In Conversation with: Kate Mooney, OCCA Design

From delivering cutting-edge solutions for high-end residences to creating standout identities for luxury hotels entering new territories, Kate Mooney reveals the passion and principles driving OCCA’s groundbreaking projects and discusses the value of sheltering interior design, procurement and branding under one stunning roof in the studio’s new Glasgow HQ.

Hotel Designs: Kate, how does your experience in retail add value to OCCA Design as a leading design studio?

Kate Mooney: I think any interior designer in the hotel design arena who has experience in other sectors sees the value when it comes to the layers they are able to create in their projects. For me, working in the fast-paced and competitive space of retail design – and being one of the early pioneers in taking design into commerce – has kept me on my toes when building the design studio. To be honest, though, the biggest value is my team. So many of my team back then now work at OCCA Design. Utilising in what they specialise in, whether that’s procurement, branding or interior architecture, and making those the pillars for OCCA Design has been incredible. By doing this, we were able to not only add value to what we can offer, but it also meant that I was building a team who I could really trust – and that has been imperative to the growth of the studio.

image credit: OCCA Design

HD: How does OCCA Design balance functionality and aesthetics in its projects?

KM: At OCCA, we seamlessly merge functionality with beauty, because we are working in the world of luxury design. While our portfolio spans high-end hotels, we also specialise in creating extraordinary living spaces at the pinnacle of luxury in peoples’ homes. In these residential projects, every element we design and specify must not only perform flawlessly but also align perfectly with the overarching design language and architectural narrative.

Interestingly, the line between luxury hotel design and opulent residential design has become increasingly blurred in recent years. Today, our approach to both is nearly identical, blending meticulous attention to detail and unmatched refinement. However, designing for residential clients adds a more intimate, personal touch, tailoring each project to reflect their unique lifestyle and aspirations. The stakes, if you like, are much higher as a designer.

Image credit: Combe Royal

HD: How does your team approach working with clients to bring their vision to life while maintaining OCCA’s design signature?

KM: Every project we undertake is built on a foundation of conversations – they are honest, collaborative, and always evolving throughout the project. From the initial meeting to the final snagging, our dialogue with clients drives the creative process. It’s not just about understanding their vision; it’s also about, where relevant, challenging it constructively. We explore every design possibility, engage with other experts on the project, and ensure our approach surpasses our clients’ expectations.

At OCCA, we may not have a rigid ‘signature,’ as such, but what defines us is our commitment to creating a rich design narrative. Each project tells its own story, layered with textures, materials and details that evoke a profound sense of place and personality. It’s this thoughtful, bespoke approach that, I would argue, makes every project unmistakably ‘OCCA’.

Image credit: OCCA Design

HD: Why was it important to shelter interior design, procurement and branding experts under one studio roof?

KM: At OCCA, it’s always about the team – “we, not I,” is what we say. The decision to unite these disciplines under one roof wasn’t a calculated strategy but an instinctive one. It was about creating a space that nurtures the incredible talents of people I knew could elevate the studio and deliver unparalleled value to our clients.

As an interior design studio, we’ve set new benchmarks in both residential and hospitality design. Right now, we’re working on some groundbreaking projects (which we can’t reveal just yet) that are pushing us to redefine boundaries and expand our creative horizons to deliver truly exceptional results.

Our procurement team is the best in the business, and that is measured in the trust other interior design studios place in us to handle this critical aspect of their projects. That level of reliance speaks volumes about the integrity and expertise we offer.

Branding, too, has become a cornerstone of our work. As interior designers, we can’t create meaningful hospitality concepts without first foundationally understanding the brand behind them. In fact, we’ve had the privilege of collaborating with hotel groups to craft entirely new brand identities – thinking through every touchpoint and detail to ensure a cohesive experience that stands the test of time.

Our studio is designed to foster both independence and collaboration. Each team – interior design, procurement and branding – works separately to maintain focus and excellence in their respective domains. Yet, where relevant, we come together seamlessly, ensuring the flow of creativity and ideas remains uninterrupted. It’s a system that works beautifully, balancing specialisation with synergy.

