What is the importance of design in luxury hospitality?

Insights Blog

Chatrium yangon hotel dwp talks to Savitri Ramyarupa, MD of Chatrium Group to find out more about the success of the Chatrium brand and the role of design.

Savitri Ramyarupa is a scion of the Sophonpanich family; renowned pioneers of Thailand’s finance industry. Think: ‘Bangkok Bank’. These days however their portfolio has diversified into luxury residences and hotelkeeping. We talk to her about how it all began; and what were the key factors in building a successful five star brand.

“It all started by chance” Savitri says. “Our family business first diversified into serviced residences. Then we noticed increasing growth in the tourism and travel industry, so we adjusted our vision, and began to concentrate on the hotel business as well. We named it Chatrium after my father Chatri, who is an icon in Thailand.”

“Design is the entry point to the hospitality experience”, Savitri says: “Like a beautiful meal; the presentation must whet the appetite. It must appeal to the senses. Chatrium designs are focused on unique and local experiences with charm. dwp has been our design partner for more than 10 years in residential, office, hotel, restaurants, meeting rooms and fitness center design. They are very reliable, professional and flexible… And being flexible is very important because people’s experience of luxury has changed. It used to be simply about big expensive brand names. Now, I believe, ideas of luxury are as varied as our guests. Simple things can be luxurious: fast and easy bookings, easy check in and checkout, remembering guests names. Even genuine friendliness is a luxury in the modern world. But tangible things are still luxurious too. Rooms designed with deep thought and care. Attention to detail, high quality furnishings and aesthetics are very important.”

“We are in the people business: people serving people. We need to understand our customers and it is our intention to deliver remarkable experience to our guests every time they stay.”

Luxurious design starts as a concept. The guests and the positioning of the property must be priority as the design process unfolds. In the case of the Chatrium brand it is very important that it works for both for travellers as well as the local community. Savitri adds: “All Chatrium Group’s designs must fulfill the brand’s promise of: “A remarkable experience” and dwp is our partner in designing that.”

For more information, please contact media@dwp.com or have a look at the hospitality section of our website.

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What is the key to designing remarkable spaces?

Insights Blog

dwp talks to Savitri Ramyarupa, MD of Chatrium Hotels and Residences about the importance of finding a long term design partner that creates spaces that guests long to return to.

The relationship between Chatrium group and dwp architecture and design began 10 years ago with the conversion of Oakwood Narathiwas into the Chatrium Residence Sathon. Savitri says: “Since then, we have partnered with dwp on many luxury projects ranging from residences to hotel rooms and offices.”

Chatrium hotels and residences are renowned for bringing a strong sense of place to their luxury properties. And for this to work successfully, it is the responsibility of design partners to fuse the beauty and charm of each and every location without compromising the core brand. Savitri says: “At all our hotels and residences throughout our brand portfolio at Chatrium, and our lifestyle collection Maitria, guests are invited to ‘feel the remarkable’. To indulge in a culture of local hospitality, crafted comfort and luxurious space… and dwp is our chosen design partner to articulate that.”

Over time Chatrium Group has grown and so has dwp. “They stay ahead of the trends in the hospitality and residential industry and bring new ideas to the table. Like us, they value authenticity and experience. Their designs implement our desire to be both distinct and accommodating of international travelers and the local community alike. Simple, innovative, and functional. Chatrium Group values the same things. Sustainable designs are also important to us, dwp and our guests. Eco-friendly practices are becoming the norm, so we also focus on renewable energy resources,” Savitri says.

“Finally, from my perspective, important elements of design are also in the details. How materials are used so that guests can have an experience of luxury and comfort that they can feel and touch.”

In order for any project to be successful, there needs to be understanding, communication and flexibility throughout the life of the project and beyond. Cohesive luxury design paired with seamless service is what makes guest experiences so remarkable that they want to come back.

For more information please contact media@dwp.com or have a look at the hospitality section of our website.

