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Be Our Guest: Elkus Manfredi on the Co-Creation Process

Posted by on August 8, 2018 in hotels | 0 comments

By Elizabeth Lowrey, principal and director of interior architecture, Elkus Manfredi Architects.

When Boston-based Elkus Manfredi Architects designs a hospitality space, we face the perennial question: How do you create an unforgettable brand experience and still perform practical tasks efficiently? Today’s tech-driven consumers expect ordinary functions to be readily accessible, quick, and stress-free so they can immerse themselves in all the pleasures the property offers. Because of this, design firms like us are often tasked with making that ease seem effortless.

The LINQ Spa features a palette drawn from nature. Photos of LINQ by Andrew Bordwin

Indeed, we’ve deployed a new design process we’ve dubbed co-creation, which gives employees—those most familiar with daily guest needs—a direct line to creative partners from the beginning, and they continue to give their input through the phases of the design process. They are truly the perfect proxies. Here, we look at co-creation moments that have enhanced guest experience at three distinct properties. Continue reading →

Stylus: 3 Design Trends to Watch

Posted by on July 11, 2018 in Trends

Whether you abide by them or not, trends help shape our industry and evolve our design perspective. But we also realize we can’t dress everything in Millennial pink forever. Few know this better than trend tracker Stylus, which follows the changing hospitality industry on both the macro and micro levels, analyzing innovation, lifestyle, and consumer engagement. We caught up with U.S. advisory strategist Amber Davis to discuss what’s on the horizon, including three directions design will be heading in 2019 and 2020.

Go Bold or Go Home
“Not only is color being used as a way to stand out in busy social feeds, but it’s being used to make revolving statements in the home as well,” says Davis. In addition, it caters to the youthful spirit of Millennials who have “a more optimistic, pragmatic, and proactive approach to creativity.” A maximalist color palette helps connect the physical and digital worlds, even if it’s choosing a few bold pieces for a room. Continue reading →

Zaha Hadid Architects Remakes a Luxe Makeup Brand

Posted by on June 13, 2018 in Projects

For the self-described “100 percent high maintenance” luxe makeup brand Il Makiage, transforming that confidence and swagger into a bold new pop-up pavilion to celebrate its recently released 800-product line required special attention. And there is only one firm that truly embodies that avant-garde ethos: Zaha Hadid Architects. Located in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood, the renowned firm’s London office led by Kar-Hwa Ho crafted a monochromatic, skeletal-like tunnel, which houses the collection of colorful, lush lipsticks and velvety, matte foundations. The intimate space takes cues from the company’s simple yet sleek black, white, and silver packaging.

Photos courtesy of Il Makiage

HD was there for the press preview before it’s official launch on June 1st to see the striking structure in person. Comprising interlocking fiber-reinforced plastic ribbons that alternate between gloss and matte finishes and illuminated from within, it’s a wholly visceral experience that showcases the products’ pigmentation.

It’s marked by an energetic fluidity. Continue reading →

HD Expo Preview: Development Update

Posted by on March 28, 2018 in Events

We’re less than 40 days away and counting from our highly anticipated event of the year, and the HD team could not be more excited to share with you what goodies we have in store for HD Expo 2018. We’re back at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas from May 2nd – 4th for more networking and, of course, to show off innovative products from the more than 800 exhibitors on the show floor.

Indeed, HD Expo is known for its thought-provoking discussion panels, and this year is no different. While we tackle many different topics impacting the hotel industry, this year we have a few that hone in on the owner and development side of the business, especially as the hotel industry’s future continues to be promising. Mark your calendars: Here are a few development panels you won’t want to miss.

Where in the World: Development Update
Wednesday, May 2nd: 3:15 pm – 4:15 pm

Join Bruce Ford of Lodging Econometrics as he leadsa panel of four hotel executives, including Jay Stein, Dream Hotel Group; Trevor Horwell, Nobu Hospitality Group; Gary Dollens, Hyatt; and Larry Traxler, Hilton Worldwide Hotels & Resorts to talk the latest in booming developments around the globe, including design-driven projects that are paving the way, as well as new hotbeds in the forecast. Continue reading →

Brand Identity: The DNA Behind Design

Posted by on December 4, 2017 in Events, Trends

Panelists included Paula Scher, Terry Young, Arne van Oosterom, and Debbie Millman

The Pratt Institute held its second Design Symposium at the TimesCenter in New York where designer and professor Marc Rosen led a panel including Debbie Millman, brand consultant, educator, and artist; Paula Scher, designer and principal at Pentagram; Arne van Oosterom, founder and partner of DesignThinkers Group and DT Academy; and Terry Young, CEO of Sparks & Honey, to discuss the marriage between design and brand identity. They dug into how to build a successful brand, highlighting “the crossover of design as a state of mind in every discipline,” notes moderator Rosen.

Millman kicked off the presentations, sharing her philosophy: A brand is what allows you to understand a company, but the design shows you what it can do. There are four critical concepts that lead to good branding, she says: cultural anthropology, behavioral psychology, economics, and creativity. Sparks & Honey’s Terry Young delved deeper into cultural anthropology, explaining “To design great brands today, you have to be culturally relevant. Continue reading →