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The courtyard area at Canal House. |
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similarities and differences to consider when designing different types of real estate? Fillat: Both residential and hospitality design create places to lay one’ s head and shape the environments in which we live. But hotels are inherently more public; therefore, more dynamic and engaging. Unlike a private residence, hotel guests rarely stay in for meals, which opens the door for hoteliers to craft compelling food and beverage experiences that become integral to the property’ s identity. In recent years, multifamily design has increasingly drawn inspiration from hospitality. Lobbies now present as vibrant, social spaces— reminiscent of boutique hotels— but their success relies on more than just |
design. True activation doesn’ t happen by accident: Property managers must collaborate with architects to intentionally program these areas, transforming beautiful settings into meaningful community hubs that truly fulfill the vision behind them.
Hotels are inherently transient spaces, with guests constantly coming and going. Their design is focused on creating memorable, extraordinary experiences— encouraging return visits and glowing recommendations. In contrast, multifamily design is about permanence and belonging. It’ s about crafting a place people can truly call home. For property owners, long-term tenancy is the goal, which means the energy and tone of the design
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must reflect the surrounding neighborhood and community. Thoughtful amenities should not only meet residents’ needs but also draw inspiration from the local environment, reinforcing a sense of place.
Hotel guestrooms are designed as complete, curated experiences, while apartments serve as blank canvases, eventually shaped by each resident’ s personal taste, which can vary dramatically. As a result, multifamily design must anticipate this individuality, offering thoughtful touches in areas like kitchens and bathrooms that bring everyday delight. Flow, natural light, and views become critical to creating truly livable homes. In recent years, hotels have embraced the‘ make it feel like
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home’ mantra— a welcome shift that invites designers to connect with guests on a more emotional level. This focus on comfort and familiarity has transformed hotel lobbies into warm, inviting spaces where guests feel encouraged to linger and socialize. Interestingly, this hospitality trend has begun influencing the design of public areas in multifamily developments, blurring the lines between temporary stay and long-term living.
HOTELS: You were tapped to build the recently opened Canal House in Georgetown. What was the design brief for the project and how did you, in tandem with the owner and Marriott, make it come to life?
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54 hotelsmag. com Sept / Oct 2025 |