Joyful Spaces: Hotel V Fizeaustraat – Sarah Dodsworth, Ekho Studio

Outside our homes, the commercial spaces we inhabit daily should do more than just function – they should enrich our lives and spark joy.  Our new Joyful Spaces series will form a collection of inspiring spaces, chosen by designers and professionals who share their personal connections to the places that brighten their days.

Each article in this series highlights a personally significant commercial space, exploring its history, design, and emotional resonance through the eyes of the contributor. By uncovering the stories behind these spaces, we hope to celebrate the environments that uplift and inspire us.

This new series continues with a Joyful Space chosen by Sarah Dodsworth, Founding Partner, Ekho Studio. In her own words, Sarah reflects on reflects on how Hotel V Fizeaustraat in Amsterdam has become her creative refuge, a place where warm, retro-inspired design and thoughtful hospitality transform every stay into a joyful, restorative experience.

Hotel V Fizeaustraat, Amsterdam

The Hotel V Fizeaustraat building, dating from the 1970s, was designed by renowned Dutch architect Piet Zanstra. Formerly used as offices, it was unoccupied when a Dutch hotel group took it on, creating a hotel interior, which was as authentic to the original construction date as possible.

It’s been my personal haven in the city ever since I discovered it. Ekho Studio is working on an exciting new-build, mixed-used office and science laboratory scheme nearby and, every time I stay there, the experience has been inspiring and nurturing, deepening my sense of a home-from-home.

As a solo business traveller, hotels can be quite isolating experiences – but not this one. It has consistently welcomed me with open arms, from the small details on check-in to receiving a glass of cold cava and a drinks voucher for the bar, along with perfectly- considered touches in the rooms, such as fresh fruit and aromatic toiletries by Dutch brand Etika. The whole environment makes me feel inspired and fired-up, ready for the long workday ahead.

For the discerning design eye, there’s a lot to enjoy. The approach to spatial zoning maximises the volumes within the concrete structure, which is left exposed and celebrated, whilst all hotels in the chain have great statement oversized chandeliers in the lobby.

The warm, terracotta-coloured lounge/bar/restaurant is imposing in the best way, with crafted brick detailing around the open kitchen and restaurant, and sumptuously subtle and layered warm lighting. It has a cosy colour palette with an abundance of velvet for the seating and curtains, along with mid-century inspired furniture such as the GUBI Bat Dining Chair and the Unna Chair by Zanat.

I generally admire the Dutch approach to design, which is confident, bold and democratic. Within Hotel V there’s plenty of examples of this.  As a creative influence, it’s all about the overwhelming feeling of warmth created through materials, tones and the soft, warm layered lighting, which is effortlessly glorious, no matter the time of day. We have so much to learn from examples like this. The flickering candlelight captures the mood perfectly – and I love how candles are lit from first thing to be enjoyed over breakfast.

I also love the quirky, unapologetically retro 70s touches which really bring the minimal, brutalist scheme to life. The “shag pile” brown corridor carpets are unexpected and fun and the macrame wall tapestries and crochet wall lights very cute. Long after my project work completes in Amsterdam, this is a place I will keep returning to. I may even bring the whole family!

Sarah Dodsworth, Founding Partner, Ekho Studio

Sarah Dodsworth is a Founding Partner of Ekho Studio, established in 2021 as a fresh force in design, looking to shape how people live, work and play. The company works across office, commercial residential and hospitality design. Sarah is a workspace specialist, a BCO North panellist and awards judge and also lectures and leads workshops in Interior Architecture at Leeds Beckett University. In 2024, she was named as one of Insider North West’s ’42 Under 42’, focusing on ‘the best of the region’s emerging talent.’