Designing a Gym for Every Kind of Workout, Every Kind of Person

Every gym I’ve ever designed started with one question: Who’s going to walk into this space, and what do they need from it? Because while a dumbbell is just a dumbbell, how and where you use it changes everything.

Over the years, I’ve designed fitness spaces for hotels, clubs, and private residences around the world. Sometimes it’s a hotel gym that needs to work for a Hollywood actor in training alongside a vacationer trying to stay active. Sometimes it’s a home gym that has to handle everyone from a competitive athlete to someone just trying to stretch and stay mobile. The challenge for me isn’t how to fit the equipment but how to meet the needs of different people. 

When I think about gym design, I don’t just think about machines and weights. I think about how people feel the moment they step inside. And the reality is, we all come into the gym with different emotions and different goals. There are three very specific types of users I always consider when I’m laying out a fitness space.

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1. Creating Spaces for People Who Want Privacy

Not everyone walks into a gym excited and confident. I’ve met plenty of clients who felt intimidated by the gym environment, worried about being watched, judged, or simply overwhelmed. For them, privacy matters.

When I’m laying out a space, I make sure there are zones where someone can work out without feeling like they’re in the spotlight. At the Four Seasons Montreal, for example, I worked closely with the design team to integrate semi-private stretching alcoves and tucked-away functional training areas, so guests could find a quiet corner even in a luxury setting. Sometimes that means using partial dividers or architectural features to shield certain workout zones without making them feel closed off.

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I’m intentional about where mirrors go, too. Mirrors are valuable for form and technique, but I avoid placing them in ways that make someone feel hyper-aware of others’ gazes. It’s subtle, but these choices build an atmosphere where even a nervous first-timer can find their comfort zone.

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2. Supporting People in a Rush

Not every workout happens on a long, relaxed schedule. I’ve worked with actors between takes, CEOs between meetings, and parents 30 minutes before school pickup. For them, efficiency is critical.

In those cases, I design with flow and proximity in mind. I cluster complementary equipment together so a user can superset or circuit train without trekking across the room. A bench near dumbbells, a pull-up bar next to a cable station—each placement reduces friction. They can move seamlessly from one exercise to the next, keeping their heart rate up and their time commitment down.

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I also lean on versatile equipment. A functional trainer can replace half a dozen machines. A motion cage anchors an entire functional area. At the Viceroy Los Cabos, I built a training rig at the center of the gym, surrounded by free weights and open floor space, so guests could complete a full-body circuit without leaving their zone. Layout isn’t just aesthetic, it’s what makes a workout doable for someone juggling a tight schedule.

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3. Balancing Professional Athletes and Everyday Movers

One of the most interesting challenges in gym design is creating a space that works equally well for a professional athlete and someone just looking to move their body. Whether I’m designing for a luxury hotel, a private residence, or a members’ club, the space needs to serve both.

I handle this by building layers of use. A serious lifter can head straight to a dedicated strength zone with racks, platforms, and heavier equipment, while a casual exerciser might stay in the cardio area or use selectorized machines that feel more intuitive. At The Summit Club in Las Vegas, I arranged equipment to naturally guide users based on their comfort and goals without forcing separation or intimidation.

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Equipment choice matters here, too. I select pieces that scale up or down easily. A treadmill that works for walking and sprinting; a cable machine that allows both beginner-friendly moves and advanced training. The goal is flexibility without confusion.

By zoning spaces this way, I avoid clashes of energy. A guest warming up for a light stretch shouldn’t feel overshadowed by someone dropping heavy plates nearby, and an athlete shouldn’t feel constrained by a space not built to handle intensity. Both deserve an environment that meets them where they are.

Designing for Real People, Real Life

A well-designed gym feels intentional from every angle, making every visit feel natural and inviting. Every corner of the room sends a message about who belongs there and what’s possible. I design so that message is always clear: you’re welcome here, and this space is ready for you—whether you’re lifting heavy, moving gently, or just taking your first step inside.

Over time, I’ve learned that successful gym design balances function with feeling. The best gyms aren’t intimidating or overly curated; they’re intuitive, thoughtful, and adaptable. They anticipate a user’s needs before they even realize them. Whether I’m working with a resort, a residential tower, or a private client, I’m always aiming for that balance.

At the end of the day, I’m not in the business of designing the perfect gym. I’m in the business of making a fitness space that people love.

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