Whilst some chairs can very definitely be considered ‘art’ for the sake of the aesthetic, I think the very best public chairs aren’t just about fitting a theme - they invite rest, reflection and inclusion. Part of my job as a designer is to think deeply about the space that a chair will occupy and the type of activity it will enhance.

Why are some luxury hotel project design challenges met with such resistance? Much of the answer is found in human nature, but there is a significant proportion of ‘not my fault’ that comes down to team dynamics and culture. On a project team, there are representatives from multiple organisations, each of which have their own organisational directive. If their company culture fosters blame and punishment, it’s difficult for the representative to actively take responsibility for their part in a problem or challenge. Trust, empowerment and striving for the same shared goal go a long way to helping projects teams solve the design challenges that will inevitably arise.

It can be tricky to find the right sustainability accreditation for your luxury retail organisation, but here’s a guide to the best known certifications in the industry and their pros and cons.

Sibley Grove designed Al Khozama Hotel wins the prestigious Haute Grandeur Global Award for Best Conference Venue Hotel in the Middle East 2024 and Best Hotel Residences in Saudi Arabia 2024.

Designer, Shaun East, describes how he, Kate Sibley and Jeremy Grove started their journey together at Goldsmiths College back in the noughties, where they fostered a passion for sustainable design. Their ethos to create things of holistic beauty and value underpins the interior & architectural design company they went on to found, Sibley Grove.

When working on luxury hotel projects, interior designers can find themselves ‘piggy in the middle’, between the hotel brand and the hotel developer. This blog looks at ways to create win-win collaborations, so that everyone in the project team gets what they need.