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Waldorf Astoria Kuwait – CID Magazine

Commercial Interior Design Magazine

WHY THE WALDORF ASTORIA KUWAIT IS AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF LOCAL INFLUENCE IN HOTEL DESIGN TRENDS

Texture & colour inside Waldorf Astoria Kuwait by Jacqueline Craft, a senior designer at LW.

Hotel design is all about creating a holistic and memorable experience for the guests, ensuring their visit is unforgettable and seamless. A home away from home. The experience should start at the entrance and continue throughout the public spaces into the various facilities and the guestrooms. Every component of the design needs to be carefully curated and considered and have a purpose which guests experience and can enjoy. This has always been a fundamental aspect of hotel design but the guest experience is increasingly becoming more significant and now shapes the identity of a hotel. Below is a look at the current trends in the hospitality industry.

Storytelling
Telling a story helps create a strong theme and identity for a hotel and allows guests to travel through the various spaces experiencing different chapters of the narrative. They embark on a journey of discovery often not realising they are being immersed into the local culture through subtle references in artwork, finishes, pieces of furniture etc. Waldorf Astoria Kuwait is one such project which built its story around its surroundings. The location of the fascinating Failaka Island, in close proximity to Kuwait City, is home to the legend of Icarus. Icarus represents the guests’ cravings for escapism, the need to avoid the monotonous. The interior has been elegantly designed to reflect the cultural history of Kuwait with more traditional accents with a Middle Eastern flare.

Finding Balance
Working with texture has always been and will always be a great tool when developing a hotels scheme adding tactile elements and contrasting finishes adds life and personality to a space. We are now seeing a greater focus on mixing and layering different textures and finishes. The Waldorf Astoria has achieved this through the mix of warm timbers, decorative metal screens, bold accent fabrics and intricately detailed rugs to bring in colour all helping to add interest, sophistication, and character to the areas.

The Psychology of Colour
Colour will stir emotions in a person no matter where they are from and which dialect they speak. Currently, natural and organic materials and cool neutral colours with touches of warmer tones are in trend. Think highly decorative beautiful stones mixed with natural timber finishes, lush woven fabrics, metal accents and touches of greenery adding pop and life to the space. Soft feminine colour palettes and organic decorative patterns are being used. Intricate and beautiful details between finishes and often a less are more approach is desired. Allowing for the carefully selected colours and materials to be seen and enjoyed.

More Personalised Design & Experience
Many of the big signature branded hotels have always had a signature design approach often with particular design principles and standards. We are seeing a lot more freedom in creating individual elements to the design that help properties stand apart and a boutique approach. Gone are the days are walking into one of the hotel’s chains in one location which is the same as the other. Brands still have signature elements but the operators encourage creativity and interpretation by the designer. The iconic Waldorf Astoria clock is an example of this. A clock is a gathering place and focal point of the Waldorf Astoria lobby. The clock in Kuwait has been developed and inspired by the importance of the solar system of the Islamic World. It was a more personalised design that was modelled around the Arab nomads’ study of the sky and navigation.

Future Hospitality
Taking the story digitally. As digital transformation has changed the way guests experience a hotel and use the various spaces. A hotel stay can now be more tailored to a guest’s specific needs and requests. Information can be stored meaning a return guest doesn’t waste time providing the same information time and time again.

About The Author

Jacqueline Craft
As well as Waldorf Astoria Kuwait LW projects that the designer has lent her skills to include Okku, Dubai UAE; The Terrace, Ritz Carlton DIFC, Dubai and the design-driven hotel Zabeel House, also in Dubai.

https://www.commercialinteriordesign.com/people/waldorf-astoria-kuwait-excellent-example-local-influence-hotel-design-trends

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Intermediate Designer - Hong Kong

LW has openings for experienced hospitality Interior Designers to join our Hong Kong studio.

  • Hospitality background is a MUST
    • Preference for a candidate from a large international hospitality firm (adept at dealing with a large volume of work)
    • Industrious and independent
    • Eager to grow and develop further skills (possibility for career progression when appropriate)
    • PR not required
    • Multiple language skills not a must
    • Ideally 4-5 years of experience

Please contact our team at:

hk@lw.co

DUBAI, UAE

Our LW Dubai studio opened in 1999 and is under the exceptional leadership of Founder & CEO Jesper Godsk and Founding partner Colin Doyle. the office is home to our passionate Architects and Interior Designers who work alongside to deliver world-class projects from hotels, residential buildings, bars & restaurants worldwide.

