Santhaya & Associates [S+A] have been shortlisted in The International Hotel and Property Awards 2023. Read more about Managing Partner/Creative Director, Sophie Bughin, below:

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Name: Sophie Bughin

Company: S+A [Santhaya & Associates Co., Ltd.]

Position within company: Managing Partner | Design Director

Website:  www.santhaya.com

Tell us a little about your background in design:
I have studied design in Belgium and have a Bachelor of Interior Architecture. I have moved to Bangkok in 2006 and joined international design firms working on a wide range of commercial, educational and hospitality projects. In 2013, I joined S+A – one of the oldest design company in Thailand- and further developed the firm to focus on the hospitality industry.

I am now Managing Partner and Design Director of S+A, and have over 15 years’ experience in design & planning and my specialty is in design for the hospitality sector. Under my current leadership, S+A is engaged in projects throughout the Asia Pacific region, with projects ranging from economy city hotels to luxury resorts, some of which received International Award-Wining. The company’s returning clients include several hotel brands such as Outrigger, Sofitel, MGallery, 137 Pillars, Tribe, Wyndham and Hard Rock.

How would you describe your personal interior design style?
I would not say I have a specific style but I would rather go with a design that has these 2 keywords:  “Sense of place” and “Less is more”

Where does your design inspiration come from?

From the location of course – the surroundings, the local culture and the community which are directly connected and what the guests expect to feel once they enter the hotel. Guest experience. Whether we stay in Inle Lake or in Fiji, the guests should feel the destination they are visiting as soon as they enter the property- through the design, but also the  food, the drinks, the smell, the music,etc All should be connected to the surroundings and create one unique project.

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

I would say Instagram generation focused

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

Flexibility – welcoming the working nomad

Sustainability

Authenticity

Lifestyle

Instagram – eye catching

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

Less is more

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

They allow your activities to be visible by more people.

They are a source of creative inspiration.

They create and maintain your reputation.

They create a global appreciation of good design.

They give your clients confidence about your work and skills.

What projects are you currently working on?

Mercure Sukhumvit 60, Bangkok, Thailand

Mercure Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Wyndham Kalim Bay Resort, Phuket, Thailand

What was your favourite project to work on and why?

There are so many projects I loved working on. Each project is different, with a different location, a different story, a different team and different challenges. This is what make our job so fun and enjoyable.

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

The Sofitel Hotel in Inle Lake, Myanmar. It was very remote which made it difficult to access and to put a team together on site. It was the most challenging but also the best- working with the locals was such a beautiful experience.

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

Measuring tapes

Tracing paper

A surface notebook

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

Discover new destinations through work.

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

Your most treasured possession?

My family, definitely

Your favourite holiday destination? 

Bali – Ubud

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?

Upperhouse Hotel in Hong Kong

Park Hyatt Hotel in Bangkok

NOBU Hotel in Mallorca

Lennon’s bar at Rosewood Bangkok

Your favourite book, film & song?

I do not have favourite book, film or song – these varies depending on my mood and mind set of the day

Your favourite food and drink?

Cheese and wine

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?

A good book in a quiet spot

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

A lawyer

Santhaya & Associates [S+A] have been shortlisted in The International Hotel and Property Awards 2023.

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