Design club: Claus Sendlinger

[More Images]

Claus Sendlinger, founder and CEO of Design Hotels, on creating ‘the right concept for the right crowd at the right location’

How has hospitality design evolved in recent years?

The core of the hospitality interior evolution is the fact that design as such has become ubiquitous within the entire industry. Whereas contemporary aesthetics were once a novelty, they are a given in today’s progressive world.
 
How are hotel rooms changing?

We can see the movement of reinventing room space: the bathroom is slowly becoming the new bedroom. Steam showers, in-room spa facilities, flatscreens, Jacuzzis, luxurious toiletries, more space – these elements are making the bathroom a place to relax and indulge in.   
 
Has there been a move towards more bespoke, boutique-inspired interiors?

This is what members of Design Hotels have always been about – very individual, personalised concepts. Based on the large increase of applicants over the years, I can confirm that there is definitely a move to boutique-inspired interiors. Design-led hotels were often criticised for being cold, minimalist and superficial. What many guests want today is a more comforting design with a substantial concept.

What is driving these changes?

This development is part of a socio-economic value shift. The importance of ‘soft factors’ such as quality of life and wellbeing is growing, along with a rediscovery of simple, human, even humble values. Thus, the human, with all his ethical, emotional and social potential, is taking centre stage within the spheres of industry and commerce.
 

Advertisement

FEATURED COMMENT LIT and amBX teamed up at the HD EXPO 2009 in Las Vegas (take a look at www.litstyle.com)   1 Comments Read more comments »

What impact is technology having?

Technology is becoming more and more important. And the better the technology is, the less you see of it. It has to become an integral part of the design. Flat screens, automatic curtains, wireless Internet, light dimmers – all of these technological gadgets should be easy to operate with an intuitive remote panel. 
 
A number of fashion designers are entering the hospitality industry. Is this impacting hotel design?

These days, the term ‘design hotel’ is frequently offhandedly batted around to describe just about any property that strays from the familiar, interchangeable grand-hotel or chain-hotel aesthetic. But there’s more to a true design hotel than just an appealing interior created by a famous designer.

For us it all comes down to the right concept for the right crowd at the right location. Design Hotels strongly believes in a holistic approach. An Eames chair in the lobby is simply not enough to become a member of Design Hotels.

Do you think that the current economic crisis will impact hotel design?

Yes, I do. Today’s best design uses the finest materials – but not just for their prestige factor or luxurious texture and look. Increasingly, these materials are chosen for their plain and simple durability. Well-designed hotel interiors are made for the long haul. Although it has always been an important mark of quality, genuine craftsmanship is making a major comeback. Outsourced mass production is giving way to meticulously, often locally, handcrafted pieces.
 
What will the hotel of the future look like?

Warm is the new cool. Less is the new more. Green is the new black. These three phrases describe a whole new approach to hospitality design. Contemporary hotels are increasingly creating cosy hideaways offering unique experiences using eco-friendly materials.

---