dwp gets personal with Jordy Fu

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We ask world renowned architect, artist and fashion designer some personal questions…

How do you summarise your creative ethos?
“I once read a book by Kevin Roberts, it’s actually a marketing book called ‘Love Marks’. written by the former CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi, In it he says, instead of creating brands, we should make people fall in love. I thought that was very interesting in architecture too. We create building after building that look the same. There is no love in them. After I read that book realised that, as a designer, I should be creating love. Making the world a better place by using my creativity. I saw emotional connection is very important whether creating a teacup or making a city. The end goal should always be that people love it.”

What is the first thing you do when you get out of bed?
“I feed my cats. I have eight! I’ve got one room and they’ve got the rest. Three Persian cats I bought and the other five kittens were rescued, Thai cats.”

Apart from your cats what gives you energy?
“I have always had lots of energy. I guess it’s because I’m curious. I always find something interesting and exciting no matter where I am. I love learning and discovering new things. I also do a lot of yoga and sport.”

Do you sleep with your phone next to you?
“Actually, no. I put my phone very far away from me as soon as I get home because I try to have personal time. When I’m at home I try to look within, be calm and just be myself instead of being distracted by the whole world.”

How has your cultural background influenced you?
“I was introduced to the Asian culture when I was child and then educated in the West. The mix is a good thing. I wish every child could have that because you can pick whatever works for you from both cultures. There is less limitation.”

What advice would you give your younger self?
“I have always told myself the same thing which is: ‘dream big‘. Most people only look at very small things, or the near future. But when you have a dream you can go after it. Follow your passion because whatever feels natural and exciting for you is the right path.”

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

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dwp gets personal with Anne Carson

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dwp gets personal with world renowned interior designer Anne Carson

What are your guiding principles?

Do what feels right, be upfront, be compassionate and listen. There is no right or wrong, life and relationships are ever-changing and if we concentrate on the positive, let go of the negative everything will be alright.

What do you perceive to be the culture of dwp and why does that resonate with you?

I love the founding principle of what dwp stands for “Design Worldwide Partnership”. Being open and collaborative, putting talented professionals together offering the best of the best in design. I first met the dwp group when we had the amazing opportunity to work together on the prestigious Sansiri project at 98 Wireless Road in Bangkok. Because of my background with Ralph Lauren, Sansiri approached RL to use their Home Collection and to market this flagship property as furnished with RL Home Collection. RL introduced me to Sansiri and I was hired as the interior designer.

What do you hope to achieve?

I resonate with the vision of dwp’s leadership to establish a signature line of design offering. Recognising projects that are successful with a collaborative effort. I hope that together we will continue the success that we achieved with 98 Wireless. I would like to bring this level of attention to detail of design in architecture and interior design to a global audience.

What’s the first thing you do when you get out of bed?

Pour a cup of coffee, set to brew before I go to sleep, and take my dog out for a walk.

What gives you energy?

Being productive, immersing myself in a project and seeing it come together. I love seeing positive results emerging, whether it be sorting through a bin full of fabrics to find the perfect combination, or creating a sketch for a custom piece that almost appears on a blank piece of paper. I especially love gardening, as it is an ever changing canvas: I love the creative process and then seeing results.

You unexpectedly find 15 minutes in your day, what do you do with it?

“I check in with my family. I have three children, three sisters and lots of nieces and nephews!”

When was the last time you felt you failed and how did you overcome it?

I was working for a client who is also an interior designer. The process was a challenge to make sure selections that she “found” or “had to have” had other options. I felt I was compromising my design in order to make her feel she was contributing. Ultimately it was a compromise all around. I overcame this by asking her to shop with me. I could then expose her to new resources… what was currently happening in the market. Together we than made selections and decisions that allowed her to feel included. In the end we created an interior that was current, and all in all, a great success. We have since worked together on three of her homes!

How and why did you start you own company?

While I was working for Ralph Lauren, I was also helping friends and family with their interior design projects. As this work became more steady, I had the opportunity to work for a friend of a friend on a large project in Palm Beach and I made the decision to head out on my own. I said to myself: “If I work as hard as I do for my ‘real job’; on a business for myself, it will be OK”.

