Upscale Wits
The Moxy Hotel Experience in Virginia Beach
For my Studio 2 project, I had the opportunity to design a hospitality space for The Moxy hotel brand, located in the vibrant setting of Virginia Beach, Virginia. This project marked a significant milestone in my interior design journey as I modeled and rendered entirely using digital software, including Revit, Enscape, and Procreate. Beyond capturing the lively and youthful energy of the Moxy brand, I embraced the challenge of incorporating ADA accessibility into my design by creating an ADA-compliant guest suite. Through extensive site and client research, mood board development, and an exploration of the textures and colors inspired by the beach, I crafted a dynamic yet sophisticated space that invites guests to relax and immerse themselves in a refined coastal experience.
Client: The Moxy Hotel
Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Year: September-November 2023
Application: Revit, Enscape, & Procreate
The Upscale Wits of the Moxy Hotel are inspired by the Virginia Beach ocean and the youthful personalities that adventure there. The space reflects the bubbliness of its visitors but with a sophisticated touch. The design allows people to flow through the space and experience all of the different textures and burstful colors that it embraces. The textures are inspired by driftwood from the beach and the color palette from the ocean. The Upscale Wits is a place where younger and more spirited ones can relax and enjoy the classy offerings of the beach side Moxy Hotel.
The Process
Laying the Groundwork for a Coastal Hospitality Experience
The design process for The Upscale Wits began with a thorough client, building, and site analysis. Understanding The Moxy’s vibrant brand identity and the unique energy of Virginia Beach was essential in shaping my approach. I studied the site’s architectural context, environmental factors, and the youthful, adventurous demographic that the hotel caters to. From this research, I developed mood boards that captured the essence of the Virginia Beach coastline—combining driftwood-inspired textures, oceanic hues, and playful yet refined design elements. These foundational steps allowed me to establish a clear concept and design direction that resonated with the Moxy brand and its spirited clientele.
Analysis Images
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The Concept
After completing my initial site, building, and client analysis, I translated my findings into a carefully curated mood board. This visual tool captured the essence of RuPaul and his husband’s personalities, blending bold, vibrant colors with sophisticated neutrals to reflect their love for bright hues and varied shades of beige. The mood board also incorporated textures, patterns, and materials inspired by the surrounding environment, creating a cohesive design direction that balanced their dynamic energy with the tranquil Bluffton setting. This step was crucial in establishing the aesthetic and emotional tone for the project.
Schematic Design
Shaping the Vision for The Upscale Wits
Building on my research and concept development, I entered the schematic design phase to bring The Upscale Wits to life. This stage involved creating bubble diagrams, adjacency diagrams, and block diagrams to explore spatial relationships and optimize the hotel’s layout. I produced initial drafts of floor plans, reflected ceiling plans (RCPs), and furniture layouts, ensuring that the design met both aesthetic and functional goals. Additionally, I sketched early visualizations of key spaces, integrating the vibrant textures and colors inspired by the Virginia Beach coastline. Each element was thoughtfully crafted to reflect The Moxy’s brand identity while accommodating the practical needs of a hospitality environment.
Schematic Design Images
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Concept Application Sketch
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Concept Application Sketch
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Final Plans & Elevations
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Level One Rendered Furniture Plan
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ADA Guest Suite Rendered Furniture Plan
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The Final Design Renderings
Furniture & Finishes
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