Located on Grand Street, at the crossroads of Soho and Tribeca, The James in New York (designed by the Office for Design and Architecture in collaboration with Perkins Eastman) focuses on sustainability and community: the interiors feature reclaimed wood, all-natural fabrics, and a tri-tiered urban garden designed by Rebecca Cole. in a nod to the neighborhood, there is an on-site art gallery, and the books in the lobby and guestrooms are from Printed Matter, the non-profit art book publisher. The work of local designers, including fixtures by one of our favorite lighting designers, Lindsay Adelman, can be seen throughout the hotel. Oh, and there is a hybrid car service on offer. Go to The James for more information.

Above: A custom handblown glass chandelier by Lindsay Adelman.

Above: Similar leather drawer pulls can be sourced from Spinneyback.

Above: A Seletti silver porcelain canister, designed to look like a common tin can; available at Global Home.

Above: The light-filled business lounge.