Do you follow ‘rules’ or break them?

In terms of interior design, I pretty much follow rules. I think there are “rules” of scale, proportion and function that are important to keep in mind to make sure a room or home feels comfortable and liveable. Other rules can be broken or stretched to be fun and inventive.

Please contact sarinrath.k@dwp.com for enquiries

Find out more about dwp|signature

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dwp|signature collections are groundbreaking collaborations with acclaimed architects, interior designers and artists. Want to know more? Find out by filling in the below form or contact one of the following people:

For dwp|anne carson please contact Sarinrath Kamolratanapiboon – sarinrath.k@dwp.com

For dwp|jordy fu please contact Scott Whittaker – scott.w@dwp.com

For all general dwp|signature questions please contact Brenton Mauriello – brenton.m@dwp.com

dwp Profiles – Anne Carson

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dwp’s new groundbreaking dwp|signature collections celebrate the company’s entrepreneurial spirit. Brenton Mauriello, Group CEO of dwp says: “These collaborations allow us to take our award-winning design ideas to the next level of creative expression. For clients with specific requirements and defined taste who want something special.”

Anne Carson Interiors combines dwp’s elegance with Carson’s thrilling aesthetic. Renowned for her glamorous spaces, Carson has created lavish interiors for exclusive clients in the most beautiful homes around the world.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Anne Carson’s career was launched on a great twist of luck as well as natural talent. She says: “I saw an add in the “Help Wanted” section of The New York Times that looked interesting. I went to the interview and it was actually for a job at Ralph Lauren. Naturally I said yes! It really was my lucky day as I was assigned to work for the Creative Services Dept. Soon I was helping with the planning and building of the flagship store on Madison Ave.

What daily habit or practice helps your creativity?

I am constantly aware of of my surroundings and pay attention to detail wherever I am. Whether I am out and about or looking at all the new offerings that come across my desk. I get lost in seeing inspiration: the latest trends in products, finishes and new inventive ideas. It can be problematic sometimes as it causes a bit of a distraction!

Do you see yourself as artist or an interior designer?

I see myself as an interior designer. To me, the discipline of “interior design” is different from that of “fine art”. The process of interior design involves working with an empty shell assembling combinations, layers of materials and categories of furnishings adding other craftsman. We start with a blank space and add physical elements that create a lifestyle experience; it is not a static object.”

What inspires you?

Traveling!

Everywhere I go I search to see and understand what makes each place special and unique. History, architecture, people, lifestyle, landscape. I look at the natural settings. I notice the combinations of the colours in nature; which is awe inspiring. Recently I was driving in Colorado through a mountain pass: brilliant blue sky, mountains: brown, grey and dark with blinding white snow caps, most of the trees were green and there was ONE Canary Yellow Aspen tree standing alone on the hillside…

What is creativity?

Creativity is contagious. It’s a feeling, a visual reference, an experience, a conversation, it builds on itself, starts with a small something that becomes something bigger. Who knows… the sky’s the limit…

For more information on dwp|anne carson please contact sarinrath.k@dwp.com

dwp Profiles – Jordy Fu

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“Art transforms the environment. We create art.

We live in art. Art is everyday.” Jordy Fu.

dwp|signature collections are collaborations with acclaimed architects and interior designers.

Jordy Fu is a world renowned architect, interior designer, fashion designer and artist.

Jordy first felt the creative spark when she was a little girl. She exhibited at the Beijing Capital Museum at six years old and published her first book at the grand old age of seven. Already an accomplished artist, she eventually studied design and architecture in London, where she lived for many years. She has since added fashion design to her creative palate. One of life’s seemingly random crossroad-encounters led her into the path of Brenton Mauriello, CEO of global architecture firm, dwp.

What is creativity?

