Within the rapidly evolving Silicon Valley the Nobu Palo Alto Hotel is intended to express a subtlety of contrasts to its urban setting. The eight-story project features multiple full-service restaurant and bar experiences on the ground floor, with the lobby, conference rooms, and guest suites above.

The jury was impressed with how this hotel imports the Japanese ryokan experience of quiet refuge to the Palo Alto landscape. The suites, rooms, and amenities are stripped down to a quiet minimum while conveying comfort and quiet.