Ray Booth: The ascent of a renowned designer in NoMad

In the realm of interior design, where trends often dominate, Ray Booth stands apart with his unique approach and philosophy. As a partner at McAlpine, Booth has set himself apart by focusing on the essence of his clients’ lives, rather than imposing predetermined design concepts. In a recent interview, Booth shared insights into his firm’s distinctive methodology and his affinity for NoMad.

Booth’s design ethos is rooted in a deep understanding of his clients’ personalities, aspirations, and lifestyles. He believes that the essence of a project lies in the individuals who seek his services. “What defines a project is who shows up at our doorstep. We don’t come at a solution by having big ideas about what we think it should be – we take a humbler approach to understand our clients, their goals and objectives, where are they happiest, who they are. Those are seeds that we can grow and evolve into a design that’s specific and meaningful to them. Beauty is a byproduct of the work we do. If done right, there should be a feeling.”

Booth credits McAlpine’s continued growth on the firm’s adaptability and commitment to building relationships. Throughout the home industry’s pandemic boom, the firm’s New York office thrived, expanding its reach further into surrounding affluent markets. By fostering connections in related fields and re-engaging with the community, McAlpine’s New York office continues to flourish, with a focus on residential projects ranging from Connecticut estates and Hamptons retreats to New York apartments.

NoMad holds a special place in Booth’s heart, serving as both his professional hub and where he lives with his husband. Situated in the historic St. James building, McAlpine’s office overlooks the majestic Empire State Building, offering inspiration amidst architectural richness.

Booth’s journey in NoMad began humbly. Before opening an office in NoMad, he was operating his office out of his guest bedroom in Chelsea, much to his husband’s chagrin. He recalls that his initial space in Kew Management’s St. James building served as “the perfect incubator” for their business – with Corinthian columns and a plaster-detailed ceiling, which were repaired and enhanced by Hyde Park Mouldings. The space was elevated into an architecturally rich environment, fostering creativity and innovation.

Ray Booth opened his first design office in NoMad with Jackie Colliton, who he met while working at John Saladino Design. The two began laying the foundation for the firm’s expansion. They grew out of that space quickly, doubling the staff, then adding interns. With the arrival of another McAlpine Partner, Greg Tankersley, the New York office reached new heights. This culminated in their move from the 2nd floor to the 14th floor of the St. James – a transition that symbolized McAlpine’s evolution, solidifying their presence within NoMad and New York City.

For Booth, NoMad isn’t just a workplace—it’s a way of life. His apartment, a mere two blocks away, provides an effortless transition between work and leisure. “I have a view of the apartment from the office. So, when my husband is hungry, I can see him standing at the window.” He continues, “Moving to NoMad was a revelation.” As Booth gazes out of his apartment window, overlooking the cupola of the Ned Hotel, he reflects on NoMad’s remarkable transformation. What was once known for its ragtag bazaar and knock-off fragrances has evolved into a sophisticated neighborhood, anchored by landmarks like Eataly and The Ritz-Carlton NoMad.

Amidst the kinetic energy of Broadway, Booth enjoys the neighborhood’s culinary offerings and architectural charm. From dining at La Pecora Bianca NoMad, to savoring a frozen treat at Anita Gelato on the popular NoMad Piazza, Booth continually immerses himself in NoMad’s offerings, “I’ve eaten outside on the NoMad Piazza countless times.” For Booth, NoMad embodies the perfect synthesis of history and modernity, offering endless possibilities for creative exploration.

Ray Booth’s ascent as a renowned interior designer exemplifies the transformative power of design in shaping lives. Through his thoughtful approach, disarming charm, and unwavering passion, Booth continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of design, one space at a time. Fittingly, NoMad’s evolution into a bustling cultural hub mirrors Booth’s own trajectory. Within its dynamic streets, his story unfolds amid a thriving creative center in New York City.

To learn more about Ray Booth, find his book “Ray Booth: Evocative Interiors” at Rizzoli Bookstore.