The Parmelia Hilton refurbishment by COX Architecture reworks Perth’s oldest five-star hotel around arrival, lobby flow and a stronger connection to the city.
The project is useful because hotel interior design is not only about finish. In this case, the ground floor has to welcome guests, support hospitality, connect to Brookfield Place and restore the hotel’s premium position.
Project images
Project overview
COX reimagined the dated ground floor by giving the hotel a clearer facade expression and remodelling the lobby as a vast internal street. That internal street connects reception, upper lounge, colonnade, executive lounge and restaurant.
It turns the lobby into a sequence of experiences rather than a single waiting room.
What changed in the refurbishment
- The arrival experience became clearer and more generous.
- The lobby now acts as a pedestrian link through to Brookfield Place.
- The interior draws on the open spaces and colours of the Western Australian landscape.
- Marble, timber, leather, bronze and mirrors create a restrained premium palette.
- The hotel gains a stronger relationship with both guests and the surrounding CBD.
Why this matters for hotel design
Hotel refurbishment often has to work harder than a new-build project. The design team is dealing with an existing brand, existing structure, guest expectations, operational pressure and a city context that may have changed since the hotel first opened.
Showcase a hospitality or interior project
Architecture Social can feature built projects where the design improves arrival, experience, commercial use or public connection.
- Explain the old condition and what needed to change.
- Show how movement, hospitality and brand experience connect.
- Name the materials where they explain the atmosphere.
- Use project visuals that explain the arrival sequence and interior atmosphere.
Architecture Social view
Stephen’s recruiter view is that hospitality projects are persuasive when the reader can see the business problem behind the design. The Parmelia Hilton works as a case study because the lobby, public link and interior palette all support a clearer guest experience.
Next step
Explore more built projects, use the portfolio guide if you are presenting hospitality work, or submit a project.
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