HME: What comes first when you are designing a hotel project – practicality or aesthetics?
A successful commercial designer simply knows how to match the practicality with aesthetics. Practicality always comes first in a hotel or resort. Personally, I always develop the circulation of the public spaces and required back of house areas first. I know how the hotel works because I actually worked in restaurants, housekeeping, concierge and front office. It was 20 years ago. I had to earn a living as a student; I never expected this experience would prove to be crucial in my future as a designer. Without the practical, hands-on knowledge of the operating, “living” hotel, I would have never even thought about laying a groundwork for a hotel layout.
Interior design is an awfully practical exercise. It is a lot to do with money and lead times and deadlines etc. Unfortunately design schools do not prepare people for all that — not enough emphasis is put on financial planning. Well, life is the best teacher…
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HME: What projects have you worked on in the Middle East?
For the last two years I have been working on the refurbishment of Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi and Laguna Tower in Jumeirah Lakes Towers in Dubai. Le Royal Meridien will be the first Starwood property in the region to showcase their new design guidelines for the comming decade. As far as Laguna Tower is concerned, it is a mixed use tower with Moevenpick hotel, serviced apartments and freehold penthouses. It will feature restaurants and a healthclub. In both projects I liaise with all consultants concerned, clients and operators. I believe that both operator and owner will be pleased with final result. The compromises have been achieved.
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Mar 24, 2010 , United Arab Emirates
You should have mentioned the Traders Hotel in Abu Dhabi (I think it is operated by Shangri La). Your company seems to have put your words into practice as far as the design is concerned.
Mar 22, 2010 , Italy
That is correct. Interior Designers have got to get realistic if they want to sell theirs concepts. I guess we are entering a new era, where Interior Design will go hand in hand with brand development. Ability to meet the budget will determine the ID success.