Gordon Campbell Gray is one of the most respected names in the industry, responsible  for launching a new style of luxury hotel offering exceptional service and comfort in an uncompromisingly chic environment. He is chairman of Campbell Gray Hotels, established in 2003, which comprises One Aldwych, London; Carlisle Bay, Antigua; Dukes, London, and now Le Gray Beirut, the group’s first hotel in the Middle East. Campbell Gray designs all his hotels in collaboration with Fox Linton Associates. (continue reading…)

Denis Looby is one of four partners at the Dublin-based architecture practice Sheehan & Barry. The company was established in 1981 and has particular expertise in the conservation and refurbishment of existing buildings. It works on everything from residential projects to ecclesiastical work and commercial contracts. Looby has led the renovation and refurbishment of several properties, turning them into luxury hotels for The Doyle Collection, including The Kensington Hotel. (continue reading…)

The award-winning Swedish design practice Claesson Koivisto Rune was founded in Stockholm in 1995 by Mårten Claesson, Eero Koivisto and Ola Rune. At the beginning its focus was on architecture but it has evolved into a multidisciplinary company, designing everything from furniture to buildings. It was the first Swedish architectural office to be invited to exhibit in the international section at the Venice Biennale, 2004. The team recently completed the interiors of Hotel Skeppsholmen. (continue reading…)

Phil Sherburne used to be a city planner before he turned his hand to developing, specialising in the creation of ‘low-impact’ projects. He studied law at Harvard Law School but decided not to practice it, instead choosing to lead a team of federal and city officials in the development of housing for low-income families. A commitment to quality design mixed with a strong social conscience led him into the realm of sustainable design. Bardessono is his first foray into luxury eco hotelling.

Bardessono is promoted as the epitome ‘luxe green living’. Are there many examples of this phenomenon in Californian hotel design?
There are a handful of other like-minded hotels in California, but none that have received Platinum LEED certification, as Bardessono has. We consider ourselves in good company and anticipate others joining in the movement. (continue reading…)

MKV Design was established in 1999, specialising in interior design for the hospitality and resort sector. Headed up by Maria Vafiadis, the company is a respected name in the industry with a range of international clients.MKV recently completed work on the Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton in Johannesburg while other current or recent projects include The Alcron and Lanova hotels in Prague, Angasana Santorini in Greece and The Sheraton, Edinburgh. MKV is now designing a second Radisson hotel in Johannesburg. (continue reading…)

St Austell-born Helen Blake has more than 17 years’ experience in design, having graduated from Falmouth School of Art and Design in 1989. After a successful stint working in London, she headed back to Cornwall in 1991 to set up her own practice. Absolute is made up of two teams concentrating on graphic design and interior design. Working on the interiors of the St Moritz Hotel was a dream project for Blake, with the opportunity to create something really special close to home. (continue reading…)

Koncept is one of Sweden’s leading architecture firms, working on everything from retail and workplace design to hospitality projects. The company was founded in 1996 by Nils Nilsson, Ulf Maxe, Cecilia Clase, Anne-Marie Ekroth and Paola Padoan. It has won numerous awards since then and boasts up to 700 completed projects to date. This includes Story Hotel Stockholm, Hotel Anglais (Scandic) Stockholm, Hotel Guldgränd Stockholm, First Hotel G in Gothenburg and Copperhill Mountain Lodge in Åre. Koncept is currently working on a new hotel in Hamburg for Scandic. (continue reading…)

James and Hayley Baillie founded Baillie Lodges in 2003. Both in his previous capacity as managing director of P&O Australian Resorts and in partnership with his wife, Hayley, James has embarked on numerous hospitality adventures all in the wilds of Australia, including Lizard Island, Silky Oaks Lodge, Heron Island, Cradle Mountain Lodge and Bedarra Island. Ever mindful of the wildlife and natural habitat, there is an eco premise to everything the Baillies do. Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island was built to high standards of sustainability in collaboration with South Australian architect Max Pritchard.

When did you identify Kangaroo Island as a potential hospitality destination?
In 1997 when I first visited the Island. I was managing director of P&O Australian Resorts, then the largest owner/operator of nature based resorts and lodges in Australia but we never had the time or resources to focus on KI. It was only when I left in 2001 to set Australia’s first portfolio of premium luxury experiential lodges that I decided that KI was firmly on the agenda. No one had ever developed premium accommodation on the Island. I was soon to find out one of the key reasons why: it was an approval nightmare. (continue reading…)

Parisian-born Raymond Visan has made a name for himself creating destination bar/restaurants and nightclubs. He opened the Barfly in his home city in 1995, followed by Buddha-Bar a year later, and then took the concept to New York. Architect David Rockwell was commissioned to work on the design of Buddha-Bar New York, fulfilling the brief set by Visan to create an Asian-inspired venue with a futuristic twist. The Buddha-Bar Hotel, which is part of Visan’s George V brand, has the same Asian styling with a contemporary edge. (continue reading…)

An old-school interior designer of the highest order, Pierre-Yves Rochon is known throughout the hotel design world for his luxurious style. He set up his own company in 1979 making a name for himself creating high-class hospitality concepts, although he also works on private residences, spas, restaurants and product design. His design for Four Seasons Beirut follows numerous schemes for the brand. Other prestigious commissions include those for Ritz Carlton Hotels & Resorts, Sofitel Hotels & Resorts, Inter Continental Hotels, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Peninsula Hotels.

What is it about Lebanese culture that you find most inspiring?
The mix of cultures, traditions and people in one country is inspiring to me. I have always been fascinated by diversity and the mixing of traditional and modern elements in every aspect of my life. I travel to so many countries, each with its own culture. It is important to me to always be curious, and open-minded to the unknown and new. For me, this is the only way to blossom and have an enriching life and career. (continue reading…)