Ness Walk presented the challenge of transforming a 19th-century Grade B listed building and contemporary extension into a refined five-star hotel experience on the banks of the River Ness. Working as lead interior designer, our role extended beyond aesthetics. The project was approached through the lens of hospitality interiors shaped by brand, behaviour and operational thinking considering not only how the hotel should look, but how it should feel, function and be continuously experienced across every guest interaction.

Early concept and feasibility thinking focused on emotional continuity throughout the guest experience: how guests arrive, orientate themselves, transition through spaces, dwell, relax and reconnect with the hotel over the course of their stay. Rather than designing isolated moments, the aim was to create a calm, intuitive experience ecosystem where architecture, interiors, atmosphere and operations worked seamlessly together.

Public spaces were carefully choreographed to encourage comfort, connection and lingering. A sculptural granite reception desk anchors the arrival sequence, while layered lounge spaces, open fires and softly lit bar and restaurant settings create moments of warmth and behavioural ease throughout the hotel. Tall Victorian windows strengthen the relationship between interior and landscape, allowing the surrounding Highlands to become part of the guest experience itself.

Across the 47 bedrooms and suites, the interiors draw inspiration from the seasonal tones and textures of the Highlands. Soft palettes, bespoke detailing, locally sourced granite and brass accents combine to create spaces that feel restorative, understated and quietly luxurious. Generous natural light, clear spatial layouts and carefully integrated operational details ensure the experience feels effortless for guests while supporting the practical realities of hotel operations behind the scenes.

Wayfinding, lighting, materiality and spatial rhythm were considered not as separate design layers, but as part of a connected hospitality experience designed to reduce friction, support emotional comfort and encourage repeat engagement with the hotel.

The result is a hospitality environment that feels timeless yet contemporary. A hotel experience shaped around emotional continuity, behavioural understanding and operational clarity as much as visual refinement. Ness Walk was awarded five-star accreditation by VisitScotland in 2019 and continues to set a benchmark for boutique hospitality in Inverness.