“Creativity is not only an expression of the artist or designer but something that connects emotions, creates love and makes life better. Creativity comes from inside. If people find it difficult to create it is because they don’t see or don’t want to feel. I believe creativity has no boundaries. So I practice architecture, interior design, art, fashion and product design. They are just different media. This journey is part of my personal growth. I want to keep challenging myself.”

What is the secret to creating something that has an emotional response?

“Creating something represents a dream. Something unique. Something you feel excited about. Something sensual you want to hug, kiss and fall in love with. Of course it has to make the users and client of the project feel comfortable and relaxed with the objects and the space.”

What inspires you?

“Everything. If you open your eyes inspiration is everywhere. Life inspires me. I look at things I love. When we’re designing hotels, I look at the surroundings. If it’s near the sea, the building is inspired by the sea, waves or nature. If we’re doing a specific project for a client, it’s inspired by the client’s brand. Their personality and image. Every project is very different.”

Who has inspired you the most in your life?

“When I was a child, Picasso and Matisse and Van Gogh because I was interested in colour. And then when I grew up, Herzog, Murray, and Sejima. Now I’m a little older, I inspire myself. Once you have developed your own style, it comes naturally and you don’t need to look so much to other people. You can look within and it comes.”

What advice would you give an artist or architect to improve themselves or their work?

“Don’t give up. I think we are born with creativity. During the journey you can get lost. Somebody might say: ‘Your idea is terrible’, ‘We cannot do this,’ or ‘There is no budget or time’. If you believe or get used to that, you give up. You have to adjust. Maybe next time someone else will see it and be excited. So just keep going. Don’t lose your dreams.”

Hot off the press: dwp|signature collections

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ev1kDCe8eo&t=1s

dwp|signature collections are groundbreaking collaborations with acclaimed architects, interior designers and artists.

dwp|jordy fu and dwp|anne carson lay the foundation stones… with more exciting collaborations to be announced soon. Watch this space!

Brenton Mauriello, Group CEO says: “These collaborations celebrate the company’s entrepreneurial spirit and allow us to take our award-winning design ideas to highly personalised creative expression. dwp|signature collections are for clients with specific requirements and defined taste who want something special.”

dwp|jordy fu is a meeting of dwp’s timeless design with emotive architecture and cutting edge interiors. From internal artistry in London to Thailand’s glistening malls and sculptural architecture in China.

dwp|anne carson defines luxurious interior design and breathtaking aesthetic. From historic New York addresses to opulent holiday homes in the Hamptons.

Brenton says: “With dwp|signature collections, we leave no creative stone unturned. We are making good on our promise of providing our clients with exclusive, highly customised design.”

What do women want?

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According to dwp’s global research, if you ask business women from every nation about their hotel experiences while on the road, it is a question that has often been ignored. But now Hospitality Designers are not only listening but answering with a few creative twists…

Female business travellers are on the rise.
According to Skift, women influence 85% of purchasing decisions, are high-tech, connected, social and represent 58% of online sales. So it is only natural that, in order to have the competitive edge, big brand hotels like Marriott, Hyatt, Sofitel and DoubleTree by Hilton, are asking the right questions.

As an international global architecture and design firm, dwp collaborates with our clients to find solutions and create hotel experiences which connect and unlock this female purchasing power. According to our research, what women business travellers want, comes down to a few simple facts:

SAFETY
Security is the biggest concern for female travellers. The design trend that addresses that for luxury Hotel lobbies is flexible-use space. Lounge room designs that allow for personalised, discreet concierge check-ins and (or) online check-ins.

CLEVER DESIGN
Georgie Kearney, dwp Wellness Architect says: “Through our work, we have found that bathroom design – better lighting and portable mirrors for skin care and makeup application is a big opportunity for improvement. Our research shows us that bathroom lighting is either too harsh or too dim.”

Most hotels are now tapping into smart technology but are these innovative products user-friendly? At dwp we believe in applying navigable technologies that are easily accessible and quickly ‘learnt’ such as electronic/sensor touch pads to collect phone voice-messages, pre-coded personalised music selections, and effortless mood lighting adjustments can enhances the guest experience

WELLBEING, BEAUTY + A LITTLE LUXURY
Optimising experiences that welcome females include access to wellbeing services, women’s beauty amenities, luxurious linens, and designer soft furnishings that make female guests feel at home. Hotels that don’t offer these essentials will start to fall behind as women become more vocal about what they want.

