Super 8 by Wyndham is launching a new campaign to attract aspiring hospitality designers to the economy segment.
The brand's debut Room8 Design Challenge is meant to "bring a fresh perspective to shared hotel accommodations," the company stated in a statement. Designers can submit original design renderings for what eventually will become the brand's new Room8 (pronounced roommate) room concept.
The winning candidate will refine and evolve his or her initial design alongside interior designer and TV personality Alison Victoria and will receive a $10,000 design fee upon successful completion of the project.
Once selected, the winning designer will participate in a series of virtual consultations with Victoria and Super 8, followed by a trip to New York City to unveil the final, evolved design.
A prototype of the final concept will be created with a commercial-grade assortment from Wayfair Professional, Wayfair's program for business customers, before being piloted at select Super 8 hotels across the U.S. and Canada.
"We're giving aspiring designers a chance to try their hand at flipping Super 8 hotel suites across the country into modern co-living spaces for a new generation of road trippers," Victoria said in a statement. "This project is an exciting opportunity to incorporate the hottest global movement in travel to an iconic American brand through smart design. Our winning candidate will bring to the table a practical, space-optimizing concept that aligns seamlessly with Super 8's newly elevated look and feel."
Through July 20, applicants can visit www.super8.com/ROOM8 to learn more and submit their formal application. The challenge is open to all aspiring designers, with experts in co-living—such as college students, graduates and urbanites—highly encouraged to apply.
The creation of Room8 comes on the heels of the completion of the largest redesign in Super 8 brand history, a multiyear effort during which the brand's hotels across the U.S. and Canada invested more than $100 million into room renovations.
Design and Rendering Requirements
- Must be for a room of approximately 23 feet 10 inches long by 16 feet wide and 7 feet 6 inches high.
- Must include a minimum of three angles, including one top down view of the space
- Must align with Super 8's $100 million room refresh, pulling through key colors and aesthetics, including the brand's black and white art
- Must accommodate four or more guests, with individual sleeping accommodations for each guest
- Must include social space allowing for guest interaction and should include a large TV (ideally also visible from beds) and unique, unexpected elements that encourage socialization (e.g. foosball table, classic video games, board and card games, etc.)
- Must include an apartment-size refrigerator/microwave, multiple outlets, a telephone and storage for clothes/luggage
- Must leverage elements from the current Super 8 room design or those available via Wayfair
- Approximate cost for furnishing the full room should not exceed $5,000
Applicant Qualifications
- Must be 18 years or older to apply
- Must be a resident of the U.S. or Canada (excluding Quebec) with valid identification
- Ability to travel domestically in September 2019 to meet designer Alison Victoria
The Perks
- $10,000 design fee upon successful completion of the project
- Mentorship from designer Alison Victoria
- Trip to New York City to meet designer Alison Victoria (hotel, economy air, transportation and meals)
- Wyndham Rewards Diamond membership
- Reference from a Super 8 by Wyndham executive
For more information on the challenge, including official rules and how to apply, designers can visit www.super8.com/Room8.