"I literally begged for my first hotel job as I was fascinated by the industry. It’s been many, many years now and I’ve never wanted to change to another industry."
The world’s best hotel designers all have some things in common. They have a unique ability to conceptualise a feeling through design for a space that, often, doesn’t even exist. Couple this with understanding the complex machinations that come into play with a working hotel for both guests and staff and an innate love of travel, and it takes a very special type of person to bring luxury dwellings to life. One team who have been creating some of the most awe-inspiring properties across the globe for a number of years are Inge Moore and Nathan Hutchins, founders of Muza Lab. We sat down with them to discuss their passion for designing exceptional hotels.
Inge Moore: We wanted a platform to make a design laboratory that is focused on creating the very best in interior design.
Nathan Hutchins: We wanted an environment where we were fully engaged in all projects and clients.
IM: We previously worked for companies that designed hotels; I literally begged for my first hotel job as I was fascinated by the industry. It’s been many, many years now and I’ve never wanted to change to another industry. We have done a few projects in addition, but still love hotels.
NH: I grew up in the Caribbean and was always fascinated by hospitality and design. Working with hotels is the perfect mix of the two.
IM: You have to consider that lots of different people will use the space, and they all need to love it, be happy, and make memories there.
NH: People are (hopefully) in a more relaxed and playful state. Creating spaces that are a bit more whimsical than at home.
IM: We were inspired by the history of the original site; the nostalgia of glamour, the smell of summer, and the light of Athens. I am still truly in love with the site and the country itself.
NH: It’s a really special site – not just because of the beach and coves, but also because of the stunning trees and landscape.
IM: I am, by nature, a curious traveller; always searching, reading, researching, and asking why, how, and what. It takes a very specific kind of person to be like that, but if you are, then you see, learn and understand things that sometimes a local person doesn’t even see.
NH: It’s what keeps it interesting for us. Each place and site is unique, so we need to tap into that and play with each destination to bring that sense into the design. This includes researching and working with local craftspeople to add materials and unique pieces. For example, in the design of Finolhu, Baa Atoll Maldives, we incorporated elements from all over South Asia.
IM: These were both dream projects for travellers, as it’s not just about the destination but the journey. Space was the biggest challenge for us as we needed to create the dream in a tight space. It’s always important that the view while travelling is the key focus so that the experience is luxurious, but that you are equally not overwhelmed by all that surrounds you.
NH: Spaces are tight, but comfort is still important. It’s all about creating small but special spaces to enjoy the constantly changing environment.
IM: Creating custom pieces is what I like doing best but generally there are engineering issues with most of them. For example, creating huge sculptures but making sure they come in pieces so they fit through the door, or ensuring light fittings in glass and porcelain are not too heavy.
I tend to not take no for an answer as most project engineers say no before they even have thought about it. With that said, these difficulties make it the most rewarding when it all works out, and everyone is always so excited when these things are installed.
NH: Adapting to changes or late items at the last minute before a project opens is always a challenge. Very few projects happen perfectly, so it’s always the last minute challenges of moving items to suit the site rather than what was initially planned.
IM: A new project in the Maldives, one of my favourite places, creating unique rooms on a private island; KSA in the desert; a project in Italy on the seaside; another stunning chalet; and some other projects in Morocco are about to open too. We believe in absolute discretion, so watch our website for their openings.
NH: We’ve got great variety in our projects which makes it exciting for us.
IM: Reusing; repurposing; 3D printing everything from artefacts to buildings…all very exciting!
NH: Less tech.
IM: The view. The setting is what I want to see, not a long prepared intro from the hotel. I want a quick check in and to have the opportunity to discover and explore everything on my own time.
NH: Simplicity. Too many hotels are gimmicky. Luxury should not be complicated.
IM: I recently went to Iceland and stayed at Deplar Farm. The setting, facilities and service were all amazing!
NH: I had an incredible room at Ngala Tented Camp in South Africa. Our infinity pool looked out to the river and it was great for watching all the wildlife.
IM: Restaurant! I want to eat and then go to my room. I like the experience of people in a restaurant; the tabletop, nice glassware, and a drink at the bar first.
NH: Restaurant.
IM: Pool! I love swimming and water – the warmer the better.
NH: Pool at a beach hotel, spa at a city hotel.
IM: It’s bittersweet. It’s so lovely to see it all come together but our projects do last years. On One&Only Aesthesis in Athens, for example, we spent four years and then all of a sudden you walk away and you miss going there; the team you worked with so closely that become like family; the people in hotel across the road where we stayed during construction that always were kind and so happy to see us; and onto the next experience. We’re always proud and happy once each project is complete, but ready to create something new.
NH: It’s great to walk through a project when it first opens and see how the property comes to life.
Find out more about Muza Lab
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