THE FUTURE OF HOTEL BUSINESS
Bobby Ali-Khan, dwp’s Australian regional business development director, says: “While our research shows many hotels already provide exceptional service and amenities, females still have genuine gripes with design fixtures and hotel operations that impact their time and wellbeing. Thoughtful touches such as smaller slippers, lighter bathrobes, complimentary high-power wi-fi, make a huge difference. Female guests tend to be more focused on their own wellbeing and the environment so in-room-yoga mats, non-plastic bottled water and healthy menu options must also be a priority.”

Hilary Spiers, dwp Managing Director, sums it up by saying: “At dwp we collaborate with our luxury hotel clients to lead the way in making their products and services more appealing for their female business travellers. This in turn impacts the bottom line ROI by unlocking female purchasing power.”
For more information please don’t hesitate to contact
bobby.a@dwp.com
hilary.s@dwp.com
georgie.k@dwp.com
kirk.e@dwp.com

dwp takes the HICAP road

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For 30 years, HICAP (Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific) has been the Asia Pacific’s most established and recognised conference for the hotel investment and development community. The region’s most influential executives gather to meet, network, make deals, explore opportunities, and exchange ideas. In 2018 the event was held in Hong Kong and dwp, experts in luxury lifestyle architecture and design, were there.

Hot Hospitality Debate:
Somewhat unsurprisingly, technology and digital transformation. The views were divided. Some operators believe that millennial behaviour is shaping the way hotels are designed & operated. Essentially that technologically advanced practices and operations are the only way to stay relevant in today’s world. Meanwhile, other operators are adamant that the human aspect should be very much at the forefront of hotel experience. That the concept of hospitality could never be replicated by a mechanics, robotics or AI.

dwp believes that focusing on the brand’s values and and the target clientele are the key to this conundrum.

Hot Hospitality Trends:
An interesting trend we noticed in the hospitality scene was the merging of traditionally different sectors. For example, Equinox is opening up a fitness hotel in New York. We Work is also now entering the hospitality space with We Live.

Hot Hospitality Opinion:
Now, more than ever, we need to look beyond the traditional ways of designing and operating hotels. The key is to stay relevant. Kaye Dong, MD dwp Hong Kong says: “The most important thing is to know your clients. Know what matters to them. We want to enable our clients to offer hospitality experiences to their clients that remain happy memories long after check out. To us that is the definition of successful hospitality.”

For more information don’t hesitate to contact us!
kaye.d@dwp.com (Hong Kong)
kirk.e@dwp.com (Bangkok)
charlie.k@dwp.com (Vietnam)

Four Benefits of Building Information Modelling.

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Why are architects around the world casting aside their pens, protractors and paper in favour of BIM?

How is this design and construction process (initiated, inspired and powered by the whole Internet, the Cloud and social-media-mindset of information and content sharing) changing the foundations of design?

1) BIM Saves a Lot of Time.

BIM is a modern day communication tool that replaces thousands of drawings. It is a way to share information about every aspect of the construction of a building.

Templates can also be used to save time with BIM. For example after designing a standard library, the ‘blueprint’ can then be built upon to create any number of diverse libraries. The more you use it, the quicker it becomes to design because the foundation information is already there.

Takrit Jirawudomchai, dwp’s Associate Director of Architecture and BIM says: “dwp has been using BIM since 2015. We use it because it is more efficient. It saves time… and time is money. I predict that within five years we will be completely digital, completely paperless. No printers in the office and no drawings. Everything will be based on digital models.”

2) BIM is a Universal Language

It is a database or communication tool to get everyone on the same page: architects, engineers, builders, owners, suppliers, interior designers, landscape designers… Everyone understands exactly the same thing. The information is specific and centralised so nothing is missed between the relevant parties. BIM makes sure the information is delivered to the supply chain.

