Robert M. Polacek Jr. channels years of expertise into his creative design work with RoseBernard Studio
SAN FRANCISCO, CA, August 5, 2026, Marquis Who’s Who, the world’s premier publisher of biographical profiles, is proud to honor Robert M. Polacek Jr. with inclusion in Who’s Who in the World. An accomplished listee, Mr. Polacek celebrates many years’ experience in his professional network and has been noted for achievements, leadership qualities, and the credentials and successes he has accrued in his field. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Mr. Polacek has distinguished himself as an expert in creative design for the hospitality industry, building a career defined by innovation, mentorship and a deep understanding of narrative-driven environments. For over five years, he has served as a partner and creative director at RoseBernard Studio, a firm he co-founded in 2019 alongside Justin Colombik. The studio’s name pays homage to their family legacies, including “Rose” for Mr. Colombik’s grandmother, an artist and model, and “Bernard” for Mr. Polacek’s grandfather, a master carpenter and chef whose lessons on authenticity and care continue to shape the company’s philosophy. Under Mr. Polacek’s leadership, RoseBernard Studio has expanded from its San Francisco headquarters to include offices in Chicago and London, with the latter serving as a think tank and hub for artificial intelligence-driven innovation.
At RoseBernard Studio, Mr. Polacek is recognized not only for his design acumen but also for his forward-thinking approach to technology and mentorship. He actively recruits recent graduates versed in emerging software and AI, fostering a culture where new perspectives drive creative solutions. This commitment to nurturing talent is reflected in Mr. Polacek’s mentorship initiatives, which have seen former interns establish their own successful ventures. His ability to integrate AI into the design process has enabled the studio to deliver fully rendered concepts with unprecedented speed and accuracy, often exceeding client expectations.
Among Mr. Polacek’s most significant professional achievements is the creation of a unique retail concept in Macao, developed through close collaboration with the owner’s daughter to bring her vision to life. This project exemplifies his skill in interpreting culturally significant spaces while balancing operational needs and guest experiences. Mr. Polacek’s work consistently avoids overtly thematic designs in favor of thoughtful storytelling that resonates with both clients and guests.
In addition to his role at RoseBernard Studio, Mr. Polacek recently founded the Domestic Heritage Office, an enterprise dedicated to cataloging vintage and historically significant furniture pieces. Through this venture, he seeks to preserve the stories behind each object, ensuring their legacy endures as they pass from one generation to the next. The Domestic Heritage Office has garnered international attention following coverage in the European Business Journal, particularly for its involvement in the renovation of the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego. Tasked with recreating the iconic Babcock & Story Bar after a $500 million renovation, Mr. Polacek has sourced Victorian furnishings and collaborated with RoseBernard to craft one-of-a-kind modern Victorian pieces using reclaimed wood from the hotel. These efforts underscore his commitment to honoring heritage while innovating within the field.
Before establishing RoseBernard Studio, Mr. Polacek was a partner and chief creative officer at Puccini Group from 2002 to 2019. Following the passing of Bob Puccini, who entrusted him with stewardship of the company alongside his wife, he made the pivotal decision to close Puccini Group and channel its legacy into RoseBernard Studio. During his tenure at Puccini Group, Mr. Polacek honed his expertise in hospitality design by leading high-profile projects worldwide and developing a reputation for strategic narrative storytelling.
Mr. Polacek served as a project architect and designer at Robert A.M. Stern Architects in New York City between 2000 and 2002. In this capacity, he contributed to landmark projects that helped refine his architectural sensibilities and deepened his appreciation for context-driven design. Mr. Polacek’s professional journey began at Rockwell Architecture, Planning and Design PC, where he worked as a designer from 1997 to 2000 under renowned architect David Rockwell. This formative experience provided him with invaluable exposure to innovative hospitality concepts and set the stage for his future accomplishments.
Academically, Mr. Polacek earned a Bachelor of Architecture from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., graduating in 1996. Beyond his formal education, he has been an active member of NEWH Inc., joining in 2010, and serving on the advisory board of Hospitality Design magazine. Mr. Polacek’s influence extends into civic engagement through organizations such as Creativity Explored, where he supports initiatives that foster artistic expression within communities. Furthermore, his published works include publications tailored for interior design education and an upcoming entrepreneurial book featuring essays by leading innovators.
Mr. Polacek’s contributions have been recognized with multiple design awards as well as an award from NEWH Inc., reflecting industry-wide respect for his creative leadership. He credits much of his success to prioritizing listening over speaking, a principle instilled by various mentors, including David Rockwell, Robert Stern, Bob Puccini and especially his grandfather Bernard. These influences shaped Mr. Polacek’s belief that exceptional hospitality arises from understanding guests’ needs, fostering mutual respect within teams and orchestrating every element, from ambiance to operational flow, to create memorable experiences.
Looking ahead, Mr. Polacek intends to maintain his role as creative director while preserving RoseBernard Studio’s boutique structure and hands-on approach with clients. His dedication is a testament to his enduring commitment to excellence in hospitality design and mentorship within the industry.
For more information, visit:
https://www.rosebernardstudio.com
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https://thenextweb.com/news/rosebernard-studio-robert-polacek-ai-behind-curtain-design
https://thesiliconreview.com/2026/05/hotels-are-losing-human-touch-in-hospitality
https://www.abebooks.com/Entrepreneurial-Edge-Real-Founders-Tell-Stories/32460005343/bd
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Written in partnership with Tom White
