For great hotels and memorable stays, the architecture matters

Discerning travelers have been known to choose a hotel based on the design, or post comments on social media about its architecture. And while this may not be common, owners and developers who work with Dallas-based architecture firm three can confirm that design matters more to a hospitality venue’s success than most people realize.

 

The recently published “The Best Resorts in Mexico: 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards” from Condé Nast Traveler provides a proof point: not one but two resorts designed by three for the Mayan Riviera made the list. Out of the thirty resorts chosen, Fairmont Mayakoba took the #13 spot, and the sensational Rosewood Mayakoba landed two spots higher at #11. Both also appeared in a CN Traveler Reader’s Choice list focusing on Eastern Mexico, while a Travel & Leisure list of the top 100 hotels in the world included Rosewood Mayakoba and another three-designed venue, Mahekal Beach Resort.

Guided by a stated mission of “design that lifts the human spirit,” three’s principals strive for a level of innovation, inspiration, and client service that has produced dozens of upscale, market-leading works. 

“Feelings are real, and considering them is critical when the goal is transformational architecture,” says Gary Koerner, AIA, founder and president of three and the force behind many of the firm’s most memorable and popular hotel and resort designs. “As designers it’s our job to find ways to conceive and deliver a property that connects with guests on an emotional level. Our success derives from the success of the developers, owners and operators we design for, who report to us that they enjoy significant repeat visits, guest loyalty, and good word-of-mouth.”

 

Renowned for designs that create memorable emotional connections, the internationally acclaimed architecture firm has a track record of designing highly successful properties in both the hospitality and senior living sectors. For the latter, according to architect and three principal Rocky Berg who leads the firm’s work on senior residential communities, the firm applies a similar approach to a different effect.

“High-end hospitality informs our senior living work, which at its core is residential but conceived to support exceptional hospitality services,” says Berg. “We apply the same principles, creating environments with emotional connections, tailoring the architecture to promote comfortable, purpose-filled lives.”