3) BIM Reduces Risk

BIM is a digital model that can be seen – in perspective – on a computer. Everyone sees the same information: The owner will know how the house looks. The contractors – from the plumbers and electricians through to the bricklayers and carpenters – will know exactly how to build it (including the potential pitfalls). All of the building information stays available as a resource for future renovations and maintenance.

4) BIM Gives you Bang for your Buck

Ultimately, because money is mostly spent, saved (and lost) during construction, BIM’s access to every small step of a project’s life via the Cloud: from first line to finish line, from total costs to environmental costs: means that budgets can be managed. As Grandad used to say: ‘Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves. BIM’s microproject management is money in the bank..

There is no doubt that BIM is laying the virtual foundation stones for the future of architecture…

BIM and the art of paperless design

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In the history of architectural milestones there are a number of notable moments. Ziggurats in Mesopotamia was the first. Settling down from our hunter-gatherer wanderings, humanity began to farm. Presumably with bellies full of lamb shawarma and more time to muse by the fire, we also started to build. And so, with a mix of passion and mud based mortar, the history of architecture began. Aeons passed. There was Imhotep the original Egyptian architect. Ancient Greeks then chipped away at marble and strict rules of proportion. The Romans, on a roll of engineering genius revolutionised European architecture with arches, domes, vaults and concrete. In a narrative nutshell the rest, as they say, is history…

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

Fast forward to the modern day. It is exciting to be a part of another architectural revolution in the form of Building Information Modelling.

Affectionately known as BIM. Initiated, inspired and powered, not only by Imhotep, but by the whole of the Internet, the Cloud and the social-media-mindset of information and content sharing. As a communication tool BIM is a (very) high-tech stick drawing in the sand: a way to share information for the construction of a building. The difference from a sketch – and it’s a big one – is that BIM is a database that allows everyone – from architects to engineers, builders, owners, suppliers, interior designers and landscape designers – onto the same stretch of sand (as it were). It is a tool that allows all the players to understand exactly the same thing from their own perspective.

Takrit Jirawudomchai, dwp’s Associate Director of Architecture and BIM says: “The way of thinking about design has not changed. The pen-and-paper approach to design has not changed either. It starts with an idea in your head. The question is how do we tell the design story to different audiences from different disciplines. When you draw for the client, for example, the contractor will not understand and vise versa. So BIM is a tool that transfers all the information to a central place that everyone can see and understand.”

A digital model shows on a computer, in perspective, how the final house will be. From the foundations, to the plumbing, electrics and final finishes. The contractors know exactly how to build that house and the owner knows how it will look. Even with all our sophistication the basic needs of humanity for shelter, our aspirations for beauty and safe shared spaces, have not changed since the Ziggurats. But simply put, BIM is the tool for a technological age that replaces thousands upon thousands of drawings and saves vast amounts of time and money. The Mesopotamians would be proud.

For more information on BIM and our other services, please contact the bimteam@dwp.com

Local accents

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How do architects and designers offer a taste of local flavour?

In the last 10 years the hospitality industry has become a hotplate of sizzling new ideas. Although not traditionally an industry known for being trend-bending; these changes are being made in response to overwhelming demand from today’s experience-hungry information-savvy traveler.

Guests want to take a big bite of the local culture rather than nibbling at the edges. So in turn hospitality fundamentals have evolved from good service, cleanliness and comfort. Standards now include fast and unfettered connectivity, sustainability and, importantly for designers, guest experiences nuanced with local flavour.

God is in the details, as they say, so how do designers infuse the colour, tradition and history of a destination into these details? (While at the same time making spaces relevant and contemporary). Kirk Ellis, Lifestyle Portfolio Director of dwp says: “To design something fun with a feeling of the local vernacular and character is not that difficult. We base our decisions on how abstract or concrete the nuances of the design should be. We work with the operator or the brand to find out what they want. An example is Anantara Hotels. They are developing their brand identity which is solid traditional style; to more abstract design overtones with upholstery and interior finishes.”

