In Profile:
Meyer Davis

Name: Will Meyer and Gray Davis
Company Name: Meyer Davis
Position Within Company: Co-Founders
Website: https://www.meyerdavis.com/

Tell us a little about your background in design:
Will Meyer – I’ve been drawn to design since childhood. I vividly remember visiting my uncle’s architecture office in fifth grade—it was a formative moment that made it clear design would be my path. I pursued formal education in architecture at Auburn University and began my career at Gwathmey Siegel, where I learned by observing how ideas are developed, communicated, and maintained through collaboration. In 1999, Gray and I co-founded Meyer Davis. Since then, we’ve had the privilege of designing across residential, hospitality, retail, and yacht sectors across the globe.

Gray Davis – I’m originally from Tennessee and studied at Auburn University’s College of Architecture, Design and Construction. After graduating, I moved to New York City, where I’ve lived and worked for over three decades. My early career was shaped by invaluable apprenticeships with design legends such as John Saladino, Thomas O’Brien, and Bill Sofield. In 1999, I co-founded Meyer Davis with Will Meyer. Since then, we’ve built a globally recognized studio, designing a wide range of spaces—from luxury hotels and residences to retail environments and yachts.

How would you describe your personal design style?
Will Meyer – Our approach is rooted in human experience. We begin with the feeling of a space, how it functions over time, and how it leaves a lasting impression. We believe in emotional resonance and designing environments that unfold in layers. A great deal of our process is about layering but also refinement, what we call “intelligent subtraction,” where we strip away excess to let materials, form, and light speak with clarity and purpose.

Gray Davis – I strive to go beyond the expected in every project, crafting interiors that are imaginative, character-driven, and grounded in a strong sense of place. Our studio’s work finds harmony between contrasts: old and new, tailored and relaxed, refined and raw. The goal is always to create spaces that resonate immediately and endure over time.

Where does your design inspiration come from?:
Will Meyer – Inspiration is everywhere, but I’m especially influenced by landscape, culture, and natural light. My home in Oaxaca, Mexico, reflects that sensibility. Its raw materials and regional rhythms continually inform my thinking about space. Fashion, art, film, and architecture also offer constant points of connection. Ultimately, it’s about attuning oneself to what makes something meaningful and translating that into spatial form.

Gray Davis – Inspiration is everywhere, but I’m continually fueled by the collaboration with Will Meyer and the talented minds in our studio. Being surrounded by such creativity every day keeps the ideas flowing and perspectives evolving.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?:
Will Meyer – Design is moving toward deeper intentionality. There’s a growing desire for spaces that feel considered, crafted, and connected to place. People want environments that tell stories, reflect local context, and support emotional presence. The future of design lies in work that is meaningful, tactile, and resonant, design that invites people to feel something lasting.

Gray Davis – Design is increasingly shifting toward a more human-centered, emotionally resonant approach. Whether in residential, hospitality, or yachting, people are seeking environments that feel like sanctuaries—spaces that are thoughtful, calming, and deeply personal. Across all sectors, we’re seeing a rise in hospitality-informed design, where experience, comfort, and flow are prioritized. “Quiet luxury” is also taking hold, where quality materials, craftsmanship, and intentional design speak louder than passing trends.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in the future. :
Will Meyer –
Emotional resonance
Narrative and place-based storytelling
Sustainability through timelessness
Intuitive functionality
The art of restraint

Gray Davis –
Authenticity
Local Influence
Sustainability
Storytelling Through Space
Creating Memorable Experiences

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to designing, what would it be?
Will Meyer – Stay curious and observant. Great design begins with paying close attention to how people live, move, connect, and experience space. The more you listen and learn, the more meaningful your work becomes.

Gray Davis – Design for longevity. Avoid chasing trends—instead, focus on creating meaningful, enduring spaces. And surround yourself with collaborators you respect; great design is always a team effort.

How important are The International Hotel & Property Awards? :
Will Meyer – These awards offer a thoughtful platform for recognizing work that combines creativity with intention. What’s especially valuable is the way they spotlight global diversity in design with projects that push boundaries while staying rooted in craftsmanship and purpose. It’s always an honor to be included among peers who are helping shape the next chapter of hospitality design.

