American architect Ed Tuttle

Seattle-born architect Ed Tuttle, best known for his groundbreaking designs for Aman, has passed away at the age of 75.

After gaining much of his early design experience in Asia – where he spent seven years working on hotel projects across the region – Tuttle set up his own firm, Design Realization, in 1977.

Based in Paris, where he resided until his death on 21 June 2020, the studio undertakes the entire aesthetic of its projects, overseeing the architecture, interior architecture and furniture design.

Its portfolio comprises residential and resort projects, including several properties for Park Hyatt and many for Aman, where Tuttle developed a close friendship with founder Adrian Zecha. Along with Kerry Hill, John Heah and Jean-Michel Gathy, he is credited with setting a new standard in resort design.

One of his most celebrated projects – Amanpuri in Phuket, Thailand – opened in 1988 and marked the beginning of a new chapter in hospitality design, paving the way for contemporary destination hotels.

Tuttle was also renowned for reflecting the cultural flavour and feel of the places in which his projects were built, and would strive to use local materials and techniques true to the architecture of each location.