This project has been a long time coming, as Tableaux and our Rep Alan Robbins of ICFN were first contacted by Rule Joy Trammell + Rubio, LLC (RJTR) back in 2018. The project called for decorative grilles cut and shaped to look like branches that would be suspended from the ceiling in a hotel to be constructed within a new mixed-use development called “1105 West Peachtree” in Midtown Atlanta.

Q: With regard to design, what were the needs and expectations of your client for this project?

A: As the name Epicurean infers, food and beverage are the centerpiece of the Epicurean Hotel, part of the 1105 West Peachtree development in Midtown Atlanta. Whether it be via literal functionality through space planning and programming, implied by color, texture and tone or tangible bits of whimsey sprinkled through the interior as “aha moments”, the interior is cuisine-centric and thematic

Located in the Arts District of Midtown, Atlanta, the Epicurean Atlanta is a 178-key hotel situated along 13th Street, between West Peachtree Street and Peachtree Walk. The 16-story hotel’s ballroom overlooks a lush and vibrant amenity plaza on the 9th level and can be divided to accommodate a wide range of event sizes all of which find themselves under a canopy of branches, a nod to Georgia’s prolific orchards. Warm wood accent walls and oatmeal colored wall covering are wrapped around the dark shadowy carpet in tones of mission fig and wild rice under the Tableaux canopy.


During the early stages of design, Tableaux was sent concept photos and drawings to determine feasibility and provide feedback and guidance on how this idea and design could be realized. Tableaux also provided RJTR a couple photos of designs from similar past projects to solicit more thoughts.

Q: What challenges did you face in meeting the design goals of this project?

A: A custom ceiling design element that fit within an allowable budget was needed and it was paramount that attention to ceiling access, lighting flexibility and suspension weight was addressed.


After feedback from RJTR, Tableaux created a few preliminary design drawings for client review. 

The initial idea was to make a total of eighteen 10’ by 5’ sections using Tableaux Metal in ¼” aluminum.

After a technical review and meeting, the client liked the idea of making them thicker. To achieve this, Tableaux suggested using their “Faux Iron” product family, which is made using sustainable, industrial-grade, moisture resistant, medium density fiberboard (MDF) panels utilizing a formaldehyde-free adhesive system and pre-consumer recycled wood fiber.

Two 1-inch “Faux Iron” pieces would be glued together back-to-back creating a 2-inch thickness for each section. Steel “shadow plates” would be cut and attached to the back to provide strength and secure connection points for suspension. In addition, fabrication had to provide adequate space to conceal LED light strips and electrical connections that were to be attached on the back of every section.

To do this, Tableaux had to make some adjustments to their normal production methods. To achieve the desired 2-inch thickness, a spray-on contact adhesive was used to glue two 1-inch boards together, an idea suggested by Chris Aler, Tableaux’s Commercial Project Manager. The process included making templates to eliminate overspray during the adhesive application, and it took 4 people to glue up each 2″ board.

Additionally, the added thickness required testing and using a larger and longer size bit to cut the branch patterns, a process that had not been attempted at Tableaux before. To ensure the final product would meet the visual and installation requirements for the project, Tableaux made a prototype of one section that could be hung and tested at the site.

After a successful test of the prototype, Tableaux created detailed shop drawings of front and back views illustrating positions of shadow plate, D-ring, and MDF.

The order was approved and went into production on November 13, 2020. Tableaux designed and build special crates to help secure the shipment from freight damage as the final production phases were completed, and the order shipped January 12, 2021. General contractors working on the project completed installation in the spring of 2021.

Q: How did Tableaux Decorative Grilles help meet the design goals and vision for this project?

A: The Tableaux designers and engineers worked closely with us to develop a single element that could be repeated, rotated and mirrored in a modulated size that minimized cost as well as a provided a profile to accommodate LED up-lighting.


Headquartered in Atlanta, Rule Joy Trammell + Rubio, LLC (RJTR) is an architectural and interior design practice recognized for excellence in master planning, architecture, interior design, and execution of a wide range of project types including mixed-use, hospitality, multi-family residential, corporate office, and senior living projects. 

Atlanta’s food-focused Epicurean Hotel is a foodie’s paradise. A wine lover’s dream. A place for Connoisseurs of Life to indulge in exceptional experiences. The Epicurean Hotel is operating under Marriott’s “Autograph Collection” with partner Mainsail Lodging & Development.

