Hotel industry, better than any other, understands the intersection of architecture, design, and guest experience has never been more vital. DSCENE Magazine’s Editor in Chief, Zarko Davinic, sat down with architect Piero Lissoni and Larry Korman, CEO of AKA, for a dual interview. Their conversation explores their collaboration on Hotel AKA NoMad as well as Hotel AKA Alexandria, the evolving role of design in hospitality, and the future of extended-stay living.
How did your collaboration with AKA Hotels begin, and what was your primary vision for transforming the Hotel AKA Nomad property into a standout design destination?
Piero Lissoni: I first met Larry Korman over ten years ago while working on some of his properties in Philadelphia. Over time, our friendship evolved, grounded in shared visions and creative passions. That connection naturally led to our collaborations in New York and Alexandria. With Hotel AKA NoMad, the idea was to create a sanctuary in the heart of the city – a place where guests could retreat from the energy and noise of New York, while still feeling very much part of it.
Larry, what role does design play in shaping the identity and experience of AKA, and how do you ensure that each property feels both unique and cohesive within the brand?
Larry Korman: Design is at the heart of AKA’s identity – it’s what transforms a stay from purposeful to memorable. We approach each of our properties with a commitment to understated elegance, prioritizing natural materials, a soothing palette, and thoughtful spatial design to foster a sense of calm and livability. While every AKA location is tailored to reflect its surroundings, a consistent design philosophy – one rooted in refinement, comfort, and a seamless guest experience – creates a sense of continuity across the brand.
Hotel AKA Nomad is located in the heart of New York City’s design district. How did this unique setting influence your approach to both the architecture and interior design of the property?
Piero Lissoni: “We tied the interiors to Midtown’s rich Art Deco architecture. It’s a distinctive part of New York, and I wanted to honor the design sensibilities of the early 1900s while acknowledging how the area continues to evolve. Today, the design district is shifting toward 38th to 50th Street, with major showrooms moving in. We wanted the hotel to reflect the spirit of this urban environment and the creative communities rooted here, while also offering guests a peaceful escape from the surrounding hustle.
Can you share insights about working with Mr. Lissoni on Hotel AKA NoMad and Hotel AKA Alexandria? What drew you to his design ethos, and how did his vision enhance these properties?
Larry Korman: Piero Lissoni’s design philosophy aligns effortlessly with AKA’s commitment to sophistication and serenity. His ability to distill luxury into clean lines, natural materials, and a restrained yet deeply considered aesthetic made him a perfect collaborator. At Hotel AKA NoMad, his mastery of proportion and light brings an air of contemporary elegance to one of New York’s most dynamic neighborhoods. At Hotel AKA Alexandria, Piero’s vision honors the city’s historic charm while introducing an Italian sensibility that feels both modern and timeless.
Your work for Hotel AKA Nomad incorporates Italian furniture brands like Porro, Living Divani, and Kartell. How do these elements enhance the hotel’s aesthetic and connect it to your design roots?
Piero Lissoni: Contamination is part of my design language. I approach furnishing a hotel as I would a home – curating a blend of pieces that feel authentic and lived-in. The mix includes contemporary designs from brands like Porro, Living Divani, and Kartell, as well as handcrafted pieces from the 1940s, like the Nakashima benches. It’s about layering and storytelling.
Hotel AKA Alexandria nods to its historic surroundings while incorporating modern Italian design. How do you strike the balance between preserving local character and introducing contemporary aesthetics in a property of that size?
Larry Korman: This really begins with a deep respect for the destination. In Alexandria, we embraced the city’s rich history while allowing Lissoni’s refined modernism to elevate the experience. Elements like locally inspired color palettes and materials anchor the design to its setting, while sleek Italian furnishings and contemporary art introduce a fresh perspective. The result is a dialogue between past and present – an environment that feels both contextual and forward-thinking.
The darkened-steel staircase at Hotel AKA Nomad is a striking feature. What inspired its design, and how does it symbolize your overarching vision for the property?
Piero Lissoni: I have a bit of an obsession with staircases – they’re like my signature. I love designing them because they act as transitional spaces, almost like a twilight zone between two different worlds. For me, it was essential that Hotel AKA Nomad have one – something sculptural and symbolic of movement, transition, and connection.
What inspired the tagline “The World’s Most Livable Hotels,” and how does AKA deliver on this promise in its design, amenities, and overall guest experience?
Larry Korman: “AKA was created to bridge the gap between hotel and home, offering an experience that harmoniously blends the privacy and comfort of a residence with the hospitality and service of a boutique hotel. ‘The World’s Most Livable Hotels’ reflects our commitment to providing sophisticated accommodations and spacious, furnished residences in iconic neighborhoods. As leaders in long-stay living, we have introduced our core residential philosophies to evolve the hotel category into a high-quality, more livable experience. From serene, elegant design to thoughtfully curated business, wellness, and lifestyle amenities, every element of AKA is designed to make residents feel at home, whether staying for a few days, weeks, or months—blending the comforts of residential living into every detail.”
