Futurestudio's Ali McQuaid Mitchell on Designing Today's Bathhouses

Ali McQuaid Mitchell, leading the Toronto-based firm Futurestudio, has transformed bathhouse architecture by creating adaptable, nature-inspired environments. In partnership with Othership, they have successfully launched four locations in New York and Toronto, with plans for a fifth venue on the Upper East Side anticipated to open in 2027. The firm is also making strides internationally, having completed projects like Rē in Dubai, Umvelt in Montana, and Sant Roch in France, which is the largest sauna in the country. McQuaid Mitchell, who previously specialized in restaurant and hotel design, ventured into wellness design after being invited by Othership's founders during the pandemic, aiming to cultivate a social spa culture reminiscent of alcohol-free nightlife. She views the bathhouse as a space for improvisation that merges spa, performance, and social experiences.