Creating Portraits for AvroKO's Founders for Host on Howard

Blog by Jada Parrish | News | 12/16/24

We were recently commissioned for a dream project. David and I were hired by AvroKO to create a custom set and portraits for the four founders of the international design firm—one of the most famous design firms in the industry.

AvroKO focuses on hospitality, and the four Founding Partners—Kristina O'Neal, Adam Farmerie, William Harris, and Greg Bradshaw—have designed some of the most stunning hotels and restaurants in the world. What sets them apart, beyond their spectacular designs, is their mission to connect meaning and purpose through innovation in hospitality design.

The spaces they design are true works of art. They create everything from top to bottom, including the decor, so it only made sense that they would have a gallery space of their own. This space showcases their artful lighting, bar carts, chairs, and more—the elements that fill the spaces they so thoughtfully create. That’s how Host on Howard came to life.

Host on Howard is a gallery space that serves as a love letter to hospitality, showcasing tools for gathering in a high-end gallery setting.

AvroKO commissioned us to create a portrait that reflects the deep friendship and sense of connection between Kristina, Adam, William, and Greg, as well as their passion for creating spaces filled with meaning and purpose.

Creating Portraits for AvroKO's Founders for Host on Howard - Jada And David Parrish

We worked closely with Kristina O’Neal to design a set that reflected the aesthetic of Host on Howard. Kristina’s inspiration came from the walled gardens of Paradisa, so we used a dark green palette to signify growth and abundance. We also designed a forced perspective set with descending arches to reference the many pathways and arches found in these walled gardens.

For the shoot, we designed a forced perspective dining table and paired it with chairs designed by AvroKO to create a surreal dinner party scene with the four founders, filled with elements of whimsy.

We built the set in Richmond, Virginia, and then traveled to New York City with it for the shoot, which took place in the actual Host on Howard space prior to its official opening.

This project was truly a dream for us because we got to work closely and collaborate with such a supportive and creative team. It was an honor to take Kristina’s larger vision for Host on Howard and translate a portion of it into a single portrait that represents these four friends and partners.