This post Epicurean Hotel first appeared on Tableaux Architectural Panels and is written by Arthur

An array of custom Tableaux Decorative Grilles adorn this stunning entrance lobby ceiling and front desk wall at The Champlain Waterfront Hotel, an Ascend Hotel Collection. 

Designer Corinne Ritsick of design firm Ritsick Design Associates contacted Tableaux about a challenging project in which she was tasked with updating the interior feel of this boutique hotel while respecting the historical aspects of the building.

Q: With regard to design, what were the needs and expectations of your client for this project?

A: We were commissioned to create a boutique destination experience where old and new collide at this magnificent waterfront location in Central Ontario.


A photo of a previous Tableaux project showing decorative grilles with metal framing custom designed for a similar installation into a ceiling was used as inspiration. Tableaux Designers also created a preliminary drawing showing the proposed “Amboise” design pattern and layout of the ceiling for this project. 

Q: What challenges did you face in meeting the design goals of this project?

A: The hotel was built in 1932 and restored several times over the years. Preserving its local history while enhancing the beautiful 19th century building with an 82-year-old downtown presence was important to the integrity of the design.

As with many historical buildings, the footprint of several areas in this property were quite small so the impact of materials and finishes had to be big. We created a sense of spaciousness and interaction with updated features reflecting traditional patterns with a 21st century motif in a relaxed contemporary interior.


The initial design (shown below) called for three long panels at the front of the ceiling sections which would not show any seams where joined. This would require a special mending technique that would add cost to the project. The drawing also illustrated several potential installation methods.

The next set of drawings below included a separate drawing for the front desk wall sections and a final drawing showing revised dimensions, and Tableaux’s suggested alternative way of laying out the ceiling so that mending would not be required thus reducing cost. 

Corinne chose to use the Tableaux Veneer product family as the material which uses panels made with a real walnut hardwood veneer over an industrial-grade MDF core. She specified Tableaux’s dark “Rockford” aged finish to provide contrast for a dramatic look.

As one 5-star reviewer and local guide commented; “Looks like a historic building from the outside but really tastefully decorated inside. Modern, stylish, and beautiful.”

Q: How did Tableaux Decorative Grilles help meet the design goals and vision for this project?

A: We created a sense of arrival by using the Amboise decorative grilles to draw guests toward the French inspired mirrored front desk. The suspended design above reflected the unique hexagonal pattern on the floor below. We continued the Amboise grilles as a beautiful three-dimensional backdrop to the front desk.


Ritsick Design Associates is a vibrant, nimble interior design company passionate about Hospitality and comprised of talented, dedicated, and creative team members. We are motivated to create unique and memorable spaces that leave long lasting impressions for our clients, their guests and staff. 

The Champlain Waterfront Hotel, an Ascend Hotel Collection, is a historic boutique hotel that is in the heart of Orillia’s downtown. Located steps away from the beautiful waterfront and Port of Orillia and within walking distance to unique shops and eatery.

This post The Champlain Waterfront Hotel first appeared on Tableaux Architectural Panels and is written by Arthur

Tableaux worked with Group One Partners in Boston, MA on this Hilton Hotel redesign. A total of 27 Tableaux Metal Decorative Grilles were utilized as partitions to help modernize this Hilton Hotel lobby and café. 

Q: With regard to design, what were the needs and expectations of your client for this project?

A: Complete redesign of an existing hotel interior to meet the demanding market needs for tech savvy business travelers.


Tableaux Designers reviewed the project’s needs and objectives and created preliminary concept drawings of the partitions to serve as a starting point for design and measurements.

Q: What challenges did you face in meeting the design goals of this project?

A: The building architecture and basic mechanical/plumbing was to be touched minimally.


After receiving and a reviewing site measurements and installation requirements, Tableaux created revised drawings with dimensions for final approval.

Tableaux Metal was recommended due to the structural demands of this high traffic area.

In this case, A1011 High-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel sheets were chosen as the substrate, then laser cut with Tableaux’s “Bacchus” design pattern and powder coated in “Antique Bronze”.

Q: How did Tableaux Decorative Grilles help meet the design goals and vision for this project?

A: We were able to break up the large lobby spec for designated areas of action but maintain an overall open feeling in the lobby to natural light.


Group One Partners delivers distinctive, inspired spaces, ensuring client satisfaction through streamlined creativity, strategic design, and attention to detail. 

The Hilton Boston Dedham Hotel is a tree-lined retreat near Legacy Place mall off I-95 tucked against the edge of Dedham, Massachusetts tranquil wetlands.

This post Hilton Boston Dedham first appeared on Tableaux Architectural Panels and is written by Arthur