The Tennessean

Knoxville, Tennessee

Brand, Wayfinding and Art Merge in an Elegant Setting

The thematic vision for the hotel was inspired by the owner’s own residence which is positioned on the Tennessee River. Thus “the river” became the springboard for imagery that would populate the design in its many forms. A storybook was developed of antique river maps, aerial views of the rivers and abstract imagery of water in its many incarnations. 

The feature walls are composed of half-inch thick back painted glass with a river carved into it. The “river glass” winds its way behind the registration desk and through the elevator lobby. Another nod to the overall river theme in the lobby is an art installation of 1,500 books, each individually wrapped with book covers that when assembled together, create an aerial view of a massive river in vivid color.

The guestrooms present an oversized headboard that is framed and wrapped with large scale antique river maps. The custom carpet depicts an abstract graphic of a ripple of water. The furnishings package is comprised of case-goods finished in mahogany and silver leaf. The color palette continues the theme with deep blues and creams.

For the guest corridors, the team developed a custom carpet that references an abstract river and its movement. Again, large scale artwork is featured at each room and includes satellite views of rivers with vivid color.

For information about the Architecture and Interior Design our team provided for this project, please click the link above. 

Leadership