Jumeirah Bali by Denniston International
Jumeirah Bali by Denniston International have been shortlisted for Hotel Design – Asia Pacific, Lobby/Pubic Areas – Asia Pacific and Restaurant – Asia Pacific Awards in The International Hotel and Property Awards 2023. Read more about principle Designer Jean-Michel Gathy:
Name: Jean-Michel Gathy
Company: Denniston International
Position within the company: Principle Designer
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense? The hotel design industry has become increasingly creative. While not all designs are equally innovative, the hospitality industry has undergone a transformation in recent years. In the past, hotels primarily served as places to sleep and shower, with guests requiring little more than a bed, TV, telephone, and a restaurant for all-day dining with a buffet. However, today’s hotels offer much more. They are places for leisure, where guests can invite friends, guests, and clients, and spend quality time with their families. For instance, couples can enjoy a romantic weekend getaway, while hotels also provide opportunities to engage in activities and sports like diving, golf, or tennis. As a result, hotels are now designed and conceptualized to create unforgettable guest experiences.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2023 and beyond. Instead of discussing themes, I would like to emphasize the importance of technology in hotel design. Nowadays, hotels cannot function properly without reliable Wi-Fi and modern facilities.
Bathrooms are a crucial element of hotel design. Most travelers prefer a large shower over a bathtub, based on my observation. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, buffet-style dining is no longer as popular among travelers. Instead, they prefer smaller restaurants with unique identities and cuisines, with around five options with 40 seats each rather than one large restaurant with 200 seats. Mechanical and electrical systems must also work flawlessly. A hotel cannot afford to have air conditioning that doesn’t work correctly, noisy systems that disturb guests’ sleep, or insufficient electrical supply.
Finally, a hotel should have a distinctive identity, whether it’s a sports hotel, an art hotel, or a hotel focused on food and beverage or leisure. The design must be location- specific and environmentally sustainable, while also being financially viable, as hotels are businesses that need to generate profits. Therefore, it is essential to design attentively and precisely to provide the right facilities at the right price.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to interior design schemes, what would it be? Functionality and maintenance are crucial, and sustainability should never be overlooked. Many interior designers fail to consider the long-term viability of their designs. For instance, if a hotel has five different patterns, what will happen if one of the fabrics is no longer in production three years later? It is essential to anticipate these challenges and consider how to replace materials if needed, with the understanding that simplicity and sustainability must be considered in detail.
How important are The International Hotel & Property Awards as recognition of talent and achievement? Everyone needs reassurance that they are on the right track and that their work is being noticed and valued. The International Hotel & Property Awards provide a valuable barometer, reminding us of our progress and encouraging us to strive for excellence. The artists, architects, designers and others are constantly seeking to know where they stand and whether their efforts are being appreciated. Even those who claim not to care about recognition often do. Winning an award sets a standard for us to maintain and challenges us to keep pushing ourselves to stay competitive. It helps us measure our achievements and identify areas where we can improve. Ultimately, recognition helps us stay motivated and committed to our goals.
What projects are you currently working on? I am pleased to announce that my portfolio includes four upcoming hotel openings in 2022 and 2023, including the highly anticipated Jumeirah Bali, as well as other exciting projects in Bangkok, Chengdu, and Tokyo. Additionally, we currently have 16 projects under construction worldwide, spanning locations such as Seychelles, Miami, Bahamas, Saudi Arabia, Tokyo, and Thailand.
With a total of 30 ongoing projects, our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional results that exceed expectations.
What was your favourite project to work on and why?
I take great pride in every project I undertake, and I consider each one to be a labor of love. Just like a parent views their children, I view my projects as unique and special with their own set of challenges and opportunities. I am passionate about creating exceptional experiences and strive to exceed expectations with each endeavor.
What was your most challenging project to work on and why?
Every project presents its own unique set of challenges, whether it’s related to budget, location, program, site constraints, timing, or client expectations. As professionals, we adapt ourselves to each of these challenges, and we approach them with the same level of commitment and dedication.
One particularly common challenge is the issue of budget. In some cases, the budget may be unreasonably low, while the expectations remain high. It’s important to have open and honest communication with the client and to identify potential solutions, such as increasing the budget or adjusting the project scope to fit within the available resources. By working collaboratively, we can find creative solutions that meet the needs of both the client and the project.
Which products/services could you not live without when designing? Having a clear and comprehensive brief is essential for any successful project. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for hoteliers to change their requirements or preferences mid-project, often without fully understanding the implications of such changes. For instance, if a client requests a restaurant design with a specific cuisine in mind but later decides to switch to a different type of cuisine, the entire design process may need to be restarted from scratch. This can result in significant delays and additional costs, which can be frustrating for both parties involved. As professionals, we strive to work closely with our clients to ensure that their needs are fully understood and that any changes are clearly communicated and properly accounted for in terms of time and budget. By maintaining open and honest communication throughout the project, we can minimize the risk of misunderstandings and ensure a successful outcome that meets everyone’s expectations.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months? To do the best in our work.
Your most treasured possession?
My art collection. I love art and that’s my most treasured one.
Your favourite holiday destination? While I have many favorite holiday destinations, if I had to choose one, I would likely opt for a safari in Africa. Specifically, Botswana holds a special place in my heart. I have had the pleasure of visiting this remarkable country multiple times and have always been deeply impressed by its natural beauty and abundance of wildlife.
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
In my opinion, the most important factor in determining a favorite place is the company with whom you share it. Whether it’s your spouse, your children, or another loved one, the people you are with can greatly enhance your experience and create lasting memories. Ultimately, it’s the people we share our adventures with that make them truly special and unforgettable.
Your favourite book, film & song?
When it comes to music, I have a particular fondness for “Tennessee Whiskey.” As for reading material, I am drawn to biographies and historical biographies. I enjoy learning about the lives of noteworthy individuals, whether they are architects, politicians, or other prominent figures.
Your favourite food and drink?
When it comes to cuisine, I have a particular fondness for Japanese and Thai food. However, my absolute favorite is caviar – a delicacy that I find both indulgent and satisfying. To complement the rich flavor of caviar, I prefer to enjoy it with a chilled glass of vodka – a classic pairing that never fails to impress.
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
I like sports – swimming, walking, running and playing tennis.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
An art dealer. I am passionate about art and have a large collection, which is why I aspire to curate and share my love for art with others.
Anything else interesting?
If faced with the prospect of imminent death, I would ask myself if I have truly enjoyed my life, and I would answer with a resounding “yes.” My passion for designing hotels, from architecture to interior design and landscape, has been a fulfilling and rewarding aspect of my life. While the idea of reincarnation is a matter of personal belief, I know that in this life, I have found great joy and satisfaction through my career. The process of creating unique and memorable experiences for guests has been both challenging and deeply fulfilling. I am grateful for the opportunities that my work in the design industry has provided, and I am excited to continue to innovate and create exceptional spaces that exceed expectations.
Jumeirah Bali by Denniston International
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