Hotel Design- September 2008

up close & personal Andrea Dawson Sheehan ndrea Dawson Sheehan (no relation to this editor, although I wished she was, following our delightful conversation) has emerged in recent years as a strong and authoritative voice for the hospitality design industry. She’s outgoing, insightful and warm, and conveys integrity, a strong point of view and passion in her work. She is committed to advancing the standards and work ethic of the young designers she mentors and supporting an industry she treasures. Here are a few of Andrea’s written responses to our Up Close & Personal questions. Oh, and did I mention she’s got a wicked sense of humor and an infectious laugh, too? Read on. A unwilling spectator—instead of a welcomed, valued friend. Guests are not willing to sacriﬁce their comfort for high style. They demand both. There is a backlash happening today that could well force the industry to evolve again back to something more predictable. Q What are your tenets of good hotel design? A Interesting, stimulating, sophisticated, engaging—and Andrea Dawson Sheehan Principal Dawson Design Associates Q In what way has hotel design changed most since you started your company? A From my perspective, hotels are now running close to parallel with art and fashion. They have celebrity status; they are featured in celebrity magazines—next there will probably be a reality TV show: “Hotel Designers and their Clients.” Healthcare facilities want to feel more like hotels, and residential clients want their living room to feel like their favorite hotel suite. Everyone wants style and attitude. The industry has changed so radically and quickly that there are not enough experienced hotel designers to keep up with the demand. Owners are experimenting with young designers who know design—but not the needs of the guest or the industry, which often trigger disastrous results. The rooms are not always inviting, the materials fall apart with standard hotel usage and the guest feels like an Q How would you describe your design style? A We go for ‘creating an experience’ rather than for beautiful, tasteful interiors. We get both—if that is the intended personality of the project. I really hate things that “match.” I like our interiors to jump out at you, challenge your senses and play with your perceptions of what design really is about. Controversy is a good thing from my perspective. The experience should be engaging, inviting and comfortable—yet stimulating enough that it feels interesting and interactive. I am always pushing the limits to create more tension, add more interest and be more innovative in our concepts. 118 Hotel Design | SEPTEMBER 2008 PHOTOGRAPHY: DAVID PHELPS BOUTIQUE BEAUTY The Alexis Hotel (a Kimpton Hotel), Seattle, is known as the “Art Hotel of Seattle.” Dawson Design Associates played up that legacy with elements selected to convey a gallery-like atmosphere.

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Hotel Design- September 2008

Hotel Design - September 2008 Contents First Word Design Pulse News Briefs Boho Chic in South Beach Bath Trends Waterworks Photography 101 Illuminations First Looks Caribbean Cool Updating History On the Wall Call for Entries Technology Trendlines Form & Function Designer Viewpoint Under the Texan Sun Brand Outlook Call for Submissions Bringing Outside In Facelifts Portfolio People Watch Good Life Up Close & Personal Source List Ad Index Signature Projects

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