CAPRI MARFA - is a rare delicacy. These rooms began as an empty industrial cavern: cold, vast, and without obvious instruction. Everything in them was designed and built specifically for the space, at a scale each room seemed to demand. Sophistication installed inside a reclaimed World War I–era airfield hangar. Antiquities and primitive appointments were gathered slowly, finding their place alongside custom furniture and fixtures that didn't exist until they were needed. The scale came from listening rather than imposing.

The project challenge was to install a world class restaurant and bar into the 4,000 square feet of industrial shell. A destination in itself, the Capri has a lasting impression on both first-time visitors and regulars alike. In a town carrying more than a century of West Texas in its bones. A place where dust and grit are a reality, but inspiration and dream are the currency.

Bespoke copper pendants inspired by vintage train crossing lamps, their interior red lenses echoing the deep ruby glow of original Chicago theater lights — found boxed in a warehouse by Sean and brought back to life.

Research-driven travel through the mountain towns of Oaxaca built deep collaborations with local makers. Signature red clay pulled from the same fields where agave grows, revered black clay drawn from the mineral-rich valley floors, darkened by earth and open fire in ancient pit burns. Two colors, two traditions, one foundation for the table

Inspired by the colors of wet rocks, Sean pulled his palette from the winter garden — the veining of local quartz, coppers and pinks, bright greens and turquoise. In full bloom the gardens are magnificent, winter brings a quiet pause. The gardens came first. Designer Christine Ten Eyck brought more than seventy-five species of Texas natives to what was once a motel parking lot, transforming the grounds around the building into the soul of the space. Fire pits dot the landscape as gathering spaces, ringed by stumps for seating, alongside incredible specimens of stone from the surrounds

Entertaining in the wild at the giant edge of Texas where Mexico begins. An al fresco crepúsculo / sundowner among friends inspired by folding and traveling furniture. Utilitarian by nature, effortless in spirit. An homage to good neighbors coming together.

A defining feature of the Capri Marfa, this oversized candelabra was designed and built by Sean for the space. Railroad spikes gathered from the freight line that bisects and defines the town, forged into a tower holding Mexican church candles poured in custom black wax. An homage to the constellations above in the big Texas sky. Titled Orión's Belt, Tres Marías in Spanish.

LOGO AND BRANDING FOR CAPRI

CHECK PRESENTER DESIGNED WITH BIG BEND SADDLERY

Sean's collaboration with Alice Waters for the restaurant at UCLA's Hammer Museum carries the full weight of her half-century of conviction: that beauty and integrity are inseparable. Balancing the distinct visions of client and museum, navigating significant technical constraints, every decision reflects her ethos through solutions that are purposeful, considered, and true.

Coffee to cocktails beneath Christina Kim's canopy of quilted celebration fabrics. The bar at the Hammer, alive from morning through night.

Creating local partnerships with makers, producers, and suppliers brought an entire collection to life.

Custom Collaboration - made by Would Works Los Angeles

Shoshi Watanabe custom service ware

A partnership with Angel City Lumber saved a sixty-year-old Bunya Bunya tree from loss, its wood becoming the service bar, dining tables, host podium, and the wayfinding signage.The landscape itself — a drought-tolerant coastal scrub barrier designed to enclose the courtyard on four sides, bringing intimacy and definition to what had been an open, semi-public space.

OJAI PROJECT

This project is still in progress. Be in touch for more information. SeanDalyArtProject@Gmail.com

Firstborn

Chef Anthony Wang's first restaurant was years in the making. His attention to detail extends well beyond food into every element of service and the dining experience. Working with Anthony and Baylor Design, the dining room's pink marble with green veining inspired a mural evoking the history of his family's journey from China and his identity as the first-born son.

WALL TREATMENTS

Client
JENKINS - WANG

Year
2021

Year
2025

Client
REMI