Welcome to ‘Voices’, where the world’s foremost explorers, hospitality experts, and luxe aficionados share their stories, tips, and insider perspectives, guiding you through the destinations they know best. Did you miss our last one with GM of the Mandarin Oriental Miami?

We had the pleasure of interviewing Richard L. Friedman, president and Chief Executive Officer of Carpenter & Company, Inc., a nationally recognized, award-winning real estate development firm based in Cambridge. His experience in hotel, residential, and mixed-use developments spans over four decades. One of the most respected developers in the country, he generously shared his views on Boston and beyond. 

What do you love most about developing luxury properties in Boston? 

Boston is the place I call home, so I welcome the chance to develop projects that enhance the city. The idea of bringing one of the tallest buildings to Boston appealed to me. I believed that people who are business leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs in a world-class city like Boston would value the building’s architecture, its location, the expansive views, and the extraordinary amenities and services associated with a Four Seasons property, including a private club that is gathering space for business and social gatherings. There are only a handful of cities with two Four Seasons Hotels and Boston is one of them. 

How would you describe Boston’s changing skyline?

Boston is a blend of high-rise and low-rise buildings, from gleaming corporate headquarters in the Seaport and sleek residential towers like One Dalton to the stately brownstones that give the Back Bay and South End their unique character and charm and the triple-deckers that are a mainstay in South Boston and Dorchester neighborhoods. Through bold, imaginative designs, award-winning architects like Henry Cobb, the architect behind One Dalton, the John Hancock Tower and other iconic buildings in the United States, Europe and Canada have changed the way that residents, workers, and visitors from around the globe look at Boston.

What is a hidden gem in Boston? 

Boston is a city of neighborhoods with a wide range of cultural institutions, historic sites, parks, theaters, and venerable landmarks. We are so lucky to have places like the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the Boch Center, and Fenway Park right in our own backyard. And what other city has a major international airport within its borders and so close to the heart of the city?  Lesser known to some are the Harvard Art Museums, which include the Fogg and Busch-Reisinger Museums. Located in Harvard Square, these hidden gems feature ancient coins and artifacts, contemporary art and old-world masterpieces, and an incredible collection of drawings and illustrations, photographs, sculptures, and ceramics that represent different cultures, eras, traditions, and schools of thought.

What is your favorite restaurant in Boston? 

Boston has some great options, including Zuma, the Japanese izakaya restaurant in the Four Seasons One Dalton. But I still find myself returning to Henrietta’s Table in the Charles Hotel, a luxury property I opened in Cambridge in 1985. Henrietta’s Table — which specializes in New England cuisine made from the highest quality locally-sourced ingredients— was the first farm-to-table restaurant in the Greater Boston area. That’s the reason that Henrietta’s Table was one of Julia Child’s favorite restaurants. One more–When it comes to pizza, you can’t beat Santarpio’s in East Boston.

What is your favorite thing to do in Boston? 

Boston is a great walking city. I especially enjoy strolling on Commonwealth Avenue, Newbury Street and along the Esplanade. You can shop, dine, and take in the scenery without leaving the Back Bay. At the end of the summer, when the college students return to Boston in the late summer, the energy changes and you can see, hear, and interact with people who come from all over the world.

How did Iceland land on your roster? 

A real estate investor I had worked with on the Charles Hotel asked me to consider developing a hotel in Iceland. Once I saw the harbor and the Harpa, a magnificent concert hall and exhibition center in Reykjavík, I knew a modern luxury hotel would succeed. Iceland had made it a national priority to have a world-class luxury hotel and we delivered one. The Reykjavik EDITION is located in the heart of Reykjavik’s historic downtown by the Old Harbor port and is walking distance from Laugavegur Street, the city’s vibrant shopping district, and the Harpa. I’m happy to say that our expectations were proven right; The Reykjavik EDITION is the first five-star hotel in Iceland and it is thriving.

What are some new and exciting projects you are working on?

I am currently working to develop a new Four Seasons Hotel in Dallas which will soon replace Chicago as the third largest US city, following New York and Los Angeles. The building will be designed by Pelli Clarke & Partners and their team of architects, designers, and technical experts.This award-winning, global firm is behind some of the most recognizable buildings including landmarks like the Salesforce Tower in San Francisco, the Aman Residences in Tokyo, Bloomberg’s Headquarters in Manhattan, and many, many more

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