Thinking carefully about the patrons of the hotel bar is just the first step in a lengthy and thoughtful design process. This week I share my approach to hotel bar design and what makes for memorable guest and operator experience.

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.

There are so many layers to delivering a successful luxury hotel project on time and in budget but at it’s heart, clear communication and a thorough understanding of the project processes are key.

Sustainability is not an aesthetic. It is about good design and better processes. It is about quality, longevity, and understanding the end of product life. Society tends to see natural materials as more sustainable, but that school of thought is somewhat outdated.

Sustainability in design isn’t just about the materials we use or the technologies we implement, it’s about how we think. By embracing a 3D perspective on space, we can create buildings that are not only beautiful and functional but also efficient and resilient. The next time you look at a floor plan, try and think beyond the lines on the page. Imagine the space as a volume that interacts with its environment. Ask yourself how every cubic meter can contribute to not just the feel and aesthetic of a space, but also how that space will work now and into the future.

The future of luxury lies in shifting focus from the accumulation of material goods to the elevation of experiences that create connection, fulfilment and lasting value. For brands, this presents an opportunity - those who redefine luxury as meaningful, sustainable and human scale will resonate in a world yearning for a greater connection and meaning.

Sibley Grove’s approach to The Drayton Court Hotel’s refurbishment exemplifies how thoughtful design can breathe new life into existing spaces. By working with what was already there and enhancing it through creative, sustainable methods, they have crafted a hotel that respects its history while catering to the needs of modern travellers. The result is a property that feels timeless yet contemporary, embodying the perfect balance of function, beauty and sustainability. 

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.

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.

What do Wimbledon, VAR and luxury design have in common? We explore how design is about the human process rather than perfection and how AI is impacting the world of sport and luxury design.

6 design trends we actually need. Whilst we actively avoid trends as part of our studio’s design culture, there are trends in materials and design thinking that are super charging more sustainable practices.

Sibley Grove design team: incorporating Design for Disassembly in everything we do.

Titsey Brewing Company - using the brewing journey to create a unique experience for customers.

Is greenwashing really that bad? And does it indicate a real shift in marketing, driven by customer expectation.

The bar at the Counting House.