Boutique Design - November 2019 - 86

ALLISON BARRY
PRINCIPAL
KEVIN BARRY FINE ART

THE ROSE HOTEL CHICAGO, TAPESTRY COLLECTION BY HILTON

In many ways, the biggest disruptor in our industry
was and is Airbnb. Its entrance into the marketplace is forcing brands to rethink what sets them
apart and how to define their value for an audience
that seeks experiences over traditional hotel luxury
amenities. We're seeing this impact the work we do
with the increased demand for Insta-moments at
properties, particularly fully curated experiences
that still project an authentic feeling. Now, art in
hospitality is focused more on creating a moment
that can be shared-something we're incorporating
into our current projects.
WHERE DO YOU TRENDWATCH?

I follow fashion and art; I really like the Instagram
profile @avant.arte. I enjoy staying on top of trends,
but it's just as important to look for what's timeless.
An art program has to be as compelling five to seven
years from now as it is today. Personally, I love
fashion and design magazines. I really like to look at
elle.com's "Street Style" section; however, I don't
know if I'm as brave with my fashion choices as
those fashionistas. My son and I have a secret
passion for Pinterest Fails, especially around crafting
and baking. So that's a good distraction and good for
a laugh, mostly because it hits a little close to home.
SPEAKING OF FAMILY, HOW DID YOU GET
BEYOND THE GOOD/BAD OF BEING THE

boutiquedesign.com NOVEMBER 2019

My career began outside of the family business,
which was crucial in my professional development. It's so important to have work experience
where your boss is impartial, someone who doesn't
support you unconditionally. You need to see yourself from a critical gaze. As for the biggest lesson
learned in my career, it would probably be the experiences that taught me the importance of seeing
myself as a professional and taking myself seriously. I
remember what it was like when I was still figuring
out who I was as an employee, and that has really
informed my leadership style as I work with recent
graduates just starting their careers at Kevin Barry
Fine Art (KBFA). Those first years in the workforce
prepared me in their own way for where I am now
leading this company, and I'm really grateful for that.
HOW DID THAT INFORM YOUR MANAGEMENT
STYLE?

I'm not sure I always achieve it, but I try to make
time to look at the whole person and emphasize
that in leading the team. Seeing the whole person is
vital to doing good business. KBFA is a family business, and that is very much at the heart of how we
approach leading our team. We are a bigger family
these days and we're growing quickly. But being a
family business with people who never see their
families isn't who we are.
ARE YOU A RISK-TAKER OR A PLANNER?

I would describe myself as a calculated risk-taker.
It's cliché, but I think trusting your gut is so
valuable.
IF YOU WEREN'T INVOLVED IN ART, WHAT
WOULD YOU BE DOING?

When I was a kid I used to want to be a back-up
dancer for Madonna or Janet Jackson, so maybe that?
I should say that I do not have the skills to do that
whatsoever. Thankfully I'm doing well where I am!
ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER ROAD WARRIORS?

I'm a renowned overpacker. My brother John
suggested I write out a list of my day and evening
outfits, and he bought me a luggage scale so I could
make sure my suitcases wouldn't be overweight. I
laughed at the time, but I tried it and it helped!
Truthfully, I still overpack despite the tips and the
fact that my mother was an international TWA flight
attendant for over 30 years. But I discovered the
benefits of a soft-sided suitcase which covers the
occasional lapse in packing judgment and is flexible
enough to jam in the overhead bins. Seriously,
though, there's no easy solution for being away from
my family so much. I've logged over 100,000 air miles
annually for the last five years. That's a big sacrifice.
So my travel must-have is a fully charged phone with
the FaceTime app. Before every trip, I take a photo
of my family to have with me. I FaceTime my
husband all the time on the road. That all helps me
stay connected when I'm traveling.

J B J A K U B E K ( B A R R Y ) ; C O U R T E S Y O F H I LT O N ( T H E R O S E )

FOUNDER'S DAUGHTER?
WHAT'S SHAKING UP HOTEL DESIGN?

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Boutique Design - November 2019

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