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Students at the National United University in Taiwan, Yu-Chia Lin and Yu-Hao Chen have designed a new type of hospitality, where the geographical location brings a new sense to the property. These emerging designers of the “Feathery Snowflakes” were awarded a top prize at the first edition of the LIV Hospitality Design Awards.

Could you tell us a little about yourself? Where are you from?

We are a team from D&A Lab; the Digital Design of Art and Architecture Laboratory at the Department of Architecture from the National United University Taiwan. Our members are Lin Yu Chia and Chen Yu Hao, and our advisor at D&A Lab is  Professor Wu Shi Yen. We joined D&A Lab in our senior year. It is a laboratory that combines digital and artistic research. In the laboratory, we have come into contact with different areas. Our teacher also spends a lot of time with the students, which allows us to grow and learn a lot.

How did you discover your passion for design and decide to study at National United University in Taiwan?

We found that we were interested in architecture in high school and, therefore, both of us chose the Department of Architecture. The reason we chose National Union University was that one of our relatives was an alumni of the University. They recommended their alma mater to me, which became the main reason why we chose here. Furthermore, it has all kinds of equipment and good teachers, as well as courses for exchanges with foreign countries. It provides a great opportunity for the students here.

What was your design process when working on “Feathery snowflakes”? What was the brief?

Feathery snowflakes project was designed to reflect the natural, seasonal elements of the valley. The scenery changes along the pedestrians’ paths, allowing travelers to experience different atmospheres and interact with the ever-changing environment. The hotel is well integrated into the landscape and offers panoramic mountain views.

Feathery snowflakes

Can you please share with us what becoming the winner of the “Emerging Architect of the Year” prize means to you?

We believe this award will reflect how important this project is and the experience it brought us. There were a lot of struggles during the design process and later, from concept to reality: we made a lot of revisions and adjustments. We are very happy to have won the Emerging Architect of the Year award title. Although it is a pity that the award ceremony was online due to the epidemic this year, we were still very excited because it was the first time we participated in this type of international competition. We are very grateful to the LIV Hospitality Design Award and the jury for giving us this opportunity to have our work seen by the world, which means a lot to us.

What are you working on now? When will you finish your study?

We are now working on our graduation project; this is a one-year personal design plan. For this process, we need to look at our life experiences and develop different designs. Finally, we will showcase our five-year study projects with an exhibition. We are excited and look forward to seeing the results of our projects. We hope the epidemic will be under control, allowing us to celebrate and end our university year.

What can we wish to see from you in the future?

We are currently planning to pursue our master’s degrees and one of our goals is to study in the UK and the US, in order to broaden our horizons and experiences. We also hope to enter the workforce as soon as possible and have the opportunity to study in a well-known architectural firm. We are passionate about architecture, we will continue to add energy to our design and showcase our work globally.

Feathery snowflakes – More information 

 

 

Principal at Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, Josh Chaiken shared with us the strengths of the Park Hyatt Suzhou; winning project in Architectural Design – Living Space category.

Could you tell us a little about your professional journey?

My formal training started in architecture school and has, over time, been transformed by design considerations drawn through experience.  Contrary to my expectations as a student, I’ve found that a large studio like KPF can offer limitless opportunities for creative endeavors.

How did you discover your passion for Architecture?

I always enjoyed making things from a young age and also remember liking modern buildings – especially when they suggested something futuristic.

What do you see as the strengths of your winning project “Park Hyatt Suzhou” and what does this award mean to you personally?

The project melds a response to a historic context with a nuanced, modern language. The building is designed around a hospitality experience specific to its location. I would like to think that the project was appreciated for these qualities.

Park Hyatt Suzhou

What was most important for you when planning this project and what were the biggest challenges you and your team faced?

At the start, the client and the hotel operator had somewhat different visions for this project.  Our challenge was to synthesize these ideas into a single expression.

In general, what is your guiding design principle?

I’m usually looking for elegant design solutions, which achieve their objectives with the most concise gestures.

Where do you get your motivation and inspiration for your work?

From my colleagues and experiences while traveling.

Park Hyatt Suzhou

What are you working on now? What is in the pipeline for you?

Some interesting urban projects in China are in design, a hotel in Tel Aviv is under construction, as is a mixed-use, four-block development in Shanghai.

Last, what would be your best advice to young talented Architects?

Make sure you enjoy the process.

