NEWH - March 2009 - (Page 22)

point of view the economy Weathering the Storm Simple solutions for trying times By Margit E. Whitlock Margit E. Whitlock, AIA, principal of San Diegobased Architectural Concepts Inc. is a highly sought-after public speaker and panel member on topics regarding architecture, predominantly as it pertains to hospitality. During her numerous speaking engagements she has focused on conceptual development, resort theming, and the role of the architect. For more information visit www.4designs.com. TODAY’S DESIGN INDUSTRY TRENDS are responding to the economic downturn requiring we do more with less. We are experiencing cutbacks on renovation and construction budgets and this means either nothing will be done until reserves are liquid or expectations will be compromised by lesser quality product. I recommend developers look at a phasing plan incorporating value engineering to maximize the dollars available. Value Engineering is a tool we designers use to work with the client on reducing costs. The designers will make options for you to assess. Remember to be aware that lower cost items do have an impact on quality and longevity maybe even the schedule. Please engage a design firm early in the process to provide guidance and project management to steer you in the right direction. Outlining the difference between what is a “want” and what is a “must have” is the core of your phasing plan. It is vitally important to have your design team present when discussing your overall goal with any renovation; so through the chaos of the renovation the desired result can be achieved. Briefly a want is something that is desired but is not needed immediately such as new artwork, new softgoods, or painting. A must have is a list of issues that are more maintenance driven such as a new roof and leaky windows. Use a priority system to determine what is critical and what might be deferred. Your design team will put together a set of construction documents and FF&E specifications for your entire scope of work and obtain pricing. Once you have the pricing and your priority schedule you can put together a realistic phasing plan with associated costs. This type of planning will make the project expectations clear and the result will be favorable. I cannot emphasize how important early planning is. Give yourself a 12-month window for any major project with construction and FF&E replacement. You will need time for the design team to prepare documents for bidding, any permits, construction, and FF&E manufacturing. So enough of project planning, here are some quick design tips to freshen up your resort should you have a small budget and can defer costly maintenance issues. My favorite is a new can of paint. Today we use colored accent walls to brightening up a space, giving that impression that something is new and current with 22 march 2009 www.newh.org tel 800.593.NEWH the times. Guests have a heightened sensitivity and color is an easy visual impact. Get rid of the dated accessories like those fake plants. Sometimes less is more as my professor used to say. Accent pillows can change the look and feel of the sofa without changing the sofa. Triple sheet the beds and fold the comforter up to the end of the bed showing less of the dated pattern. Like I stressed in the beginning, utilize your design team to explore inexpensive options and capitalize on your resort assets to create those lasting memories that keep your guests coming back. s Color Picks for 2010 Fresh coat of paint? Here are the hues Whitlock thinks will be popular next year, inspired by a snapshot of societal trends. Posh Information Technology is a metal color and dominated by gray. Gray is the new black in design with colors like slate, gunmetal, iron, charcoal, and oyster. Gray is also a blending color. Depending on if the gray tone is warm or cool; gray will work with any other color carrying it forward. Harvest The green movement is developing new beginnings in all aspects of our lives. Although not a new idea, the future of our world depends on our participation in the green machine. Harvest is about growth, fertility, luck, health, and wealth with colors like sage, emerald, forest, leaf, and martini olive. Passion The lifestyle desires of our traveling guests have changed considerably and I would guess by 2010 our minds and bodies will be the most important aspect in our buying considerations. Passion is viewed in the milky colors of love like pale pink and lilac. You will see a movement towards lots of sparkle, porcelain, and satin finishes. An almost mirror-like sheen on a pale floral color will set the mood. Neutral Politics has had its year in 2008 yet by 2010, I predict politics will be “white noise” in the background. I do love white but not “white white.” We will see white tinged in other hues. Colors like sand, pearl, ivory, and canvas; these colors soften the impact of the other elements taking place in the space. Smoothie International influences, aside from our falling dollar, have been and will continue to be extremely important. With the globalization of our lives we have access to the best of every country. Americans tend to blend everything together and this works amazingly well, just like a good smoothie. Mixing tangerine, currant, banana, and papaya is refreshing. Smoothie is the pop color, which accents the palette. http://www.4designs.com http://www.newh.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NEWH - March 2009

NEWH - March 2009
Table of Contents
Network Leaders
News
Have you Seen?
Product Know-How
Point of View
Design 101
On the Scene
Sustainability: Case Study
Sustainability: NEWH Leadership Conference
Scholarship
Service: the Recognition of Excellence Award
Cover Story: Man in the Mirror
Project: Hotel Monaco
Project: Tulalip
Project: Pinehurst
New Members
Save the Date
Partner Profiles

NEWH - March 2009