How to design a lab of creation

Insights Blog

dwp designed the W Hotel’s first opening in Dubai on the Palm Jumeirah, W Dubai – The Palm.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOZTQJlGjjc

The alliance between boundary pushing global design studio, dwp and hospitality disruptors, W Hotels was a rockstar marriage made in heaven.

For the W Dubai – The Palm, dwp looked to the iconic features of the Middle East for inspiration. Scott Whittaker, dwp’s Group Creative Director, says: “We took the unique attributes of the Arabic culture, as well as the location at The Palm, and melded them into a W experience. The exciting challenge and opportunity with this project was to create that quintessential W hotel feeling of rebellious, distinctive luxury; while drawing from Middle Eastern culture. To offer the unique sensual experiences of the location while maintaining that special sense of ‘W’.”

Scott says. “dwp have created distinctive hospitality projects in Dubai For 10 years – so we understand the local market – and communicate those design elements very well. With our global studios we are also able to bring international design trends to the party. This fits very well with W hotels identity as a global brand.”

So what are W’s consistent branding elements and how did dwp meet them?

Scott explains the project with W Dubai – The Palm was a fun-filled journey. W Hotels are ‘labs of creation’ and the design is all about taking risks and breaking boundaries. W is fun. Wherever you are in the hotel, it should be ‘wow’. Young, friendly, dynamic, 24 hours. So that it doesn’t feel like you are in a normal hotel. The interaction is different. The whole experience of being in a W should be enjoyable.

The first design feature to wow guests of W Dubai – The Palm; is a spectacular sense of arrival. A perforated golden cocoon, lined with date-palm fronds, and multicolored rainbow ceramics welcomes guests into what promises to be a thoroughly modern Middle Eastern experience.

Entering the atrium lobby we see references to Arabic architecture. Thick mud walls and minimalist openings keep out the heat and elements. A breathtaking cubic chandelier punctuates the space offering reflections of the desert sun. Artisan carpets soften stone floors and allude to the rugged geography of the Gulf coastline. The design concept is transformation by light. When you come into the lobby in the day or at night, it’s a completely different experience.

The bar continues the cubic theme, melting to gold. The centerpiece of the bar, unique to the W Dubai, is a modern fireplace that reflects the traditional nomadic lifestyle of the desert.

Wireless technology was also a key part of the design. From mood changing lighting to building controls; (invisible) technology was a key to the success of the project. The W’s mobile app controls everything from the phones to check in and out, air conditioning in-room entertainment lighting and as room keys.

The food and beverage concept is all day dining flow. A series of rooms and spaces that curve and connect. The inspiration is drawn from the henna tattoos of the region. Scott says: “My favorite feature is the signature wall of two tone veneers that changes color depending on the way you view it. When you look at it in one direction, it’s purple, and then you look at another direction, it’s green. But it’s wood. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

dwp designed the large Wow Suites with a colored mosaic wall running the length of room. The bathrooms are open and every room has an amazing view out over the Gulf and also over the city of Dubai. Full-length windows lead onto a balcony. Everybody’s favourite feature is the dining table that is also a catwalk. It’s a bit naughty and playful everyone wants to try.

Behind the scenes, the back of house operations are truly massive and underground. Guests cannot notice what is happening in the background. It is completely invisible. The hotel is actually bigger underground. The carpark and the back of house is huge.There are portal in the roof that allow islands of natural light to flow on to the staff working in the basement.

The sustainability choices are subtle. But the inbuilt design controls and material choices are extremely effective. The whole façade has balconies to shade windows, there’s sustainable glass on the windows. Everything is seamless.

‘W is WOW so they want every space to be unique’. Everywhere is a selfie-spot. Everywhere is sprinkled with stardust. For more information, please contact scott.w@dwp.com or take a tour of the new W Dubai.

Be whoever you want to be at Lebua No.3

Insights Blog

Adding to the all-star line up of unmissable Thai experiences at Lebua, is Bangkok’s recently opened, vertiginous, Lebua No.3.

