Concept Architects | Interior Designers | Spatial Designers | Bespoke Detailing Specialists
Your Vision,
Our Expertise, Experience,
Unforgettable Results
Mokuti Etosha Lodge
CONCEPT ARCHITECT | DESIGN PRINCIPLE | INTERIOR DESIGNER
Midgard Country Estate
DEISNGN PRINCIPLE | INTERIOR ARCHITECT
Mokuti Etosha Lodge
CONCEPT ARCHITECT | DESIGN PRINCIPLE | INTERIOR DESIGNER
Chobe Water Villas
CONCEPT ARCHITECT | DESIGN PRINCIPLE | INTERIOR DESIGNER
A full-service, solution-driven,
Cape Town-based,
Interior Architecture & Spatial Design Consultancy, specialising in
HOSPITALITY, LEISURE & WELLNESS
HOSPITALITY • LEISURE • WELLNESS • HOSPITALITY • LEISURE • WELLNESS • HOSPITALITY • LEISURE • WELLNESS • HOSPITALITY • HOSPITALITY • LEISURE • WELLNESS • HOSPITALITY • LEISURE • HOSPITALITY • LEISURE • WELLNESS • HOSPITALITY • LEISURE • HOSPITALITY • LEISURE • WELLNES • HOSPITALITY HOSPITALITY • LEISURE • WELLNESS • HOSPITALITY • LEISURE • WELLNESS
Ayla Bawadi Hotel (4-star) - AL AIN - UAE
Design Principle | Interior Architect
OUR PROCESS
Full Service
From concept to completion, we oversee every aspect of your project to seamlessly blend architecture, interiors, and landscapes, customized to meet your preferences and requirements.
Basic Service
From crafting buffet and bar counter designs to optimizing lighting and addressing acoustic challenges, we provide cost-effective solutions for all your interior design essentials.
01 - BRIEF
Discover
During the discovery phase, we engage in close collaboration with our clients to understand their needs, desires, goals, and objectives—ranging from theoretical concepts to practical considerations. In refurbishments, I perform thorough site inspections to pinpoint effective and inspirational design solutions, ensuring optimal results for both guests and staff.
02 - CONCEPT
Imagine
This marks the intersection where creativity, functionality, and aesthetics seamlessly converge, guided by a pragmatic and logical understanding of design. Every element is orchestrated to conceptually solidify the outcomes of the 'discovery' process.
03 - SCHEMATIC DESIGN
Illustrate
In this stage, we intricately describe the overall layout and key features of the design in a three-dimensional representation. Using colour images, detailed furniture layouts, sketches, and specialized detailing, we present proposed furniture, fabrics, and finishes. The information provided is comprehensive enough for a Quantity Surveyor (QS) or contractor to confidently establish a high-level budget.
04 - DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
Develop
Every intricate detail of each aspect of the project, encompassing layouts, details, finishes, furnishings, and equipment, is established, documented, and incorporated into the designs. Simultaneously, coordination with other project consultants is initiated to ensure smooth integration and synergy.
05 - DOCUMENTATION
DOCS
We prepare comprehensive documentation for both tender and construction phases, covering blockwork, furniture, ceiling, floor finishes, lighting, and electrical layouts. This includes detailed elevations, specifications, and schedules for finishes, sanware, ironmongery, and doors. My specifications extend to artwork, accessories, and tabletop selections, and I offer guidelines on uniforms and brand collateral.
06 - CONSTRUCTION & INSTALLATION
BUILD
We actively supervise the construction and installation process in collaboration with the project manager and main contractor. I maintain close coordination with subcontractors, suppliers, and procurement agents, ensuring the realization of the overall design intent.
"Is your establishment encountering design challenges compromising staff morale, guest experience, and your bottom line?"
We have the solution . . .
SPACE PLANNING
Do the layouts of the various areas in your establishment create a seamless flow, while the placement of key elements such as reception desks, seating arrangements, and service stations not only prioritizes functionality but also maximizes efficiency for staff, all while delivering a sensational experience for your guests?
LIGHTING
Is your establishment equipped with lighting designs that not only set the desired mood, enhance visibility, and highlight focal features but also offer various adjustable options to suit different occasions and times of the day?
ACOUSTICS
Is the design of your establishment prioritizing and incorporating noise reduction levels in both public and private spaces, aiming to create more comfortable environments for guests in areas such as the restaurant, reception lobby, bar, and guestrooms?
