Redefining Hospitality with Design and Craftsmanship in One of Marfa's Best Boutique Stays
Nestled in the iconic landscape of Marfa, Texas, MOTEL is more than a place to stay in one of Texas’ most iconic towns. It’s a space designed to inspire. Created by builder Jantzen Matzdorff and designer Chris McCray, this boutique hotel is a thoughtful response to its surroundings, blending craftsmanship, creativity, and the unique spirit of Marfa.
Jantzen and Chris shared their journey behind this project, offering insight into their design philosophy, creative process, and what makes this hotel boutique truly one of a kind.
- Rethinking Space with Jantzen Matzdorff
- Designing MOTEL
- The Creative Process
- Chris McCray: Designing with Purpose
- Collaborations and Community
- The Guest Experience
- The Future
Rethinking Space with Jantzen Matzdorff
Jantzen’s career is defined by his ability to challenge traditional ideas about what a space can be. “I build properties that rethink what a space can be and what it can do for us,” he says. As an investor, welder, and woodworker, Jantzen brings a broad, hands-on perspective to every project.
Ventana breeze blocks and waterline quarter-circle tiles bring functionality and visual interest.
Having traveled extensively and worked with a wide range of materials, Jantzen brings a sense of openness to his projects. “I’ve been traveling my whole life and building with all kinds of materials, so I bring that broad thinking to each project,” he explains. His designs reflect his appreciation for craftsmanship and materiality, coupled with a personal drive to create order. “The aesthetic is tidy as I’m constantly making effort to calm the chaos in my mind. Outside as within.”
Smooth satin terracotta tile.
Jantzen sees design as a deeply personal and transformative tool. “I’ve begun to appreciate each of us as a unique creator, bringing our own stories, challenges, and neurology to the table. I think there is a lot of power in design and that we really can make the world a better place through design.”
Designing MOTEL
Jantzen’s decision to design and build a hotel boutique in Marfa was driven by his desire to work with Chris McCray again. “I wanted to work with McCray & Co. again. Chris McCray has a gift for understanding objects that I have never seen in anyone else,” he shares.
Marfa itself was the perfect setting for a project that defied convention. “Marfa is a place that draws people who don’t fit in the box, and I figured that was the ideal place for a hotel boutique that doesn’t fit in the box. I have no interest in the mundane, dumbed-down architecture that is plaguing our future.”
The town’s character also played a significant role in shaping MOTEL's atmosphere. “People come here to discover something, to let go of something, or to make something, and we’ve created a place to do any of those things,” says Jantzen. “Like the quote at the entry says, ‘Nobody Comes Here for Nothin.’”
Smooth satin terracotta tile and ventana breeze blocks.
The Creative Process
Jantzen’s design process is guided by intuition and openness. “As a project unfolds, I let the materials and numerology come to me as I stay open to the process and flow.” For MOTEL, this approach meant incorporating recycled materials that carried meaning, such as those from Austin’s dismantled Borden Dairy and the Masonic Temple in his hometown of Boise, Idaho.
"The neon signpost that holds the MOTEL sign is a representation of the loss of my grandfather, the patriarch of our family, and the remaining elders, while the flower pots below it represent the younger generations of my family,” he explains.
The flower pots represent the younger generations of Jantzen's family, while the sign represents the loss of his grandfather.
Practicality also influenced many design elements. “The thing about the desert is that it will ruin just about anything that isn’t steel or some form of masonry may encompass stone, tile, etc. stone, tile, etc. A lot of our design became informed by that reality.”
Jantzen highlights one of his favorite design elements, the shade structures. “The shade structures are a design I call ‘The Weave,’ and they are psychedelic to look at but also let in more winter sun and block the harsh summer sun.”
Terracotta pavers set directly on sand.
Chris McCray: Designing with Purpose
Chris McCray, who teamed up with Jantzen on the project, shares a similar love for meaningful design. “I’m a partner in an Austin-based design firm, McCray & Co. I live in Marfa full time, where I own and run a retail shop called Sticks and Bones.”
Chris brings his fascination with craftsmanship and materiality to every project. “At an early age, I preferred the hardware store over the sporting goods store. I’ve always been fascinated with how things go together,” he says. “The work I do tends to involve product design, furniture design, tile, and textile design.”
Custom matte-sealed terracotta tiles.
He sees MOTEL as a natural extension of Marfa’s unique character. “Marfa and the entire Big Bend region have a very unique sense of place that I’ve not found anywhere else in the world,” he explains. “The town’s architecture and overall attitude heavily influenced the project.”
Collaborations and Community
The artistic collaborations behind MOTEL enhance its distinctive character. “We have a lot of murals and art from Rachel Smith, as well as some of her ceramics and prints for sale,” Jantzen shares. Other contributors include Carolyn Macartney, who created much of the signage, and Noah Marion, who brought the key fob designs to life and added his creations to the hotel's merchandise area.
Collaborative mural by Rachel Smith.
Chris’s influence extends beyond the project itself. “Chris’ home goods store, ‘Sticks and Bones,’ just up the street here in Marfa, and it feels like a continuation of MOTEL's vibe because he has been such a vital part of the creation of this project,” says Jantzen.
The Guest Experience
At MOTEL, guests are invited to immerse themselves in the artistic and rugged beauty of the Big Bend region. According to Jantzen, this boutique hotel is perfect for “people who know a good thing when they see it” and want to experience Marfa's charm. Whether you're exploring Marfa’s creative community or simply seeking to “disconnect to reconnect,” as Jantzen puts it, MOTEL offers a one-of-a-kind retreat.
White glossy Zellige tiles in the shower and terracotta accents.
Terracotta pavers creating a functional and visually appealing path.
White glossy Zellige tiles on the walls and matte green tiles on the floor.
The Future
Looking ahead, Jantzen has plans for unique programming inspired by outside-the-box thinking and West Texan fun. “We’re going to unveil several other concepts that have been happening in the background,” he shares.
For both Jantzen and Chris, the goal is to continue creating spaces that honor their surroundings and inspire their guests.
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