InterContinental Hotels Group & Sweeney Ellis Design
InterContinental Hotels Group & Sweeney Ellis Design have been shortlisted for Hotel Design – UK Award, Hotel Under 200 Rooms Global Award and Lobby Public Areas – Europe Award in The International Hotel and Property Awards 2023. Read more about Director Denise Ellis below:
Name: Denise Ellis
Company: Sweeney Ellis Design
Position within company: Director
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc) With over 35 years as an Interior Designer, I’ve been involved in delivering numerous projects ranging from hospitality to commercial and heritage design schemes. My fascination for design started from a young age due to the artistic influences of my parents, which led me to studying Interior Design at Nottingham Trent university and going on to pursue a Master’s in Architectural Building Conservation. I am especially passionate about saving and repurposing listed buildings and where possible, combining this with hospitality design.
How would you describe your personal interior design style? Applying a holistic approach, my aim is produce thoughtful and eclectic designs with a modern twist that are tailored to suit the needs of each individual client and project.
Where does your design inspiration come from? I believe each project should tell a story if the form of a design narrative. One that’s inspired by the people, the local culture and the design language of the building and setting. I have always been interested in our built heritage and craftsmanship and enjoy reimagining design details to add personality and surprise to design schemes.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense? Post covid, there has been a change in the way people live, work and travel which has created a need for buildings to fulfil many roles. There is a general human need for a sense of wellbeing and purpose requiring designs to be more fluid delivering schemes that satisfy both the physical and emotional needs of the people. Societal shifts such as climate challenges and the energy crisis have also pushed the focus towards responsible, sustainable design and the reinvention and repurposing of existing buildings.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2023 and beyond. Sustainability & environment, Human wellbeing, Community & connection, Flexible design approach, Accessibility.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to interior design schemes, what would it be? The key to good design is understanding your client’s aspirations and brief to inform your designs within the context of the building, its constraints, users, budget and programme.
How important are The International Hotel & Property Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
The awards are a great platform for designers to showcase their work and provide inspiration for other design professionals but is also a tremendous encouragement for young talentWhat projects are you currently working on?I’m currently working on rebranding a 92-bed hotel in the South West of the UK, an 87-bed listed hotel on the outskirts of London in addition to the conversion of a former church to a coffee bar and restaurant in the northwest of the UK.
What was your favourite project to work on and why? My favourite project has to be grade II*listed King Edwards House in Lincoln. Despite being a smaller hospitality project, it demanded agility in the approach to the design and a lot of creative thinking due to the listed building constraints. Steeped in history, the building was converted from a Bishops Retreat and Diocesan offices to a small boutique hotel creating sixteen ensuite guestrooms and wedding / conference facilities. The second part of the project required the conversion of the adjoining church St Michael on the Mount to provide a further 16 ensuite guestrooms.
What was your most challenging project to work on and why? The Hotel Indigo in Exeter with InterContinental Hotels Group was my most challenging project. It involved converting a former department store into a 104-bed hotel with three bars, a restaurant and urban spa. The building plan form was complex which we managed to use to our advantage, creating a unique guest experience through a variety of different spaces. There was a huge variety of shapes and sizes of guestrooms which proved challenging to the contractor and the styling and placement of FF&E. Utterly thrilling!
Which products/services could you not live without when designing? 3D modelling such as Revit and Enscape and compatible FF&E product models.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months? Continue creating designs with storytelling, passion and sustainability at the forefront and having the opportunity to work on some of the most characteristic and unique buildings in the country.
Your most treasured possession? My horse
Your favourite holiday destination? Puerto de Pollensa in Majorca. As a family we have visited for many years and it holds special memories. My favourite city is Florence.
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar? Hotel : Pulitzer in Amsterdam
Restaurant : The Ivy, Exeter
Bar : Not biased or anything, but Becketts Rooftop Bar, Exeter
Your favourite book, film & song? Book : My Family and other Animals Gerald Durrell Film : War Horse
Song : What a Wonderful World Louis Armstrong
Your favourite food and drink? Food : Anything Italian Drink : Chablis
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? Walking round Chatsworth House looking at design details.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be? Something artistic. I’ve never wanted to be anything other than a designer.
Anything else interesting? The best is yet to come.
InterContinental Hotels Group & Sweeney Ellis Design
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