Boutique Design - May/June 2011 - 20

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b o u t i q u e

Anna Busta
Studio b

b i g g es t ac h i evemen t My design of the W Miami was for me the dream job all young designers wait for. i was allowed to fully express my design ideas, which are about creating timeless, elegant and stylish interiors. Working on a prominent new hotel in Miami, the birthplace of the boutique hotel concept, was intimidating, but that did not stop me. My inspiration was to make my dream home, somewhere i’d want to hang out, with flavors of the Mediterranean coast and contemporary furnishings—and it all worked. i learned a lot from this job and it really helped polish my signature style.

b i g g es t c h allen g e Mandatory efficiency standards will affect the quality of interior lighting in a profound way. by design, narrow-spectrum, highefficiency light sources such as fluorescent or LeD don’t provide the smooth, warm color balance that we’re all accustomed to. Designers will have to be very careful in choosing materials, color schemes and lighting products that will maximize the potential of the new lighting standard.

Kevin Caulfield
Rockwell Group

b i g g es t ac h i evemen t the Marquee Nightclub and Dayclub at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas was an accelerated project with multiple constraints that also sought to be the hottest nightclub on the Strip. All through long hours and budget reviews, the project was elevated by collaboration with vendors. the enthusiasm and excitement could be felt, from the individual who cast 35 pendant fixtures in bronze to the tattoo artist who tattooed graphics onto the leather bar stools. the final result is something i can look at with a sense of pride. the initial design intent remains, while being successful in the craftsmanship in all aspects of the project.

b i g g es t c h al l en g e the constrained budget for projects. Gone are the heady days when money was no object for design ideas. Designers need to work smartly in challenging themselves with a budget but still innovating through design. Parameters allow designers to focus on what is really important to the design intent, and through smart design decisions and leveraging the knowledge of the many vendors as a resource you can succeed in creating well thought-out design, while still respecting the constraints of the budget.

Pamela Chelle
Johnson David interiors

b i g g es t ac h i evemen t Working extensively with the longest standing five-star resort in the united States, and designing hospitality bar space for the world’s largest single-site brewery. My biggest ongoing achievement is continuing to be an integral part of a “small but mighty” design team in an industry dominated by larger organizations. i’m grateful and extremely fortunate to play an active role in earning the respect and business of top-tier clients, while competing against worthy competition. (Shown is the broadmoor West lobby bar that Chelle worked on.)

b i g g es t c h al l en g e As our design community has been trimmed, the next five years will pose a challenge as the project workload significantly increases and the qualified resources are not readily available to support the demand. Many experienced design positions have been eliminated with the economic downturn, shrinking leadership as well as mentorship opportunities for incoming designers. With limited new construction domestically, renovation work within existing conditions will be a necessary skill. in addition, creating a completely custom and layered space on a fractional budget will require additional brainpower, as client expectations remain high.

Boutique Design | May+June 2011

Boutique Design - May/June 2011

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Boutique Design - May/June 2011