DesignAgency in Conversation

Today's discussion revolves around the story behind the concept behind IRTH Landscape Hotel and Spa, the importance of involving nature in the design process and how a nature resort can be more than just a relaxing getaway - it can be a place to reconnect with nature and a truly healing experience.

On this episode of ‘DesignAgency in Conversation’, DA's partner, Matt Davis, speaks with Carlos Hernández, President of Pellas Development. The two discuss the economic and social impact COVID-19 is having on Costa Rica, especially on tourism which employs over 9% of the nation's workforce. Carlos gives Matt an update on the progress of Costa Elena, a luxury resort and villa located in Guanacaste and the pair talk about the ‘old’ vs ‘new’ ways of travel, where travellers are exploring long-term stay options in a sustainable gathering place that can cater to both vacation and work requirements.

On this episode of ‘DesignAgency in Conversation’, DesignAgency's partner, Allen Chan, speaks with Scott Richer, Vice President of Real Estate and Development for Hyatt Hotels in Canada. The two discuss the accelerated need for new designs to counteract societies future concerns in a post-COVID-19 era of travel, the continued importance of the ‘human connection’ in business across digital platforms and how hotels are planning for the expected recovery for the industry due to the pent-up demand from both business and commercial travel sectors. DesignAgency has previously worked with Hyatt on the redesign of the landmark Hyatt Regency at the Historic Arcade in Cleveland along with their new project, ANDAZ Hotel located in Toronto, a 160-room hotel which will occupy floors 4 through 16 of The One tower at the intersection of Yonge and Bloor in downtown Toronto.

Listen in to the second episode of our new Podcast series, ‘DesignAgency in Conversation’, as DesignAgency’s partner, Anwar Mekhayech (@anwarthedesigner) connects with Jake Wurzak (@jwurzak), President of Wurzak Hotel Group, as they discuss the current state of the hotel industry and ways in which hotels can still ensure a premium guest experience during a time where the 'new normal' of social distancing will pose difficulties in maintaining the vibe, mood, energy, music and lighting of a typical hotel stay.⁠ ⁠ DesignAgency in Conversation is a new podcast series that explores the intersection of innovation, creativity and hospitality and how they come together to create a truly unique and memorable design.⁠

Every so often innovation, creativity and hospitality come together to create a truly unique and memorable design. Listen in as DesignAgency’s Anwar Mekhayech (@anwarthedesigner) and Josh Wyatt (@therealjoshwyatt), CEO of NeueHouse (@neuehouse), discuss how the hospitality industry may navigate a post-COVID-19 world.