Park Hyatt Suzhou

3c Awards will be a leading organization curating, recognizing and supporting talented designers through awards, press, media exposure, events, and exhibitions organization.

The company’s key mission is to promote design through awarding great designs, exhibiting, developing designers and artist communities, providing networking opportunities, and advancing the appreciation of excellence in design through education, outreach, and grants.

Developed by Hossein Farmani and Astrid Hébert, 3C Awards is part of a larger organization Three C Group GmbH based in Switzerland and specialized in Awards, Marketing, Media, and Events. 3C Awards represent today’s diversity and innovation in Lighting Design, Furniture Design, Interior Design, and Architecture. Each brand is a symbol of design excellence around the world, showcasing Professional and Emerging designer’s work to over 100 expert jury members. 3C awards is part of Three C Group GmbH, a Swiss-registered company based in Grabenstrasse 15a, 6340 Baar, Switzerland. More information is available on: www.3Cawards.com

Under the company Three C Group GmbH, 3C Awards will play a key role to develop our footprint in Europe and support the growth of our programs:

  • LIT Lighting Design Awards
  • SIT Furniture Design Award
  • LIV Hospitality Design Awards
  • BLT Built Design Awards

Three C Group GmbH is a sister company to Farmani Group, founded by Hossein Farmani. Farmani Group is a leading organization curating and promoting photography, design, and architecture across the globe since 1985.

The Farmani Group is responsible for many successful awards around the globe. Farmani Group organizes the International Design Awards (IDA), Architecture Masterprize, DNA, Paris Design Awards, London International Creative Awards, Prix de la Photographie in Paris, and the Annual Lucie Awards for Photography, which has emerged as one of the world’s most prestigious awards.

If you would like more information in regards to the program and our company, please contact: astrid.hebert@threec.group

Founders of YODEZEEN, Artur Sharf and Artem Zverev won the LIV Hospitality Design Awards 2020 ‘ Interior Design of the Year – Eating space” with their project Virgin Izakaya Bar. Here, they share with us their passion for the industry, the challenges behind their winning restaurant design, and discuss exciting new projects.

Could you tell us a little about your professional journey? Where are you from?

Artem Zverev: This year our studio turned 11 years old and, despite this time, we are still in love with what we do, completely devoting ourselves to creating and developing our brand. When we decided to create our architectural and design studio, we were only 20 years old, with no orders, no team, and no office. We have always been dreamers but, now, the difference is that we have strong backing, in the form of a large team of like-minded people and projects reflecting our vision. Together with these people during this time, we have developed more than 800 projects in 127 cities, and we still want more. Growth is the only way.

How/when did you discover that you wanted to work in design?

Artur Sharf: We both graduated in architecture and, as teenagers, we knew where we were going to study, and we were right. Many architects, opening their own business, gradually retire, but we always want to be involved in all the creative and technical processes. We continue to work day and night, spending hours on the construction site, and sitting over the drawings until they seem ideal to us. For both of us, the theoretical part has never been the most interesting.

How would you characterize your winning project? What is the main idea behind Virgin Izakaya Bar?

Artem Zverev: Virgin Izakaya Bar occupies an area of 405 square meters and allocates an onsite industrial estate of arsenal manufactory in Kyiv center. The building was built at the end of the 18th century and the essential task for our team was to keep the existing architecture and preserve all the authentic elements and rich history. We were eager to create an atmospheric, conceptually complete space. Brick walls, rough wood, oxidized metal, bare concrete, in opposition to the warm and pleasant atmosphere created by proper lighting and greenery.

The designers used natural materials as a part of the space design concept to create the concept. The tabletops are made of natural wood, lamps are made of copper, seats and chairs are made of wood and leather; metal mesh performs both the function of space zoning and creates special decorative elements.

The kitchen and the main hall of the restaurant are designed on the same level. It makes it possible to visually enlarge the space and focus on the feature core of the hall — an open kitchen.

More information on Virgin Izakaya Bar

Virgin Izakaya Bar

What was the most important for you when planning this project? What were the biggest challenges you and your team faced?

Artem Zverev: The most interesting thing and, at the same time, the main challenge, was to match the classic Asian style of the restaurant with the historical Soviet architecture of the arsenal manufactory. It was necessary to do this carefully so that these very different styles, when combined, emphasize and not absorb each other.

What does this recognition mean to you, and why do you think these awards are important?

