Bar in the lobby area of Canal House. |
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Fillat: Canal House is a successful example of adaptive reuse, transforming a vacant office building into a vibrant hospitality destination. The constraints of the existing structure heavily influenced what was possible, making flexibility in brand requirements essential. To ensure the project’ s financial viability, the owner needed to achieve the highest possible key count.
Marriott’ s Tribute Portfolio brand was an ideal fit, offering the flexibility needed to adapt minimal brand standards to
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the building’ s framework. We creatively reshaped the structure— cutting out a small portion of the building— to add more guestrooms per floor. Thanks to malleable room layout requirements, we were able to maximize density without sacrificing comfort or experience. Public space requirements were equally adaptable. By aligning the hotel’ s brand story with its programmatic elements, we curated offerings and communal areas that supported the narrative and elevated the guest experience. The result is a highly |
efficient, character-rich hotel that delivers both guest satisfaction and strong return on investment.
HOTELS: The bulk of your projects are located regionally within the D. C., Maryland, Virginia area. Is that by choice? What upper hand, if any, does that give you with developers looking to do projects in the area? Fillat: We are fortunate to be based in a vibrant, growing region— one that continues to present exciting opportunities and allows us to constantly
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refine our craft. While we’ ve completed projects across the country and internationally, we remain committed to expanding our reach and taking on new challenges wherever they arise. Our deep local knowledge is something our clients consistently value. Navigating local jurisdictions can be complex, and our experience working with regulatory agencies and approval processes gives us a distinct advantage. This understanding not only streamlines project timelines but also helps ensure smoother outcomes from start to finish. |
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A king deluxe room at Canal House. |
HOTELS: How are technology and artificial intelligence changing the way architects go about their work? Fillat: Technology and AI are not replacing architects; rather, they are augmenting their capabilities by enabling faster iterations, better data-driven decisions and more immersive client experiences. Our role as architects is shifting from pure designer to a strategic curator of human, technological and environmental input. |
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Sept / Oct 2025 hotelsmag. com 55 |