G&A Architekten AG have been shortlisted for Hotel Design – Europe and Hotel Under 200 Rooms – Global Award in The International Hotel & Property Awards 2023. Read more about Partner, Member of the Executive Board, Communication Director, Project Manager and Architect Aurélien Véry, below:

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Company: G&A Architekten AG

Position within company: Partner, Member of the Executive Board, Communication Director, Project Manager and Architect

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

Master and Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and over 10 years of experience in Architecture.

How would you describe your personal design style?

I always try to create interior designs that are in accordance with the architecture and exterior appearance of the project. It is important that exterior, interior and surroundings are conceived as a whole to end up with a coherent spatial experience.

As an architect, I’m used to work and design with a lot of inputs from different designers, engineers, and construction companies. But I’m convinced that every design should be a group effort in a more general sense. Great things can happen when people are working together instead of against each other.

Where does your design inspiration come from?

Mostly from what has already been done and from nature. Our built and natural surroundings can tell us a lot about what works and what doesn’t. Then also I like to daydream about other places, sometimes fictional, which helps to create new or different spaces. I like to combine traditional and new, or familiar and unusual sights.

It’s quite difficult to point out one specific design inspiration, as usually it’s the result of a lot of key features and requirements.

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

Nowadays there is a higher sensibility for context and our Earth’s nature. Equally important are the individuals who are living und using the spaces, thus leading to designs adapted to the needs of our actual societies.

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

Society, culture, context, energy, and nature.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Work with interior designers when needed and always take the architecture, natural and artificial light, and all the technical installations into account. Especially the transition from one room to another can be a delicate aspect which needs to be solved early in the design process. Finally, the exterior and interior spaces should be in relation to one another and support the same architectural concept.

How important are The International Hotel & Property Awards?

In my opinion every award is important as recognition of one’s work and of all the invested energy to obtain the desired result. 

What projects are you currently working on?

Currently I’m mostly working on a local health centre, that is embedded in a very traditional context and on some other smaller projects or assisting my employees with their own projects.

Our office is currently also working on several hotel projects throughout Switzerland.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?

Until now the above-mentioned health centre, as it corresponds to a lot of my ideals. I also have quite a lot of freedom when designing this project, thanks to the trust of our clients and of the other involved parties.

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

The Stoos Lodge was challenging in many matters, as it was my first big project, but also with a tight financial budget and a difficult location amidst the Swiss alps. A Hotel always requires a lot of attention, as it has a lot of complex functions which need to be carefully planned in order to have an efficient operation.

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

Most of all a pen and a white paper. I’ll also need a CAD-software that allows me to design with a digital 3D-modell from the beginning, e.g. Archicad (which I currently use). 

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

Finish some architecture designs to get them ready for execution and acquire interesting new projects.

Make my designs even more sustainable.

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

Your most treasured possession?

My two daughters and wife, though I do not at all consider them as possessions.

Secondly my mind and my books.

Your favourite holiday destination?
Not one in particular, but I really like Scotland and the Scandinavian countries such as Denmark, Sweden and Norway.

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?

Hotel: Stallmästaregården Hotel & Restaurant, Stockholm and of course now also the Stoos Lodge

Restaurant: Ammos Restaurant, Lucerne

Bar: Le Vestibule, Lausanne

Your favourite book, film & song?  

Book: The Witcher books by Andrzej Sapkowski

Film: Star Wars Episode I

Song: Back in Black by AC/DC

Your favourite food and drink?

Difficult question as I’m not complicated regarding food and drinks. I really enjoy dishes with cheese or red rare meat. Regarding the drinks I’m always in for an IPA or a glass of red wine, but else I mostly drink tap water.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Going on excursions with my family or spending some time by the lake with friends.

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
Most probably a historian or archaeologist.

G&A Architekten AG

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