Design Hotels is the epitome of creatively inspired spaces emphasizing harmony and originality in innovative surroundings. Conceived in 1993 by Claus Sendlinger when he was a travel agent, Design Hotels has now become a global operation with headquarters in Berlin and branches in London, Barcelona, New York, Singapore, Bali, Tokyo, and Perth. As an international hospitality company, Design Hotels brings together 175 independently owned and design-focused properties in more than 40 countries.

Made by Originals is Sendlinger’s latest concept for Design Hotels emphasizing the importance of the people behind the hotels. Sendlinger calls attention to the human values that bring such creative spaces to life highlighting figures such as designer Marcel Wanders or the racecar driver and hotel developer Emanuele Garosci. Behind every hotel there is a unique story about the success of each hotel concept.

“The importance of ‘soft factors’ such as quality of life, and well-being is growing along with a re-discovery of simple human, even humble values. We are also growing human-centric innovation within the hotel industry and the Originals we’ve chosen to portray are just a few of the people from our member portfolio, who are driving this movement forward,” says Claus Sendlinger.

Nordic Light Hotel designer Lars Pihl is one of the few that embodies the innovative and unique spirit that made Originals into a reality. He had a dream one late fall morning while jogging as he looked onto an expanse of water clouded by fog. Sunlight subtly broke through the mist and transformed the landscape of water into warm tones of yellows and oranges. This is where he found his inspiration for the Stockholm Hotel’s light-driven interior. “I wanted the atmosphere to be changeable. It should relax people, or surprise them, depending on what mood people want to be in. It may even provoke a mood,” says Pihl.

Pihl’s impressive usage of lights that works with the visitor’s mood as well as the innovative surroundings is a fine example of the magnificent creative elements that inspire the design of Originals. Certainly a revolution in hospitality, artistic design and customer service, Made by Originals’ emphasis on human values brings about a whole new perspective on the concept of space according emotional needs and desires.

Design Hotels has been a SQUA.RE member since the site’s inception and have recently released their latest video series: Design Hotels-Made by Originals: Peter Lute & Marcel Wanders. There you can find links to their main channel on SQUA.RE.

Image: A room from the Nordic Light Hotel.