Kennedy Nolan Architects has completed the Melbourne Place Hotel, a new independent boutique hotel that represents a comprehensive design approach encompassing both architecture and interior design. The 11,272 square meter project, completed in 2024, showcases what the architects describe as a "complete design" philosophy, where a single team handled all aspects from building design to brand development.
The project involved extensive collaboration between Kennedy Nolan Architects and several key partners, including client Josh Taylor, brand agency Studio Round, and Hotel Managing Director Tracy Atherton. Lead architects Patrick Kennedy, Rachel Nolan, and Michael Macleod worked alongside team members Jacky Oro, Shin Kil, Elizabeth Campbell, Adriana Hanna, Jack Lawrence, Candice Chan, Danny Truong, Annie Paxton, Han Wu, and Dorothea Yannoulidis to realize the vision.
According to the architects, the design of the building, interiors, and hotel brand informed each other from the project's inception, creating a cohesive identity expressed throughout every aspect of the physical structure. This integrated approach ensures that the hotel's unique character is reinforced and amplified at every level, from urban-scale architectural elements down to the smallest hardware details.
The architects emphasized their focus on maintaining consistent sensibilities around space, volume, light, color, texture, and detail throughout the project. This comprehensive vision lends what they describe as "a sense of substance" to the hotel, where each design element works together to create a unified experience for guests and visitors.
The project utilized high-quality materials including concrete and brick, reflecting the architects' commitment to creating a substantial and enduring structure. The material palette was carefully selected to complement the overall design philosophy and contribute to the hotel's distinctive character within Melbourne's hospitality landscape.
Photography of the completed project was captured by Derek Swalwell, Anson Smart, Sean Fennessy, and Kristoffer Paulsen, documenting the successful realization of Kennedy Nolan Architects' integrated design approach. The Melbourne Place Hotel stands as an example of how comprehensive design thinking can create distinctive hospitality spaces that express a clear identity through every architectural and interior design decision.
