Emilia Kenyon (She / Her)
As an interior designer I’m drawn to commercial design and striking the right balance between “Form and Function”. I believe that great design can reinforce brand values, it should complement and inspire connection. I’m passionately committed to sustainability and the opportunity to reinvent existing spaces, giving them new purpose, breathing new life. I will always seek to find the underlying story that links a space’s past to its future. I see digital solutions as being a great way to share ideas recognising that they must come from a thorough understanding of the client’s needs and expectations.
Project
Teachers Hotel Cooperative
In the heart of Glasgow just off Buchannan Street, in famed St Enoch Square, lie two listed buildings in desperate need of regeneration. The ambition for this project is to redevelop the landmark “ Teacher” Building and the adjoining Scottish National Bank Building into a vibrant boutique hotel. Featuring a design led retail space, an artisan bakery, destination whisky bar, visitor experience and creative space all in celebration of the buildings’ rich heritage.
The project tackles head on current issues from the global pandemic and climate change to urban renewal. Its focus is designed around what guests need now and into the future. Throughout there is a clear brand story which brings character and a sense of identity to the hotel.
The hotel boasts an ideal location sitting at the end of Glasgow’s most popular shopping street. The St Enoch Subway station is right on the doorstep allowing for easy access around the city, perfect for guests looking to explore Glasgow. Being so central guests won’t be short of options for dinner. The hotel purposefully does not feature a stuffy traditional restaurant, instead encouraging guests to go out to experience and support local businesses. Design conscious guests will be able to take in Glasgow’s many museums, galleries and theatres that lie within easy walking distance.
Guests can expect to come to the hotel and get treated like a local. They’re not that interested in the usual tourist spots, they want to experience the real city life. Tech savvy and with a love for affordable luxury. Teacher’s will attract young independent travellers who value design and brand association in their daily lives. Equally at home will be those less orthodox empty nesters with an insatiable appetite to experience new things. Whatever their motives departing guests will be leaving with a sense of having tasted the real Glasgow.
Clearly the buildings relationship with whisky remains as integral into the future as the role it played in its past. Telling stories and making connections helps to create memorable experiences, that’s why it’s being called “Urban Spirit”.
BAKERY
We’re all about sharing and collaborating so what better place to meet and break some bread? Our Urban Bakery features exciting combinations lovingly crafted from Scotland’s seasonal larder. We care about the impact that we leave on our natural world and seek out suppliers that share these same values. The aromas of artisan baking and coffee fill the air, our relaxed and informal vibe greets you across all hours of the day.
RETAIL
Do touch, do sit, do taste and absolutely do buy… We’ve distilled some of the very best in Scottish produce from furniture to fashion, wallpaper to whisky. We’re passionately promoting local designers and have purposefully blended our public spaces so that they flow, encouraging you to linger, discover and share inspiring conversations. Be it a wee gift or memento or that stand out piece for your home; you’ll find it here.
BEDROOMS
The Teacher Hotel is a modern day “Design Cooperative” featuring 33 stylish bedrooms imbibed with “Urban Spirit”. Each room is individual in nature featuring prints and pieces produced by some of Scotland’s best creatives. Fashionable simplicity is key to our ethos with Rain Showers and underfloor heating, warm timber hues, deep carpeting and textured fabrics all sustainably sourced for you.
CREATIVE SPACE
Things have changed of late, perhaps the same old 9 to 5 isn’t quite what it was. We’ve therefore created a space where people can come together, learn and collaborate. A new way of working to suit your flexible needs, equipped with the latest technologies for you to reach out across to virtual partners in far flung places. But it’s not all work and no play, our Creative Space is a venue to enjoy, to listen to live music and drift away.
WHISKY BAR
This amber golden liquid is quite literally stamped on this famous Enoch Square landmark. What better place to come and learn about the art of blending, something that Teacher’s have been perfecting for over 170 years. Now part of the international Beam Suntory Group, Teacher’s remains resolutely Glaswegian. Visit our roof top terrace and be taken on a whisky flight by our knowledgeable team. Settle in, dram in hand, and relax.
