06.08.2026
Interior Design by Piotr Wiśniewski
The Companion is a new Vienna hotel designed by Piotr Wiśniewski from weStudio, blending classic and modern design inspired by the Wiener Werkstätte.
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What was your vision when you started working on The Companion?
To me, The Companion is an ongoing dialogue between past and present. Our goal was to retain the spirit of the building, while translating it into a language that resonates with modern travellers – open-minded, multifaceted, and inspired by Vienna’s creative legacy.
“The Wiener Werkstätte taught us that design is at its most powerful when every detail matters.”
The hotel takes inspiration from the Wiener Werkstätte. How did you bring it to life?
The Wiener Werkstätte taught us that design is at its most powerful when every detail matters. From a single light fitting to the rhythm of a floor pattern, each element is both intentional and functional. Joy and artistry are found in the details.
The focus is always on the Gesamtkunstwerk — the unity of all artistic endeavours. Take the shelves, for example: crafted from glossy bubinga veneer, they frame the fireplace and bring balance to the room — never too full, never too sparse. Original pillars, marked by time, stand alongside new black lacquered steel beams — a dialogue between historical substance and contemporary design.
Decorative objects and a curated library bring the shelves to life. You feel it immediately: This is a space for quiet reflection and meaningful encounters. In this way, the principles of the Werkstätte remain alive: every object is carefully designed and serves a purpose.
What was special about the materials?
We didn’t want to hide the building’s historical imperfections – they’re part of its story and charm. Exposed original elements sit comfortably alongside polished marble and handcrafted wood, because for us, authenticity is just as important as beauty. It’s this balance that gives the hotel its distinctly Viennese character – while remaining uncompromising in its design.
Let’s talk about the guest rooms. What kind of experience did you want to create?
Each room has its own mood and design, yet all convey the same feeling: a retreat in the city that feels warm, tactile and functional. Horizontal wall divisions soften the proportions, while carefully chosen colours define the different room categories.
“We resisted the temptation to erase the building’s imperfections, because authenticity is as important as beauty.”
The lobby and public areas have their own distinct energy. What role do these spaces play?
We didn’t design the lobby and bar as purely functional areas, but as neighbourhood salons – places where guests and locals can meet. Where design can spark a conversation just as easily as a glass of wine. Original classic pieces sit alongside contemporary art; terrazzo floors nod to material history, while bespoke light fixtures anchor the geometric structure. It’s a stage for dialogue and community.
What detail makes The Companion stand out?
A horizontal black trim runs through the entire building, inspired by traditional Viennese design. This subtle line guides guests through the interiors, lending each space an atmosphere that is both elegant and playful.
What do you consider essential in hospitality design?
Context is everything in architecture. In interior design, it’s about creating or evoking a specific feeling. And in furniture design, functionality takes precedence. These three elements are inseparable – especially in hospitality design. When combined, they create the ideal atmosphere for guests.
How would you describe The Companion’s personality?
The hotel is a choreography of contrasts: tradition and modernity, precision and playfulness, restraint and exuberance. This deliberate tension makes it feel at once familiar and refreshingly new.