DESIGN SERIES: James Carry, Wilson Associates

In the first interview of its new Design Series, HotelierMiddleEast.com spoke with Wilson Associates principal in charge / design director James Carry to find out how the company has successful completed the interior design on projects such as Atlantis, The Palm and One&Only Royal Mirage in Dubai.

HME: Creating a hotel is complex with many stakeholders involved — where does an interior designer fit into this and how do you manage the different viewpoints?

JC: It is important to keep in mind that there needs to be clear communication 100% of the time between all consultants. If issues are not addressed from the start of the project, they will never go away. The whole team should be striving to achieve the same vision. You must keep your “eye on the ball” (creating an amazing property) at all times.

Working with multiple international consultants always poses complicated challenges. During the 6 years Wilson Associates worked on the Atlantis, The Palm, we worked with over 30 different contributing consultants. We had to adapt quickly to working with a team this large especially in terms of their own culture, office culture, expectations, and time zone. Fortunately we live in a world with cutting edge communication devices (video conferencing, email, etc.) that constantly allow us to be in communication. Between our 7 global offices we can literally work on a project 24 hours a day. In the end the team truly came together to integrating the worlds of land and ocean into one creating an unsurpassable Atlantian experience- from myth to reality.

My advice to owners and operators is to pick their consultants based on team capability, not on a fee and trust them to execute the vision.

HME: Over the past 18 months, owners have clamped down on spending, hotel budgets have been reduced and, as a result, some have complained that quality has been compromised. How has this affected your role?

JC: Our role is important in uniting the architectural expression, interior with exterior. A budget should be in place and discussed from day one. Then, intensive work sessions between the designer, architect, client and operator are instrumental in the development and direction of the design. Together we reach an understanding of the client’s goals, needs, budget parameters and other pertinent issues.

Wilson Associates has invested time and effort to build relationships with manufacturers worldwide. We draw on these global resources in order to achieve the best product available for the budget.

If the focus is on economizing an aspect of the development, the focus should not be on compromising the “bones” of the property. The hotel planning and function of the space is of utmost importance in the process.

HME: Where do you stand on the function versus form debate? What is more important, practicality or aesthetics?

JC: Hotels are not homes. They are heavily used spaces. It is important that product specification is focused on products that will last and those that are selected from reputable manufacturers.

Form and function are one simultaneous holistic design solution to us.

Also remember that the client’s client often times changes directions which in turn alters the design vision. This happens after they see something completed at a competing property or merely because of a change in the times.

HME: What is more important – luxury design or sustainable design?

JC: Luxury is held in the eye of the beholder. It isn’t about designing interiors; it’s about creating unique places.

The hotel guest is looking for the same thing the homeowner is- a place to live in that offers comfort and luxury. The trend in guestroom design is maximizing space by integrating the bathroom with the guestroom. In many of our resorts, we are integrating terraces and gardens into the guestroom spaces allowing natural light and the outdoors in. We also seek to incorporate local and indigenous materials to convey a sense of place in our projects. This not only helps support the work of local artisans, but reduces transportation costs.

Wilson Associates is committed to integrating the principles of sustainable design into all aspects of our practice. We initiate a dialogue about environmental impact and sustainable alternatives with each client. Across the board, I feel that the majority of hoteliers recognize the importance and seek to fulfill LEED certified standards in their projects.

Sustainable solutions that we are currently putting in place within our design schemes are bamboo woodwork and flooring instead of wood and the use of recycled glass and metal products.

HME: What hotel projects have you worked on in the Middle East?

JC: At the One and Only Royal Mirage, the Wilson Associates design team invested a lot of time and effort in researching the architecture and interiors of the Middle East and European influences to design a hotel that would appear to have been built at the beginning of the 20th Century. Our use of Arabic details and integration of shadow, texture and light to reveal the surrounding environment help create a warm, hospitable and inviting location for both the local Arab community and international travelers alike. Overall, the Royal Mirage pays tribute to Arabian architecture and hospitality on a truly regal scale. It was the first hotel in Dubai to be thought of by many as a true icon.

The Atlantis, the Palm is positioned to redefine tourism in Dubai and the Middle East. Wilson Associates traveled approximately half-a-million miles over six years in their work on this property. It was our goal to create a luxurious escape into this mythical fantasy through incorporation of exotic and beautiful materials, ancient artifacts and stunning sculpture.

A current project on my list is the Sofitel Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road- Scheduled to open 2012, this hotel will redefine sophisticated opulence, while still incorporating the signature Sofitel French touch. The design embraces French irony, mixed with classic modern luxury creating a sensual environment of discovery for the guest.