Ultimately these choices are defined by what is available. In Thailand, for example, there is an abundance of sustainable, natural resources like bamboo and teak wood. There are rich and continuous traditions of handicrafts, textile weaving, carpentry and construction as well as detailed art. Whether it is authentic Lanna style or Hill tribe upholstery; designers have a rich palette to work from. A veritable smorgasbord of cultural references to add to the overall design.

Whatever the local context, it is in these ways designers can can bring in subtle or overt parts of the local story, texture or imagery. To add a sense of the historical aesthetic in a modern way. Designers set the scene for the real protagonists, the operators, to create experiences and memories that will be treasured and shared for years to come.

For information on our hospitality services, please contact kirk.e@dwp.com

Designer destinations

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Research indicates that today’s inbound traveler to Thailand and South East Asia, with wallets of every size, are more independent, more hungry and more ready than ever before for a true taste of local culture. SLOW travel is at the forefront of the insta-generations travel expectations: local experiences, local people and local food. The hospitality industry needs to adapt it’s offering, and it starts with design.

Cultural changes in the expectations of hospitality began to emerge out of Europe, the U.S. and Australasia about a decade ago. These changes were driven by the way we communicate and access information: instant messaging, with a world of answered questions, was suddenly at our fingertips. People no longer read travel books to find out ‘where are the top 10 places to stay within my budget’.

The hospitality industry is, in general, slow to change and at first the ‘old guard’ was resistant. But soon maverick brands began to realize that people wanted something different. Who would have believed that the idea of having a hotel lobby feel like a nightclub, like W Hotel, would be anything other than a flash in the pan? But actually; it was revolutionary.

So changes in design were led by demographic changes. The needs and demands of the guests. Hoteliers began to see the opportunity to create something people would want more and more of: Lifestyle Hotels. Defined by The Boutique and Lifestyle Lodging as: “Small, intimate and modern – and throw in advantages only a chain can offer, like loyalty perks, consistency and economies of scale. As a result, lifestyle hotels are generally more affordable and accessible than boutiques – and soon to be ubiquitous.”

Design supports for lifestyle brands are much more expressive, much more distinct and much more singularly focused. The industry has changed. Young people, for example, want to come to Bangkok to party and have fun. Moxy Hotel by Marriott absolutely hits the mark with their 18 – 28 year old demographic. Partying is accepted and anticipated. And this feeds into the expectation of some travelers. And that’s where good marketing and brand awareness comes in… do not pass go for someone who does not want a party hotel!

This design approach applies equally to the hotel restaurants. These days not many people think when travelling: ‘Let’s avoid the local food’. So hotels have had to become more realistic about what the market is demanding.

Lifestyle Hotels are meeting changing Food and Beverage (F&B) demands in two major ways. Kirk Ellis, Lifestyle Portfolio Director of dwp says: “Some hotels are choosing to go smaller and less with their F&B offering. These hoteliers are expecting their guests to eat out. We design them a cool, fun place for their guests to stay. It has a lower price point. They have almost no F&B outlets because young travelers, with their phones, can find the hottest place to eat and drink at the touch of a button. They certainly don’t want to eat in a hotel. This in turn reduces construction and operating costs. So design has evolved through that shift because the internet generation, with information at their fingertips, can access what they really want.”

The point is that hospitality is usually an industry that tags behind the leading edge of trends. But these changes also give hoteliers the opportunity to save on operating costs, staff costs and at the same time align with guest’s expectation and enhance their experience. The differentiation in design is, as hoteliers are prepared to take more risk in their boutique and lifestyle brands, the design is becoming much more fun.

For information on our hospitality services, please contact kirk.e@dwp.com

dwp gets personal with Jordy Fu

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dwp gets personal with Anne Carson

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Find out more about dwp|signature

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dwp Profiles – Anne Carson

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dwp Profiles – Jordy Fu

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Hot off the press: dwp|signature collections

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What do women want?

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dwp takes the HICAP road

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Four Benefits of Building Information Modelling.

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BIM and the art of paperless design

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Local accents

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