A Global Showcase of Hospitality Lighting at Its Finest
An exquisite example of technical triumph and creative innovation, willowlamp’s monumental bespoke chandelier takes centre stage at the JW Marriott in Charlotte, North Carolina. Designed by South African lighting house willowlamp, this sculptural luminaire is more than a design statement — it’s a global symbol of what’s possible in luxury hospitality lighting.
Described as an urban luxury retreat, the JW Marriott Charlotte features a host of standout interior elements, but few are as commanding as this custom chandelier. Visible through the glass façade at the entrance and suspended dramatically above the lobby staircase, the piece captures the attention of every guest who enters the space.
From Cape Town to Charlotte: A Cross-Continental Collaboration
Though now permanently installed in the United States, this chandelier was born in Cape Town, at the willowlamp studio led by Founder and Creative Director Adam Hoets. Known for his nature-inspired forms and engineering precision, Hoets brings a sculptural lens to lighting — where chandeliers become artworks, and materials are transformed into spatial experiences.
This particular installation draws from willowlamp’s mandala-inspired design language. From various perspectives, it appears to change form — from a geometric cascade to a dripping stalactite-like silhouette — evoking the same emotional pull as natural wonders do.
A Sculptural Centrepiece with Monumental Presence
The chandelier spans a dramatic 4.5 meters in width, 2.5 meters in depth, and 5 meters in length, weighing over a tonne and requiring 26 cubic meters of space to hang. Despite its scale, it retains a fluid elegance — constructed from ball chain curtaining in mixed metallic tones, flowing from a series of laser-cut steel frames.
The design intentionally excludes integrated electrics. Instead, light fixtures are installed separately, aligned with the shade, allowing for easier maintenance, simplified certification processes, and reduced installation complexity — an elegant solution for large-scale hospitality lighting projects.
Mandala Geometry, Technical Ingenuity
As with all willowlamp creations, the chandelier is powered by the brand’s patented notch system, which allows precise placement of chains without visible fixings. The result is a seamless flow of material, with cascading strands that echo natural formations while delivering extraordinary visual impact.
This piece is a testament to the flexibility of willowlamp’s process — from art direction and prototyping to logistics and final installation, the studio navigates complex briefs with aesthetic integrity and technical expertise.
Designed for Statement Spaces in Global Hospitality
The JW Marriott Charlotte project exemplifies the kind of site-specific lighting solution that willowlamp is known for — where architectural scale, client vision, and emotional tone come together in a single, powerful installation.
This is hospitality lighting that’s not just functional — it’s transformative. It creates mood, defines space, and communicates luxury before a guest even checks in.
A Bespoke Lighting Brand with Global Reach
From statement chandeliers and pendants to wall sconces, floor lamps, and tailored architectural lighting solutions, willowlamp serves the full spectrum of design requirements. Whether for five-star hotels, boutique lodges, cultural venues, or private residences, each piece can be:
✦ Tailored in scale, diameter, and drop
✦ Finished in a variety of metallic tones — including Brass, Copper, Black Oxide, Silver Chrome, and Smoke Gunmetal
✦ Delivered with full technical documentation and specifier support
Every design begins with a concept and ends with a sculptural centrepiece that feels both rooted and elevated — as this extraordinary JW Marriott installation so clearly demonstrates.
🔗 Download our Finishes Guide here.
Trade Enquiries & Contact for Bespoke Lighting Projects
willowlamp
Designed by Adam Hoets
Manufactured in Cape Town
Delivered Worldwide
📩 Custom and hospitality lighting enquiries: info@willowlamp.com
🔗 Discover our hospitality lighting portfolio: willowlamp.com/projects