It is always a great honor for us to receive awards like these. It means that while working on the project, we have exceeded the tasks set by the client and surpassed ourselves. And this inspires us to gain future achievements and convinces us that we are on the right track.

Virgin Izakaya Bar

Where do you get your motivation and daily inspiration?

Artur Sharf: We have always believed that our work is our life. And when we gather around us a team of like-minded people, the same nerds of their business, like us, we motivate each other and help every day. Maybe we started as two, but we look to the future as a big team whose members inspire each other. And, of course, we would like to dedicate special gratitude to our clients who choose us, listen to our opinion and allow us to create everything as we dream.

YODEZEEN Team in charge of Virgin Izakaya Bar project

What are you working on now? What is in the pipeline for you?

Artem Zverev: Now we are very interested in suburban real estate, and soon our first gated cottage community, YORESIDENCE, will be launched. We have a lot of experience in this segment, and we know how to apply all this knowledge and what to avoid in order to make it architecturally and functionally perfect. This project is in the process of construction right now, and we have discovered ourselves as developers, finding we enjoy this new role. Our goal is not only to create a project we will be proud of, but also to improve the quality of life for future residents. It’s a new mission for our team, to accumulate a large amount of unique knowledge on how to implement suburban real estate qualitatively and build it highly aesthetically.

Virgin Izakaya Bar

YODEZEEN is an award-winning architectural and interior design studio with over 800 projects worldwide and offices in Kyiv, Moscow, Miami, and Los Angeles. Arthur Sharf and Artem Zverev founded the studio in 2010 intending to develop a conceptual approach in design and architecture. The studio is distinguished by high-quality design, international experience and is well-known in the residential and commercial real estate sectors.

The LIV Hospitality Design Awards celebrate quality Architectural ventures and Interior Design diversity, that shape the Hospitality industry today. The LIV Awards is an inclusive platform, pursuing exceptional projects within the “Living” and “Eating” spaces, from Co-living to Beach Resort, from Fine Dining restaurant to Pop up Bar.

The Jury panel is composed of 36 talented and experienced professionals, entrepreneurs, academics, and developers in the Hospitality Design field. They have selected the winners of the first edition of the LIV Hospitality Design Awards and shortlisted 54 projects, which received an average score of over 80/100 points and will be presented at the LIV Awards event.

During the Online event, the 54 shortlisted projects have been presented and the 4 professionals’ and 4 students “Designers of the Year” were announced.

Watch the replay now!

The awards are some of the most highly anticipated acknowledgments in the Hospitality Architectural Design and Interior Design industry.

Los Angeles, CA – The renowned Farmani Group, along with 3C Awards, is pleased to formally announce the winners of its first edition of the LIV Hospitality Design Awards.

LIV Hospitality Design Awards is open to architects and interior designers around the world who have created incredible projects in Hospitality. The LIV Awards program is an inclusive platform, pursuing exceptional projects within the living and eating spaces, from co-living to beach resorts, from fine dining restaurants to pop-up bars.

On April 30th, 2021, the submissions for the 1st edition LIV Hospitality Design Awards were closed, leaving the panel’s esteemed jury of architects, designers, hoteliers, developers, and leaders in interior design and architectural fields to select winners in each category. The program received over 400 submissions from 55 countries, covering 64 categories in the first year alone.

We truly believe in the power of hospitality architecture and interior design to foster exceptional guest experience,” says co-founder and Program Director, Astrid Hébert. “As such, we are very pleased to announce the winners of our first edition, who will receive prestigious recognition, acknowledging their company’s expertise while gaining greater exposure. We wish to congratulate all winners and participants for taking us on such an incredible journey.”

The first edition winners are as follows:

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN OF THE YEAR – LIVING SPACE

Park Hyatt Suzhou

Company: Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates

Lead Designer:  Josh Chaiken

Project Location: Suzhou, China

 

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN OF THE YEAR – EATING SPACE

Northern Lights Bar at ION Adventure Hotel

Company:  Minarc

Lead Designer:  Minarc team

Project Location: Selfoss, Iceland

 

INTERIOR DESIGN OF THE YEAR – LIVING SPACE

 An Introduction of the Unique Bamboo Lodge

Company: Yang Yongquan Architectural

Lead Designer: Yongquan Yang

Project Location: Yibin City, Sichuan Province, China

 

INTERIOR DESIGN OF THE YEAR – EATING SPACE

Virgin Izakaya Bar

Company: YODEZEEN

Lead Designer: Artem Zverev

Other Designer: Artur Sharf

Project Location: Kyiv, Ukraine

 

