Boutique Design - October 2019 - 96

HUMANE
GROWTH FACTOR
Design Poole's founder and president, Trisha Poole,
offers some teaching moments for the hands-on,
people-centric approach that's made her Florida firm
a go-to for global brands and niche powerhouses.
BY MARY SCOVIAK

the University of Florida College of Architecture in 1987, Trisha Poole had
worked her way up the corporate ladder to become Fugleberg Koch Architects' director of interiors and, subsequently, vice president of design for The
Gettys Group. In 2000, she walked away from the security and opportunities
of the big-name design world to launch her own firm, Design Poole Inc. "I
wanted to be closer to the clients and the design process. And I wanted to
mentor my own creative team," says the Florida native. "With Design Poole, I
can manage how much work we take on in a year. I prefer doing fewer, higher
quality, more complex projects because I don't want to lose direct involvement in what we create. I need to see everything before it goes out the door."
Involvement is a key part of Poole's stock in trade, whether she's working on
the U.S. debut of the Delta Hotels by Marriott brand, playing a key role in spearheading efforts to raise more than $6 million in scholarships and connecting
all sectors of the hospitality community as past president of NEWH Inc. or
speaking at industry events. Here, this 25-hours-in-a day executive discusses
the good, the bad and the unexpected of having the desk where the buck stops.
BEST/WORST PARTS OF RUNNING HER OWN FIRM: The biggest reward is

sharing my passionate career pursuit with like-minded team members
every day. I love hearing the laughter, even on project deadlines. And, I can
sing in the office whenever I want. The biggest struggle was balancing time
with my son while he was growing up. The worst part of the job overall was
telling valued employees we had to let them go due to a recession.
HER BIGGEST RISK: Relocating my business in 2014 was a big "aha"

moment. People in the industry were still afraid there wouldn't be full
recovery after the [last] recession. It was a tough decision because it
entailed moving my family (from Satellite Beach, Florida, to Winter Park,
Florida) and basically starting my business over. But I knew moving was
necessary to source the qualified talent needed for the high-profile project
opportunities being presented to me.
HOW MID-SIZED FIRMS CAN GET SEXY PROJECTS WITHOUT BEING
PHILIPPE STARCK: Passion sells!

Present the design with passion, through
a story that holds true for the entire property; from the sense of approach

boutiquedesign.com OCTOBER 2019

HOW TO GET THE BRANDS' ATTENTION: Become an expert on the brands
you want to work with. As designers, we balance the roles of brand ambassador and developer advocate. With a comprehensive knowledge of the brand
pillars you can naturally weave those characteristics and experiences into the
interior design of the resort or hotel, which streamlines approvals. Owners
and developers appreciate the smooth approval process and the brand benefits from a designer partnership that aligns the designs with the brand vision.
WHO'S BUYING IN: We're working on the second phase of Universal Studios'
newest hotel with Loews Hotels, a couple of projects with Delta Hotels by
Marriott and a dual brand with Wyndham Destinations and Margaritaville
Vacation Club at Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park. Most are new construction, but all are unique to their locations and associated brands.
WHETHER DESIGNERS ARE SNOBS: Ha! Ha! Not in our office!

No divas allowed!

HER LATEST TECH CRUSH: We went to all Revit stations last year and that
has been a real game changer. The design development and documentation
processes are more efficient and integrally informative to all parties working
on the project. It allows us to target issues with engineering systems and
structural elements within the models, making us a more valuable and effective team member. The expense and training of going to Revit has been validated by the project referrals we receive from architects and engineers.
WHY SHE LOGS SO MUCH TIME WITH NEWH: NEWH is the industry's

leading network organization. No matter what you do in the hospitality
business, networking is essential. Building strategic business relationships
is the best way to sustain and grow your business.
For more, go to www.boutiquedesign.com 

DA N I N I C H O L P H O T O G R A P H Y

IN JUST A LITTLE OVER a decade after receiving her interior degree from

in the architecture, through the transformational moments within the interior spaces to the site amenities extending outdoors. The client will buy into
the designer's vision more easily if they can see how it impacts every aspect
of the project. Go beyond the interior walls and touch all the areas that
guests will be visiting or passing through. Connect the dots on how the
materials and design elements you're using will add value and enhance the
guest experience into your passionate story telling.

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Boutique Design - October 2019

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