Even after more than a decade of working in the field of hospitality design, being an FF&E designer still means so much to me. Born in Singapore I have worked in Asia from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur. Now residing in Hong Kong for eight years. I had the opportunity work with hotel operators such as IHG and Marriott on brands such as, The St Regis, Sheraton, Intercontinental and Crowne Plaza.
I enjoy the element of interaction and collaboration that’s involved. FF&E isn’t limited to any pieces of furniture, casegoods, decorative lightings, carpet, seatings, accessories and art. It’s about layering. Having an ability to create a feeling through textures, fabrics, and lighting while understanding how they will impact a space and people’s interaction with them.
My involvement right from the very beginning, from concept and narrative stages, collaborates and brianstorming sessions with the interior designers to develop holistic environments.
Every day is different. Constantly working on new projects and developing new design. I like learning about emerging design trends from our suppliers and incorporating my designs with the latest innovative materials. Seeing the whole process from drawing and customization to exploring palettes and finishes to that rewarding feeling you get once you see the outcome of your design.
“Creativity is the greatest rebellion in existence.”-Osho
ELLIE SHARIFF Senior FF&E Designer
work experiences
Present
FF&E Leader
@ BAR Studio, Melbourne, Australia
Lead the styling design direction throughout the project. In collaboration with Design Leader/Director. I am responsible for the conceptual development, creating the design vision through the FF&E direction and working collaboratively with the project team to achieve quality outcome. Lead the styling design vision and deliverables throughout the life of the project.
Projects - Boutique Hotel Sydney, Australia
2022 -2023
Senior FF&E Designer
@ BAR Studio, Melbourne, Australia
Support Design Leader with research and development of narrative, concept images and design selections for overall design vision. REsponsible for sourcing and research development of FF&E and ID material finish selection. Create digital ID materials and FF&E boards. Presponsible for the complete content and delivery of the ID and FF&E specification.
Projects - Luxury Hotel Shenzhen, China
2019-2022
Senior Project Designer
@ Hirsch Bedner Associates, HBA Hong Kong
Independently handle projects from conceptual to design package. Responsible for design development and all FF&E materials. Work closely and review designers design and FFE selections for project assign.
Projects - Holiday Inn , Maoshan, China - Holiday Inn , Ningbo, China - Shopping Mall Plot 1 - 3 Ningbo, China
- Kompas Bled Hotel Slovenia, -Crowne Plaza Hotel Nanjing, China
2017-2019
Senior Project Interior Designer
@ HOK Hong Kong
A mentor to designers and junior designers to overlook and guide design standard and process. In charge of schematic design and FF&E materials and furniture selections. In coordination with the plans, prepare presentation imagery and develop color, material, furniture and accessories selection for the realization of 3D renderings. Travel to respective countries for presentation and workshop co-ordination.
Projects - The St. Regis , Belgrade, Serbia - The Address Hotel , Bahrain, UAE - The Peninsula apartment, Yangon, Myanmar
- Xiamen Tongan Xiamen, China - Oscar Residential Taipei, Taiwan
2012-2017
Designer (FF&E)
@ Hirsch Bedner Associates, HBA Hong Kong
In coordination with the plans, prepare presentation imagery and develop color, material, furniture and accessories selection for the realization of 3D renderings. To produce specification, develop and documenting selections of furnishings till productions of shop drawings. Participate in the development of Interior Design Concepts under the responsibility of Senior project designer. Liaise and attend client/ project management meetings necessary for project completion. Travel to China for presentation, site inspection and inspect furniture mock up.
Projects - Grand Hyatt Jeju, South Korea - Hualuxe Hotel, Nanchang, China - Crowne Plaza, Chongqing, China
- Intercontinental Hotel Hongqiao, China - Crowne Plaza Kunming, China - Greenland Sales Center, Nanchang, China
- SaVoy Hotel Cebu, Philippines - Crowne Plaza Foshan, China - Hualuxe Hotel Wuhan, China
- New World Hotel Lingnan, China
2010-2012
FF&E Designer
@ Design Worldwide Partnership, DWP, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Work with design team to determine all FFE requirements. Prepare Selection of all FFE and Artwork items for the project working with the design team through every stage of the design process. Develop design concepts of all FFE for presentations and prepare presentations in powerpoint or hardcopy. Prepare with the project team documentation for tenders and sourcing of all FFE items for a project. Prepare mood boards of FFE and Artwork intent for a project together with materials samples etc..Coordinate and source with suppliers to research FFE items for a project. Follow SOP standards for all documentation and development of FFE intent for a project. Prepare specifications and bill of quantities of materials for the works
Projects - Pan Pacific Hotel, KLIA, Malaysia - Sime Darby Rooftop Convention Center , Selangor, Malaysia
- Sime Darby Kuala Lumpur Golf Convention Center KL, Malaysia - Sime Darby Property Division Headquarter office (Oasis), Selangor, Malaysia - Sime Darby Medical Center Ara Damnsara KL, Malaysia - Standard Chartered Bank branches, Malaysia
2008-2010
FF&E Designer
@ Gravity + Form Pte Ltd, Singapore
To manage styling in furnishings and furniture design for hospitality projects in China. To produce specification, develop and documenting selections of furnishings till productions of shop drawings. To meet up with suppliers for update of latest materials and products.To assist the website designer for design and materials updates and produce company profile portfolio and presentations. Responsible for projects from initial planning stage of plans proposal to design developments into design productions. Travel to site to liaise with hotel operator to source and match local materials
Projects - Sheraton Hotel Changsha, China - Ying Hua Restaurant Changsha, China - Plaza Royale Hotel, Changsha, China
- Sheraton Hotel, Dhaka, Bangladesh
FF&E Designer
@ Catallo & Mackenzie, Singapore
Responsible for operational and managing projects. Directly responsible for all projects from conception through completion. Co-ordinate with the assigned team to ensure design datelines are met. Complete authority to handle projects and continually improve by adjustments. Prepare FF&E selections/specifications and mood boards for presentations for hospitality.
