design journey
Lilian is the founder of Design Journey with over 25 years of extensive hospitality and tourism, project management, leadership and brand experience in leading international companies including Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts, Raffles Hotels & Resorts, Accor Hospitality and Switzerland Tourism. Swiss at heart, Lilian has worked and travelled the world. She blends strategic thinking and brilliant and beautiful delivery to ensure commercially and operationally viable results.
A brand architect and guardian, Lilian’s appreciation for craftsmanship, wellbeing, sustainability, precision, and nature comes from her homeland and are values that inform and guide her work. She created Design Journey to help brands and destinations shape meaningful customer experiences for today and tomorrow.
To discuss an upcoming project, other enquiries, speaking engagements and collaborations, contact me at lilian.roten@design-journey.com
references and accomplishments
Driving Innovation and Excellence in Hospitality
Developed hotel purpose, operating concept, and oversaw construction and expansion in 2015 and renovation in 2023. Unique operating concept: Clubhouse-style hotel providing guests with a living room, terrace, and a round-the-clock kitchen featuring a well-stocked honesty bar. Just like “At home with friends” - the Hotel de Londres slogan.
Conceptualized and launched the Swissôtel Vitality Room with Wallpaper* Magazine - an innovative new room concept designed to improve well-being.
Led Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts globally, including its corporate office and regional offices, through the ISO certification process, resulting in certifications for Quality, Environmental, Health & Safety Management, and Food Safety.
Pioneered the publication of Sustainability Reports for Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts, which were externally validated through the Global Reporting Initiative. Achieved the “Recognized for Excellence” level for the Swissôtel brand, as delivered by the European Foundation for Quality Management.
Established photo and video guidelines for Pullman Hotels & Resort in collaboration with NeoPlaces, based on the study of semiotics.
Developed brand icons that served as a strong visual element for brand differentiation, including the Swissôtel Circles, which won the bronze medal from the prestigious Art Directors Club of Germany.
Collaborated with Suissessences to develop Swiss products and conceptualise events that effectively communicate the Swissôtel brand story.
Successfully repositioned and evolved Pullman Hotels & Resorts by partnering with EDG and Frukt to develop vibrant design-led concepts such as Power Fitness and Artist Playground.