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Are your buffet, self-service stations, and bar counters designed to be organized and ergonomically user-friendly, while service areas for chefs, waitstaff, and bartenders ensure a smooth workflow with minimized bottlenecks?
SUSTAINABILITY
Is there a priority on sustainability and eco-friendly designs within the various spaces of the establishment, considering everything from materials to power-hungry lighting and OS&E, and implementing practices that actively reduce the environmental impact of the space?
FLEXIBILITY & ADAPTABILITY
Are there flexible furniture arrangements and multipurpose spaces in your establishment that are adaptable and versatile, capable of accommodating various types of guest requirements while being easily reconfigurable for hosting conferences, weddings, or private events?
TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION
Is technology seamlessly integrated into all areas of the establishment, recognizing its essential role in enhancing functionality, connectivity, and the overall guest experience?
BESPOKE DESIGNED MILLWORK
Do the bar, reception, and buffet counters, along with waiter and beauty therapist stations, including all guestroom furniture, seamlessly integrate functionality, durability, aesthetics, and technology, while aligning with a hotel's brand identity and meeting all accessibility requirements?
OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY
Have all operational aspects, including housekeeping, maintenance, and service areas, been considered to facilitate efficient cleaning, storage, and maintenance procedures, with back-of-house areas designed to be functional and organized, supporting staff operations?
CULTURAL SENSITIVITY
Does the design of your institution take local cultural nuances into account, ensuring both respect and appeal towards the local clientele are maintained while reflecting a strong sense of place for foreign guests?
ACCESSIBILITY
Has the prioritization of compliance with accessibility standards, including the provision of accessible routes, ramps, and amenities for individuals with disabilities, been considered in your establishment?
BRAND IDENTITY & THEME
Is the creation of a distinctive brand identity and a compelling hotel interior theme contributing to a memorable experience for guests, building a strong brand image, and ultimately enhancing customer loyalty?
Interior Design Services
Design Union offers an extensive range of interior design services customised to fit any budget, project timeline, or logistical challenge, all while maximising existing resources.
We firmly believe that each thoughtful investment yields substantial returns.
Our services encompass the following:
Chobe Water Villas - NAMIBIA
Design Union - Concept Architects | Design Principle | Interior Architects
Design Union Showcase
&
collaborative projects throughout
Jan Lewis's career
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Mokuti Etosha Lodge - NAMIBIA
Midgard Country Estate - NAMIBIA
Ayla Grand Hotel & Apartments - UAE
White Lily Manor & Spa - NAMIBIA
Chobe Water Villas - NAMIBIA
Ayla Bawadi Hotel - UAE
Oaks Liwa Executive Suites - UAE
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Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri - UAE
Sheraton Khalidiya Hotel - UAE
Royal Livingstone - ZAMBIA
Royal Mirage - One & Only - UAE
Le Telfair - MAURITIUS
Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort - UAE
O.R Tambo Intercontinental - JHB
Table Bay Hotel - CAPE TOWN
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Park Hyatt - UAE
Palace of the lost city - RUSTENBERG
Holiday Inn - MOZAMBIQUE
a little about me
Solve spatial design challenges with an experienced interior architect's multidisciplinary approach.
"Transforming Spaces, Elevating Experiences, Driving Profitability within the Hospitality, Leisure & Wellness Sectors.
How can I assist . . .
Established in 2008 by Jan Lewis, Design Union delivers specialised consulting and design services to the Hospitality, Leisure, and Wellness sectors. Jan Lewis brings a wealth of expertise to every project, having laid the foundation for Design Union during an illustrious eight-year tenure as design principal at Wilson & Associates (USA), South African office — one of the world's leading interior architectural giants.
As an interior architect with a background in fine arts, Jan has left an indelible mark on the interiors of renowned international hotels, resorts, casinos, spas, and restaurants. His extensive experience has been honed in environments where luxury is not just a concept but is meticulously crafted and transformed into a monetized reality.
What sets Jan's designs apart is their unwavering commitment to honouring the complete human experience. From the fundamental need to feel valued, acknowledged, and esteemed, to the intricate fulfilment of both conscious and unconscious needs, the spaces crafted by Jan Lewis exemplify a harmonious balance of artistry and functionality.
"Architecture is really about well-being. I think people want to feel good in a space" Zaha Hadid
