Erik Nissen Johansen of Stylt Trampoli

Well known for its alternative way of approaching a design project, Stylt Trampoli, a hospitality design studio based in Gothenburg is helmed by maverick thinker and Norwegian Erik Nissen Johansen. The creative director of Stylt Trampoli, Erik has turned on its head the notion of concept, declaring that by focusing on the customer experience as a starting point, the most successful business model is formed.

Johansen is a firm believer in storytelling, and this narrative becomes the rhetoric behind every design decision, architectural theme, furniture placement, menu, web page, logo, even the final candlestick position.

A Stylt story must originate with the imagined customer and their experience within the hotel or restaurant. Looking in detail at the blueprint of the customer journey, Stylt build up an intricate picture of the space – Erik terms this part of the process ‘the emotional plan’.

From here, detailed drawings bring the project into fruition with the help of Stylt’s little black book of interior architects, designers, artists, illustrators and art directors. Under Erik’s guidance, the aim is to ensure the story is told correctly in every aspect. The result? Happy customers - which makes for a successful business.

Erik Nissen Johansen turned his skilled and creative hand to two of The Aficionados hotels – The Hide Hotel and Spedition Hotel & Restaurant, both in Switzerland.

For the latter, ‘the emotional plan’ revealed the Spedition Hotel & Restaurant as a place where ‘time should stop’ so the hotel is sprinkled with surprises to allow you to linger longer. Great food and wines were an obvious starting point plus comfortable interiors. Stepping away from wholesome Swiss style, the hotel is dotted with whimsy, from the bijou library, tree-lined wallpaper, umbrella handles, wine labels and model railway cars.

For The Hide Hotel, inspiration was taken from the surrounding Alps but layered with a luxe styling. Alpine traditions meet a narrative of fresh design tones, botanicals and natural materials. Like the cool-kid clientele that flock to the nearby peaks for snowboarding and thrills, the hotel too mirrors the trend for experience with its pop-up sushi bar, cinema and BMW motorcycle hire. 

One of life’s unique thinkers, Erik Nissen Johansen has an unrivalled vision when it comes to how a place should look, feel and be enjoyed. By putting human experience at its very heart, Erik has that magic touch.