Charlotte, N.C.-based interior design firm DesignBar, is expanding into the lodging space. Under the leadership of Monika Nessbach, the team will take its 14 years of design excellence to bring its “edgy elegance” approach to the hotel industry. Raised near Köln, Germany, Nessbach favors modern and postmodern design of innovative spaces for the commercial building industry that evoke emotional responses through dynamic experiences.
“Our goal is for hotel guests to feel emotionally connected to the property,” Nessbach said in a statement. "We encourage interaction with our environments by creating memorable experiences within our designed spaces. This philosophy not only creates competitive advantage for hotel owners, it fosters guest satisfaction and loyalty.”
DesignBar has worked on restaurant, bar and multifamily spaces for more than a decade. Projects include the Avana Red Run apartments, the Runaway Whiskey & Wine Bar and Figo 36 in Charlotte.
“So much of what is seen in the commercial design space feels mundane and expected, with little distinction from design house to design house,” said Nessbach. “This is, in part, due to the idea of just checking boxes and settling for the bare minimum. When you walk into a space designed by DesignBar, it is very clear that boundaries are pushed and each creative decision is rooted in storytelling, leading to a unique guest experience."