Part of the existing stable of “must visit’ venues at Lebau’s State Tower, dwp designed the world’s tallest Gin, Caviar & Vodka Bar with a pinpoint focus on a younger dynamic global guest. Accessorised in laser blue, piano black and copper, the high-tech chic venue offers dance-stopping views of the Chao Phraya River, and city skyline along with cocktails and unforgettable moments.

Deepak Ohri, Lebua’s CEO talks a lot about memorable experiences. According to dwp, experiences are always connected to emotion. Designing spaces that surprise and delight with light and colours that conspire to create lasting memories. Scott Whittaker, Group Creative Director for dwp says: “The ubiquitous selfie moment means ‘you’ve done your job well’. You have created that emotional connection. People are protagonists in the theatre. They are happy…” and with more than a million snap-happy selfies taken at Lebua every year the statistics speak for themselves.

Scott explains the design for Lebua No.3 started with a clear idea. A simple, singular thought, 3 circular bars focused around premium white spirits and caviar. Arriving at the bar is a highly emotional experience. Guests descend via a black marble spiral staircase from level 52, and arrive at the first circular bar and DJ booth. They then move outside to the terrace. From a totally black mirrored space there are a further 2 bars which come with incredible views north over the Bangkok night skyline.

The design plays with light, space and sound to create an experience that challenges the senses. The blue lighting was a collaborative effort with a lighting designer, to enhance the design concept around incredible cocktails based on white spirits. This fantastic atmosphere was then coupled with a world first external digital dance floor which plays mesmerizing moving graphics to the music.

The ‘secret sauce” to designing experience is creating a space, conjuring an atmosphere, and painting a backdrop in which you can be whoever you want to be… To feel like a red carpet celebrity for the night. dwp’s design for Lebua No.3 is the stage which allows them to do just that.

For further information, please contact scott.w@dwp.com or have a look at the hospitality section of our website.

How to build an icon in the sky

Insights Blog

dwp and lebua bar

It’s a little known fact that two of the major players on the Bangkok business scene actually took some of their first steps onto the stage together.

dwp, global architecture and design firm known for its boundary pushing cutting-edge designs, and Lebua – eternally in ‘the best luxury hotels in Bangkok’ bracket, known for lavish views, spacious suites, iconic restaurants and rooftop bars – actually stepped out into the bright lights and big time hand in hand.

It all began after the Tom Yum Kung crisis of the 90’s. The financial crash left towering skeletal remains of failed developments on Bangkok’s skyline. Scott Whitaker, creative director of dwp says: “The new owner of empty and abandoned, State Tower, was looking to redevelop. She saw our website – back in 2003 – and asked us to come in for a meeting. Although now we are known as hospitality specialists, up to that point, we hadn’t focused on hospitality or restaurants projects. So it turned out to be a landmark moment for dwp.”

Scott met with Deepak Ohri at the top of the derelict State Tower: “He took me out there saying he wanted to make rooftop bars and restaurants. It was a huge space with immense views. I said: ‘Okay’ and immediately checked into the St Regis. I locked myself in my room for three days to immerse myself in the story of a hotel and to only think design.”

“The basics were already there – a grand staircase and a fountain – but not much”, he explains. “So, I tried to think about what could be created with that space. A helicopter flew over and I remembered the Fellini film called La Dolce Vita. The similarities to Rome struck me: the Spanish steps and the fountain. The furniture was from a famous restaurant in Venice. So I drew on that too. I said to myself this is a film set.”

The rest was about to become history. “The client liked it and said: ‘do it’. Deepak was very inspiring. His idea was to have a world class outdoor restaurant and bar. But he let us develop the design concept.”

The combined team then all went on a journey of discovery to London. “We visited all the best hotels, restaurants and nightclubs to get ideas and study all the F&B design trends”. It wasn’t all plain sailing however – Scott adds: “There were a lot of naysayers at the time. I had to go to a meeting with two big competitors (also friends of the owners). They said it was bound to fail. The owner was wasting her time. It should be a spa. But the owner agreed with dwp. I believe because we sold a very emotional design. Deepak talks a lot about experiences. Experiences are always about emotion. Designing unexpected space, colours and light that conspire to create lasting memories.”

