Designer Spotlight

1. Where are you from?

I’m originally from Chicago.  I moved to Denver in 2003 so I guess you could say I’m a successful transplant.  For the longest time I didn’t know what I wanted to do but I always loved interior design.  One day in my late 20s it hit me to go back to school for my degree in interior design.  I started my program 3 months later. 

2. What drew you to Hospitality Design?

I’ve spent time in residential and commercial design in my career.  I love hospitality design because it allows me to be more creative with design elements and it challenges me with how much information and collaboration is required to successfully execute the design.

3. What’s one design trend or shift you’re excited about right now?

The trend seems to have shifted from large, open spaces to thoughtfully connected but separate spaces.  This is exciting because it allows a space to transition, thus expanding the user experience.

4. What’s Something people misunderstand or that they might not know about designing for hospitality spaces?

Hospitality spaces are unique from residential spaces.  It’s a different set of rules, from the materials we select to the space planning to the user interface.

5. When starting a hospitality project, what’s the first thing you consider in shaping the design concept?

Really the location. So much of the story can be inspired by the location of the project.  But we always try to dig deeper than the obvious.  For example, we’re designing a new hotel in Guyana. We asked ourselves: what is bringing people to this location and the answer is oil. As a result, we have woven oil and its power of movement and connection into the design.

6. Where do you typically find inspiration when developing a new project? 

Site visits are so important when starting a new project.  If it’s a renovation, seeing the existing space is essential.  If it’s new construction, visiting the area or competing properties is an incredible way to get a read on the landscape.  I first like to understand the user experience in and around the new space, and then I try to connect the new space to its surrounding environment. 

7. What type of hospitality space do you most enjoy designing and why?

I love a new construction hotel project!  When designing a hotel, especially from scratch, I get to flex all of my design muscles because there are so many facets to the project.  It’s not just about finish selection, but also within the project we are developing restaurants, bars, lounge spaces, meeting spaces, millwork, room dividers, interesting lighting plans, and so on. Working on a new hotel reminds me why I love this line of work!

8. What’s one design detail or element that you think can completely elevate a hospitality experience?

Lighting.  You can absolutely make or break a space with lighting.  Gorgeous lighting fixtures and a well-designed lighting plan elevate a space like nothing else.

9. What has been your most rewarding project or professional achievement so far?

As far as professional achievements, earning my NCIDQ was huge for me.  So many find themselves needing to take each of the tests multiple times to pass.  I passed each one on my first try.  It was a ton of work to prepare for and was very challenging, but I did it, and I’m so proud of myself for that. As far as rewarding projects, I was the lead designer for a 17-story hotel in Chicago’s River North neighborhood.  It was rewarding not just because we needed to take a prototype hotel and adapt it to a downtown sky-rise, but also because it was in my hometown and I felt proud to contribute to the skyline of such an incredible city. 

10. Do you have a favorite KTI hospitality project? What made it special to work on?

I love my current Country Club project.  It’s rare to get to interact SO much with the end users of a space when you work in the hospitality sector but for this project, I am able to do so.  I’ve been working with the members for over 2 years now and we’ve really gotten to know each other.  It’s so special to get to design a space for this group of people that I’ve come to know and who I hope will enjoy the space for years to come. 

11. Is there a non-hospitality KTI project that has inspired you? 

 The Residential Studio’s Putting on the Ritz! This project is so well done and entirely inspiring!  I know the team worked on it for years and it turned out beautifully.  Because of the size of the property, the design had to bridge the gap between a residential space and a hospitality space and they nailed it.  Just gorgeous!! 

12. Outside of work, what helps you recharge creatively? 

My biggest creative breakthroughs have always come when I’m not thinking about a particular project.  When I’m focused on another task entirely, that’s usually when my brain does its best work.  Whether it’s taking a walk with my son, puzzling, working out, or hitting golf balls at the driving range, stepping away is the best way to recharge creatively. 

13. Take us through your morning routine before the workday begins OR how you unwind after work.

I’m an early riser.  I love getting up when it’s still dark out so I feel like I’m getting a head start on my day.  I start by enjoying a cup of coffee, ideally sneak in a quick workout on the treadmill, then it’s pulling myself together, packing lunches for me and my son and then it’s off to the office! 

14. Where can we usually find you on a Saturday?

Saturday is a busy day!  There’s a bunch on the to-do list including errands, taking care of the house and working on my son’s latest homework assignment.  But if I’m lucky, we’ll start the day by heading over to our favorite local breakfast spot and then off to the driving range to hit a few golf balls.  

15. How would you describe your personal design style in three words? 

Timeless, tailored, and classic.