HOTEL: Element Albuquerque Uptown

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PROJECT

Element Albuquerque Uptown, a new-build hotel developed by Total Management Systems and Sundaram Builders. Front desk moss greenery and rooftop bar dining area greening.

What We Did

What: Commercial Hospitality Feature Walls

Location: Lobby, Restaurant

Materials:
-Multi-Species Greenery Panel
-Lavendar Accent Foliage

-Reindeer Moss

Client

Other Details

Install Date:
December 2024
Public Installation - Lobby & Rooftop Bar

Biophilic Design for Hospitality: Signature Green Walls at Element Albuquerque Uptown

When it comes to creating unforgettable guest experiences, biophilic design isn’t just a trend—it’s a game-changer. At Element Albuquerque Uptown, a new-build hotel by Total Management Systems and Sundaram Builders, we partnered with the design team to deliver a bold, locally inspired statement: UpScapers Multi-Species Green Walls and sculptural moss features that transform the rooftop bar and front desk into photo-worthy destinations.

Why Biophilic Design for Hotels?

Green walls and moss installations do more than beautify—they create a sense of calm, elevate brand identity, and encourage guests to linger. For hospitality spaces, these features are strategic investments that differentiate properties in competitive markets.

But here’s the truth: achieving this level of design sophistication requires precision, planning, and creativity—especially when working within franchise standards and tight construction timelines.

The Challenge Behind the Beauty

This project wasn’t just about installing greenery. It demanded solutions for:

Brand-True Design: The lobby had to feel fresh and modern while honoring Element’s franchise standards—no kitschy “Southwest” clichés.
Architectural Constraints: Moss features needed to fit between narrow slats without disrupting the clean half-moon geometry.
Construction Logistics: Tight schedules, shifting wall readiness, and coordination with multiple trades during a live new-build environment.
Financial Clarity: Two scopes—UpScapers Multi-Species Green Wall and custom moss—had to be combined into a single invoice aligned with draw schedules and lien waivers.

Every detail mattered—from material selection to invoicing strategy.

Design Details That Make It Pop

For Element Albuquerque Uptown, we delivered:

UpScapers Multi-Species Green Wall: Large-format panels for the rooftop bar and front desk, featuring palettes inspired by New Mexico flora—lavender tones, desert hues, and Forest Flame accents.
Custom Moss Integration: Reindeer moss replaced traditional sheet moss for precision fit between slats, creating a lush, sculptural effect.
Planter Concept Exploration: Early design studies validated that a green wall + moss solution would outperform planter-driven schemes for aesthetics and maintenance.

The result? A design that feels organic, regionally authentic, and completely franchise-appropriate.

What to Know Before You Start

If you’re planning a hospitality green wall project, here’s what matters most:

Plan for Integration: Understand architectural constraints early—slats, millwork, and geometry impact material choices.
Choose Maintenance-Free Materials: Artificial greenery and moss deliver biophilic impact without irrigation or upkeep.
Schedule Smart: Align installation with construction readiness to avoid delays and added costs.
Communicate Financials Clearly: Combine scopes into clean invoices tied to draw schedules for smooth approvals.

Why It’s Worth It

Yes, it’s complex. Yes, it requires coordination and craftsmanship. But the payoff? A signature design feature that elevates the entire property, creates Instagram-worthy moments, and delivers a sense of place guests will remember.

Looking to transform your hospitality space with biophilic design? Contact us today to bring your vision to life.