We are proud to say many employees have been with LW from the beginning and each designer’s expertise, experience, and passion plays an important role in accomplishing and delivering to our exceptionally high standards.

Technical Architect - Dubai

We are looking for an experienced technical-based Architect to join our Dubai studio.

Representing LW as an Architect you will work alongside our talented team, creating residential, mixed-use and hospitality projects for clients based in the UAE and globally.

Candidates must have:

8-10 years industry experience post RIBA part 3

Experience developing residential and hospitality projects

Proficiency in 2D/3D software, such as REVIT, Autocad, SketchUp, and InDesign

Must be creative, proactive, self-motivated and able to achieve results at a fast pace

Please submit your CV and portfolio showcasing your previous experience to:

Contact@lw.co

HONG KONG, CHINA

LW Hong Kong is located in what is arguably one of Asia’s most vibrant and exciting cities, at a cultural crossroads Hong Kong embraces a bold and forward thinking design scene. The cities’ exhilarating urban energy is constantly evolving, and has led to the creation of many trend setting food and beverage concepts.

LW Hong Kong is within easy reach of APAC, south west Asia, and mainland China. It is perfectly placed to take advantage of opportunities in the region.

The studio is led by Partner, Senior Director of Interior Design Adrian Battisby, he brings over two decades of hospitality experience and knowledge. Adrian leads with an energetic and charismatic approach, actively supporting an international team of designers.

SÃO PAULO, BRASIL

Established in 2015 the LW SP studio reflects our commitment to build our relationships in the region with developers, operators, other creative minds and strengthens the firm’s position for future growth.

The Sao Paulo studio immerses us within an eclectic design community and is known for bold, contemporary designs with a talented team that works in an atmosphere of creative collaboration.

Cristina Wakamatsu, Design Director and Partner, is responsible for guiding the office’s culture and work product, ensuring they embody LW’s values and commitment to produce outstanding design solutions.

At LW SP studio we have a talented and passionate team dedicated to the firm’s core values of design excellence. The future is bright, and I am excited to be a part of a team working to better our collective future through collaboration, innovation and design problem solving.”

AARHUS, DENMARK

LW Aarhus is keen to take the time and establish the design team in Denmark. They allow themselves the luxury of time to absorb the DNA of Aarhus and the rest of Europe. Operators are keenly centered around nurturing the right partnerships to create exceptional lifestyle hotels that will contribute to innovative and high-end experiences. The team is playful and delivers exceptional results; they possess the modernity that can render nods to history and seamlessly combine contemporary design. They are brand storytellers. LW Aarhus consociates with appropriate global operators and progressively nurtures their relationships. They allow themselves to breathe so that they have the space to create a unique experience, whether in the luxury or lifestyle arena.

Hospitality Interior Designers

LW has openings for experienced hospitality Interior Designers to join our Dubai studio.

Representing LW as an Interior Designer you will work with the Design Directors and will be responsible for designing alongside a team of designers. You will be expected to work on large-scale 4 and 5-star hotels and a variety of F&B projects and will also be expected to contribute and develop the design to an international level while ensuring the project meets LW standards. The applicant must be willing to contribute to the social environment and be part of creating an inspirational atmosphere.

To be considered for this position you must be/have:

  • Minimum of 6 years proven experience in hospitality Interior Design working on large-scale projects for both lifestyle and luxury brands
  • Proficient in AutoCAD, PowerPoint, Photoshop and Sketch Up. Revit would also be a benefit
  • Experience in technical coordination and delivering 4 and 5-star hospitality documentation packages
  • Must be creative, proactive, self-motivated and able to achieve results at a fast pace

Please submit your CV, with a selection of works in a portfolio that showcases your presentation skills, renderings, drawings and detailing capabilities, FF&E specification examples to:

Contact@lw.co

FF&E Designer

Position: FF&E Designer
Location: Aarhus, Denmark
Experience: 3-5 years

Job Description:
As an FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment) Designer at our international interior design practice, you will play a crucial role in creating visually stunning and functional spaces for our hospitality and high-end residential projects. You will collaborate with our design team in our Dubai & Hong Kong office to curate and select the perfect furniture, fixtures, and equipment that align with the overall design concept and client's vision. Your attention to detail, creative flair, and knowledge of the latest design trends will contribute to the successful execution of projects. Contacts with suppliers and access to materials is beneficial.

Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with design teams to understand project requirements and design concepts.
- Source, select, and curate furniture, fixtures, and equipment that meet aesthetic, functional, and budgetary goals.
- Create mood boards, material palettes, and presentations to communicate design ideas.
- Develop specifications and documentation for FF&E items, including finishes, fabrics, and materials.
- Maintain relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, and vendors to stay updated on product availability and industry trends.
- Ensure that the selected FF&E items align with the project's overall design concept and client's expectations.
- Attend client meetings and presentations to present and explain FF&E selections.
- Have exceptional understanding of all materials and a flair for creating interesting and eye-catching schemes.

Requirements:
- Degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, or related field.
- Proven experience as an FF&E Designer in hospitality and high-end residential projects.
- Strong understanding of design principles, materials, and finishes.
- Proficiency in design software such as sketch up and Adobe Creative Suite is useful
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Attention to detail and a keen eye for aesthetics.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Knowledge of industry trends, suppliers, and market availability.

Please submit your CV, with a selection of works in a portfolio that showcases your presentation skills, renderings, drawings and detailing capabilities, FF&E specification examples to:

Contact@lw.co

Senior Technical Architect - Sao Paulo

Representing LW as a Senior Technical Architect you will work with the team and will be responsible for designing alongside a team of designers. You will be expected to work on large-scale 4 and 5-star hotels and a variety of residential projects and will also be expected to contribute and develop the design to an international level while ensuring the project meets LW standards. The applicant must be willing to contribute to the social environment and be part of creating an inspirational atmosphere.

To be considered for this position you must be/have:

  • Minimum of 12 years proven experience working on large-scale projects for both mixed use and residential
  • Proficient in AutoCAD, Revit, Adobe and Sketch Up.
  • Experience in technical coordination and delivering documentation packages
  • Must be creative, proactive, self-motivated and able to achieve results at a fast pace

Please submit your CV, with a selection of works in a portfolio that showcases your presentation skills, renderings, drawings and detailing capabilities, FF&E specification examples to:

Contact@lw.co

Senior Designer - Aarhus Denmark

Position: Senior Designer
Location: Aarhus, Denmark
Experience: 8-10 years.

Job Description:
As a Senior Designer at our international interior design practice, specializing in hospitality design and high-end residential projects, you will be a key leader in driving the creative direction of our projects. Your extensive experience and innovative design thinking will inspire and guide our design teams as you will collaborate with colleagues in the Dubai & Hong Kong studio, ensuring the successful execution of exceptional spaces. Through your leadership, you will contribute to the growth and success of our Aarhus office.

Responsibilities:
- Lead design teams in developing innovative concepts and design solutions for hospitality and high-end residential projects.
- Provide mentorship and guidance to junior designers, fostering their professional growth and development.
- Collaborate with clients to understand their vision, requirements, and objectives.
- Oversee project timelines, budgets, and deliverables to ensure successful project execution.
- Participate in client presentations, effectively communicating design concepts and strategies.
- Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and design innovations.
- Maintain relationships with clients, vendors, and industry partners.
- Contribute to business development efforts by participating in client pitches and proposal creation.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including FF&E designers, architects, and project managers.

Requirements:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related field.
- Proven track record of successful hospitality and high-end residential design projects.
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
- Proficiency in design software and tools, including AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite Is useful
- In-depth knowledge of design principles, space planning in particular.
- Ability to balance creativity with project requirements and client expectations.
- Experience in managing project budgets and timelines.
- Exceptional problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to challenges.
- A portfolio showcasing a keen eye for detail driven spaces.

Please submit your CV, with a selection of works in a portfolio that showcases your presentation skills, renderings, drawings and detailing capabilities examples to:

Contact@lw.co