Boutique Design - March 2019 - 42

UP-AND-COMING DESIGNERS

Helping launch our first
U.S. office was an amazing opportunity. I really
didn't know what I was signing up for, but the
founding partners trusted me. I was thrilled to
join such a global, dynamic firm and immerse
myself in Los Angeles' creative scene. With
bringing in new business, finding new talent,
keeping clients happy, and monitoring projects'
financial health, I've learned more in the last
three years than the first eight years of my career!
We've worked really hard, but when a tight and
talented team unites under pressure, amazing
things result, including collaborations with great
brands on incredible projects.

BRAVE NEW WORLD:

Director, West Coast
DesignAgency

THE ST. REGIS TORONTO

ADVICE FOR NEWBIES: Find the right studio with

good chemistry. Bouncing around a bit is OK if
you give it an honest try. Being a designer isn't as
glamorous as many think, so work with those you
admire and trust, and leadership who pushes you
toward something fantastic. Seek senior mentors
who will share knowledge, experience and contacts.

WORK IN PROGRESS: New Hollywood and
New York locations of NeueHouse; a
mescal bar at Park MGM Las Vegas;
a confidential Pendry Hotels project;
Joie de Vivre Hospitality project,
San Diego, California.

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM CLIENTS: Embrace

the unknown and remain patient when working
diligently toward goals. We may not have all the
answers today, but if we don't rush the process, we
will achieve great end results.
FAVORITE PROJECT: Converting an existing hotel
to the Hyatt Centric brand in Arlington, Virginia,
let me do what I love: source interesting art and
design custom carpet patterns and colors. The
project team complemented each other, which
made the process even more fun. Some brought
technical expertise or an eye for beautiful details,
while others contributed amazing presentation
skills. The leaders gave the designers freedom
to explore and come up with creative solutions,
resulting in a vibrant and a bit eclectic hotel.

AMY CHEEKS

Director, Interior Design
NELSON Worldwide

HYATT CENTRIC ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA

I'm not the
most boisterous person in the room, and
loudly expressing opinions is not my forte.
Working with trusted colleagues and
being as prepared as possible allows me to
voice my thoughts and be heard.

BIGGEST LEARNING CURVE:

A midscale, dual-brand
hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood
Suites at Baltimore's Inner Harbor. We're
marrying each brand's signature elements and
amenities within shared spaces while also
designing for full-service guests with upgraded

WORK IN PROGRESS:

boutiquedesign.com MARCH 2019

millwork and finishes throughout. Lobby zones
feature seating types signature to each brand,
with modular elements and workspace areas
relevant for Hilton Garden Inn, and residentialstyle furniture around a fireplace representing
Homewood Suites.

C O U R T E S Y O F D E S I G N AG E N C Y ( B R U E M M E R ) ; B R A N D O N B A R R E ( T H E S T. R E G I S T O R O N T O ) ;
C O U R T E S Y O F N E L S O N ( C H E E K S ) ; D R AG O N F LY I M AG E PA R T N E R S ( H YAT T C E N T R I C A R L I N G T O N )

GOOD DESIGN IS GOOD BUSINESS: Everything
begins with design that supports clients' business
plans. Seat counts, the placement of the hostess
stand and the location of points of service impact
operations, and therefore, a restaurant's success.
Going beyond logistics to enhance the desired
experience also increases the value of our clients'
brands. For The Dalmar, Fort Lauderdale, a Tribute
Portfolio Hotel, we developed the naming and
brand identity along with the interiors, resulting in
a stronger, more cohesive concept.

ALEXANDRA
BRUEMMER

http://www.boutiquedesign.com

Boutique Design - March 2019

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