Understanding Design Trends

Kevin McLachlan, senior partner at Godwin Austen Johnson, describes an ideal environment when developing properties

The current trend is filling the existing market gap for mid- to lower level hospitality projects. In fact, Godwin Austin Jhonson has been involved in a lot of diverse new brands that sit on the global stage. As designers, we are constantly being asked to ensure that our clients stand out, whereas in the past, they were more likely to desire to fit in with the norm.

Hotels and serviced apartments in general are being more flexible when it comes to the use of spaces, and this is one area that we feel could be done better. We have innovated by creating spaces with multiple purposes from eating to socialising. Offices are also recognising the need to rethink designs to cater to a changing workforce that is fully functional with a laptop, smartphone and a place to share ideas. Today’s workplace has idea walls, re configurable soft seating furniture and communal social spaces that allow for much greater flexibility and the ability to re-purpose when required.

CONSIDERATIONS WHEN REFURBISHING