Guests often describe AKA properties as feeling like a home away from home. How does your design philosophy support this sentiment, particularly in spaces like Hotel AKA Nomad’s public and private interiors?
Piero Lissoni: That sense of home comes from thoughtful layering – furnishings that mix contemporary design with globally inspired pieces, as if they were collected over time and through travel. It creates a sense of personal history and comfort. At the same time, AKA offers a wide range of services, so I would say it feels like a home – with all the benefits of a hotel.
With AKA’s focus on extended-stay properties, how do you ensure they maintain a residential feel while still offering the luxuries and conveniences of a hotel?
Larry Korman: We design each space with the same level of care and intention as a private residence. This means prioritizing elements like full kitchens or kitchenettes, dedicated workspaces, and tranquil living areas that foster a true sense of home. At the same time, we integrate personalized touches and services that elevate the experience beyond traditional long-term accommodations – from wellness programming and a dedicated 24/7 guest services team to curated culinary offerings. The result is a perfect blend of residential comfort and hotel sophistication.
What current trends or innovations in design and architecture do you see shaping the future of hotels, and how did you incorporate these ideas into Hotel AKA Nomad?
Piero Lissoni: Where once the priority was maximizing room count, today the focus has shifted toward quality – spacious, comfortable rooms with particular attention to bathrooms and guest experience. It’s about optimizing space and enhancing the sense of luxury through thoughtful design and service.
In your opinion, what trends are currently shaping the hospitality industry, and how is AKA adapting to meet the evolving expectations of modern travelers?
Larry Korman: “Today’s travelers are seeking more than luxury – they’re craving authenticity, emotional connection, and a sense of belonging. At AKA, we’re responding to this shift by creating elevated, flexible living environments that feel deeply personal. Wellness, sustainability, and meaningful service are no longer nice-to-haves – they’re expectations. We’ve also seen a growing interest in curated lifestyle experiences and meaningful connection – and that’s where our loyalty programs shine. Whether it’s Access AKA, our lifestyle membership club, Access Pets, our way of warmly welcoming four-legged family members with special perks just for them, or our Live It! program, which focuses on local partnerships that elevate everyday living, we’re committed to creating lasting relationships with our residents. It’s about making each stay feel less like a transaction and more like a thoughtful return home.”
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Given AKA’s success in key urban markets in the U.S., is there potential for international expansion? If so, what locations or regions align with the AKA vision?
Larry Korman: International expansion is certainly a possibility, and we remain opportunistic in exploring markets that align with our brand. We have a property in the heart of London’s Marylebone neighborhood, AKA Marylebone. We’ll continue to evaluate opportunities in areas that resonate with our design-driven, residential approach for long-term stays, ensuring that any growth aligns with the integrity of the brand.
What is your long-term vision for the AKA brand, and how do you plan to evolve while staying true to its core values of elegance, calm, and livability?
Larry Korman: “Our vision is to continue redefining the extended-stay experience, blending the sophistication of a boutique hotel with the warmth of a private residence. The ethereal essence of AKA is to create a sense of calm and to nurture an ambiance that makes our guests feel at home. As we grow, we remain deeply committed to the principles that have shaped AKA – uncompromising quality, thoughtful design, and a hospitality experience that feels effortless. Whether through new properties, evolving service offerings, or design collaborations with visionaries in the space like Pierro Lissoni, our focus is always on enhancing the lives of our residents and guests.”
Discover more of the Hotel Aka Nomad in our gallery:
Growing up in a home designed by Louis Kahn, how has your personal connection to architecture and design influenced your approach to creating memorable, design-forward hospitality experiences?
Larry Korman: Growing up in a home designed by Louis Kahn, I was immersed in architecture from a young age, which instilled in me a profound appreciation for proportion, light, and materiality—elements that are foundational to every AKA property. Living in Kahn’s final residential commission, I witnessed firsthand how spaces evolve over time, much like Kahn’s statement that the cypress wood on our house would turn silver as it aged, with the individual pieces revealing their beauty and becoming art. Kahn’s work was about clarity and purpose, and we strive to bring that same sense of intentionality to our design philosophy. At AKA, every space is created with meaning, ensuring that form and function are in perfect harmony. Just as Kahn designed spaces that could adapt and grow with their inhabitants, we approach each property with the same respect for evolution and enduring relevance.
For more visit lissoniandpartners.com and stayaka.com. The interview was published in DSCENE Magazine 22nd edition, available in print and digital.
