Although you may not be familiar with his name, if you’ve ever been to Las Vegas, you’re probably familiar the work of Roger Thomas.

 

 

 

Roger Thomas.  Image: Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman

 

 

Roger Thomas is the creative force behind the Wynn Design and Development’s legendary casinos & resorts:

 

• Encore at Wynn Las Vegas
• Wynn Las Vegas
• Wynn Macau
• The Mirage
• Bellagio
• Treasure Island

 

The Interior Designer has only had one client for his entire career. 

 

 

His client is Steve Wynn.

 

 

Thomas has said the reason his partnership with Wynn has been so successful is that he shares his passion for design. 

 

 

They also share a passion for Dogs. 

 

 

Roger Thomas shares his life with Italian Greyhounds and Steve Wynn with German Shepherds.

  

  

Steve Wynn & German Shepherd. Image: Gary Friedman

 

 

You could say that Steven Wynn’s office is Dog-friendly.  His German Shepherds, Tari and Damo, are always close at hand. 

 

 

But the office is not too friendly.  The Dogs, while adored companions, are working security Dogs.  Wynn gives the Dogs commands in German. 

 

  

The German Shepherds commanded Roger Thomas’s attention and have influenced his designs.

  

  

If you’re lucky enough to dine at the Wynn’s Bartolotta Restaurant, take note of the comfy arm chairs while you enjoying your fresh Mediterranean seafood. 

  

    

 

Dog Leg Arm Chairs in Bartolotta Restaurant.  Image:  Wynn Resort

 

Roger designed the arm chairs using Wynn’s former German Shepherd, Paolo’s hind leg as his muse.

  

 

To give you an idea of just how passionate Steve Wynn is about his Dogs, Tari & Damo, let’s talk about traveling.

 

 

When you and I travel, we might pull our car over to a rest area to stretch our legs and let our Dogs do their business, right?

 

 

Well, when you’re Mr. Wynn, you fly in a private jet, designed, of course, by Roger Thomas. 

  

  

  

Steve Wynn’s Plane.  Image:  Guillaume Besnard 

 

  

So, Mr. Wynn’s pilot actually lands the plane so the German Shepherds can stretch their legs & do their business. 

 

  

Imagine the flight plan for traveling to the Wynn Resort in Macau…all the way to China!

  

    

  

  Steve Wynn with his German Shepherds.   Image: Laura Rauch

 

 

Better yet, imagine the Chinese staff’s reaction to the large Dogs in the office!  (Bejing, China for instance, has a one-dog-per-family policy that limits the size of the Dog to 14” high.)

 

 

Roger Thomas’s passion for his own Dog has also left its mark in the design world.

 

 

Meet Bianca, his Italian Greyhound.

 

 

  

Bianca Image: Steve Friess

 

 

Now meet Bianca, the Bench.

 

 

 

Bianca Bench.  Image: the Roger Thomas Collection

 

 

The Bianca Bench, shown in red lacquer, has great legs, doesn’t it?  Hind legs to be exact.

 

 

Bianca is available from the Roger Thomas Collection  by Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman and is also available in a daybed design.

 

 

Bianca Daybed.  Image: the Roger Thomas Collection

 

 

Since it happens to be Oscar week, below is the Bianca Daybed starring in the Architectural Digest Green Room at the Kodak Theatre designed by Roger Thomas in 2010. 

 

 

The editors at  Architectural Digest  select a green-room designer each year from their  “AD100,” list of the top 100 designers.

 

 

The Academy Awards Green Room, 2010.  Image: LA times

 

 

Roger’s design is Oscar-worthy not only for its Hollywood glam-factor, but for its practicality. 

 

 

As every Dog-lover knows good looks only get you so far.  Good design needs to hold up to fur, drooling, heavy traffic, eating, and drinking.

 

 

I’m not sure if I’m talking about Dogs or celebrities, but Roger’s design will hold up to both- with style.

 

 

Roger upholstered the furniture in  Sunbrella^®  fabric, a great selection for Dog owners because it is durable, easy to clean and the performance fabric is no longer just for the patio. 

 

 

Cubist Sharpie Bianca Daybed.  Image: Artnet

 

 

The finishing touch?  Thomas used a Sharpie marker (indelible) to personalize the furniture with Cubist-inspired drawings.

 

 

I met Roger last spring at the World Market Center  in Las Vegas.

 

 

Roger Thomas.  Image: Veneman

 

 

Veranda  Magazine hosted a screening of the Art of Design Awards Film and with a panel discussion on redefining luxury.

 

 

I was struck by Roger’s definition of luxury:

 

 “A complete lack of fear.” 

 

I’d say Roger Thomas is fearless.    Viva Las Vegas!

 

 

Later, I’ve got to let the Dog out,