Source: Interior Image Group (IIG)
Source: Interior Image Group (IIG)

CROWN POINT, IN – Interior Image Group (IIG) recently completed The Shepherd Hotel – a peaceful haven and a first-of-its-kind project in Downtown Clemson, South Carolina. If the home is where the heart is, The Shepherd Hotel has quickly become a cherished home away from home for many visiting Downtown Clemson.

IIG spearheaded the design narrative and captured the warm and comfortable aesthetic for the new-construction 67-key boutique hotel project within view of Clemson University and Bowman Field. Tasked with designing a property that would accommodate the needs of guests, the local community, and a very special workforce, IIG was selected as they offered a creative design approach that was fully in alignment with the vision of Good Shepherd Hotels.

The Shepherd Hotel concept was inspired by the seasoned luxury hospitality leader, Rick Hayduk. Our purpose is to create a hotel atmosphere where guests and locals feel like family. In celebration of Clemson’s joyful spirit, we empower students of the ClemsonLIFE (Learning is for Everyone) program to pursue their dream jobs in hospitality. The result is a truly engaged workforce, fueled by kindness and commitment, shared Rick Hayduk, chief executive officer, Good Shepherd Hotels. After meeting with the team of Interior Image Group we immediately knew they shared our vision for building a hotel that would embrace form and function. IIG designed with pure heart, creativity, and expertise creating for us a beautiful design that is functional, stylish, and inspired.

Motivated daily by his daughter Jamison, who has Down syndrome, Hayduk had long imagined operating a hotel that would employ individuals with intellectual disabilities. In 2011, Clemson’s head football coach, Dabo Swinney, introduced Hayduk to Rich Davies, a third-generation real estate developer, and Clemson supporter. Davies and Hayduk came together with the goal of positively impacting the lives of others to create The Shepherd Hotel in collaboration with ClemsonLIFE.

The ClemsonLIFE Program is unique and offers a two-year Basic Program that incorporates functional academics, independent living, employment, social/leisure skills, and health/wellness skills in a public university setting with the goal of producing self-sufficient young adults. Additionally, the ClemsonLIFE Program offers a two-year Advanced Program for students that have demonstrated the ability to safely live independently, sustain employment, and socially integrate during the Basic Program. The Advanced Program progresses with an emphasis on workplace experience, community integration, and independent living with transitionally reduced support. Students who successfully complete the Basic and/or Advanced program will receive a corresponding certificate of post-secondary education.

This project has truly touched my heart and allowed our team to embrace design elements that would not only evoke a home away from home feeling for the guest but allow all associates to feel safe, comfortable, and cheerful in their workplace each day, said Leslie Schultz, senior vice president of design, Interior Image Group. We created an upscale boutique experience, curated for comfort, fun, and functionality.

Pursuing the ideals of pride in self, pride in teamwork, and pride in community, this hotel exudes a feeling of happiness and is a cheerful, inclusive environment where every individual feels like they are part of the family. IIG created a destination that feels relaxed and approachable with an eclectic mix of cozy, transitional furnishings, collaborative and individual lounge spaces, inspired dining, and rooftop event spaces.

The main lobby space is shared with the first US-based Delish Sisters restaurant, an authentic South African-inspired offering, melding the spaces into one, welcoming environment that allows patrons to enjoy “tasty food made with love”. The Thomas, the third-floor lounge & bar space, named after Thomas Green Clemson, evokes a more masculine tone in contrast to the rest of the bright and airy hotel spaces and celebrates the heritage and history of Clemson University.

IIG designed sophisticated guestrooms and curated amenities incorporating custom furnishings, and original art handmade by the LIFE program students, making them part of the fabric of the hotel. Around every corner, thoughtful details and meaningful artwork take you through this special journey, all centering around the unique purpose of the hotel.

For a visual look at The Shepherd Hotel visit:

https://www.iigdesign.com/all-work/the-shepherd-hotel-clemson-schttps://www.shepherdhotels.com/

About IIG

Interior Image Group is one of the top hospitality interior design + branding and procurement firms in North America. With offices strategically located in Indiana, Chicago, and Florida IIG consistently receives numerous awards and accolades for their multi-dimensional work for the hospitality industry’s top brands. From ground-up, adaptive reuse, and historic to forward-thinking sustainable mixed-use developments, IIG is a sought-after design partner. To learn more about IIG and to view a portfolio of recent work visit Interior Image Group (IIG).

About Interior Image Group (IIG)

Interior Image Group is one of North America's top hospitality interior design + brand development and procurement firms. With offices strategically located in Indiana and Florida, IIG consistently receives numerous awards and accolades for its multi-dimensional work. From ground-up, adaptive reuse, and historic – to forward-thinking sustainable mixed-use developments, IIG is a sought-after design partner. To learn more about IIG and view a recent work portfolio, visit Interior Image Group.

Interior Image Group is one of North America's top hospitality interior design + branding and procurement firms. With offices strategically located for ease of access in Indiana, Chicago, and Florida, IIG consistently receives numerous awards and accolades for its multi-dimensional work for the hospitality industry's top brands. From ground-up, adaptive reuse, and historic to forward-thinking sustainable mixed-use developments, IIG is a sought-after design and branding partner. To learn more about IIG and to view a portfolio of recent work, visit Interior Image Group (IIG).

Alex Skillman
Media Relations + Social Media
Interior Image Group (IIG)