The StandardX awarded Hotel of the Year at Design Inn Symposium

2025-05-07

07 May 25

The Design Inn Symposium examined the critical components of hospitality design, exploring the newest design ventures and evolving industry trends, and celebrated the most creative and innovative designs in the region.

The full-day conference hosted over 250 architects, designers, hoteliers and suppliers at the Hilton Adelaide on Tuesday 6 May, covering a range of topics from AI to adaptive reuse.

Woods Bagot took home two awards at the Design Inn Australasia Pacific Hotel Design Awards. The StandardX, Melbourne received the award for Hotel of The Year – New Build, as well as the top prize of the 2025 Paul Davis Award for the Australasia-Pacific Hotel of the Year.

Woods Bagot Associate Principal Sarah Alessi accepted the awards on behalf of Woods Bagot and Hecker Guthrie.

The judges said, “The jury felt that the StandardX, Melbourne was the standout new build hotel this year. This is a hotel that has boldly stayed true to its design narrative at every touchpoint.”

“From both an architectural and interior design perspective, the hotel has drawn inspiration from the surrounding neighbourhood to feel truly of place,” the judges continue. “The Corten facade is a nod to the industrial character of Fitzroy, with a scale and character that sits well in its context – whilst its bold colouring has made it an icon in the skyline.

“The inclusion of artworks and artefacts from local artists and makers are curated to create public space which feel lived in, and capture the vibrancy of Fitzroy, resulting in a guest experience which feels authentic and cool, as a lifestyle hotel should.”

Woods Bagot leaders were represented in the conference agenda, with principal Eva Sue presenting a design showcase on Adelaide’s first Marriott hotel, detailing the clever design details that pay tribute to the rich history of the location, at the heritage site of the GPO.

Woods Bagot Design Technology Leader Ashley Hastings participated in a debate on AI’s impact on the hospitality industry. Advocating for the merits of AI in design, Hastings argued for AI as a source of creativity and inspiration, without taking authorship and autonomy away from the designer.