Charlap Hyman & Herrero converts factory into cavernous Pocketbook Hudson hotel

US studio Charlap Hyman & Herrero has transformed a former pocketbook factory in Hudson, New York, into a hotel that riffs on the industrial aesthetic and includes multiple artist commissions.

Charlap Hyman & Herrero, which was announced as the winner of Cooper Hewitt's National Design Award for Interior Design this week, turned the vast 1883 building for textile and novelty manufacturing into Pocketbook Hudson.

The compact Pocketbook Hudson hotel lobby features a trio of patterned seats clustered together

"We spent four years infusing this historic building with new spirit, honouring Hudson's past while celebrating the vibrant community that continues to make this city a destination for creatives of all kinds," said partner Sean Roland, who developed the project in partnership with Nancy Kim, Gabriel Katz of MacArthur Holdings and Jeremy Selman and Vipin Nambiar of HN Capital Partners.

"Our goal was to revive this regional landmark, creating a place for locals and visitors alike to pause and connect over a shared appreciation for art, culture and the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley," he continued.

Copper-toned mirror installed behind a long metallic bar counter — A copper-toned mirror is installed behind the long metallic bar counter

Many of the patinated brick building's original features are highlighted as design features, including large open spaces, huge windows, timber structural elements and wooden floors.

"Blending past with present, the property's original industrial architecture is now contrasted with contemporary interiors in spaces for hospitality and the arts," said the team.

A bar lounge furnished with claret-hued modular sofas, which sit on a matching carpet — The bar lounge is furnished with claret-hued modular sofas, which sit on a matching carpet

The compact lobby includes a trio of cushioned cubed seats, which are clustered together and each upholstered in a different patterned fabric.

In contrast, a huge bar and lounge area is furnished with claret-hued modular sofas on a matching carpet, alongside two-top tables around the perimeter.

A restaurant decorated with a contemporary take on the industrial aesthetic — The restaurant, Ambos, continues the contemporary take on the industrial aesthetic

These are positioned between the time-worn wooden columns, while a giant panel of copper-toned mirror is installed behind the long steel bar.

The restaurant, Ambos, was named after interior designer Eleanor Ambos, who previously owned the building and used it to store her antiques collection. From the lounge, the space is partially shrouded by chainmail curtains and furnished with black tables and chairs.

Chainmail curtains in front of a dining booth — Chainmail curtains partially screen the restaurant from the bar lounge

An eclectic dinner menu is centred around local Hudson Valley produce and wines is served within the industrial-influenced setting, while a cafe at the end of the bar offers coffee and snacks for breakfast and lunch.

On the ground floor is a nightclub with a state-of-the-art sound system, where guest DJs and live music acts are regularly invited to perform.

Guest rooms with a stainless steel bathtub behind the bed headboard — Many of the guest rooms feature stainless-steel bathtubs

Meanwhile, a 6,500-square-foot design destination named Show: Room is located on the lofty fourth floor of the southern wing, which also includes other retail spaces on the levels below.

A large gathering hall has the capacity to host 200-person private events in a column-free vaulted room.

Guest bedroom with exposed brick walls and a stainless steel bathtub — Some of the tubs are positioned directly behind the bed headboards

The guest rooms also benefit from the building's tall ceilings, exposed brickwork and large windows.

Contemporary interventions include wooden platform beds, built-in benches topped with cushions for reclining with a book, and stainless-steel bathroom basins.

Built-in bench seat with grey cushions below a window — Built-in bench seats offer places for guests to recline

Some rooms feature industrial-style bathtubs, also made from stainless steel, which are positioned either behind the headboards or in dedicated tiled niches.

"Guests can choose from seven room types whose layouts prioritise different uses, from lounging to wellness to bathing, the standout of which are the two-storey Loft Suites," the studio said.

Artworks are curated by artist WangShui, while design details include custom millwork by local woodworkers Primary Visual, custom lamps and mirrors by Misha Kahn, and bedside water vessels by Mamo.

Kahn, who is local to Hudson, also crafted a sculptural assemblage of ceramic vessels, channels and basins for the public bathrooms.

Bathtub within a white-tiled niche — In some rooms, the bathtubs are housed in separate tiled niches

Also on the property, a freestanding brick structure once used for textile storage is being converted into bath facilities.

This space is due to open Spring 2026 and will include sento, hammam and thermae areas, and host movement classes and wellness programming.

A two-storey Loft Suitewith a staircase leading to a mezzanine level — The two-storey Loft Suites on the upper levels offer the most spacious accommodation

Two hours north of New York City, Hudson has seen a boom in interest over the past decade that was accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, when many New Yorkers chose to relocate upstate.

Other recently completed projects in the city include a community education and arts centre created in a former tobacco warehouse.

Exterior of a converted brick factory building with large red-framed windows — The brick factory building's existing character was fully utilised as part of the renovation

Based between Los Angeles and New York, Charlap Hyman & Herrero was founded by Adam Charlap Hyman and Andre Herrero – a judge for the 2024 Dezeen Awards.

The studio was named amongst National Design Award 2026 honorees Robert Earl Paige, Frida Escobedo, Ten Eyck Landscape Architecture and more.

The photography is by Adrian Gaut and Sean Davidson.

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