Michaelis Boyd gets social in Oklahoma • Hotel Designs

Citizen House Social Club, Hotel and Executive Workplace is situated on Robinson Avenue in Oklahoma City, USA. The striking twelve story tower, designed by AHMM, was completed in 2024, marking a successful collaboration with Michaelis Boyd’s team, led by partner – Rina Kukaj.

Michaelis Boyd’s design scheme compliments AHMM’s striking monochromatic and geometric architecture using playful, tactile and organic materials that are further complimented by intimate lighting. These elements work together to create inviting spaces to work, dine and stay.

Image credit: Citizen House Hotel / Michaelis Boyd

Citizen House is operated by WoodHouse, an experiential hospitality operator and developer specialising in luxury social clubs, fine dining, and cultural destinations. Upon arrival at the members club the intentional juxtaposition of form, pattern and colour is immediately present. The use of traditional wall moulding painted in a single bold blue synergises beautifully with a graphic marble floor. The ambient lighting draws guests towards a sculptural reception desk that sets an alluring tone throughout the club.

Image credit: Citizen House Hotel / Michaelis Boyd

The club is a bold fusion of drama, layers, and contrasting aesthetics—where florals meet geometrics, and bold colours harmonise with earthy tones. Designed for both energy and elegance, it offers a variety of seating areas, each with its own distinct vibe. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the cityscape, seamlessly connecting the interiors to their surroundings. From the inviting Living Room to the atmospheric Main Dining Room and the striking Blue Room, each area flows effortlessly yet offers a unique experience.

The private dining rooms each tell their own story: one is immersive and vibrant with bold colours, another exudes refined elegance, while the third is wrapped in dark wall coverings with cascading gold drips and a statement Akoya pendant. The offbeat arches throughout the club soften the structured the architecture, guiding guests through the space while framing striking views.

The Loggia opens up to fresh air, balancing sophistication with a playful edge. Quirky touches abound — the Corner Pocket for a game of pool, a hidden candy closet for your sweet tooth, and an intimate Speakeasy bring moments of fun.

Image credit: Citizen House Hotel / Michaelis Boyd

Hotel guests check in from the Club floor, seamlessly connecting the two experiences while offering a refined contrast. The hotel extends the club’s aesthetic but introduces a sense of serenity and sophistication—allowing guests to immerse themselves in the club’s energy before retreating to the hotel to refresh and unwind.

Image credit: Citizen House Hotel / Michaelis Boyd

Designed for continuity, the hotel floor mirrors the club’s elegance with matching marble flooring with mahogany painted panelling. However, beyond the elevator lobby, the ambiance shifts to a curated hospitality experience, while the guest rooms embrace a more residential and intimate feel. Each of the sixteen room, including the Residence Suite, are positioned along the building’s façade, maximizing natural daylight through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows which offer uninterrupted views and historical presence of the memorial and downtown Oklahoma City.

Guests can also enjoy a fully equipped gym, designed as an extension of the rooms, with painted moldings for a ‘home workout’ experience.

Image credit: Citizen House Hotel / Michaelis Boyd

Michaelis Boyd were responsible for the architectural interior layout which placed a cosy, light-free lounge at the heart of the floorplate, creating a warm, intimate retreat. The studio also designed bespoke elements throughout the hotel, from graphic carpets and rugs to custom case goods, vanities, and bedframes. Curved mouldings on the doors echo the club’s design, ensuring a seamless, cohesive aesthetic.

The rooms feature two distinct design schemes: one darker and more intimate, the other light and airy. As Partner Rina Kukaj explained, “we were taken back by how the memorial is simple in design yet powerful in its presence and we wanted the spaces which looked upon it be equally as subtle yet impactful”.

Both schemes were designed to harmonise with the subtleness of the memorial and the energy of the downtown district. This fusion resulted in a hybrid aesthetic that leans both residential and hospitality. Each of the bathrooms features bespoke Crittall partitions and doors, thoughtfully positioned to draw in and maximise natural light.

The Executive Workplace offers a luxurious office rental experience with co-working facilities, including a podcast room, executive boardroom and a library. On arrival in this space, the reception desk is discreetly positioned to encourage a more fluid and informal entry experience. At the heart of the floor, the playful kitchen sits alongside the central lounge, creating a dynamic hub for serendipitous interactions. The lounge, deluxe and inviting, blends warmth and sophistication, with vibrance and energy.

The office units were designed to be minimal, muted, and soft, with ample natural light and vast views – allowing occupants to personalise their space. Michaelis Boyd oversaw the architectural layout and bespoke millwork, ensuring a seamless fusion of function and style.

Main image credit: Citizen House Hotel / Michaelis Boyd