Boutique Design - March 2014 - 74

SEC TOR SPOTLIGHT: ME XICO

SANDRA BENITEZ
DESIGN ATELIER

MATERIAL MATTERS

Some design fundamentals have to shift south of the
border. Benitez notes that buildings are constructed
differently from those in the U.S. Cinder block
construction is still the dominant choice in Mexico.
The effects of hurricanes, humidity, heat and salt water
have a direct effect on the design and selected finishes,
she says. "Vinyl wallcoverings and wall-to-wall carpet
are not elements you typically find in the resort properties unless they are located within enclosed air conditioned environments," she says. "For the wall designs,
the designer needs to develop effects that are visually
and tactilely interesting without using vinyl wall coverings. Floors tend to be hard surfaces which provide
wonderful opportunities for texture and pattern."
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When crafting their concepts, designers should
to be aware of the opportunities and challenges
of sourcing, contracting and labor issues. On the
upside, high-quality, natural materials such as
wood and stone are easily affordable and there is no
shortage of artisans to execute bold, custom work.
"Low material and labor costs mean you can
create a communal table with a solid wood base
and a beautiful stone top or commission potters to
create clay light fixtures," says Krause. Much of the
work can be done on-site, freeing designers to incorporate luxury touches, such as built-in cabinets and
custom millwork, without stretching the budget.
But there's also a downside. Since engineering
department personnel or others on the owner's
team often handle purchasing, FF&E guidelines can
become points of reference rather than specifications,
says Benitez. To ensure that she and her team get
materials that are up to par, she works directly with
local vendors. Another concern, say some designers,
is that owners commission local factories to produce
pieces for the projects which are later knocked off.

Local materials may be available and costeffective, but another issue is that the universe of
resouces is finite. "There are not a lot of choices with
the indigenous materials available, thus making
creativity and innovation challenging," says Paula
Azevedo, principal, dash design. "But 'great design'
is still possible. It just takes a bit more effort and
patience by both the owners as well as their consultants." She adds that local craftsmen are at their
best when doing what has been done before. "When
introducing a new product or if you want to do
something new, it's better to bring in experts to lead
and give guidance to local tradespeople," she adds.
Overall, Mexican-made furniture and casegoods get good marks. But, says Jorge Salazan,
associate director, architecture & design, Starwood
Latin America, that's not true across the board.
"The quality of certain items such as furniture has
improved remarkably, so we source these locally as
much as possible. There are certain items such as
fabrics, wallpapers and carpets that we usually get
with global suppliers due to timing and quantity."

COUR TE S Y OF DE SIGN ATELIER (BENITE Z ); COUR TE S Y OF ALOF T, C ANCUN (ALOF T )

For Azul de Oaxaca, it provided the impetus for
the whole property. A selection of rising Mexican
artists took over the interior design reins, turning
out quirky, individualistic spaces that range from
ultramodern backlit headboards to a suite inspired
by childhood and children's toys.

ALOFT, CANCUN

http://www.boutiquedesign.com

Boutique Design - March 2014

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