Insights into hospitality design: A conversation with dhki Senior Interior Designer Reynier Krause
31 October 2024
dhk Interior Design (dhki) is a leading interior architecture and design firm based in Cape Town, South Africa. The studio’s portfolio spans projects across the hospitality, commercial, education and residential sectors. The studio stands out for many reasons, one being its team of accomplished designers who are adept at translating each client’s unique needs into design solutions of a superb standard, aligned with global best practices.
Senior Interior Designer Reynier Krause is one member of this diverse and experienced team. In a wide-ranging interview, he offered interesting insights on hospitality design, his career journey, and what makes dhki special.
dhk content coordinator Simangele Mzizi (SM): Tell us a bit about yourself.
Reynier Krause (RK): I’m a creative and detail-oriented interior designer, passionate about transforming spaces into art. With 40 years of experience, including my years of study, I’ve built a strong foundation in presenting unique design options across Africa while staying true to each client’s vision. My work has focused on the hospitality sector, and over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of working on projects like Dornier Wine Estate and Hazendal Wine Estate. At Hazendal, we crafted a hospitality blueprint that, I believe, changed how wine farms operate, making it one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.
SM: What was your first introduction to interior design?
RK: It’s something I was drawn to from an early age. I studied interior design right after high school, did a year of architecture first but it wasn’t meant for me. Design back in the eighties was part of the art school, getting a degree only came much later. It was a fantastic introduction to art and design and a lot of fun. It was very different from what it is now, we had no computers, worked on drawing boards with paintbrushes, pencils and magic markers – all the things that have disappeared from our lives today. It was a different way of working and thinking.
SM: How would you describe your design style or what are the elements that define your style?
RK: Modern contemporary, always learning towards the classical.
SM: What do you enjoy about working on hospitality projects?
RK: Hospitality is a challenging and creative space. There are so many exciting and original projects all over the world, and it is a constant challenge to come up with something truly original, even when it feels like everything has been done before. It’s this creative challenge that I enjoy.
SM: What are some of the hospitality projects you’ve been involved in at dhki and what are you and the team currently working on?
RK: We’re a young company and this is our second year. There’s a big push to get new work, including hotels. We’ve just finished the Grand Hotel for Sun International, in collaboration with our sister company dhk Architects. The project has been well received and was even shortlisted for Best Interiors at the Africa Property Investment (API) Awards in September this year.
While hospitality is a key focus, we’re also branching out into other sectors. One of our biggest projects I’m currently involved in is for a corporate client in Windhoek. It’s not a hospitality project, but it’s an interesting process. We’re looking at restructuring a traditionally rigid corporate company into a modern agile workplace. The design revolves around the people in the building. You are not chained to your desk and encouraged to use the office like you would a small village. We’re essentially changing attitudes on a grand scale.
SM: Speaking of change, the hospitality industry is evolving rapidly as people seek unique and enriching experiences. How is this affecting your approach to design?
RK: There’s a dual functionality. People don’t just book into a hotel to look at the beach like we used to. There’s a new tourist who works and plays at the same time or “bleisure,” visitors. This requires dual-functionality spaces – rooms and communal areas equipped for remote work and collaboration, yet relaxing and social when needed.
Technology is also one of the most transformative forces in the hospitality sector. It’s shifting not just how spaces are designed but also how they’re used and experienced by guests. Today’s hotels, resorts, and lodges are no longer simply places to stay; they’re dynamic, multi-functional environments that must cater to a more diverse range of needs than ever before.
SM: There have been a few successful projects involving dhki and dhk Architects, including Cape Grace and Grand Hotel. What key factors have contributed to the success of these collaborative projects between the architectural and interior design teams?
RK: It’s easier to work together with your architectural team in the same space. From a time perspective, it saves a lot of time to have both teams in the same office and on the same page every day, working together and collaborating. An example has been our collaboration with the dhk team on projects in Mauritius and Seychelles. These have been incredibly successful; the turnaround time has been so fast and there’s no reason to pick up the phone. You get up and walk around the office saying, ‘may I’, ‘what are you doing’, ‘can I’ and you talk about it. There’s a greater synergy between co-located design teams.
SM: Where do you draw inspiration?
RK: The best inspiration for me still is travelling. Then there are the digital platforms, we’re tied to them and exposed to them all the time. You can’t pretend you don’t use them, because everyone does, and there is so much visual material out there. What always works best is finding an object or some personal aspect relating to your client or the building you are in that has historical value. Exploring the relationship between this object and your client and turning it into something special and unique is precious. I remember finding a Nguni hairpin while working on a project many years ago. We used it to make beautiful sculptural timber screens for a client’s office. That was 15 years ago, and I think she is still there and still enjoys those screens, it’s priceless. It was in the moment and there was a bit of luck. The important thing is to see the opportunity, make the connection and own it. The challenge is also to change the fate of the object and to do it convincingly.
SM: Finally, what do you think makes dhki stand out in the industry?
RK: Apart from being connected to dhk Architects, we are a diverse bunch of people. Not one of us is the same. We have different personalities and that’s always a plus; even if you don’t agree, the disagreement stimulates discussion and creativity. It’s always good to have opposing magnets.
The fact that we’re a young company is another unique factor. What we put out there is our absolute best, it’s not a half-hearted effort. Every effort is 120 percent because we’re competing against people who have been in the industry for a long time. It’s the hunger and the determination to move forward, with agility and optimism.