EMERGING ARCHITECT OF THE YEAR – LIVING SPACE

Feathery snowflakes

Lead Designer: Yu-Chia Lin, Yu-Hao Chen, Shi-Yen Wu

University: National United University, Taiwan

Project Location: Lake Braies, Italy

 

 

EMERGING ARCHITECT OF THE YEAR – EATING SPACE

Farewell to Life

Lead Designer: Edwin Khai Vun Ho

University: University of Newcastle, Australia

Project Location: Mater Calvary Hospice, Newcastle, Australia

 

EMERGING INTERIOR DESIGNER OF THE YEAR – LIVING SPACE

GoodDay & GoodNight

Lead Designer: Irene Lee

School: ArtCenter College of Design, USA

Project Location: Los Angeles

 

EMERGING INTERIOR DESIGNER OF THE YEAR – EATING SPACE

Dim. Boutique Restaurant for Dim-sum

Lead Designer: Helene (Weixin) Huang

School: ArtCenter College of Design, USA

Project Location: Los Angeles, USA

Eric Leong has been immersed in hospitality design and project development roles since 2002 with a career spanning across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, China and Southeast Asia. He joined Minor Hotels in 2010 and is leading the Design & Technical Services department, supporting its rapid and exciting growth story from a regional player to one of the most prominent hospitality companies in the world. Playing a key role in Minor’s Hotels brands development, Eric is sharing with us the Design DNA of the renowned Anantara brand and exciting new development.

Do you mind sharing your professional story? How did you start working in Design for the Hospitality Industry?

Having been very fortunate to have parents that took me on numerous trips across the world when I was a child, even at that young age, I was always fascinated by the experience of travel. Yet somehow deep in these travel memories were all the different hotels and their environments.

Part of the fascination was always about the discoveries that one could make in and around the hotels – the delights and surprises on every corner, and the magic that seems to happen in five-star hotels where anything is possible – and much as this remains, a stay in a hotel is always an experience.

Seeing the intricate workings of a hotel from behind the scenes as an intern later opened my eyes even further and the seed was sown in wanting to have opportunities to create the perfect experiences for hotel guests.

I was able to learn early on in my career from some great industry leaders who have been part of the Technical Services team with Hyatt Hotels. The opportunity to join the core team of Minor Hotels really sold itself as I would be part of building and growing what was then still relatively early years for the very unique and exciting Anantara Hotels & Resorts brand which embodies the spirit of creating one of a kind, exceptional experiences at some truly breathtaking locations across the world.

What are your main responsibilities as Vice President – Design & Technical Services for Minor Group?

It is a very diverse and interesting role for my team and I, as we cover all aspects of project development from initial auditing of potential new projects, all the way through to the hotel pre-opening stages, making sure all the boxes are ticked and a smooth opening ensues. This includes initial project conceptualizations, assisting Owners and design teams in the project development process; setting up design and technical brand standards and a constant update of know-how and innovation/trends to apply to the next project.

One of my key responsibilities is to ensure that all of our projects live up to the promise of the brand experience and align with the vision of the owners.  I often see my team’s role is to humanize designs so that all the guest spaces are functional yet, they have to create the emotional reactions associated with the brand. Equally as important, all spaces are functional for the operations team as well – front and back of house.

An example of this is with our exciting expansion of the Anantara brand in Europe in the next few years, we have been working closely with our European team to provide key design direction and support on these projects ensuring that the Anantara brand works well in Europe.

From the very first contact we have with the project, it is all about having and aligning the vision and applying our tried and tested experience and knowledge to deliver the best possible, class-leading hotel product.

Anantara Tozeur Resort – Guest Room, Sahara Deluxe Room

You have been leading the design and technical team for the renowned homegrown Anantara brand, can you please share more about the brand experience strategy implemented and your creative vision?

Anantara is a luxury hotel and resort brand where life is a journey – a never-ending adventure of exploration and indulgence. Derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “without end”, the word “Anantara” embraces the excitement of discovery and the vibrant energy of new horizons. Located in some of the world’s most exotic destinations, Anantara takes great pride in connecting guests to the natural beauty, indigenous culture and rich heritage of each location. Essentially, Anantara properties around the world offer a range of signature design and discovery concepts. At each property, we have always put our focus on creating unique brand signatures in having a grounded but luxurious experience that truly captures the indigenous travel and exploration spirit.

