Hospitality Design - July 2024 - 28

perspectives interview
There are nearly 50 employees at the
newest JBI offi ce in the World Trade Center in
downtown New York, and " we're fi nding that
it's easier for us to transition to more of a team
than a studio structure. We have some big and
small projects, and we want to foster creativity
in all the people who work here, " says Rooney.
Liu-Kanter is also keen to maximize the
Expansive operable glass doors and a poolside
dining deck define Estiatorio Milos Dubai
designers' disparate talents, whether it's
photography, graphics, or, in her own case,
ceramics. She wants to bring " rich, diverse
talent together to create a project, " she says, as a
continuation of " how we started with Jeff rey. I
know the company is bigger, but we don't want
that creativity or culture to change. "
JBI is grounded in pragmatism too,
balancing imaginative concepts with strong
client relationships rooted in honesty. Beers
oſt en noted he wasn't a Black Cape designer,
" meaning that it wasn't his way or the highway.
He was always about what the client wants, "
Pandolfi points out.
The team never tells a client, " 'No, this
is what your restaurant has to be or this is
what your hotel has to be,' " adds Rooney.
" Especially with the amazing chefs we
work with, they have such a vision that they
incorporate into their food. We always want
to make sure that story or the way they think
about their cuisine applies to the design as
well and carries through. "
Wooden archways frame the main dining room at
Peter Luger Steak House at Caesars Palace Las Vegas
Lessons Learned
Beers instilled in the team that when things
inevitably go awry on projects, " you own it, "
says Rooney. " You take responsibility for it, and
nine times out of 10, the client will respect you
even more. It's about integrity. "
Beers exemplifi ed leadership, showing
" everybody kindness and that you were on the
same level. He never talked down to people.
If you wanted to talk to him about anything,
he was available. His door was always open, "
Pandolfi says. " He would stop by people's desks
to see how they were doing. He didn't feel like a
boss; he felt like a contemporary. That's part of
the success of the company. "
Given how Liu-Kanter, Pandolfi , and
Rooney have worked side by side for so long
and been through so much together, they can
easily anticipate each others' thoughts. In
addition to that deep connection propelling
JBI's next chapter, there is trust. Beers " knew
us, " adds Pandolfi , " and he trusted us just like
we trust each other. " hd
At La Mar Dubai in the Atlantis the Royal
hotel, natural materials are punctuated by
vibrant Peruvian-inspired artwork
028
Hear more from the partners on HD's What I've Learned podcast
at hospitalitydesign.com/podcasts
July 2024 hospitalitydesign.com
http://www.hospitalitydesign.com/podcasts http://www.hospitalitydesign.com
Hospitality Design - July 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Hospitality Design - July 2024
