Our Story
Founded from a Reverence for Nature
We started with a question: What would it look like to bring nature back into our cities? As a community of environmentalists and entrepreneurs, we imagined a hotel inspired by nature. From biophilic architecture, natural materials, original art, and seasonal cuisine, there is a love for the natural world in every detail. Populus was created by Urban Villages, designed by AD100 architecture firm Studio Gang and led by MacArthur Fellow Jeanne Gang, brought to life by interior designer, Heather Wildman of Wildman Chalmer Designs, with a thoughtful art program curated by environmentalist Katherine Homes, and operated by Aparium Hotel Group.
A Vision for Populus
At his core, Urban Villages founder Grant McCargo is an environmentalist and an entrepreneur. Urban Villages’s mission is to bring nature back into our cities through timeless design that will last for generations. It is this vision that has guided the Populus project to be a new model for environmentally-forward hospitality.
The Architecture
A Study in Biophilic Design
Jeanne Gang, Founding Partner of Studio Gang, took an unusual first step when she joined the Populus project: go for a hike in the Colorado aspen forests with the founder of Urban Villages, Grant McCargo.
An instantly recognizable symbol of Colorado, the Aspen tree (Populus Tremuloides) informed the hotel’s biophilic architecture and distinctive window shape, which draws from characteristic patterns found on the tree’s trunks. *Images courtesy Studio Gang.
Interior Design
Intentional and Inspired Storytelling
Populus’s interior was designed by Wildman Chalmers Design. They took inspiration from being within nature, to create spaces that have a subtle beauty and sense of calm and surprise. They focused on contrasts: using restraint but being bold, favoring clean lines but embracing imperfection and patina. They layered neutral colors, natural materials, and textures to create depth, interest, and a serene atmosphere as guests move through the building.
Celebrating Nature Through Art
Just as Aspen trees interconnect through their roots to survive, resilient communities include artists, musicians, chefs, community builders, thought leaders, and environmentalists for mutual support. Our art collection, curated by environmentalist Katherine Homes, showcases artists who embrace this ethos, creating pieces that narrate our deep connection to each other and nature.
Brent Learned
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Sam Lee
San Francisco, California
Douglas Atwill
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Brent Learned
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Sam Lee
San Francisco, California
Douglas Atwill
Santa Fe, New MexicoHotels Done Differently
Aparium Hotel Group is a hotel development and management company for Populus. They’re dedicated to redefining hospitality through their “Hotels Done Differently” approach. Founded by Mario Tricoci, Aparium combines the business acumen of large hospitality companies with the charm of independent lifestyle hotels. Aparium’s commitment to creating unique, locally inspired experiences has earned it recognition as a leading hotel brand by Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2024.
A Model of Mindful Hospitality
At Populus, we believe protecting the planet is a collective responsibility and journey. The heartbeat of Populus is a deep reverence for nature. It started at the beginning with the biophilic architecture and use of locally-sourced, recycled, or sustainably-certified building materials during the construction process. It extends throughout the guest experience, with One Night One Tree initiative, a commitment to source food from regenerative, organic farmers, and an on-site biodigester that composts 100% of food waste. Learn more about our environmental stewardship.
Breathe Deeply, Support the Planet
At Populus, we have a deep reverence for nature. As stewards of the built environment, we believe we have a responsibility to offset our impact. That’s why, for every night you stay at our hotel, we’ll plant a tree.
