Designing through a hospitality lens

The moment a guest steps into a space, it speaks to them. Is it open and inviting, or does it feel restrictive and cold? In the world of hospitality, every detail contributes to the guest experience. Design does more than fill a room—it leaves an impression that lingers long after the visit ends.

Project Lead, Maki Alvarez, with her extensive background in hospitality-driven projects, understands that crafting an unforgettable space is also about functionality and flow. A space well-tuned to the needs of its visitors not only guides them naturally but makes each interaction feel deliberate and meaningful.

In this blog, Maki discusses the nuances of hospitality design—showcasing how thoughtful planning can transform a space, including the workplace, into a destination guests are drawn to time and again.

Crafting moments, not just spaces

Hospitality is all about making people feel valued. And designing through the lens of hospitality realizes this by telling a story, evoking emotions, and immersing guests in a deeper experience. It goes beyond fleeting, Instagrammable moments, focusing on the stories that connect guests and leave a lasting impression. The space itself becomes a storyteller.

At Holland, this philosophy is reflected in whole-life design: shaping environments that support people wherever life unfolds—whether it’s a hotel lobby, a café-inspired office nook, or a workplace that reflects the warmth of your favourite place. Through thoughtful decisions around layout, materials, and sensory elements, every space is crafted to feel intuitive, welcoming, and centred on human experience.

What makes a space feel welcoming?

It’s not just about what guests see—it’s about what they feel. The most inviting spaces are shaped by details guests can’t quite put their finger on, but would instantly notice if they were missing.

Take seating, for example. A chair isn’t just a chair—it’s how it supports the body, the perfect height for resting arms, the way it moves without screeching across the floor. No one walks into a space excited about the seating, but they notice when it’s too stiff, too low, or unstable enough to make them second-guess their stay.

Lighting is another silent force in shaping how a space feels. When it’s too harsh, a room can feel cold and clinical; too dim, and it becomes difficult to navigate. In spaces designed for focus, lighting should be bright enough to support concentration without feeling sterile. In more intimate settings, softer illumination adds warmth and ambiance without straining the eyes. Striking the right balance ensures that lighting enhances the space’s purpose rather than working against it.

Then there are the materials. A beautiful floor might catch the eye, but if it can’t withstand daily wear, its appeal fades fast. High-traffic areas need durability—porcelain tile that holds up, while softer textures like a well-placed carpet belong in quieter corners. In spaces prone to spills, moisture-resistant surfaces like vinyl or tile keep things polished without demanding constant upkeep.

The smallest details often have the biggest impact. A well-placed purse hook keeps guests from juggling their belongings, and power outlets seamlessly integrated into the space add convenience without disrupting the design. Thoughtful touches like these may go unnoticed, but they contribute to a space that feels intuitive and built with people in mind.

Lessons from hospitality to elevate workplace design

1. Self serve design

Hospitality is built around service—where needs are anticipated before they’re even voiced. While workplaces may not have the same dedicated staff, self-service design can create an environment that feels just as intuitive. Instead of relying on someone to provide for them, employees should feel like the space itself is working for them, making it effortless to get what they need.

Simple touches like water and coffee stations within easy reach help employees stay refreshed throughout the day, while accessible snacks offer a simple way to recharge without disrupting workflow. In fact, studies show that 53% of employees feel more productive when beverages and snacks are readily available, and 42% report higher overall work quality (McKinsey & Company, 2024)

2. Social hubs

Employees who have access to a variety of workspaces report feeling 6% more productive and 15% more creative throughout the day (Forbes, 2019). To support this, workplaces are moving beyond traditional office layouts, integrating social hubs and breakout spaces that adapt to different working styles.

Much like hospitality spaces—where seating arrangements range from communal tables to private nooks—workplaces are embracing flexible furniture solutions. Standing tables, ergonomic lounge chairs, and homely-inspired seating to support different working styles. These spaces encourage movement, improve posture, and allow employees to shift seamlessly between independent focus work and collaborative discussions.

3. Bringing the outside in

Hospitality spaces have long mastered the art of biophilic design—seamlessly weaving in elements like greenery, organic textures, and natural light to create environments that feel restorative and alive. But these benefits aren’t exclusive to hospitality. The same principles can transform workplaces into spaces that feel vibrant, calming, and deeply connected to the natural world.

Incorporating real foliage, maximizing access to daylight, and using materials like wood and stone have all been shown to boost productivity, improve air quality, and support overall wellness. Studies have shown that biophilic environments are linked to lower blood pressure and reduced anxiety (Yin et al., 2020), with over 40% of employees reporting that being around plants makes them feel calmer and more relaxed (Frumkin, 2001).

Trends shaping employee experience and well-being

Workplace design is shifting to be more personalized, convenient, and experience-driven. Drawing inspiration from hospitality and multifamily living, today’s offices are being shaped with people’s everyday needs in mind. Emerging trends include:

• Pet-friendly spaces: Workplaces are welcoming four-legged companions with designated treat stations and pet-friendly zones designed for comfort and cleanliness.
• On-site convenience: The office is becoming a one-stop hub, offering cafés, wellness areas, and services like dry cleaning to support daily routines and reduce friction.
• Natural finishes and earth tones:  Warm, organic materials and nature-inspired palettes create a sense of calm, making workspaces feel more inviting.
• Locally-inspired design: Offices are embracing their surroundings by incorporating regionally sourced materials, textures, and subtle design elements that reflect local character.‍
• Multi-use and flexible workspaces: Modern workplaces cater to a variety of work styles, blending quiet focus areas, collaborative zones, and comfortable breakout spaces to support flexibility throughout the day.

Designing for a life in motion

As daily life grows more complex, hospitality spaces are set to evolve beyond mere comfort, becoming intuitive, multifunctional, and seamlessly integrated into our routines. Technology will enhance every interaction, operating quietly in the background to eliminate friction and ensure a smoother experience. At the heart of this evolution, self-service technologies will take centre stage, offering guests more control while simplifying their experiences with features like effortless check-ins and AI-driven personalization. These advancements will enable hospitality environments to anticipate and address needs before they even arise.

Get in touch with us!

We’re passionate about designing spaces that put people first. Whether it’s a hotel lobby, a café-inspired office nook, or a workplace that reflects the warmth of hospitality, our work blends precision with purpose—grounded in the principles of human connection and thoughtful design.

Inspired to reimagine your next space through a hospitality lens? Get in touch with us today.