It’s an exciting time to be part of the hospitality industry! As we get ready to head to ALIS CALA, we’re coming to the table with unique solutions for some of our client’s most pressing challenges surrounding resiliency, luxury and resort project typologies, and creating truly unforgettable guest experiences.
Planning buildings to withstand storms and meet increasing code and insurance requirements is critical for coastal developments. TVS is leading the way in the city of Charleston where compliance with FEMA’s most restrictive requirements is now required.
The Kimpton Hotel at Morrison Yard is the first building designed to meet these requirements while also satisfying local design standards that are often at odds — including street-front activation and screening of parking and building services. With no occupied spaces allowed at ground level, the building is raised and allows free flow of floodwater while engaging the street with porch-like terraced outdoor spaces that step from the sidewalk up to the building’s public areas.
The design avoids the look of a building perched upon sticks by cleverly continuing the building façade materials to the ground level with the use of break-away panels that comply with flood design criteria. These panels also screen ground level parking and building services that are allowable uses, making the most efficient use of the areas below occupiable levels and screening elements from view as required by local design ordinance.
With its grand opening in March, 2025, the Salterra is the latest Marriott Luxury Collection Resort and Spa TVS has had the privilege of designing. Located in Turks and Caicos, our architectural team took on the challenge of transforming an existing, partially complete property into a premier, luxury destination. Existing structures were transformed and expanded including a central building with a newly constructed porte cochere for guest arrival, and terraces creating outdoor experiences from the lobby and dining options.
The guestroom buildings were adapted to the new vision and program requirements including lanai extensions to ground level units making their engagement with the landscape a premium offering. The existing pool was incorporated into the expansive resort environment with organic forms flowing out to the beach.
Engaging the beachfront is a newly built restaurant composed of a variety of open-air pavilions for outdoor dining. Representing some of the ways the resort integrates with its context, a secluded spa’s design references traditional buildings of the area, with a treatment and wellness program inspired by the island’s history in producing salt.
Resort planning often involves a collection of buildings incorporating hotel and residential with a wide variety of uses. When a mix of hotel brands and/or residential uses is planned, core amenities of a resort including dining, spa, fitness, and pools are often available to all, while owners and premium resort areas may have exclusive amenities of distinction and privacy.
Creating a sense of place is key and can involve engagement with the environment and integration of local architecture and materials. It is important to understand the challenges and opportunities presented in servicing distributed buildings and exceeding elevated guests’ expectations.
Our experience designing resorts has included expansive sites with opportunities for generous pools and water gardens, and challenging mountainous terrain where layering the buildings across a slope can achieve dramatic ocean views for all.