A lot of time is spent on detailing all the guest touchpoints and beyond – those that you may not see but feel. The subtle or prominent hints of the indigenous story, the connection to the location and the lay of the land – most often intangible qualities brought to life.

Ultimately we aim to create spaces that guests can feel at ease with themselves, spaces to unwind and take in the journey of their travels – connecting them to the location and themselves.

If you have to choose only one project you have been involved in, which one’s would it be and why?

It is honestly very difficult to choose one as I have been very fortunate in being involved in some spectacular projects across the world.

I would say the ones that have had the most impact on me are Anantara Kihavah, Maldives and Anantara Al Jabal Al Ahkdar, Oman as they really do represent extraordinary opportunities to create unique experiences. And I would like to think both properties turned out to be some of the best in class globally.

The reality was these were some really tough places for us to deliver the ultimate luxury hotels – the best locations often mean the most difficult to reach, often fighting the weather, logistics, engineering challenges. And in doing so, whilst we ensure we made the least impact on the environment. But the end results were worth it and I am glad to see that these hotels, they enable guests to experience these locations at their very best.

They were also very good lessons in showing that with hard work comes great rewards!

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort – Courtyard

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort – Dining by Design, Dianas Point  

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort – SPA Lobby 

What are you working on at the moment, and do you have any upcoming projects or collaborations that you’re able to tell us about?

It is quite exciting at the moment. As I have mentioned, we have a great expansion pipeline with Anantara in Europe, whilst NH hotels are coming to the Eastern hemisphere. At the same time, we have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a potential partnership with Funyard Hotels & Resorts in China which will see greater expansion opportunities for us. All of which are keeping us happily busy.

With the Avani brand, which I have been part of from its inception, is seeing quite a strong expansion pipeline and we have some very exciting projects with eye-catching designs and details that I cannot wait to unveil. That’s all I can say right now….

What do you think are the biggest challenges and opportunities in your industry now?

I think the speed of change in terms of design, in terms of social habits, traveling patterns and guests’ needs from a hotel is altering the industry’s landscape in ways we have not seen before.

Being able to adapt and rise to these changes will be key. Technology, creating relevant spaces and experiences for the modern traveler, adjusting to and being part of the lifestyle changes we are seeing across all ages are some areas to focus on.

Sustainable practices have to be at the forefront of hotel design, and in fact, all aspects of life. I see that hotels always have an opportunity to be the heart of the community (After all, each hotel is very much a community in itself) and we do need to make every effort to make the changes that matter.

Anantara Guiyang Resort – Guest Room, Deluxe Pool View Room

Anantara Guiyang Resort – Lobby

Last, do you have any tips for aspiring Architects & Interior Designers?

Despite mentioning changes above, I recently saw one of the projects I worked on at the beginning of my career in a movie – and it was so good to see that it still looks the same, in a good way, the design is elegant, and it is still very much relevant and revered today. The facilities remain as they were when we cut the ribbon. It reminded me that good design is indeed timeless.

My advice would be that whilst it is important to be in tune with the times and to innovate, in designing hotels, one must always be mindful that hotels are set out to serve and delight its guests and the operation team for many years to come. The key fundamental elements in guest and service needs are just as important as the overall design style.

Design is inspirational so don’t be afraid the push the boundaries – but good design is one that always passes the test of time.

Anantara Kihavah Maldives – Villas

Anantara Kihavah Maldives – Villas Restaurant SEA – Underwater Dining

The 1st Annual LIV Hospitality Design Awards winners celebration will be streamed online at 2:00 PM GMT, on Saturday, June 26th!

The LIV Hospitality Design Awards celebrate quality Architectural ventures and Interior Design diversity, that shape the Hospitality industry today. The LIV Awards is an inclusive platform, pursuing exceptional projects within the “Living” and “Eating” spaces, from Co-living to Beach Resort, from Fine Dining restaurant to Pop up Bar.

The Jury panel is composed of 36 talented and experienced professionals, entrepreneurs, academics, and developers in the Hospitality Design field. They have selected the winners of the first edition of the LIV Hospitality Design Awards and shortlisted 54 projects, which received an average score of over 80/100 points and will be presented at the LIV Awards event.

The 1st Annual LIV Hospitality Design Awards winners celebration will be streamed online at 2:00PM GMT, on Saturday, June 26th!