Creating a theatre in the sky meant unexpected challenges. Getting materials to the 64th floor being the main one. Everything was built first and cut up into chunks to fit into the lift; then re-welded at the top. Scott says: “They ran the lifts from 10:00 PM until 6:00 AM. All the lifts, full of building materials, every night. Even now, that’s how it is done.” He smiles: “There’s a lot of experience behind creating experiences”

Reflecting on dwp’s own hospitality journey since 2003 Scott says. “I look back now and think it was a blessing to have approached the design with fresh eyes. With unlimited thinking. Because once you know what the ‘rules’ are (or how they ‘should’ be) it runs the risk of becoming formulaic. Now everybody has a rooftop restaurant, but back then, there was nothing like it. It was in all the magazines and everybody copied it.”

dwp and Lebua did not set out with a long term goal or vision for each outlet. Scott says: “For Deepak I think it’s about business. Increasing the revenue 30% by transforming a dead space into another restaurant. He can tell me in five minutes what the market profile is; but doesn’t interfere how it will look. So far we have designed and won awards for, Sirocco, The Chivas Whiskey bar, Flute bar, Breeze, Mezzaluna and Distill Bar. Lebua No.3 has just been completed and the Chef’s Table is the next exciting addition. “There is still so much space left to develop. A lot more possibility”.

Both dwp and Lebua are luxury brands with their hearts in Thailand. But beyond that the synergy between dwp and Lebua seems to be pioneering spirit. Both buck, rather than follow, trends. Scott says: “Apart from history, which we obviously have, the secret of our successful union is that is every time they have a vision – we are somehow able to interpret it.”

Whatever the secret, Bangkok now has a Hangover or two and a lot more stardust because of it.

For further information, please contact scott.w@dwp.com or have a look at the hospitality page of our website.

What is digital transformation and why does it matter? By Scott Whittaker

Insights Blog

dwp Group Creative Director and company founder, Scott Whittaker, talks about what inspired him to take a traditional architecture and design company on the journey to digital transformation … Not a road well travelled but certainly well met.

People often ask me when I first came across the idea of ‘digital transformation’.

Although known by different names; the concept began to emerge into the collective consciousness around 2000. However, my personal ‘aha’ moment was a bit earlier. Back in the mid 90’s I remember downloading the first Netscape browser. I typed in some words – and images suddenly began appearing on my screen. I realised I had access to all kinds information from everywhere. In that moment I knew the world would soon be a different place.

Naturally it wasn’t long before I began thinking about the possibilities for design and architecture. Design is essentially a very human collaborative process. I saw that digital cloud technologies would allow for the real-time exchange of ideas. That this would in turn allow knowledge to be unlocked and disseminated quickly – effectively revolutionising the design and construction industry. The evolution has actually been slower than I imagined. But in the past there were issues like sporadic internet connectivity that have now been resolved.

Design processes have always been analog; on paper and in 2D. Digital transformation matters because now all the knowledge and skills that have been held in information silos, (due to geographical or systemic boundaries) is readily available to everyone 24 hours a day, anywhere in the world… and in 3D.

It’s a fundamental reinvention of the way designers do business on every level. From the first connection and exchange of information and ideas with a client, to communicating those ideas with the project team, through to the full digitalisation of the construction process. For example in the last two years we have used cloud based digital tools to facilitate “design councils’. These are global project design reviews – held each week in every studio – where our team of international experts collaborate in real time.

Our digital technologies now enable dwp’s Sector Health Specialists based in the Melbourne studio to collaborate with the project and client teams in our Dubai Studio. Engineers working on mechanical system designs in Singapore can join in while the operator, based in Boston, updates the brief. Everyone has access to each other and to all the information with an online digital 3D model as the single source of data. For our clients the benefits are clear: sustainability, cost and time saving, as well as profound access to all aspects of the project. Needless to say, the result is even better design and better client experience. It allows dwp to explore space and materials in a way that was not possible before and offer enormous variety to our clients.

