Project spotlight
Loews Coral Gables Hotel
Coral Gables, FL
Loews Hotels® are distinctive luxury hotels and resorts that offer guests the room they need for the ultimate travel experiences throughout the United States and Canada.
Photos: Loews Coral Gables
Design: ARCADIS
Purchaser: Benjamin West
Luxury hotel offering a new level of hospitality
Meet a team member
Melissa Crooks
How long have you been with the Bryan Ashley team?
As of April 2024, it will be 2 years since I joined the Bryan Ashley team.
What’s your favorite inspirational quote?
“I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” — Angela Davis
If you had to listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
”Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” by McFadden & Whitehead. No matter the achievement, big or small, this song is a reminder to never give up and to keep pushing and striving to be our very best in every aspect of our lives.
Coral Gables, recognized as the City Beautiful, has its roots dating back to 1925 and is celebrated for its Mediterranean-style architecture and wellshaded, tree-lined streets. Strategically located just seven miles from downtown Miami, a short drive from the pristine shores of South Beach, and a convenient 20-minute distance from Miami International Airport, the hotel finds itself in close proximity to the finest offerings of Miami.
Distinguished as the first hotel to grace Coral Gables in over two decades, Loews Coral Gables spans a sprawling seven acres. Boasting 242 guestrooms, which include 23 elegant suites and a breathtaking Presidential suite, Loews Coral Gables ensures that you have the space you desire,
coupled with the familiar comforts of home. Guests can indulge in luxurious amenities and experience the top-notch service synonymous with Loews Hotels.
In collaboration with CallisonRTKL (now ARCADIS), our team of experts meticulously crafted detailed drawings, curated custom finishes, and recommended manufacturing solutions to realize their design vision. Throughout the duration of this project, our project management team delivered weekly updates, ensuring both the designer and purchasing agent were kept informed of the progress and significant milestones along the way.
Creative we love
Holly Nixon Design Director, V STARR
Beginning her career in 2005, Holly Nixon joined V Starr in early 2018 as Design Director. She began her career in Sydney, Australia, as an Interior Designer for a multi-disciplinary global architecture company gaining experience on all aspects of the design process and focusing on concepts and developing designs for large-scale retail and megamall projects across Australia, the Philippines, and China. Her desire to expand on an international level saw her move to the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas, to undertake an extensive mix of casino, hospitality, and entertainment projects across the US and Asia. She has worked with an extensive range of clients and is comfortable on projects of all sizes, from those with tiny budgets to those with budgets that are limitless. Her belief is that all projects can and should look beautiful regardless of the budget and her satisfaction is in finding that balance. Holly’s expertise is in her ability to execute concepts into built form, with strengths in conceptual story development and space planning. Her design philosophy is that the greatest designers are the greatest storytellers. With each project she undertakes, she is sure to weave the story into the client’s vision and in turn create spaces that charge emotions and memories.
What inspired you to pursue a degree in interior design?
I was the kid who constantly rearranged my bedroom, drew up plans, built them in Lego, photographed the Lego models, and then drew and rendered each room with colored pencils. I love looking at interior design books, and from a very young age, I said I wanted to be an interior designer.
What was one of your most successful projects, and what about it made it so amazing?
The Spa at PGA National Resort was the first major hospitality project for V Starr, marking a significant milestone. Additionally, it happens to be in my own backyard. Many projects in my career have been overseas, and you don’t always get to visit them. Experiencing the space you personally designed is something extra special, especially when you receive positive, first-hand local feedback on your work.
The spa was designed to be an oasis within its tropical surroundings, telling a softly spoken story of breeze-swept sands, pale coral textures, and lush, shadowy palms. Drawing direct inspiration from the locale, the refreshed palette includes color tones of soft whites and washed woods, alongside champagne highlights and subtle accents of blushy corals and tropical palm prints.
What do you feel are the key questions to ask owners before engaging in an interior design project?
You always want to understand what is driving the project and the client so that you can align your design and narrative. A huge part of successful projects involves building successful relationships and partnerships.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
Traveling, whether locally, nationally, or internationally, has been a significant part of my life. I grew up in a small farm village in England and then moved to Sydney, Australia, at age 15. This move blew my mind, exposing me to a whole new world. I became fascinated by different cultures and traditions and how they play into design and architecture. My hunger to see the world only expanded from there. I am most inspired when I am able to take a trip somewhere; it always reignites my passion.
Any words of wisdom for a new designer entering our industry?
Believe in yourself. Don’t take things personally, which can be very challenging as a creative in a fast-paced environment with lots of changes. And get out and see and experience the world.
The Trade, Autograph Collection
In tribute to the vibrant culture of a city in constant evolution, The Trade Milwaukee celebrates both the industrious history and contemporary spirit of present-day Milwaukee. Situated in the bustling downtown area adjacent to Fiserv Forum, this Marriott Autograph Collection establishment proudly holds the title of The Official Hotel of Deer District.
The Trade presents 207 opulent rooms and suites, complemented by an extraordinary dining experience featuring a rooftop restaurant and lounge that offers breathtaking city views. Noteworthy features include a 2-story VIP suite with a private entrance and more than 9,000 square feet of sophisticated indoor/outdoor meeting spaces, accommodating groups of up to 400. By seamlessly blending modern convenience with timeless luxury, The Trade Milwaukee promises an unparalleled experience that stands apart in the cityscape.
MindClick Leader
Connect with us on our Instagram account @bryanashleyinc for inspiration
Thanks to everyone who visited our booth at BDNY this year. Shoutout to our incredible team of installers, engineers, designers, sales reps, managers, and more for all their hard work in creating our space.
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We’re excited to have our presence highlighted in the vendor library of MindClick’s Design for Health. Take a closer look at our accomplishments in environmental and social responsibility within the hospitality industry. Explore the vendor library at designforhealth.mindclick.com, and sign up for a complimentary account to discover more.
Located in NYC Hell’s Kitchen, the Ink 48 Hotel’s most recent renovation was led by designer Anna Busta of Busta Studio. The design draws inspiration from the hotel’s history as a printing house and the neighborhood’s evolution.
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Ingredients
• 1 pound egg fettucine, choose a good Italian brand such as DeLallo
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
Directions
• ¼ cup white wine
1 pint heavy cream
• Salt, white pepper, and nutmeg to taste
• 6 ounces Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
The Eliza Jane Hotel occupies a quartet of historic warehouses that were once home to the New Orleans Daily Picayune and is named after the newspaper’s legendary publisher, Mrs. Eliza Jane Nicholson.
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1. Heat a large pot of water and add salt after it comes to the boil. Cook pasta, stirring often according to package directions or until it becomes al dente.
2. In a wide skillet, melt the butter and add the garlic. Cook for 2 minutes over medium heat. Do not permit the garlic to brown. Add the white wine and reduce to a syrup.
3 Add the cream, salt, white pepper, and nutmeg. Boil gently until reduced to a clingy sauce just slightly thinner than you wish to serve. Remove from the heat before stirring in 4 ounces of the Parmigiano. Reserve remaining Parmigiano for garnish.
4 Drain pasta well and toss with the sauce. Top with cheese before serving.
For more inspiration from our parent company, visit ofs.com/imagine-a-place
From OFS Cool Springs, Chef Aimee Blume