In 2011, when Radisson Blu Anchorage Lagos debuted, it took the Lagos hotel market by storm with its quality service and facility offerings, competitive pricing and especially, the exquisite design and stunning location.
Today and after over a decade in business, guests are still stunned by the exquisite design of the hotel, with urban and lagoon styles.
Of course, credit goes to Moyo Ogunseinde, the designer of the hotel and executive director of Uraga Real Estate.
Moyo, an international real estate developer, is also a chartered architect, hospitality expert and a contributor to the business of sports. She is the founder of Upbeat, the first purposefully built trampoline center in West Africa; and Aga Culture, a design brand that promotes African culture through design and lifestyle products.
She also sits on the boards of Honeywell Group Nigeria, a leading Nigerian conglomerate and Anchorage Leisure Limited, owners of the Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Lagos and an advisory board member of Wavecrest College of Hospitality, Lagos.
As a sports leader, she served as a Board Member at the Lagos State Sports Trust Fund, and she is the chairperson of the Lagos State Gymnastic Association.
She is an advocate for creating spaces and thriving communities in hospitality, entertainment, education and sports sectors as well as highlighting the importance of empowering Africans through wealth creation and culture transformation for a more fulfilled and prosperous society.
Truly, Moyo is a woman of many parts, though with a special passion for hospitality.
However, the University College London trained architect, the Best Qualified Registered Architect by the Nigerian Institute of Architect and the Best Hospitality Designer at the Interior Design Excellence Award (IDEA), is further bringing to the limelight, the place of design in hospitality.
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Recently, the architect, whose passions include design in the hospitality sector, oversaw the revamp of rooms and the Business Lounge at Radisson Blu Anchorage to reiterate this importance.
According to her, the importance of design in the hospitality industry cannot be overstated. “It plays a critical role in shaping the guest experience, influencing perceptions, and contributing to business success,” she explained.
Highlighting the key aspects where design holds particular importance in the hospitality industry, Moyo said that ‘first impressions’ matter. According to her, design is often the first thing guests notice upon entering a hospitality venue, whether it is a hotel, restaurant, or resort. Therefore, an appealing and well-thought-out design, according to her, can create a positive first impression and set the tone for the guest’s entire experience.
“At Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel Lagos, our design philosophy ensures that from the moment guests enter our premises, they are greeted with an ambiance that reflects sophistication and style.
“The carefully curated pathway from the parking area leading to our lobby sets the tone for a memorable stay, with every detail thoughtfully crafted to provide opportunities for guests to capture them, thereby enhancing their overall experience right from the outset,” she said.
The second reason design matters in the hospitality industry, according to Moyo, is for brand identity and differentiation.
Through design, a hospitality business can express its unique brand identity, distinguishing itself from competitors, she explained, while noting further that design elements like architectural style contribute to a cohesive brand image that can attract and retain customers. “At our hotel, with a focus on style, sophistication, and iconicity, every aspect of our design, from logos to interior decor, reflects the essence of a Radisson Blu Hotel.
“By staying true to our design pillars, we ensure that guests immediately recognize and connect with our brand worldwide, setting us apart from competitors in the hospitality landscape,” she explained.
Atmosphere and ambiance are the third reasons, as design greatly influences the atmosphere of a space, affecting how guests feel during their stay. Citing an instance, she noted that lighting, colors, layout, and furnishings all work together to create a specific mood, whether it is cozy and intimate, luxurious and elegant, or fun and vibrant.
Also, the right atmosphere and ambiance can enhance the overall guest experience, encouraging repeat visits and positive reviews.
Bearing the above in mind, Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel aims to immerse guests in an atmosphere that captures the energy and cultural richness of its surroundings.
“Through carefully curated artwork, aesthetic choices, and strategic lighting, we create an ambiance that is both captivating and unique”.
Again, design is imperative in hospitality for functionality and flow.
Good design, according to her, also prioritizes functionality and ensures that spaces are not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical and easy to navigate. This includes considerations like the efficient layout of rooms, accessibility features, and thoughtful placement of amenities. Such design choices can significantly enhance guest comfort and satisfaction. “For instance, a simple but deliberate choice to have a satellite kitchen and food preparation area close to our Idera Event Centre where seamless service delivery is crucial, enhances functionality and contributes to elevated service delivery and guest satisfaction,” she added.
Sustainability is also key as increasingly, design in the hospitality industry also encompasses sustainability.
“As part of our commitment to sustainability, Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel Victoria Island integrates eco-friendly design practices into its operations. From utilizing sustainable materials to implementing energy-efficient systems, our design choices reflect our dedication to minimizing environmental impact.
“By aligning with the values of environmentally conscious guests, we not only foster conservation but also pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future”.
The last, but not the least for her is economic impact as effective design can also have a direct economic impact on a hospitality business. A well-designed space can maximize operational efficiency, contribute to higher occupancy rates, and allow for premium pricing, she noted.
Additionally, spaces that are visually appealing and comfortable, according to her, are more likely to be shared on social media, providing free marketing and further driving business success.
“For example, the recent renovation of our suites not only enhanced guests’ satisfaction but also increased their retail value, showcasing the tangible economic benefits of strategic design investment”, she pointed out.
In essence, she insisted that design is not merely a tool in the hospitality arsenal; but the very heartbeat that pulsates through every guest’s interaction, every brand’s touch point, and every business’ endeavor.
“It is a symphony of creativity and strategy, weaving together aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability to craft experiences that transcend the ordinary and linger in the hearts of all who encounter them.” she concluded.
Meanwhile, Uraga Real Estate is a subsidiary of the Honeywell Group, with numerous successful projects, the most popular being the luxurious flagship 5-star Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos.
