Estudi Isern Associats have been shortlisted for Hotel Under 50 Rooms Award in The International Hotel & Property Awards 2023. Read more about Head Architects Daniel Isern, below:

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Company: Isern Associats

Position within company: Head Architect

Website: Estudi Isern Associats

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

I’m an architect from the school of Barcelona of the UPC, after a few years working for different firms, I started Isern associats developing mostly Hotel projects. Also, from 2015 I am the director of the Postgraduate Course of Hotel design at the Col.legi d’arquitectes de Catalunya. 

How would you describe your personal design style?

Isern associats is a medium sized firm specialised in hotel design both as architects and interior designers. As architects, we try to keep a balance between the building and the experience. Interior design is understood as scenography that interacts with the place where it’s set. That means that every project is unique, as it’s profoundly rooted in the place where it is happening. 

Where does your design inspiration come from?

Inspiration can come from many different places: art, dance, music, and classic modern architecture.

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

I feel there are many open paths right now, but mostly divided in 2 main groups: those filling the space with fantasy, completely detached from what’s around, based on immediacy , and those trying to be as true as possible, with sustainable long lasting designs. 

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2023 and beyond.

Sustainability is the main topic right now, and I think this will have a huge impact leading us to terms such as well being, tenderness, and truth. 

But in terms of design, contrast and lighting are always the main stars. 

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
I think design should help individuals to become the best of themselves, not only offering what they expect, but trying to take it further, using art, music, neuroscience… and as many external inputs we can find to provide that little extra.

How important are The International Hotel & Property Awards? The International Hotel & Property Awards is a wonderful meeting point for those working in a specific field to share knowledge and experiences. 

What projects are you currently working on?
Right now we are working in several projects, each very different from the other. From an art deco palace with 40 bedrooms, to a modern skyscraper. And each of them requires an individual approach. 

What was your favourite project to work on and why?

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

Both questions have the same answer. Designing my home, for my family, was the most challenging and fascinating project I’ve ever done. Trying to bring together what I wanted for myself, and the designer I am, was the most enriching experience for me. 

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

Lighting. 

Lighting is everything, as it’s the key to allow all the textures and materials to express the way we want them to. 

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
The good thing of teaching is that it forces me to always be looking, and learning. Therefore, my main goal for the next 12 months is to keep doing that. 

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

Your most treasured possession?
The first piece of art I could buy. 

Your favourite holiday destination?
Any big city, full of music, art and people. 

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?

In that exact order: Atrio, in Caceres,  Xemei in Barcelona, Feather Boa, in Hong Kong

Your favourite book, film & song?  

Austerlitz from Sebald made a big impression on me many years ago, I’m a big fan of Almodovar, and for music, I’m very eclectic, but if I’d to choose just one piece, it’d be Spiegel Im Spiegel, by Arvo Part. 

Your favourite food and drink?

One shared with lot of friends. 

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Sketching, Hiking, reading, and rowing.

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
I can’t find an answer for this one…

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