In Profile:
Theresa Obermoser Design

Name: Theresa Obermoser
Company Name: Theresa Obermoser Design
Position Within Company: Founder & Creative Director
Website: https://todesign.studio

Tell us a little about your background in design:
I grew up in a hotel in Austria, where I was naturally exposed to design and operations from an early age. Instead of being kept out of it, I was part of conversations around layouts, functionality and how spaces need to work in practice. That early experience shaped both my interest in the visual side of design and my appreciation for problem-solving—creating spaces that are not only beautiful but highly functional.

Today my work spans hospitality, high-end residential and retail projects across Europe the globe. With years of hands-on experience, I focus on creating spaces that are concept-driven and commercially intelligent. Whether in hospitality or residential design, I see my role as shaping how people use and experience a space—balancing aesthetics with functionality at every stage.

How would you describe your personal design style?:
My design style is layered and emotionally driven, with a strong focus on contrast—bringing together old and new, refined and raw. I often combine delicate materials with more solid elements, or historic architecture with contemporary interventions. Preserving and reinterpreting the history of a space is central to my approach.

Every project begins with a story, which I translate into spatial and material decisions. I aim to create spaces with a clear identity through the use of rich materials, tactile contrasts and carefully considered colour palettes, always balancing elegance with a certain edge.

I am also influenced by Viennese architecture and designers such as Otto Wagner. Spending time in Vienna continues to shape my perspective, and I see it as an underrated design capital.

Where does your design inspiration come from?:
My inspiration comes from two quite different places that I constantly try to balance: history and lived experience. I have always been fascinated by what a space was before—its context, its past, the layers that already exist. I don’t like to erase that, but rather reinterpret it in a way that feels relevant today.

At the same time, I draw a huge amount of inspiration from travel, especially from hotels, restaurants and places that create a very distinct mood. I pay attention to how a space makes you feel when you enter it, how the lighting changes throughout the day, how people move through it. I am also influenced by art, fashion and film—anything that creates a strong atmosphere. For me, inspiration is never about copying a look, but about understanding why something feels powerful and translating that into a new context.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?:
Design is becoming much more holistic and closer to an art form in itself. It is no longer about placing individual “design pieces” into a space, but about creating a complete environment where everything is considered—from architecture and materials to lighting, landscaping and how the space is used over time.

There is a clear shift away from purely aesthetic design towards spaces that are layered, curated and experiential. The combination of high-end pieces, found objects and more accessible elements often creates a much richer result than focusing on a single iconic item. At the same time, sustainability and longevity are becoming increasingly important—not just in materials, but in creating spaces that people want to live with for a long time.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in the future. :
* Emotional experience – how a space makes people feel
* Authenticity – creating something with a clear identity
* Longevity – designing beyond short-term trends
* Craftsmanship – valuing detail and quality in execution
* Functionality – ensuring spaces truly work in everyday life

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to designing, what would it be?:
Start with how a space should feel, not how it should look. The strongest designs are the ones that create a clear emotional response and stay with people. And often, it is just as much about what you remove as what you add—editing is a big part of creating harmony.

How important are The International Hotel & Property Awards?:
They are important as they offer international recognition within the hospitality and design industry. Awards like these help build credibility, increase visibility and open the door to new opportunities and collaborations.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?:
The goal is to continue strengthening our position within the hospitality sector and to expand internationally. I would especially love to design another hotel, as that is something very close to me personally.

More than growth in numbers, I am focused on working with clients who fully support the vision and have the means to realise it properly. It is always a shame when strong ideas cannot be executed due to constraints, so the aim is to align creativity and opportunity more closely.

Your most treasured possession?:
Time with my family—it’s the one thing you can’t replace.

Your favourite holiday destination?:
Ibiza—it has a very unique balance between raw nature and a strong design and lifestyle scene. Also for me it is very sentimental as i had my first big project there

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?:
Hotel: Reschio, Umbria
Restaurant: Dorian, Notting Hill
Bar: Le Fou, Vienna

Your favourite book, film & song?:
Book: The Great Gatsby
Film: Anchorman
Song: Rocket Man – Elton John

Your favourite food and drink?:
Food: Sushi
Drink: Negroni

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?:
A long, relaxed lunch with my feet in the sand with family and friends that slowly turns into sunset.

If you weren’t in this sector, what would your alternative profession be?:
I would be a doctor, as it is a profession where you are constantly helping people. It is also one of the most valuable forms of knowledge you can have—understanding the human body and being able to make a real difference in someone’s life.

Anything else interesting?:
I grew up in a hotel, which probably explains why I am so drawn to hospitality design. For me, design has never been just about aesthetics—it has always been about how spaces function, how they are experienced, and how they stay with people.

Interior Designer: Theresa Obermoser Design

Construction: Widerhofer Group

Photography: Vigo Jansons