HBA – San Francisco have been Shortlisted for 5 Categories in The International Hotel and Property Awards 2022. Read more about Associate Jacob Royster below:

Name: Jacob Royster

Company: HBA – San Francisco

Position within company: Associate

Website: www.hba.com

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

I have a Bachelors of Arts in Interior Architecture and Design from Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California. I have over 11+ years of experience designing luxury hotels and resorts domestically and internationally.

How would you describe your personal interior design style?

Timeless meets California-Cool

Where does your design inspiration come from?

My biggest inspiration comes from taking the mindset of a prospective guest. I find that this can sometimes reinvigorate some of the norms or ideas we associate with hospitality design. It also helps each design I am working on become unique, as the guest mindset will likely differ at each property even within the same locale.

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

I feel like good design is becoming more and more approachable. More brands and clients seem to be embracing the need to keep up with our fast-paced, high-visibility world. Modern travellers seem less inclined to single brand loyalty and more open to new, exciting, and innovative experiences. I feel this will continue to push the boundaries of design as brands and clients seek to draw people to choose their property amongst a market that is very saturated with offerings.

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

Efficiency, Sustainability, Visionary, Tech-Integration, Health & Wellness Focused

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

Design isn’t a strictly linear process, there are segments and different paths of travel. In the hands of different designers, the outcome of the same project more than likely will be very different. Embrace that and recognize the aspects of your design schemes and process that make you a unique asset to projects and clients.

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

It’s incredible to participate and be considered in The International Hotel & Property Awards. The diverse range of projects and design firms represented is impressive, and the exposure to design trends happening in other parts of the world is inspiring. Being able to share projects with an international audience drives the future aspirations of our industry and the impact it has on the hospitality world.

What projects are you currently working on?

The Inn at Spanish Bay, Casa Palmero, Waldorf Astoria Cancun, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

What was your favourite project to work on and why?

Pebble Beach Resorts, over the last 10 years I’ve been able to work with this client to transform many aspects of their multiple hotel resort. Each property has its own unique aesthetic and it’s rewarding to be able to showcase the unique draw of each property and hone my skills of versatility as a designer. It’s also one of the most beautiful settings in the world, and the kindest people you’ll ever meet.

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

One of my favourite projects, Elusa Winery, was also a challenging one as it was designed and executed completely during the pandemic, which provided unique obstacles from the design phases to procurement and construction, but the final product is one of my all-time favorite projects.

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

All of the wonderful local manufacturer representatives I get to work with are such wonderful allies and essential to the success of our projects.

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

Being mindful about not simply “getting back to normal” after the pandemic but evaluating ways to continuing to improve whether personal growth, work-life balance, or evolving my design processes and philosophies to better suit the present and future.

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

Your most treasured possession?

My collection of house plants, namely my fiddle leaf fig that I’ve nurtured for 12+ years. Living in San Francisco my green thumb can only be expressed indoors.

Your favourite holiday destination?

Locally, Lake Tahoe, California

Beyond, the Greek Islands

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?

Vaya Beach Resort on the Black Sea

Your favourite book, film & song?

Book: The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson

Film: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy is a forever favorite

Song: Somewhere Only We Know – Keane

Your favourite food and drink?

Food: Any kind of pasta (vegetarian)

Drink: Fresh Lemonade

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?

On an urban or nature hike with my Goldendoodle Zlato!

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

A Park Ranger – no joke. What could be better than spending time outdoors, protecting the natural wonders of our world? It’s one of man-kinds greatest responsibilities and challenges.

HBA – San Francisco

---

design et al only work with the world’s leading designers.

If you think you have what it takes to complete in The International Hotel & Property Awards, submit your application by clicking here.

How to Apply  /  The Categories