After a competitive pitch, Designworks (part of STW Group) has been appointed to the largest interior design hotel project currently in New Zealand and a landmark project for Christchurch. The former Forsyth Barr building will be transformed in the next 18 months into Crowne Plaza  Christchurch – a 200 room hotel, with bars and restaurants.

 Partnering with developer MC Christchurch Holdings, Designworks will envisage and oversee all aspects of Spatial Design for the new hotel.

Michael Prentice, Designworks Christchurch managing director cites Designworks’ unique innovative approach to full customer experience design as coming together to secure this exciting project.

“Designworks offered MC Christchurch an approach that will see us integrate design thinking to deliver a unique experience for locals and guests to the hotel,” he explained.

Clark Pritchard Designworks group head of spatial design says: “Our approach brings interiors, technology, service, innovation and brand design together for our clients. The project is another exciting opportunity for us to bring the unique set of skills within Designworks together on one project.”

A spokesperson for MC Christchurch Holdings says that the project is an important one for Christchurch and Designworks demonstrated passion for the rebuild and an ongoing commitment to Christchurch.

“We’re looking forward to partnering with Michael, Clark and team to bring Crowne Plaza Christchurch to life. They brought a very fresh and unexpected approach that we saw true value in and we’re really excited about. They put together a project team with unique skills from across their offices in New Zealand specifically to meet the needs of our brief – no one else could offer that.”

Work on the project is underway with the hotel set to open in 2017.