Small Hotels and Travel-inspired Design: a Dialogue with Emerging Creatives
Melis Eruz, a Freelance Architect and Interior Designer, and Achille Meyvis, an Interior and Product Designer at Vincent Van Duysen, are talented young creatives who founded Studio Mavis and Meyvis Design, respectively. Based in Germany and Belgium, their multidisciplinary studios focus on architecture, interior design, object design, photography, and travel.
Inspired by raw materials, modern living, timeless elegance, and natural light, their work draws from pristine landscapes, their travels, and their creative worldview.
We met unexpectedly at Villa Gorgognano in Certado, a charming Italian agriturismo run by architect Antonella Saletti, in the beautiful Tuscan countryside during an autumn trip. The 19th-century walls of Villa Gorgognano became a space of connection, where we exchanged thoughts on life, travel, spaces, and photography. In this dialogue, Melis and Achille share their sensory approach to architecture, travel, sustainability, and design.
Sensory Travel: AS TRAVELERS, WHAT DOES TRAVEL BRING TO YOUR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LIVES?
Melis: Growing up between two cultures made travel a core part of my life from the start. As a child, I’d spend hours on Google Earth, virtually exploring streets and destinations I dreamed of visiting. I often flew to my family’s hometown, and later, I traveled alone, capturing my journeys with a camera. At 18, I took my first long flight to Los Angeles, then Mexico, which ignited my passion for travel. I’ve always known that travel would be part of my career, or at least a constant in my life.
Achille: Moving from Belgium to Italy with my family as a young boy felt like an endless vacation at first. Over time, attending school, learning the language, and settling in made it feel like a true second home. As a child and early teenager, I wasn’t much of a traveler, probably because I appreciated the small details, comfort, and beauty of everyday life. A bit of laziness in planning might have also played a role. Later, my passion for photography led me to explore new places, finding inspiration in different cultures and countries. Now, with Melis, travel is something we cherish deeply—a way to merge our love for culture, art, and food into meaningful experiences.
ST: What do you look for in a hotel when traveling for leisure?
We prefer staying near the city center but not directly in the middle—rather in a quiet side street with easy access to major sights. We are drawn to places that feel calm and unhurried, featuring open spaces with thoughtful design, minimal use of toned-down materials, and colors. A modern style and warm-toned lighting that creates a soft, cozy atmosphere in the evenings are also important to us.
ST: How do you define a ‘design hotel,’ and how is it different from a standard one?
A design hotel should be a space where every detail is intentionally crafted for both function and aesthetics. It’s not about using a wide variety of materials but carefully selecting the right ones. The layout and flow of the room should feel intuitive and natural, creating a seamless spatial experience.
st: Do you believe travelers are becoming more conscious of the environmental impact of their accommodations?
Yes, travelers are increasingly aware of their environmental footprint. However, only a minority consistently prioritize sustainability when choosing where to stay. Many show interest in eco-friendly practices, but not all are ready to change their habits or pay extra for them.
For us as designers, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. It motivates us to create hotels that are not only environmentally responsible but also so appealing through design, comfort, and experience, while making sustainability a natural aspect of the guest journey rather than a compromise.
ST: How do you bring sustainability into your architecture and interior design choices?
We aim to craft spaces that are both beautiful and responsible, with each decision honoring quality, sustainability, and local culture. This means selecting durable, high-quality furniture pieces that stand the test of time, incorporating natural ventilation systems such as shutters and mosquito nets, and avoiding single-use items altogether.
Project: 'Toprak Ev', Urla, Turkey | Studio Mavis & Meyvis Design
Project: 'Toprak Ev', Urla, Turkey | Studio Mavis & Meyvis Design
ST: What sensory elements do you think are key when designing for guest experience in hospitality?
We prefer using smaller lights scattered throughout a room rather than relying on one large pendant with overwhelming brightness. This creates a cozy atmosphere and draws attention to unique details in materials and shapes. Light is one of the most important elements in any space; it sets the mood, highlights design, and, of course, allows us to see. A simple shift in lighting can completely transform the vibe and atmosphere.
Sound also deeply influences our perception of a space — think of the gentle splash of pool water or rustling tree leaves. In Moroccan architecture, for example, it’s common to place a water feature at the heart of a riad. The quiet dripping of water fills the courtyard, enveloping the entire space in a serene atmosphere.
Texture—the ability to see and feel materials—is key to interior design. The roughness of a stone wall or the warmth of a wooden floor’s reflections adds tactile richness. These qualities can transform a flat surface into an endlessly engaging element, revealing new dimensions under different lighting conditions.
ST: If you could design a hotel anywhere in the world with complete freedom, where would it be and what would it look like?
Melis: There are several places I’ve visited where I’d love to design and build a boutique hotel. But nothing compares to my roots on Turkey’s Aegean coast, with its cliffs, olive groves, and beautiful sea.
I envision a hotel that blends into this natural landscape rather than dominates it. The architecture would be minimal yet tactile, using local stone, timber, and lime plaster. Spaces would flow smoothly between inside and outside, with shaded courtyards, open terraces, and pathways leading directly to the water.
It wouldn’t be a huge building but a series of intimate pavilions, designed to feel like part of the coastline itself. The heart of it all would be the spirit of Aegean hospitality, with evenings around shared tables enjoying olive oil dishes, mezes, fresh seafood, and the ritual of a glass of raki at sunset.
Achille: If I could design a boutique hotel in the fjords, I’d imagine a place of quiet immersion in nature. The landscape itself—with its tall cliffs, mirrored waters, and shifting northern light—would be the main feature.
The architecture would remain deliberately understated. Small, modern pavilions would be scattered across the terrain, each positioned to capture a unique view of the water or mountains. Large windows, natural wood and stone surfaces, and warm interiors would create a balance of openness and shelter.
The experience would be one of intimacy and tranquility. Guests could retreat into cozy spaces with fireplaces and soft lighting. It wouldn’t be about luxury in the traditional sense but about the rare luxury of stillness, reflection, and a close connection to nature.
Project: 'Toprak Ev', Urla, Turkey | Studio Mavis & Meyvis Design
Project: 'Toprak Ev', Urla, Turkey | Studio Mavis & Meyvis Design
ST: Do you have a dream project or something upcoming you are especially excited about?
Melis: Realising my Aegean-inspired dream project and developing my own crafts.
Achille: Designing my own furniture and lighting for brands like Flos and Vitra, and I have an upcoming hospitality project in Rome.
ST: What is the most unforgettable place you’ve visited, and why did it stay with you?
Melis: Mexico is one of the most unforgettable destinations I’ve visited. I was impressed by its diversity—from natural reserves like Sian Ka’an to the pristine island of Holbox, and the vibrant energy of Mexico City and Puebla. The richness of the culture, the food, the warmth of the people, and the way the architecture and colors of the cities come together create an inspiring atmosphere. What lingered with me most was visiting Popocatépetl, the active volcano. Standing so high that the clouds were at the same level, watching locals encourage each other along the hills, was a powerful experience that left a lasting impression on me.
Achille: One of the most unforgettable places I’ve visited is Morocco, especially Essaouira and the coastal villages of Imsouane and Taghazout. Surfing there and discovering the rich food culture made the experience truly special. It was also where I started documenting my travels with pictures and videos, which gave me a new way of seeing and connecting with a place. That mix of adventure, culture, and creativity made it unforgettable for me.
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