MARKZEFF have been Shortlisted for Hotel Over 200 Rooms – The Americas in The International Hotel & Property Awards 2021. Read more about President Mark Zeff below:

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Name: Mark Zeff

Company: MARKZEFF

Position within company: President

Website: www.markzeff.com

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

MARKZEFF is an international, full-service, design-consulting firm based in New York City. Currently, MARKZEFF employs a team of Architects, Interior Designers, Graphic Designers, Brand/Marketing Managers and offers an extensive in-house material library.

MARKZEFF is organized into three departments: Architectural/Environmental Design, Interior Design and Branding/Marketing. Each of these divisions is staffed with Project Managers, Senior Designers and Junior Designers. Inter-departmental teams are tailored for each project based on the needs of the client. Projects are led by the creative direction of Mark Zeff and a Senior Project Manager for each Department.

Over the last 25 years, MARKZEFF has evolved from a residential design firm into one of the nation’s leading multi-disciplinary boutique design firms. We believe the attention to detail given to our private residential clients is essential to our success and is a characteristic the firm has maintained through its evolution. Mark Zeff began his career in the United States working with private clients throughout the world; designing homes, townhouses and yachts. The strength and range of the firm’s residential design laid the groundwork for its expansion into commercial design and branding.

The firm’s unique offering of environmental design, interior design and branding has proven essential for the commercial realm, including the Hotel, Restaurant, Casino, Spa and Retail industries. MARKZEFF has worked on a range of different projects across the country and internationally using these integrated design platforms.

MARKZEFF does not believe in generic solutions nor do we believe in a conventional or standardized way of thinking. We believe that each design discipline should work together under a unified creative direction. This way, the design outcome generated by each discipline naturally relates and does not require adaption to coexist. The team’s multi-disciplinary experience brings a fresh perspective to each project and allows us to examine every design with an unbiased eye. When our clients are faced with challenging situations, we provide them with strategic recommendations to address problems and apply solutions.

We pride ourselves on developing excellent working relationships with our clients, founded on strong communication and a dynamic, collaborative spirit. We help clients clarify their goals and formulate meaningful, measurable objectives. We also recognize that projects are not static, but rather, evolve over time. We pride ourselves on working closely with our clients throughout the entire process and evolving with our clients throughout the various phases of each project.

Mark Zeff has over thirty years’ experience in architecture, interior design and furniture design, Mark Zeff is a recognized industry leader. A native of South Africa, he began his studies in industrial design at Buckinghamshire Polytechnic outside of London and received his Architectural Degree from Chelsea Design School in London. After completing his master’s degree, he moved to Sydney, Australia where he completed several successful restaurants and private residential projects in collaboration with Marsh Freedman & Associates and Glen Murcott. Zeff continued to become the Design Director for Kohler in Sydney. In 1982, he moved to New York City and began his career in design at the Walker Group, an upscale retail and corporate branding firm. Three years later, Zeff opened his own furniture showroom and started his own architectural design firm. In his solo career, Mark transformed his company from a residential design firm into one of the nation’s leading multidisciplinary boutique design agencies. From luxury yachts to the development of global brands and revolutionary hospitality ventures, Mark has honed his holistic design philosophy. With innovation as its bedrock, Mark Zeff delivers cutting-edge design with an eye for elegance and style.

How would you describe your personal interior design style?

Personally, my design style is influenced by travel, movies, and everyday research so as a result, it’s always in a state of change – keeps me on my toes – I love ironic juxtaposition and history so always looking back.

Where does your design inspiration come from?

I am inspired by nature and how symmetry shows up mostly everywhere – I am also is lured by the design of the 30’s abs 40’s especially colors from the 2nd world war era. Fashion is a huge driver as well as car design.

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

Two directions – looking at comfort and organically using spaces and materials – an expression of the real material. The other direction is innovation and new materials used in a way that is seamless and clean.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2020 and beyond.

Lux meets bright colors;

Metal meets organic;

Comfort meets high-end materials;

Super futuristic yet brutalistic;

History revival and modern touches combo

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

Not too many tricks, please!

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

Having an international forum is vital to the design industry and this is the best forum out there.

What projects are you currently working on?

Prefab complex on Mexico

Alila Hotel in Encinitas California

Hotel Point in Cabo – Mexico

Arts&Crafts house in Manhattan

17-C mansion in Charleston

Hillary Swank’s mountain home

Kimpton Hotel New Orleans

Canopy Hotel San Antonio.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?

Hotel van Zandt – Austin

This was a break through design in the industry as we were allowed to flex our design muscle with a client who has Vision.

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

Super 245 ft yacht.

Designed in NY – engineering in London – built in Turkey – client in NY/ Mumbai.

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

The internet – Pinterest/ 1stdibs/ material Exchange in NY .

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

I want to run my business from the comfort of home as we have done cause of Covid – it’s been the most productive year of my career. It’s been such a positive adaptation to this type of industry with clients who understand abs respectful of time and location – let’s keep this going.

MARKZEFF

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

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