Modieus means ‘fashionable’ in Dutch – and over the past decade, the company has lived up to its name. As it celebrates its 10th anniversary, we chat with the brand to discover how it has reshaped commercial flooring in the Southern Hemisphere and beyond…
Founded in July 2015, Modieus has grown into one of the most design-forward commercial flooring brands in the Southern Hemisphere, with an expanding global presence.
As the company celebrates its 10-year anniversary, Hotel Designs revisits the story with Founder Xander Okhuizen and General Manager Daren Griffin to explore the milestones, surprises, and standout projects that have defined the journey so far – and to look ahead to what’s next.
Image credit: Modieus
Hotel Designs: Congratulations on 10 years! Looking back, what does this milestone mean to you personally and for the business?
Xander Okhuizen: Freedom and extreme pride in our team’s performance both in Australia and around the world. Through design we have created a strong position in a niche market within the flooring industry.
HD: What’s been the biggest surprise over the past decade – something you didn’t see coming?
XO: Without a doubt, COVID. But the team’s resilience blew me away. We came out stronger and are now well on our way to becoming the number one bespoke flooring supplier for high-end hospitality.
HD: What are you most proud of from the journey so far?
XO: Our team spirit. Every success is down to our collective effort. It makes me extremely proud when I look at the very long list of completed projects and the amazing designs we have supplied.
Image credit: Modieus
HD: Modieus always puts people first. How has your team evolved and what makes your culture special today?
XO: Our team approach is everything. Sales can’t succeed without design, and design has no direction without sales. Project management, attention to detail, and logistics all contribute to 100% perfection in managing orders. Our cohesive approach allows us to consistently deliver bespoke flooring solutions to the highest standards.
HD: You set out to become the most stylish commercial flooring brand in the Southern Hemisphere. What’s next?
Daren Griffin: To be the best in our product offering, in design, and most importantly, in customer service.
XO: Keep growing and be the number one player in Australia for high end bespoke carpet solutions.
HD: Is there a project that stands out as a defining moment for the brand?
XO: There are too many to name just one. What stands out most is how, through design, we’ve been able to deliver bespoke flooring solutions to top hospitality projects in more than 15 countries. It’s remarkable to see our carpets featured in iconic properties like Crown Casino, Parliament House Canberra, Mondrian Doha, Ritz-Carlton Riyadh, Grand Hyatt São Paulo, Al Qasr Jumeirah Dubai, Hilton and Marriott hotels across Japan, Lotte World in Seoul, the Kimpton Monaco in Baltimore and of course The Ghan, which is the Orient Express of Australia. It’s a real testament to the strength of our design-led approach and the trust our clients place in us.
Image credit: Nicole England / courtesy of Woods Bagot
HD: You’ve always said the final 10% is key to delivering projects. Has your approach to project management changed over time?
DG: Yes, we have adapted as the landscape has changed dramatically since COVID. Carpet can still be woven in 20–25 days, but freight is now the unpredictable factor – it’s where world politics meets flooring! We stay flexible and solution focused.
HD: Have client expectations shifted over the past 10 years? How do you stay ahead?
Daren: Communication is everything. Clients expect transparency and real-time updates. We keep them informed every step of the way.
HD: Have design trends changed – and what’s become more or less important in flooring?
DG: Trends have evolved, but what’s really taken centre stage is minimising waste. It’s not always easy, especially in irregular building layouts, but our ability to weave carpets to any width from 1.00m to 4.25m helps reduce offcuts and its environmental impact.
HD: Sustainability is a growing priority. How has your approach evolved?
DG: We’ve taken real steps, starting with our Trillion Trees initiative and Green Label certification. We’re now in the process of gaining further environmental accreditations to support our commitment.
Image caption: ReFormation John | Image credit: Modieus
HD: What does the next decade look like for Modieus – growth, innovation, or something else entirely?
XO: We’re staying focused on our niche. Growth comes project by project, client by client, in Australia, and across our global agent and dealer network. Ultimately, relationships drive our industry, so we invest a lot of time in them.
HD: Finally, what legacy do you want Modieus to leave in the design world?
XO: Our goal has always been clear – to lead through design. Everything we do is about delivering quality and beauty, not just quantity. Everything is based on partnership with interior designers, contractors, end users, hotel chains – that’s what makes Modieus, Modieus.
Modieus 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: Modieus