I am certain that, like all the various digital revolutions happening now in retail, banking and automotive industries, there will soon be a tipping point where the traditional format of an analog architecture business will disappear. As a company, and a team, dwp has worked hard to lead by example and offer our clients groundbreaking design in a cutting edge way.

For more information please don’t hesitate to contact me: scott.w@dwp.com

The secrets you need to know about digital transformation

Insights Blog

Digital guru, Brian Solis defines digital transformation like this: “The realignment of, or new investment in, technology, business models, and processes to drive new value for customers and employees and more effectively compete in an ever-changing digital economy.”

Two years ago dwp embarked on a digital transformation journey with Creative Director and founder of the company, Scott Whittaker at the helm. It was as he puts it: “A no pain no gain approach”. Rather than gradually easing out of the world of paper and analog systems the architecture and design company charged, like a very well-informed bull, at the proverbial gate. A gate that led to freedom from ‘intensive, repetitive analog process’. A gate that led to connected information and ultimately a gate that led to creativity that better serves their clients.

Every legacy system was replaced at the same time. From ERP, CRM, BIM, file storage, communications to all our design tools. “Actually, we don’t know of any other global design firm that has taken such a radical level of innovation in such a short time,” Scott explains. dwp now runs 100% on the Cloud. “We took a nuclear approach and moved the entire business to the Cloud, including Cloud BIM in a single step. And I can now say it was, unequivocally, the right decision.”

Now, at our brand new Bangkok studio; digital transformation has been taken one step further. Fully wireless, the team can work almost anywhere in the activity-based environment. Scott explains that smoother collaborations between design teams, consultants, clients and suppliers are evidence of a successful transformation.

Dean and Linda Anderson in their article about managing transformation say: “… the future state is so radically different than the current state that the people and culture must change to implement it successfully. New mindsets and behaviours are required. In fact, often leaders and workers must shift their world views to even invent the required new future, let alone operate it effectively.” And Scott concurs. He puts the secret of dwp’s transformation success squarely on the shoulders of the dwp team: “They were responsible for carefully articulating each of the company’s moving parts (architecture, design, graphic design, marketing, finance, HR, etc). Meeting regularly to plan and communicate all that was necessary to enable transformation across the company. Buy-in across the organisation was essential.”

Scott is keen to point out that the transition process is an ongoing one. “Digital transformation is something that’s never going to stop. All that can happen is faster change. It’s very rewarding when we see our clients fully immersed in the design from the very birth of the concept,” he says. “And with the changes we make, clients become more demanding. They expect more from our services. Want more levels of digitalisation. Simply put: they will get better design and the end users will have better environments to live and work in. So I really don’t see it stopping anytime soon.”

For the industry the next step is to apply digital transformation to the construction process – and thereafter – to the full life span of the building. dwp is already collaborating with a number of major developers in Asia to design and deliver major projects digitally. “By creating smart buildings that respond to the user and the environment we will revolutionise the industry”, he says.

Get in touch with Scott to find out more at scott.w@dwp.com

Change is hard. Digital transformation doesn’t have to be

Insights Blog

We put Group Creative Director and company founder, Scott Whittaker, in the hot seat to find out what digital transformation means to the company culture

Was the digital transformation process difficult for the team?

It was easier than I thought. Technology is not the issue. The difficult part is always getting people to change. To think, work and communicate differently. Most people don’t like change so we underestimate the ability of humans to adapt quickly. The real shift in digital transformation is mindset change. The next step is to leverage the freedom we have to innovate at speed.

How long did it take people to adjust?

