06/17/2026
Some projects stay with you long after they’re complete. The Inn at Swarthmore was one of those projects.
Designed in partnership with Cope Linder Architects, the 40-room boutique hotel became part of the larger award-winning Swarthmore Town Center West development, helping physically and symbolically connect Swarthmore College with the Borough of Swarthmore.
From the beginning, the project called for restraint, thoughtfulness, and a deep respect for place. Inspired by the adjacent Scott Arboretum and the college’s Quaker roots, the interiors embraced simplicity, natural materiality, and quiet atmosphere over trend-driven gestures.
We incorporated reclaimed white oak from the site into the interior millwork and custom lobby furnishings, paired with local Pennsylvania bluestone, natural fibers, floral motifs, and artwork created by Swarthmore students and alumni.
At the time, we almost questioned whether the project was “different enough” to stand out in the design world. So much hospitality work was leaning heavily into trend. This project felt quieter. More grounded. More enduring.
Then came the realization: that was exactly what made it special.
The Inn at Swarthmore ultimately received international recognition for its design — a reminder that timelessness often speaks louder than trend.
Some spaces don’t need to compete for attention. They simply know who they are.