When Rowley opened her company in 1986, beige was the dominant paradigm of hospitality design. In those dreary days, hotel interiors were conceived as backgrounds and meant to be soothing, while rigid predictability—particularly across brands—was paramount to success.

At Cheryl Rowley Design, Rowley took hotel design in a whole new direction, focusing on the emotional aspects of the guest experience and developing the notion of an authentic sense of place. Combining disparate elements of architecture and decor, her individually crafted environments offered color, drama, and wit, providing experimental excitement and residential comfort, and creating lasting memories in the hearts of guests.

The Rowley name became synonymous with boutique hotel design, and as the boutique style flourished across the country, CRD grew with it. Longtime company clients included Kimpton—for whom Cheryl created both the Monaco and Palomar brand designs, Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Rosewood, and St. Regis. CRD’s work has been repeatedly featured in notable publications.

After an entire lifetime and 25 years of business in Southern California, Rowley closed her Beverly Hills office to join her family on Vancouver Island in British Columbia.