Peter Remedios, managing director of Hong Kong-based Remedios Studios, was tasked with the design of the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto.

The space’s walls and floors are lined in a mottled stone that is lit from below and low lanterns line the perimeter.

A moratorium in the area restricted the height of the building, prompting Remedios to design downward.

Matchstick blinds emulate traditional sudare screens.

Remedios’ design is relatively long with lighting and furnishings focused on horizontality rather than verticality.

The whole hotel has a sense of theater—Kyoto is a very theatrical city.

Light wood flooring and detailing is reminiscent of Japanese homes.

In the spa, Remedios felt it important to reflect the spirit of an urban resort, as opposed to that of a city hotel.