Projects - Marina Hotel New Delhi, India - Sheraton Hotel Wenzhou, China - Tianjin Hotel, Tianjin, China
- Park Sheraton Hotel, Chennai, India - Taj Begumpet India
education
Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts ( June 1999 - June 2002 )
- Diploma in Interior Deisgn
Springfield Secondary School ( 1994 - 1998 )
- GCE ‘O’ Levels (Distinction in Arts)
- GCE ‘N’ Levels (Distinction in Arts)
Photoshop
In Design
Illustrator
Powerpoint
Word
Excel
AutoCad
2005-2008 technology language
English ( Spoken and Written )
Malay/Bahasa Malaysia ( Spoken and Written )
Mandarin ( Basic conversational for workplace related )
Korean ( Basic conversational and written )
French ( Basic conversational )
Cantonese ( Basic conversational )
Personal information
Nationality: Singaporean
Marital Status: Married
Place of current residence: Hong Kong
Email: ellie.shariff@gmail.com
Completed Projects
Unlike a typical new development where the old is replaced with the new, this project focused on renovation and blending the old with the new to connect rich traditions and modern innovations. A concept of deconstruction and re-composition of the existing architecture and interiors.
The furniture selections followed a similar process, some are re-composition of traditional parts and mixed with contemporary materials. their colors and deisgn reinterpret at least on of the traditional features. A very dynamic dialogue between past and future.
Hualuxe Hotel Nanchang, China 2014
On-Going Projects
THE GLASS HOUSE
The St. Regis Belgrade, Serbia
The St Regis Belgrade and The Residences at the St. Regis Belgrade is designed as a “glass house” respecting the city’s architectural heritage with a modern twist of clean lines and simple forms. The form of this landmark was influenced by the special needs of the internal functions creating the “broad wind sail of the upper half of the building” which efficiently uses the “depth of the lower portion of the building” to resist wind loads. In other words, the structural principal is ‘large wind sail, large structure and small wind sail, small structure’. The exterior enclosure was then shaped to give a fluid and dynamic vertical expression to the tower mimicking the fluidity of the Danube and Sava Rivers. This transformation of building shape from ground to top allows for a dynamic building orientation relative to the site and approach to the building.
Presidential Suite is inspired by Serbian’s mystical artist’s MILENA PAVLOVIC BARILI’s charisma. Independent, sophisticated, feminine and highly fashionable Milena inspires contemporary 21st century guest to appreciate Belgrade the way she did.
With Milena’s legacy in mind we are inspired by contemporary creative Serbian women who are currently influencing Serbia’s future.
Influenced by Avant-Garde and mid century aesthetics with it’s bold approach to shapes, colour tones we add feminite and eclectic touch to this very special Suite.
The Iridium Spa
Clean,elegant lines will create relaxing, intriguing interiors. Where all the sense are stimulated. Named for a precious metal, the Iridium Spa. By it’s being is inspired by Belgrade.
没有科学和艺术，就没有⼈和⼈的⽣活。 列夫·托尔斯泰
Without science and art, there is no human life. - Leo Tolstoy
The Address Hotel
Bahrain, UAE
In a city where the beach reign supreme. Upon entering the room, the guest can embrace the stunning view of the ocean. Whilst the subtle rattan and natural weave of furniture and abstract rugs of the sea brings a touch of resort experience.
TATAMI
Minimalism and simplicity are the characteristics of traditional Japanese interiors, integrated with complete harmony and balance. Through their inimitable and pleasant scent, and their soft and relaxing color, Tatami spreads a warm and serene atmosphere throughout the interior space.
Oscar Residence Taipei, Taiwan
Crowne Plaza Foshan, China
Kung fu legend Wong & his wife Ms Thriteen
Wong Fei Hong was born in 1856 in Foshan. He was recognized as the kungu legend for the Lingnan city. Also known as a famous Chinese Doctor. His spectacular skills including: Shadow Kick, Drunken fist and more. Besides, he was called Lion King of Guandong.
Wong’s wife Ms. Thirteen symbolized the blending of East meet West on account of her time spent overseas. But also being forward thinking due to her pursuit of photograhy which was not a common pastime for women.
Crowne Plaza Foshan, all day dining
Inspired by the green house and casual dining. Raw brick finishes have become ubiquitous.
Throw in some industrial metal frame and louvre window panes. On trend venue neither broken the idea or pushed the design envelope.
Raw brick is taken to a new dimension.
Unconventionality is the norm and re-use is the second nature. Glass window overlooking theplanted garden and towards the outdoor terrace.
We find beauty not in the thing itself but in the patterns of the shadows, the light and the darkness, the one thing against another createsWere it not for shadows, there would be no beauty. the combination of screens, with both Chinese and Japanese motifs in a harmonious mix, will create a nice array of shadows constantly changing and adding new experience for guests according to different time of the day. This will create anticipation. New spaces within the same space. Adding a new dimension through sahdes and partitions. Orgnic materials and finishes where the light and shadows are taken shapes on are used through the restaurant and reflect both of the Chinese and Japanese cutural reliance on nature.