An Evaluation of Hotel Design Practice

Abstract

Levels of investment in hotel design projects are huge. During 1986 the hotel industry worldwide spent over $2 million with the thirty-six largest design companies. This article examines and establishes design as an important function, and reports on the design management practices of seven major UK hotel companies. A pilot survey shows that contract designers play a major role within the hotel design process. This article highlights the structure of services offered and puts forward the views of the five main hotel design contractors participating in the survey on how the hotel companies manage this process. Both hoteliers and designers noted the need for more effective management of resources invested in design. Their suggestions are formalised into a set of initiatives on which both parties could take action.