Designing Destinations Through People and Place: Raghavendra Shanbhag at Designuru 5.0

At Designuru 5.0 – Master Series, organised by the Institute of Indian Interior Designers (IIID) Designers, Bangalore Chapter (IIID BRC), Raghavendra Shanbhag, Associate Principal & Studio Director of Architecture at WATG, delivered a keynote that reframed destination design through the lens of people, place, and experience.

Traces to Translation: Design as Experience

Speaking under the theme “Traces to Translation,” Shanbhag emphasised that hospitality design begins and ends with people. Meaningful destinations, he noted, are shaped by experiences that resonate not only with guests, but also with residents, owners, investors, and the wider community—creating value across the entire ecosystem.

Crafting a Strong Design Narrative

Central to the session was the idea that every memorable place is anchored in a clear and compelling design narrative. By thoughtfully curating the guest journey, expressing a strong sense of place, translating brand identity from luxury to lifestyle, and aligning design intent with operational excellence, everyday interactions can be elevated into lasting memories.

Destination-Making as Connection

The discussion framed destination-making as an act of connection—linking past, present, and future, culture and context, and people with the environments they inhabit. From master planning to interior design, the shared objective remains to create spaces that uplift the human spirit, respect environmental context, and enrich daily life.

Case Studies in Contextual Hospitality

Select projects, including Banyan Tree Hann Lux, Hotel Wuxi – MGallery Hotel Collection, and Crowne Plaza Sanya Haitang Bay Resort, were cited as examples of site-specific storytelling. Each project demonstrated how context-driven narratives result in authentic, differentiated hospitality experiences.

Strategic Significance

The session concluded with an engaging exchange of ideas and a reconnection with industry peers, reinforcing the importance of dialogue in advancing design leadership. Shanbhag’s keynote underscored hospitality design as a strategic tool—one that transforms destinations by aligning people, place, and purpose.