A year after leaving Morris Nathanson Design to open her own firm in Pawtucket, Rhode Island native Libby Slader has redesigned the interior of Sura restaurant, Tazza Caffé and 38 Studios in Providence. This month, she received a Gold Design award from Rhode Island Monthly magazine. Raised in Glocester and Narragansett, Slader has worked for Sony Pictures Entertainment in California and on projects including the U.S. Embassy in Bolivia, the National Bank of Kuwait and Royal Mills in West Warwick. She teaches commercial design at Rhode Island School of Design.
PBN: Your redesign of Tazza has gotten a lot of attention. What was your inspiration for that project?
SLADER: Tazza is one of the best situated restaurants in downtown, uniquely placed in the middle of an active and vibrant city core. This was a great opportunity to fulfill its potential by optimizing use, comfort and experience. For me, functionality is the core component of a successful space. Our goal was to take the concept to the next level. Being able to radically change the floor plan and incorporate new and fresh materials, while directing the experience both inside and outside the restaurant was the inspiration for our work.
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PBN: Every space and project is different, but are there any common ideas or threads that run through your designs?
SLADER:Having a clear understanding of the concept and how they work, whether for a restaurant or a company that develops multi-player online video games is crucial. Every decision that is made regarding the floor plan, furniture, lighting and materials must support that concept. Then, using the space we are working within, I try to create a space that provides them with the best possible solutions. The most favorite part of my job is the process of understanding how people approach their work and then figure out how to create a physical environment that supports that.
PBN: When you returned to Rhode Island after years working in places like Los Angeles and on projects around the world, what was your impression of downtown Providence?
SLADER:In the early ’80s I spent a lot of time in Providence, but would only go to Thayer Street and a couple of places downtown, like the Living Room and Lupo’s [Heartbreak Hotel]. No one was ever on the streets past 6 p.m. and certainly no one lived downtown. I sort of loved the grit of it. When I returned to Rhode Island and saw the start of revitalization of Westminster and Weybosset streets and the development of Capitol Center projects, I was impressed. Then when I walked into AS220 for the first time, I knew I was home. The creative energy and responsible development that is being done is a testament to what a beloved city Providence was and continues to be.
PBN: The economy being what it is, do you see downtown Providence gaining momentum and activity or losing ground?
SLADER: Providence is absolutely gaining momentum. There is an energy infused in the city by the entrepreneurial, innovative and creative [firms] such as Betaspring, Providence Geeks, Cornish Associates, AS220, 38 Studios and so many more. They have a passion for what they do and they choose to do it here. The Better World by Design conference that took place a few weeks ago brought people in from all over the country and the world. The comment I heard most was what a “beautiful and cool” city Providence is. Creative businesses have grown in Rhode Island by 30 percent over the past 5 years. No other economic sector can claim that statistic and Providence is the epicenter of that activity.
PBN: Where do you see the next great design opportunities in Rhode Island?
SLADER:The Interstate 195 parcels of land, the adjacent Jewelry District and the waterfront are a unique and incredible opportunity. When does a state have the opportunity to recreate a portion of its capital city into a workable, livable, accessible and beautiful area for generations to come? I’m excited to see how these areas grow to complement the surrounding neighborhoods. Also, the infusion of businesses currently relocating into the downtown core will continue to create the need for reinvention of the existing spaces, and complementary services, such as new restaurants.