Image credit: Mel Yates Photography

HD: We take it you are talking about your new HQ in Glasgow. Can you describe the interior design scheme and how the team have responded to the space?

KM: Yes, we love this space – it’s very different to what we had before. We took the decision to move into a space that was in the centre of Glasgow. The studio is south-facing so captures ample natural light. We approached the design as we would any other project – the team were all involved in this, an important aspect that makes the space feel like theirs. It’s more than a workspace – it’s a creative hub where the team can work together.

In addition to fully ergonomic workstations, we designed an open-plan layout with sculptural lighting and a range of break-out zones, including a hands-on design library, two private meeting rooms and a kitchen space that was integrated into a versatile presentation area that fosters both creativity and collaboration.

Image credit: OCCA Design

HD: You mentioned the studio’s ethos is ‘we, not I’. Can you explain this?

KM: Collaboration has been a cornerstone of my career, and it’s deeply embedded in how we operate at OCCA. Our brand guidelines reflect this philosophy – we intentionally use ‘we’ rather than ‘I’, because no one in our studio is an island. Our success is entirely rooted in the strength of the team and the collaborations we build together.

This ethos goes beyond our studio walls. On every project, we extend this spirit of teamwork to include our clients and the other experts involved, such as architects, lighting designers, suppliers and contractors. By treating everyone as part of the team, we create an open, dynamic dialogue that pushes the creative boundaries of the project while minimising challenges along the way. It’s this collective approach that allows us to deliver truly exceptional results.

HD: When working with hotels, how do you ensure the design aligns with the brand identity while introducing something fresh and exciting?

KM: Through constant research and developing ideas into reality. Brand guidelines have changed from being quite rigid to being more about creating a feeling. This has allowed us to play within creative boundaries to present new ideas that help amplify the brand’s identity but also excite travellers with, perhaps, something new.

Image credit: Fairfield by Marriott Copenhagen

HD: OCCA recently spearheaded the roll-out of a new prototype design for the Fairfield by Marriott brand in both Europe & the Middle East. Can you explain the brief and the challenges of this project?

KM: Designing the new prototype for a brand that has so much recognition in one region in a new territory is both exciting and challenging. This was what our brief was for developing the prototype for Fairfield by Marriott in Europe and the Middle East. The project required us to adapt Fairfield’s iconic and approachable design DNA – so familiar in North America – to resonate with entirely different cultural, architectural and operational contexts in these regions.

One of the biggest challenges was finding a balance: maintaining Fairfield’s global identity while tailoring the design to reflect the local expectations of hospitality. From adjusting spatial layouts to cater to regional guest preferences to sourcing locally relevant materials and finishes, every decision had to align with Marriott’s brand ethos while meeting regional needs.

Another layer of complexity came from ensuring scalability and consistency across multiple locations, each with its own unique market dynamics and site constraints. We needed to create a design that was flexible yet recognisable, ensuring the Fairfield by Marriot experience felt authentic no matter where it was encountered.

It was a rewarding process – one that pushed our team to innovate while staying true to the essence of the Fairfield by Marriott brand. We’re incredibly proud of the result: a design that feels both globally connected and regionally rooted, setting a strong foundation for Fairfield’s expansion into these new markets.

Image credit: OCCA Design

Quick-fire:

HD: Favourite hotel as a designer?
KM: I’m biased, but I do love our Fairfield by Marriott concept[s] for EMEA – an exercise in the beauty of simplicity and such a calm and serene space for an upper-midscale brand.

HD: Favourite hotel as a guest?
KM: Can Ferrereta Mallorca – a small but beautifully formed luxury hotel, with a stunning spa experience, in striking tranquil surroundings.

HD: Hotel pet peeve?
KM: Not getting the basics right – power where it should be for chargers and hairdryers!

OCCA Design is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.

Main image credit: Mel Yates Photography