015 - 12

THE BUZZ

NEW CHICAGO NIGHTCLUB OFFERS
ABOVE-GROUND TUNNEL EXPERIENCE

BOUTIQUE 18 UPDATE

The John Barleycorn River North Irish pub/sports bar in Chicago was previously a two-level affair, with a nightclub version of the concept on its upper
floor. However, the owners wanted to take things up a notch by creating a
distinct destination on that second story.
Thus was born Tunnel, a new nightclub designed by slick+designusa's
Rocco Laudizio and Mercia Givogre. The venue's name reflects the entrance
to the club, a covered stairway (shown) that's been made over to resemble
one of the labyrinth of tunnels that run under the streets of London. Drawing
patrons up the three flights of stairs within the blue-lit space is a series of
sexy murals on the landings by David Bozic, whose work is also featured on
the wall behind the nightclub's bar.
In addition to Bozic's work, the venue's 2,800 sq. ft. of space seeks to
stimulate partiers' senses via a series of tube-shaped color-changing lights
hanging from the ceiling that are synchronized with the venue's sound
system and a 12-panel video wall. The nightclub can accommodate up to
120 guests, who can chill and enjoy the venue's VIP bottle service on tufted
leather sofas that surround handcrafted cocktail tables.

MORRIAH MRYSZUK
CLASS OF 2010

THEN: ForrestPerkins, interior designer
NOW: Marriott Intl., senior interior designer,

WHAT CHANGES HAVE YOU SEEN IN THE
DESIGN FIELD SINCE YOU WERE NAMED
TO THE B18?

Faster. Smarter. Better. Technology has really
taken off since I joined the B18. For me, it
has really transformed the way things are
getting done. With better tools come greater
demands, and it's all a wonderful opportunity
and challenge. The hotel guest is also transforming into a much more designsavvy and market-informed individual. With Pinterest and other social media
exposing the typical guest to imagery they probably wouldn't have seen 10 years
ago unless they actually visited the site, creating the newest best thing is even
more of a challenge.
HOW DID BECOMING PART OF THE B18 IMPACT YOUR CAREER?

It was wonderful to be recognized early in my career for something I am so
passionate about. It not only validated all of the hard work I had put in, but
provided great visibility for me. It is an honor to be recognized amongst a
group of very talented people, and I am always excited to read about the next
generation of young talent on the rise.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON NOW?

Several full-service Marriott renovations, including the guest rooms and public
spaces at the Hartford Downtown Marriott, the guest rooms and public spaces at
the Bethesda Marriott (shown) and the guest rooms at the Baltimore Waterfront
Marriott. It's an exciting time to be a part of Marriott Intl. as the Marriott Modern
design strategy starts to be implemented. It's a transformative time for the brand,
and I love to see theory find its way into practice.

boutiquedesign.com JUNE 2015

C O U R T E S Y O F M O R R I A H M R Y S Z U K ( M R Y S Z U K ) ; B L U E L I M E S T U D I O ( B E T H E S DA M A R R I O T T ) ; M A R C I N
C Y MMER PHOTOGR APH Y ( TUNNEL NIGHTCLUB)

full service renovations-The Americas

http://www.boutiquedesign.com

Boutique Design - June 2015

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