I
t's that time of year again - time to congratulate our boutique 18 winners via our website. (The award ceremony at TAO? Been there, done that, check out the link to pictures on our Facebook page.)
Kicking things off is Kara Smith from sfa design. Learn all about her here and keep checking the site for more updates on all this year's winners.
1. Briefly, tell us about your background.I have always had a passion for combing creativity and business.
I came to sfa design nine years ago, at 19-years-old, with a background in high-end event planning. By the time I turned 21, I was acting as COO, before being promoted to president four years later in 2006. During this time I also had a contemporary fashion line, karanina, that was highly successful and sold internationally in luxury boutiques and department stores.
2. What are your goals as a designer (to promote sustainability, make people feel comfortable, change the world, etc.)?
I am passionate about broadening our portfolio to new and exciting global destinations. Our designers believe in implementing a system of “community ecology” in our work. This combines not only green design practices, but a sociological approach that benefits the local communities in which we work.
3. How do you work those goals into your design work?
On many of our projects, such as the luxury eco-resort we are completing in Nicaragua and the prototype guestroom for the new Hotel Indigo, we try to employ local artisans and manufacturers along with truly sustainable products and materials.
4. 2009 has been a challenge thus far. However, with change comes opportunity. What opportunities do you see?
I see this time as a real opportunity to reach out to new and international markets. There are many hospitality projects in the works all over the world. Nationally, there are many community and cultural centers in need of intelligent and innovative design, which we are reaching out to as well.
5. What type of hospitality environments appeal to you personally?
I am so inspired by the new fashion inspired properties i.e. Missoni. I love mixing the freshness and excitement of fashion with the entertainment and service appeal of hospitality. My new passion is for designing restaurants and clubs!
6. If you could create anything, what would it be?
I would like to create a complete collection – from wall coverings to accessories of affordable and extremely fashionable yet classic furnishings affordable by the chic interiors aficionados without the generous budgets we are used too.