After just a few months most of dwp’s team were comfortable with the new tools and systems. It was important that senior business leaders were part of the transformation and led by example. We were aware that some team members would not be comfortable with the change and accepted that some would not see it through. I think that helped us make the necessary changes – sometimes without 100% consensus. It was a no pain no gain approach. We are really excited that graduates joining dwp are digital natives. They are comfortable with the tools and fit in immediately with our digital workplace.

Why aren’t more companies are diving into digital transformation?

Key management at most international architectural and design businesses were born before 1980. Many of these creative managers remain analog thinkers and aren’t digital natives. Other leaders don’t understand the positive impact of these technologies or are unwilling to dismantle legacy systems that they have already invested in heavily.

Do the benefits outweigh the costs?

Our technology costs went down significantly post-transformation. But the real cost is in retraining. And the time it takes to restructure the systems – the way things work. Many of our clients are going through a similar journey so living this change ourselves really helps us understand their business needs when designing their new projects.

What is the most exciting thing for people about digital transformation?

Ultimately we can deliver even more creative design and innovative services. Traditionally design and construction are businesses where everybody worked excessive hours, late into the night, and on weekends. The intensive, repetitive analog process with disconnected information locked in silos, demanded so much time and naturally, human errors crept in. Now we can put the focus where it should be: on creativity and serving our clients better. We have better relationships, better outcomes and better lives.

Why are architects throwing away their pens to save the planet?

Insights Blog

dwp’s Group Creative Director Scott Whittaker connects the dots between design, technology and sustainability.

What is the future of design?

“For dwp, as global designers and architects, planning is about many things. For our clients, it is about driving design and development while cutting financial and environmental costs through BIM.”

What is BIM? (Building Information Modelling).

“BIM – Building Information Modeling – is a 3D model based process that replaces how architects, designers and construction industry professionals conventionally work. Until recently developments were created with two dimensional drawings; often running into thousands of pieces of papers. BIM is supported by three dimensional digital modelling program that shares information about every aspect of a building. Everyone sees the same information: from the architects to the owner, the engineers, quantity surveyors, site managers and contractors. Buildings and developments are much easier to conceive, more efficient to draw and coordinate. Above all, inefficiency and waste is brought to a minimum. Through BIM all the building information stays available as a resource for future renovations and maintenance.

Does BIM impact Sustainability?

“BIM helps create complex buildings efficiently (high-rise towers, hospitals, hotels and compound mixed-use developments) that have many layers of services and technical complexities. All the building components can be put together in a coordinated way from the beginning of the design process. By minimising changes, variations and therefore material waste, a lot of money is saved during construction. All the moving parts can be drawn together. Potential problems can be clearly seen in advance and all the systems integrated from the onset. BIM allows building components to be prefabricated precisely, which also minimises wastage: a benefit both financially and environmentally. BIM also helps develop construction safety by mitigating risks and accidents.”

BIM enables architects and urban designers to not only plan, but manifest, a more connected, leaner and greener world for us all.

To join the conversation or to find out more please don’t hesitate to contact scott.w@dwp.com

dwp in Digital Transformation

Insights Blog

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oI1qMKz1VE

dwp now has a brand new Bangkok studio. We have taken digital transformation out of the Cloud and into the (agile) workspace. Fully wireless, our staff can collaborate almost anywhere in the activity-based environment. We have are smoother relationships between design teams, consultants, clients and suppliers.

To find out more about how we designed for transformation and how you can too contact scott.w@dwp.com

What do architecture, love and dwp|jordy fu have in common?

Insights Blog

https://youtu.be/_ZKa7gAM4O4

Creativity seems to ooze out of every one of dwp|jordy fu’s pores.

Here the architect, fashion designer and artist talks about what touches moves and inspires her…

For more about jordy and dwp|jordy fu please contact scott.w@dwp.com

Confidence on the top shelf of retail design

Insights Blog

An exciting time lapse video showing the unveiling of dwp designed three-story flagship store for local accessories brand, Naraya at Icon Siam; Thailand’s newest luxury lifestyle shopping mall on the Chaopraya River.

For more information contact: sarinrath.k@dwp.com