Title: Partner and Creative Director
Company: RoseBernard Studio
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Robert M. Polacek, Partner and Creative Director at RoseBernard Studio, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Business Owners for dedication, achievements, and leadership in creative design for the Hospitality Industry.
Mr. Polacek has established himself as a premier designer with a career history that dates back nearly 30 years. His professional path commenced at Rockwell Architecture, Planning and Design PC in 1997, where he honed his skills for several years. He then advanced to Robert A.M. Stern Architects, serving as both a designer and project architect from 2000 to 2002. These formative experiences equipped Mr. Polacek with a profound understanding of architectural design principles.
By 2002, Mr. Polacek had joined Puccini Group as a partner and chief creative officer. Over the course of more than 15 years, he played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s creative direction. His tenure at Puccini Group was marked by his ability to craft narrative-driven spaces that enhanced guest experiences while driving revenue for clients. In 2019, following the passing of Bob Puccini, Mr. Polacek co-founded RoseBernard Studio with Justin Colombik. As partner and creative director, he continues to lead the firm with a focus on authenticity and hospitality.
With locations in San Francisco and Chicago, Illinois, Mr. Polacek’s firm specializes in hospitality design. Among his many clients, which have included Hilton, Hyatt, The Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons and Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, his extensive portfolio speaks to his level of expertise. Beyond traditional design roles, Mr. Polacek excels as a strategic narrative storyteller who can interpret culturally significant spaces. His approach involves understanding operations and guest experiences to create environments that resonate with visitors without resorting to overtly thematic designs. This unique perspective distinguishes Mr. Polacek in the industry.
Mr. Polacek’s journey in education began at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where he earned a Bachelor of Architecture in 1996. This academic foundation laid the groundwork for his illustrious career. Additionally, Mr. Polacek has been an active member of industry-related organizations, such as NEWH Inc., since 2010. He also serves on the advisory board of Hospitality Design Magazine.
Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Polacek is deeply committed to mentorship and fostering the next generation of designers. He believes in the power of mentoring and actively engages with young talent fresh out of school, providing them with opportunities to learn and grow within the industry. Additionally, Mr. Polacek is involved with Creativity Explored, an art gallery in San Francisco.
Mr. Polacek’s expertise, which spans art direction and interior design, as well as brand strategy and communications, has earned him widespread recognition. Among his many career accomplishments, he recalls designing a unique retail concept in Macao, where he worked closely with the owner’s daughter to develop her idea.
In recognition of his success, Mr. Polacek has earned several accolades, including Design Awards and accolades from NEWH Inc. As a sought-after industry leader, he has also been invited to speak at professional forums and has been published in industry media for his work.
Looking ahead, Mr. Polacek aims to continue excelling in his role as a creative director, while preserving the intimate structure of RoseBernard Studio. His vision is to remain in close contact with clients while keeping the firm small and agile. Additionally, Mr. Polacek is working on completing a series of architectural essays, a testament to his knowledge and proficiency in the industry.
For more information, please visit:
Architectural Digest Interview
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