A photographer to the stars has launched a Kickstarter campaign to open a design-led hotel chain he believes can change the world.

Jeremy Cowart – who has photographed celebrities including Taylor Swift, the Kardashians, Britney Spears and Sting – wants to raise US$347,000 to begin the design process for his first ‘Purpose Hotel’ in Nashville, Tennessee.

Cowart’s idea is to create a global hotel chain whose profits sponsor children in need and a range of important causes. Products from shampoo to the bedding would be bought from organisations committed to social causes, and the art and design would raise awareness of humanitarian issues around the world.

“We want to reimagine the hotel as a creative, interactive experience that ignites the imagination, promotes play and fosters community,” said Cowart. “We aim to create a joy-filled space where this generation can come together and make awesome things happen.”

At the time of writing, Cowart has raised US$306,000 on the crowdfunding platform, with 24 days to go. If the full target is met, the money will be used to develop the initial designs for the Nashville hotel, allowing the developing team “to complete a financing package that will allow us to move forward with the project.”

The design of the first hotel will include flexible elements so the look and feel of the building can be regularly changed, new issues can be highlighted and more items can be acquired to bring about a positive community impact.

Cowart said: “We’re dreaming of Purpose Hotels dotting the map and eventually spanning the globe. We’re not just building a hotel chain; we’re innovating a business model that reimagines the hotel concept and allows hundreds of organisations to multiply their efforts and hundreds of thousands to fulfil their purpose.

“This hotel will be a catalyst for change in a powerful and incredible industry that needs a breath of fresh air.”