THE EMILY HOTEL

CREATIVE STRATEGY & concept development

A VANCOUVER HOTEL

Onni Group approached us with a brief to develop a new hotel concept and brand standard. The site is located on Great Northern Way, next to Emily Carr University and near the headquarters of several local lifestyle brands, including Lululemon and MEC.

Overlooking the site from a nearby hill at the intersection of Clark Drive and East 6th Avenue stands Ken Lum’s public art piece, Monument for East Vancouver—better known as the East Van Cross. The "Van" refers to Vancouver, specifically its traditionally grittier and more working-class eastern half, known for having a distinct and deeply rooted character.

During our first charrette with the development team, a key debate emerged: Should the hotel embody East Van, or should it represent Vancouver as a whole? Given the vision of developing a hospitality brand with the potential to expand into multiple cities, the decision was made to think bigger—to create a hotel that personifies Vancouver itself.

Telling the vancouver story

Vancouver has always had an identity crisis. While widely recognized for its breathtaking natural surroundings, the city has also evolved into a thriving tech hub, culinary destination, and center for cutting-edge public art. Distilling its essence was no easy task—it ultimately came down to embracing its dynamic contrasts. Vancouver is a city like no other: both city and sanctuary, both work and play, driven by both ambition and craftsmanship, and a meeting point of East and West.

With its proximity to Emily Carr University and a vibrant ecosystem of creative businesses and innovation, The Emily Hotel pays homage to the local arts community while reflecting Vancouver’s unique identity—a place where diverse influences seamlessly converge.