Gray Davis – These awards create a valuable pause—a chance to reflect on our work and on the evolving dialogue within the design world. In an industry that moves quickly, they spotlight projects that offer true creativity and soul. Recognition from respected peers and industry voices is always meaningful.

What projects are you currently working on?:
Will Meyer – We’re currently leading several exciting projects, including the redesign of the Four Seasons Puerto Rico, Hotel Arts Barcelona, and the Ritz-Carlton Bacara. We’re also designing branded residences such as THE WELL in Coconut Grove and Mr. C in West Palm Beach. On the yacht side, we’ve deepened our work with a recent concept collaboration with Italian shipyard Baglietto, an exciting new chapter for us.

Gray Davis – We’re deeply engaged in several transformative hospitality projects, including the Four Seasons Puerto Rico and Hotel Arts in Barcelona. We’re also expanding our presence in branded residences and yacht design. On the product side, our William Gray collection allows us to hone our material language and translate that into interiors. The variety keeps our work dynamic and fulfilling.

What was your favourite project to work on and why? :
Will Meyer – Designing my home in Oaxaca has been one of the most personal and fulfilling experiences. It allowed me to immerse myself in local craft, work closely with artisans, and explore how raw materials could shape something honest and deeply connected to the land. It’s a space that reflects how I live. Nothing is overdesigned. Everything serves a purpose. It’s a study in restraint and authenticity.

Gray Davis – W Rome stands out as a favorite. It was a project where contrast was central—modern meets classical, minimal meets ornate. Rome’s energy and complexity infused every design decision, and we embraced that richness. It was also a great cross-cultural collaboration that elevated the entire process.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why? :
Will Meyer – Seawolf X was a challenge in the best sense. Yacht design demands exacting precision. Every element must earn its place. There’s no room for excess, which requires careful thinking around flow, proportion, and experience. The goal was to create something sculptural yet intuitive, where the design feels seamless and purposeful despite the tight constraints.

Gray Davis – Yacht design presents unique challenges, and Seawolf X was no exception. The spatial constraints demand absolute precision, but that limitation becomes liberating—you must distill every decision to its essence. It taught us a great deal about clarity, flow, and how to make compact spaces feel expansive.

Which products/services could you not live without when designing? E.g. Lighting companies, furniture companies :
Will Meyer – Lighting is essential. It defines the atmosphere and rhythm of space. Whether it’s a vintage fixture or a custom piece, lighting shapes how a space feels. We also place great value in collaborating with local artisans and makers. Their craftsmanship brings specificity and soul to our projects.

Gray Davis – Lighting is fundamental—it sets the entire mood. Beyond that, we rely on a network of exceptional fabricators, artisans, and furniture makers who help us bring our custom visions to life. Our William Gray collection grew out of a desire to refine and control our material expression across projects.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months? :
Will Meyer – To keep evolving with intention. We’re focused on projects that challenge us creatively while staying aligned with our values. We’re continuing to expand into yacht design, deepen our product collaborations, and build homes and environments that feel soulful, crafted, and personal.

Gray Davis – We want to keep evolving. Refining our work, deepening our collaborations, and pushing further into highly personalized residential and yacht projects. We’re also continuing to explore product design, which opens new opportunities around materiality and customization.

Your most treasured possession? :
Will Meyer – My home in Oaxaca. It’s more than a possession. It’s a sanctuary that grounds and inspires me.

Gray Davis – My classic Aston Martin coupe. It has beautiful lines and is perfect for cruising the scenic roads of upstate New York.

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar? :
Will Meyer –
Hotel: Okura Hotel in Tokyo is one of our favorite
Restaurant: Et Hemm Hotel
Bar: Scott’s in London

Gray Davis – It’s always rewarding to experience hotels we’ve designed, but I also appreciate seeing how other designers interpret luxury. One standout is Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita in Matera, Italy—an unforgettable hotel carved into cliffside caves, both timeless and surreal.

Your favourite food and drink? :
Will Meyer –
Food: Mexican food in Oaxaca
Drink: Margarita with Casa Dragones

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? :
Gray Davis – On my boat on Copake Lake, with a cooler full of white wine and good friends, soaking in the sun and conversation.

Interior Designer: Meyer Davis & EDG

Architect: Robert Glazier Architects

Hotel Group: Four Seasons Hotels

Construction: Black Palm Development

Photography: The Ingalls, Eric Laignel