Boutique Design - July/August 2009 - (Page 10)

Boutique Buzz Innovative Dining Group Unveils L.A.'s New BOA Steakhouse nnovative Dining Group (IDG) introduced the new location of BOA Steakhouse at Luckman Plaza on Thurs. June 18. Designed by Tag Front, this 13,000-squarefoot restaurant features 4,000 square feet of outdoor dining accompanied by water and fire elements, a private cocktail lounge with tables that can be converted into backgammon, and a display of rare international liquors. Guests can choose wines from a 260-bottle list, and dishes from a menu that was renovated to match the new and improved design of the restaurant. — MZ I Greenhouse Hosts IIDA Forum on Sustainable Design in a Challenging Market n Tues. June, 2, boutique DESIGN packed up its notebook and camera to go see our Red‘h’editor (Rebecca Goldberg) moderate a panel of industry leaders who were there to speak about designing sustainably while in an uncertain economic climate. The IIDA event, sponsored by Architectural Systems, Inc., Designtex, WTP Corporation, Bonneville Environmental Foundation Renewable Energy, Bambu White Rum and boutique DESIGN, held at Greenhouse nightclub in New York City, was attended by more than 250 people. Greenhouse has received lots of attention from the eco-minded community as it is New York’s first and only LEED-certified nightclub. The hotspot’s designer, Antonio Di Oronzo, owner of architecture and design house, Bluarch, was one of the four panelists who answered questions from Rebecca. The three other panelists were Gina Edner, Senior Manager, Department of Environmental Sustainability, Starwood Hotels and Resorts; Joseph Martorano, President, eco.nomiks; and Annie Lee, Senior Project Designer, Cubellis. The group talked about the challenges of building and designing sustainably amid such an unpredictable economic climate, but also what benefits can be gleaned from taking that risk. “It’s about understanding the economics of designing green and when the benefits will kick in,” said Antonio. O The conversation inevitably went back to “As time goes on with green, more people are looking to the future,” said Joseph. “Look an analysis of the economy and how and when at all these people at a seminar for green. You it might recover. “I think everybody’s waiting,” said Gina. wouldn’t see that with any other subjects “Traditionally, construction projects start back right now.” The panelists also discussed how despite up 12 months after we hit rock bottom. So we — KH the hospitality industry being behind other have some rougher months to go.” industries in implementing green building and design, the trend is becoming more widespread as people learn more about what green means and how products have evolved to accommodate the demand. “For me it was [hard] going from these beautiful bright colors like a bright orange fabric to a fabric that has maybe a hint of orange,” said Annie. “But that has Nancy Jackson, Rebecca Goldberg, Joseph Martorano, Gina Edner, Annie Lee, Cubellis, Antonio Di Oronzo and Christine McGinnis come a long way.” The NYU Hospitality Conference: The Upbeat in Down Times L ike all industries in this economy, the hotel industry is struggling to find its footing and stay positive — in spirit and revenue. The keynote session on the opening day of the NYU Hospitality Conference, which took place in early June, was a telling conversation about what is really going on out there. A shared hope was echoed by each panelist that, in the words of Frits van Paaschen, president and CEO, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide: “pent up demand” is coming. Whether it be business or pleasure, travel is necessary. And, as Stephen Joyce, president and CEO of Choice Hotels, stated: now is an opportunity to upgrade while staying focused on value. The bottom-line, as Gary Mendell, chairman and CEO, HEI Hotels & Resorts said: “There is an avalanche of deals coming.” That means that hoteliers who are in a position to scoop up troubled properties will have their pick of the litter when planning their future expansion. — RG 10 • boutique DESIGN july/august 2009

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Boutique Design - July/August 2009

Boutique Design - July/August 2009
Contents
Boutique Buzz
Photos from YLH Las Vegas
Snaps from the Boutique 18 Bash
Hotel Designers, Owners and Operators Speak to International Design and Development Trends
Banyan Tree Mayakoba Fuses Cultures without Missing a Beat
Celeste Cooper Creates a New ‘Comfort’ Inn, The Inn @ St. Botolph
Business Sense
GKV Architects Design the Ultimate Bathing Experience, an In-room Spa in Istanbul
ICRAVE Takes its Experiental Design Style Global
Point of View
Wanda Jankowski Interviews WATG’s Meagan Jacobi
The Best of ICFF
The Goods
DREAMbook
Calendar/Advertisers Index

Boutique Design - July/August 2009