The LIV Hospitality Design Awards celebrate quality Architectural ventures and Interior Design diversity, that shape the Hospitality industry today. The LIV Awards is an inclusive platform, pursuing exceptional projects within the “Living” and “Eating” spaces, from Co-living to Beach Resort, from Fine Dining restaurant to Pop up Bar.

The Jury panel is composed of 36 talented and experienced professionals, entrepreneurs, academics, and developers in the Hospitality Design field. They have selected the winners of the first edition of the LIV Hospitality Design Awards and shortlisted 54 projects, which received an average score of over 80/100 points and will be presented at the LIV Awards event.

Due to the extreme circumstances of COVID-19, the LIV Awards board has decided to host an online event; to congratulate all winners, revealed the 54 shortlisted projects, and announced the “Designers of the Year”:

    • Architectural Design of the Year – Living space
    • Architectural Design of the Year – Eating space
    • Interior Design of the Year – Living space
    • Interior Design of the Year – Eating space
    • Emerging Architect of the Year – Living space
    • Emerging Architect of the Year – Eating space
    • Emerging Interior Designer of the Year – Living space
    • Emerging Interior Designer of the Year – Eating space

The event will be streamed online via Facebook and YouTube, make sure to set up your alarm and follow us on social media. Let’s celebrate together the best of Hospitality Architecture & Interior Design!

Gerrick has been in the hospitality industry for over 20 years. Before founding Millé, he managed one of New Zealand’s most renowned & awarded hospitality design studios and owned four of his own hospitality venues. He has been involved in 100’s of hospitality interiors and operations, designing some of New Zealand’s most celebrated and iconic hospitality venues and has invaluable expertise in hospitality design, construction, and operations. He is sharing with the LIV Design Awards, his professional journey and love for Hospitality!

Can you tell us a bit about your background? Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand. I spent 10 years living in Melbourne through my 20s.

What has inspired you to work in the Design field in Hospitality?

I’ve always loved the hospitality. I remember loving going to cafes with my mum as a small child. My first job was in a café at 14 and I continued to work in hospitality through university, before starting a café in my 20s and going on to open 4 venues of varying sizes.

Can you tell us more about Millé?  What are your creative’s principles?

Having started out working in and then owning and operating hospitality venues, our design principles at Millé are very much focused around fundamental success factors for hospitality venues. We focus strongly on three key things:

1. The interior and exterior elements that affect our client’s success and desirability to their target market, such as street presence, customer experience, a unique point of difference etc. I believe that success in hospitality is not down to any one thing, it is all the 1%’s that you add up (lighting, music, signage, pricing, menu mix, service etc), to create an experience that your customers love.

2. We design to ensure staff efficiency. Wash stations are close to food and beverage passes, so staff walk in and out of kitchens with full hands, all elements of staff and customer flows are considered to ensure that labor costs are considered in all space planning decisions and efficiency maximized.

3. We focus on respecting our client’s capital. It is easy to design interiors that consume capital, but the hospitality industry is a tight-margin business, and by designing intelligently, we can set our clients up with a business that isn’t overcapitalized and has the foundations for success.

Do you have any ongoing ventures you can share with us?

We are currently designing 4x cafes, 3x dumpling shops, an Indonesian restaurant, a Smash Burger concept, 2x pizza concepts, a sushi shop, an Indian street food concept, 3x hotdog and hoagie venues, a bakery, and a fish & chip shop. We have our hands full!

If you have to choose only one project you have been involved in, which one’s would it be and why?

I can’t. I see Millé as a conduit for our client’s dreams. Each project we really go so deep with our clients, to discover their wants, needs, loves, hates, target market, values, passions and interests and really do everything we can to get into their vision and brand to bring that vision, image, or brand to life in a physical form. It’s a hugely rewarding process every time we see our client’s eyes light up throughout the design process and at the end when the venue is open

You own also four hospitality venues,  does operate restaurants/bars have modified your sense of Design?

I previously operated them – they have been sold. Having owned venues, it gives us a deep intrinsic trust between Millé and our clients because we know what we’re talking about when it comes to operations. I know hospitality numbers, what the cost structure is and how difficult to operate they are, I know where the pain points are and I can discuss these confidently with clients and my team to try to reduce risks and increase chances of success in every design decision we make.

Do you mind sharing what are your passions outside of the design world?

Easy – my family.

 

Filly cafe

Filly Cafe

Umu Pizza

Wise Boys Burgers