THE LOBBY OF THE HI LTON CANCUN ALL- I NCLUS I VE RESORT IN ME X I CO MICHELLE TRAN ASSOCIATE HBA , SAN FRANC I SCO If I weren't a designer, I'd be: A journalist. Personal style? I love bringing an understated elegance to all the spaces that I design. Luxury is in the curated details that make each guest stop and appreciate the presence of the space surrounding them. Career or personal mentors? My mother, who used to be an interior designer herself, is the best mentor I could ever ask for. What gets you excited about your job? The satisfaction of seeing an idea you might have quickly sketched on a piece of napkin at a brasserie in Paris becomes a real structure standing beautifully in front of you. That excitement never grows old. Dream project? A historic hotel in my home country, Vietnam. Career advice for up-and-coming designers? A collaborative mentality is the fastest way to become a better designer. A creative mind doesn't start at 9 a.m. and stop at 5 p.m. Those extra two or three hours sketching or exploring new ideas will be all worth it in the future. A PAT IO SPACE AT THE HI LTON CANCUN ALL- I NCLUS I VE RESORT BOU T I QUE DE S I GN . COM 71 PHOTOS: NOAH WEBB