Anacapa Architecture has renovated and designed the new Drift Hotel in Santa Barbara, United States.

This project is a 45-key boutique hotel in the heart of downtown at 524 State Street – a reincarnation of a 20th-century hotel that once lived in this space.

Previously housing a Church of Scientology, the building was dilapidated, heavily partitioned and underused.

"The renovation was thoughtful and meticulous – geared around bringing a new demographic of travellers into Santa Barbara," said Anacapa Architecture.

The first-floor layout is very open, with operable partitions between the coffee shop and bar, allowing for an intermingling of locals and travellers.

Placed within existing openings, custom bi-fold doors open towards the pedestrian-only promenade to further draw in passersby.

This project has been longlisted in the hotel and short stay interior category of Dezeen Awards 2023.

Studio: Anacapa Architecture
Project: Drift Hotel
Credits: Dan Weber, Jessi Finnicum-Schwartz, Lila Boyce and Erin Feinblatt