Spring 2022 Preview

The preview An upscale experience with breathtaking mountain views Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Cherokee, NC Photos: Galina Juliana Coada Design: BLUR Workshop Purchaser: Carroll Adams

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UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel & Conference Center Charlotte, NC

Marriott Hotels provide sophisticated spaces and experiences that keep the mind balanced, sharp, and inspired.

Photos: Bryan Ashley Design: TVS Purchaser: Benjamin West

“ Experience modern comfort and convenience” The UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel & Conference Center is a perfect place to stay for those wanting to experience the attractions and shopping of downtown Charlotte, UNC Charlotte’s campus, as well as the local business parks. Opening its doors on March 31, 2021, this 173,000 square-foot property is located on four acres and features 226 guestrooms with an abundance of event space.

Meet a team member Dana Bachman How did you start your career in the hospitality industry?

I earned my bachelor’s degree in Restaurant & Hotel Management from Purdue University. After years of running a small, full-service hotel, my career took a turn as I accepted a marketing position. Five years later, I’m back in the hospitality industry and most recently am responsible for Bryan Ashley’s branding.

How do you spend your free time?

I enjoy spending time with my family, especially on a sandy beach! I’m an avid griller and cook which also brings me solitude.

Each spacious room features locally designed and curated artwork, spa-like bathrooms, and upgraded technology. The tastefully-designed custom furnishings feature neutral and earth-tone accents with luxurious metal touches. Magnificent headboards with intricate lines and patterns give a nod to the local wooded areas. Dark wood finishes blend beautifully with white quartz tops, brushed bronze accents, and cozy upholstered seating.

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Creative we love Anna Dis Sveinbjornsdottir P ond & Company Anna Dis Sveinbjornsdottir, LEED AP ID+C, is the Principal and Director of Interior Design at Pond. She has been providing clients with creative and innovative interior design services for over 20 years. Her designs range from a diverse selection of finishes and furnishings to comprehensive turnkey packages. With each client’s space, she seeks to maximize visual impact and place emphasis on end-user engagement.

Do you consider aestheticism or functionality to be more important?

Functionality must come first; I can’t stress that enough as a prerequisite for us as designers.

To be a successful designer, creativity is key – we must make sure the aesthetics and function blend in perfect harmony for our clients. The saying “form follows function” is not merely a cliché, but also a requirement to what we do. Successful designers are able to make the space an experience.

What was one of the most challenging, yet successful, projects you led and how did you overcome the obstacles?

Hotel Trundle in Columbia, SC, was our first adaptive reuse, boutique hotel. This came with several challenges, including a unique design layout for almost every room. As so often is the case, the owners had a beautiful vision but a limited budget. The entire team brainstormed numerous creative solutions and arrived at a few options for our client. The biggest challenge for me personally was that I had to reject the ideas that I knew wouldn’t work, either for the vision or within the budget. Fortunately, the owners trusted us with the responsibility to be creative within their budget. The owner had envisioned featuring local aspects at almost every touch point for their guests – that was incredible, and we thoroughly enjoyed being the team that tied it all together. This project is a perfect example of where a good relationship between designers and owners is critical – if you have that, the outcome can create a magical experience for the end users.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned as a designer?

I think learning that you cannot do everything yourself; your team is the biggest asset. Growing in your own career also means that you must start to delegate aspects that you’ve grown to love throughout your career journey. But it is so rewarding to mentor younger designers and help them realize and strengthen their own talent. Managing the process can sometimes feel like you have stepped away from the design detail, but feeding that hunger with things such as design charrettes with owners and the design team help keep the fire going.

What do you feel are the most important questions for owners to ask before engaging in an interior design project?

Spend some time getting to know the designer you are wanting to work with. There are a lot of good designers out there, but everyone’s management style and communication style need to work well for a project to be successful. The designer needs to be able to listen to the owner’s vision and budget while managing expectations between the two. The designer’s job is to push and pull on the owner’s vision so they can come true and be both on time and within budget. Therefore, it is important to have a good relationship with your designer so there is trust and comfort when difficult conversations need to happen.

Any advice you have for new designers in our industry?

I have a few key points: 1. Take risks and put yourself in uncomfortable situations to get out of your comfort zone.

Hospitality Interior Design

2. Find a mentor that you can learn from, and keep in mind it can be multiple people.

You must do the leg work, but most people are eager to share their knowledge.

I believe it is human nature to want to help, but you have to ask for the help.

Take 15-30 minutes a day to educate yourself about the field you are in – read articles, study a space, learn a new software, etc. This will make you more successful than 80% of people, and it will increase your value to your employer. And truly, this advice could apply to anyone in any field.

About our cover

Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort is tucked away in the Smoky Mountains and is home to an exciting 150,000 square foot casino, more than 1,800 rooms & suites, refreshing amenities, delicious dining options and world-class entertainment. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians are notable for their strong heritage and historical journey and gave BLUR Workshop and Bryan Ashley the honor of renovating the resort to best showcase their story in an intriguing and beautiful way.

Taking cues from the natural landscape of the surrounding area, the hotel was designed with a soft earthy color palette.

Follow along Connect with us on our Instagram account @bryan_ashley_inc for inspiration

Industry partner shoutout Delta Faucet Company

bryan_ashley_inc Shoutout to our entire #BryanAshley team who made this year’s #BDNY possible. Thank you to everyone who brought this year’s show to life. And while these pictures may not include every person involved, we had to share some of the fun from #BDNY with you!

distinctive look. By combining inspired design with innovations that improve interactions with water, Delta’s products help create an experience that guests will come back for.

© 2021 Delta Faucet Company

bryan_ashley_inc Guestroom interiors at W Panama are furnished with a local twist of handmade Mola fabrics and patterns from the Guna and Embera indigenous communities in Panama.

bryan_ashley_inc Splashes of Cambridge blue adorn the guestrooms at Graduate Cambridge along with bedside built-ins in the design of punt boats while traditional desks give each room a studious feel.

Offering products in a wide range of styles and finishes, Delta helps achieve a property’s

CHANGE YOUR EXPECTATIONS. Galeon™ Bath Collection Sails away from the expected in the bath with new innovations, knurled accents, and a chiseled arc design. Innovative Lumicoat™ Finishes glisten on the collection — easily wipe clean without the need for cleaners or chemicals and guaranteed to resist mineral buildup and hard water stains.

See the complete Galeon™ Bath Collection at deltafaucet.com.