Dawson Design Associates, Inc. have been shortlisted for Lobby/Public Areas – Global, Bar/Club/Lounge – Global and Hotel Over 200 Rooms – The Americas in The International Hotel and Property Awards 2022. Read more about Founding Principle and Art Director Andrea Dawson Sheehan below:

Name:  Andrea Dawson Sheehan

Company:  Dawson Design Associates, Inc.

Position within company:  Founding Principle/Art Director

Website:  www.dawsondesignassociates.com

Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)

I have been a designer in hospitality for 43 years.  I went to university for Fine Art and later changed to Interior Design. My mother was a fine artist, and I was raised in an art studio environment. I designed my first nightclub when I was 25, opened DDA when I was 29 in Dallas and jumped into Boutique Hotels in the early 90’s with Kimpton Hotels as a client. I have been doing boutiques and luxury lifestyle ever since.

How would you describe your personal interior design style?

Artistic. I love to fuse Conceptual Art and Abstract Expressionism into my spaces. I design around a specific ideal or idea, often one that is impacting society, and then I layer in the detailing to provoke an emotional connection with my guests.  I use powerful art to draw my audience in.

Where does your design inspiration come from?

History, social causes, fine art.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?

It depends on where you live. We are all impacted by what is going on politically. Right now, the USA is very conservative in its tastes. Beautiful, but kind of boring from my point of view. That is why I have offices in the UK. We take a much more global perspective. 80% of my team is made up of Internationals. They bring a kaleidoscope of ideas and perspectives on just about every topic. I think that the more diverse we become in our work the more we speak to the collective human voice instead of the regional one.  We have to broaden our perspectives.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2022 and beyond.

Sustainability

Social Causes

Art/Artist’s vision/Voice

Regional and Cultural Relevance

Historical Context

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to interior design schemes, what would it be?

Take risks. Experiment! Failure is a good thing. It leads to growth and insight. If you are not failing now, then you are not pushing hard enough. Be bold and be intentional. Superficial decorative space is boring space. No one remembers it.

How important are The International Hotel & Property Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?

Because of our international team, it is important that we compete internationally instead of just in the USA. We like to track what is going on globally and want to be part of that global community.  It is important to us that our work be seen around the world especially given that our team is so international. We appreciate the International Hotel and Property Awards for the exposure it gives our team.

What projects are you currently working on?

We are just completing the One Hotel San Francisco guestrooms and suites, while also helping to evolve the Margaritaville brand and move them into more of a luxury lifestyle market in San Diego. One is a Margaritaville Resort, and one is an urban Margaritaville Hotel. We are also expanding a Northwest Lodge that is situated on 165 acres adjoining a national forest and adapting it to more of a luxury level resort. Later this summer, we are looking at a new Z Collection Hotel and another Resort.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?

Hotel Zena in Washington DC in 2018. The first feminist hotel of its kind.  I pitched the project to my client, and they gave me full artistic license and freedom. They also gave me a one-million-dollar budget to find and commission ‘Feminist Art’ globally in order to shine a light on the struggle for gender equality experienced by women globally.  It transformed how I think about the hospitality industry and its potential for impact and good.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?

I tend to work directly with the person making the final decisions regarding budget and vision. I am the most challenged when working on projects with a large group of stakeholders who want to follow some type of formula approach to design and approve ideas by committee. I find it intensely painful as I feel it ruins the quality of the work. It is personal for me. I am a team player and work hand in hand with my client’s, but I won’t work on projects with layers of people between me and the decision maker.  I guess I am just an artist by nature.  My worst experiences have come when I break this rule.

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?

Original art and artists. We fold our spaces around art and the artist’s vision, so voice is critically important. If a client sees art as simply decorative, then we cannot work at the level of creativity we need to sustain our passion. 80% of what we create is custom, so we also really value those companies who work with us to develop our ideas be it furniture manufacturers, custom lighting, custom carpets and fabrics. We really appreciate bespoke companies who are also pushing for creativity

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

Find design talent for our UK and US offices. We’re looking for designers who are passionate about design and who just want the opportunity to prove themselves. They are very hard to find right now. 

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:

Your most treasured possession?

Well, I would say my daughter, but she would bristle at the idea of being a possession, so I will have to settle for my two dogs – German Shepherds

Your favourite holiday destination?

New Zealand. Let’s hope they open the border soon.

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?

That is tough. My taste is always changing. It really depends on the city I am in and the mood.  I like to try new places.

Your favourite book, film & song?

My favourite book Lord of the Rings. My favourite film Lord of the Rings. My favourite song Annie Lennox ‘No More I Love You’s

Your favourite food and drink?

Green lipped muscles in New Zealand with a good Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Maybe some fresh bread to go along with it.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?

Gardening

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?

A fine artist

Anything else interesting?

I really enjoy training passionate young designers and getting them prepared to deal with the challenges of hospitality. I like to see them grow and develop as they fall in love with the endless opportunities and creativity that life as a hospitality designer offers- if they simply have the grit and determination to learn their craft.  I find it very rewarding.

Dawson Design Associates, Inc.

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