How does designing a member’s club require a different approach to other hospitality projects?
“Member’s clubs are unique in that there’s a sense of ownership from the audience. Even if you don’t know all of the members inside, you’ll recognise people, and there’s a feeling of familiarity and homeliness. Equally, if you’re visiting as a guest of a member, they will show you the space in a way that feels personal to them, so you’re seeing it through their eyes.”
“We’ve worked on over 20 member’s clubs and so I think we bring a lot of experience on how to create an environment that is constantly evolving. Originally, these spaces were built for doing business, but in modern life, we don’t work in offices in the same way, and so member’s clubs have become ever-changing spaces that have to suit all different moods and situations.”
A bedroom at Home HousePatricia Portman
Do you think social media has affected your approach to design?
“I’m wary of platforms like Instagram that offer one view of a space, which isn’t always authentic to the reality of spending time in that space. Unfortunately, these days I think that a lot of interiors almost look better without people in them – which is a real shame!
“To me, it’s incredibly important to create an experience. Instagram is just a photo, and it should feel as good as it looks. An example of this for House 21 is the backroom dance floor we created for parties. Once it gets later, the staff can roll back a big rug, and underneath, you’ll find multi-coloured lights sunken into the wooden floor. It looks so fun, but it really works in real life and ensures the members are having a good time, too.”
The Duke of Atholl Suite at Home House
