Hospitality Focus - Where Design Meets Destination
Architects and designers play a leading role in shaping entertainment hotspots through hospitality projects that welcome tourists and locals to experience cities from a unique perspective. With Austin, Texas, being the “Live Music Capital of the World” and Orlando, Florida, dubbed as the “Theme Park Capital of the World,” these cities are rightfully at the top of highly sought-after destinations.
“Thoughtful design shapes the way people experience and remember a destination, whether they are looking for relaxation or entertainment when vacationing or locals who want a staycation in their favorite part of a city,” said Ken Linehan, AIA and Managing Principal of FK Architecture. “Hospitality-focused architecture that empowers guests to have an immersive experience on and off-property is an asset in these in-demand neighborhoods that supports and evolves the identity and narrative of a place.”
In Austin, Texas, FK Architecture’s design team served as the lead architect for the Home2 Suites by Hilton East Austin. The design paid homage to East Austin’s industrial heritage with its rustic brick and mixed materials façade, as well as clerestory windows, and incorporated contemporary elements, such as metal accents, to tell a story of architectural evolution. With 276 hotel rooms and a lounge, pool, gym, business center, and breakfast area, the hotel caters to tech-savvy explorers and locals as they enjoy events and entertainment in the area, such as SXSW, Austin City Limits, and major arts, culture, and sports events.
The exterior’s mix of textures and materials invites guests to experience the history of Austin, from its rich industrial background to its status as an innovation, creative, and live music hub. In addition to the hotel itself, FK Architecture was tasked with designing the adjacent 90,000-square-foot parking garage.
“Architects and interior designers excel at creating unique guest experiences through design features that cater to different traveler types,” said Amy VanderMeer, AIA and Licensed Architect at FK Architecture. “Hospitality brands that tap into experience tourism and how design can elevate their environments’ functionality and brand identity create more memorable, guest-focused resorts and hotels.”