Boutique Design - January/February 2010 - (Page 18)

Q & A “The economy will not support projects that don’t offer the best value for the consumer’s dollar. In today’s world and going into the future, nothing is more important.” — PAUL HERETAKIS Viva Las Vegas traddling both coasts (and several oceans) in design work and office space, Paul Heretakis, principal of hospitality design for Las Vegasbased Westar Architects, has managed to settle into a powerful gaming niche yet remain highly versatile. It’s a nimble-footed existence that perhaps only the acrobats of Cirque de Soleil (performing in six Las Vegas venues) S could truly appreciate. Heretakis has overseen many decadent designs, specializing in casino lounges and restaurant spaces that need to induce a quickening of the breath and the sweet slap of greenbacks as a night of gambling commences. Speaking of gambles, one would think that with a price tag of $8.5 billion, the new CityCenter would have chosen Westar for some of its casino design; it’s a firm that knows the definitive lay of the land. The planners however chose to employ architects and designers outside of Las Vegas in an attempt to bring a fresh vision to the glinting streets. Heretakis remains nonplussed, with Westar touting a lengthy history of recognition that has insulated it from economic distress. The firm was named 27th on Interior Design Magazine’s list of Hospitality Giants in 2008 and Heretakis was chosen as one of 25 “People to Watch” for 2009 in Global Gaming Business Magazine. Heretakis discusses how Westar Architects has defied the economic odds and continues to take on a little bit of everything from a new office in Macau to a conversion project in Batumi, Georgia. 18 • boutique DESIGN january/february 2010

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Boutique Design - January/February 2010

Boutique Design - January/February 2010
Contents
Q&A with Paul Heretakis
Business Sense
State of the Industry
By Honing in on Innovative firms, the Brand Design Team at W Hotels Has Brought the Company into its "Second Age"
Architect/Designer Rober Henry Teams with Chef Shaun Hergatt for and Intense Collaboration on a new Wall Street Restaurant SHO
The Deliberate Design Behind Andre Kikoski's New Cabin-Inspired Restaurant in Denver, Second Home
DREAMbook
Designology
The Design Team Behind Missoni Discusses Its New Foray into the Hotel Industry
Stacy Garcia Reveals Her Style Forecasts for 2010
The Sparkling Soiree BD Threw in Manhattan to Celebrate Boutique DESIGN New York and the Gold Key Design Award Winners
Calendar/Advertisers Index

Boutique Design - January/February 2010