At Smiling House, we believe in creating experiences that uplift—not just through luxury and comfort, but through purpose. That’s why we’re proud to partner with the Transforming Spaces Association, a remarkable initiative that brings large-scale images of nature into hospitals and care facilities across Europe. These powerful visual installations offer calm, beauty, and emotional restoration to people who may not have access to the outdoors.
The project centers around the breathtaking photography of Armin Grässl, whose large-format landscapes immerse viewers in moments of stillness, presence, and connection. Now, through our partnership, this inspiring art is also being brought into our collection of exclusive chalets in Gstaad, where Smiling House was founded and where our story began.
When you stay with Smiling House, you’re not only surrounded by the natural beauty of the Swiss Alps—you’re also supporting this important cause. A portion of each booking goes directly to the Transforming Spaces Association, helping extend the healing power of nature to those who need it most.
We’re honored to share this mission with Armin, and to offer our guests a deeper, more meaningful experience. Below is our exclusive interview with the artist behind the lens:
Interview with Armin Grässl: Nature, Stillness, and the Power of Art
1. Can you share a bit about your journey as a photographer and what drew you to focus on capturing nature in such a detailed, immersive way?
My journey as a photographer began in the late ’70s at the photography school in Vevey, followed by assisting in New York and working in fashion in Vienna and Paris. I later became the in-house photographer at the Palace Hotel in Gstaad, capturing the rich and famous, and went on to publish books on Lake Lucerne, Gstaad, and the Carnival of Lucerne, as well as documentaries in Peru, Myanmar, and Uzbekistan. But at the heart of it all, I’ve always been drawn to observing life—especially nature. Since childhood, that quiet act of observation has been my way of connecting, and photography became the perfect medium to explore it deeply and share it with others.
2. What inspired you to create large-scale photographs, and how do you think these expansive images affect viewers differently than smaller ones?
I was drawn to large-scale photography because it allows viewers to feel fully immersed—almost as if they’re stepping into the scene themselves. With smaller images, you observe from a distance, but with large formats, you experience the space. Especially with nature, this scale creates a sense of presence and calm that can be profoundly moving. My goal has always been to create moments of stillness and connection, and large photographs have a unique power to do just that.
3. How do you choose the locations and subjects for your nature photography? Is there a particular process or feeling you’re hoping to capture?
Choosing a location is often an intuitive process for me—it’s less about the map and more about a feeling. I’m drawn to places that carry a quiet intensity, where nature speaks in subtle ways to me. I often return to the same spots many times, waiting for the right light, the right mood. What I hope to capture is not just the beauty of a landscape, but a sense of presence—something timeless and still—that invites the viewer to pause and feel. It’s about translating the emotional resonance of a place into a visual experience.
4. What role do you believe nature plays in healing, and how does it feel to know your work is helping create a calming environment in hospitals through Transforming Spaces?
Nature has an incredible ability to ground us, to soothe the nervous system, and to offer a sense of peace that words often can’t. I’ve always believed that simply being surrounded by natural beauty—visually or physically—can be deeply healing. Knowing that my photographs, through Transforming Spaces, are helping to create calming, restorative environments in hospitals and care facilities is deeply meaningful to me. It’s a way of giving something back, of sharing the quiet strength and serenity that nature has always given me.
5. How did your partnership with Gstaad Chalets and Transforming Spaces come about, and what excited you about collaborating on this project?
My partnership with Gstaad Chalets and Transforming Spaces came about quite naturally, through a shared vision of creating environments that offer both beauty and a sense of calm. What excited me most was the opportunity to bring the healing power of nature into spaces where people live, relax, and recover. With Transforming Spaces, the focus has always been on using large-scale nature photography to create moments of stillness and serenity, especially in hospitals and care facilities. Collaborating with Gstaad Chalets allowed that vision to expand into the world of high-end living, showing that art and nature together can enhance well-being in any setting.
6. What impact do you hope your artwork will have on guests staying at Gstaad Chalets, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Swiss Alps?
I hope that my artwork adds an extra layer of depth to the experience of staying at Gstaad Chalets—something that gently echoes the beauty of the Swiss Alps outside. The aim is to create a sense of harmony between the indoors and the landscape beyond, offering guests not just a luxurious stay, but a moment of reflection and calm. If someone walks past a photograph and feels more present, more connected to nature—or even to themselves—then I feel the work has done its job. It’s about creating an atmosphere where people can truly unwind and feel at home in their surroundings.
7. The “Smiling House Chalets” concept is central to this collaboration. How does it resonate with your work and the serene themes in your photography?
The “Smiling House Chalets” concept beautifully aligns with the essence of my work. It’s about creating spaces that radiate warmth, joy, and a sense of belonging—values that are very close to my heart. My photography aims to evoke serenity and connection through nature, and this concept complements that by offering guests a home where they can truly relax and feel uplifted. There’s a quiet poetry in combining thoughtful design with imagery that invites stillness. Together, they create an atmosphere that nurtures both the eye and the soul.
8. How does your art help to transform spaces, both in hospitals and luxury chalets? What do you hope people feel when they experience your work in these environments?
Art has the power to completely shift the atmosphere of a space. In hospitals, where emotions can be heavy and environments often feel sterile, my large-scale nature photography brings in a sense of calm, hope, and grounding. In luxury chalets, it enhances the connection to the surrounding landscape, creating a seamless dialogue between inside and outside. Whether in a place of healing or retreat, I hope people feel a moment of stillness—like taking a deep breath. If my work can offer comfort, presence, or simply a pause in someone’s day, then it has truly transformed the space.
9. How does it feel knowing that a portion of the profits from stays at Gstaad Chalets supports the Transforming Spaces Association and its mission?
It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that each stay at Gstaad Chalets contributes to the mission of Transforming Spaces. There’s something powerful about beauty and generosity working hand in hand—guests enjoy an exceptional experience, and at the same time, they’re helping bring moments of peace and healing to people in hospitals and care facilities. It creates a beautiful circle of giving. For me, it’s not just about photography or hospitality—it’s about using what we create to make a real, positive impact in the world.10. What’s next for you in your photography journey? Are there any new themes or projects you’re excited to explore in the future?
I feel like my journey with photography is still unfolding, and that’s the beauty of it. I’m currently drawn to exploring themes of silence and time—how landscapes hold memory and presence in ways we often overlook. I’d love to travel to places like Japan, Peru, Mexico, Iceland, and many national nature parks around the globe, each with its own unique energy and story. There’s always something new to discover, both out in the world and within myself. And of course, expanding the reach of Transforming Spaces remains close to my heart, bringing art into more healing environments around the world. The camera is still my way of listening, and there’s so much more I want to hear.
