There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to hotels, which makes judging AHEAD – the awards for hospitality experience and design – all the more difficult. But, thanks to a 60-strong panel of operators, developers, architects and designers, the very best projects from around the world have been revealed.
Marking the culmination of eight regional awards schemes, AHEAD Global saw winners from 2019-2020 compete head-to-head in a series of new categories, with shortlisted projects presented live before a vote.
So, what makes a winner? With AHEAD’s regional awards programmes currently open for entries, we asked members of the judging panel what they look for in a standout project and what advice they had for entrants.
Stefan Rier – Founder, Noa*
A winning project has a strong concept that is successfully integrated into every part of the design; combining ideas, functionality, emotions and aesthetics in a harmonious symphony that sparks feelings of curiosity, comfort, newness and nostalgia all at once.
Aliya Khan – Vice President of Design, Lifestyle Brands, at Marriott International
Designers today do an excellent job of solving tactical problems; guestrooms are efficient, coffee is a push-button away and concepts are executed with craft and skill. But on top of all these calculated needs are the projects that make you dream; they inspire and make you, the traveller, aspire to more. They are decadent in their attention to detail, and always authentic in telling the story of their location in every sensory way possible.
Nicholas Clayton – CEO, Capella Hotel Group
An important aspect of any winning project is the story that is told through architecture, interior design, FF&E and service programming; how all the components are intrinsically linked by a common thread of culture and heritage, how they impact the customer experience and how they ultimately facilitate the commercial success of the project.
Jennyfer Lacroix – Director of Design & Construction, The Langham Hotels
Cosmetic is only the icing on the cake. Now more than ever, new hotel concepts must reactivate curiosity, cultural discovery and experiences – reinventing the terms of hospitality. Designing this means thinking the intangible and how to make it happen, creating unique scenarios and developing new ways to travel where the constructed may not be the core of the outcome.
Jinou Park – Founder, Normal
There’s so much homogenisation, commodification and recycled churn that I believe it important to consider how genuine innovation can create better experiences. Hospitality is a fast-moving beast, so it is crucial to discern true ingenuity and gauge whether designs will stand the test of time.
Anne Wilkinson – Principal at Bamo
A winning project has a strong story or concept, a strong identity and point of view, and great design that gives form to it all. When all of those elements work together and it resonates with people, you have a winner. The advice I would give to those looking to enter AHEAD this year is that there's no magic formula, but make sure what you show and what you say are in sync.
Chad Oppenheim – Principal at Oppenheim Architecture
Triumphant projects need to be cohesive, and every detail must be thought out. What I would say to those who are in the process of entering the awards is put your best foot forward as the competition is steep.
Emma King – Head of Design, InterContinental Design Group
A winner should be somewhere that is at the top of my bucket list; somewhere that I really want to visit and experience. As a judge, I really appreciate the challenge of sourcing locally and adding those touch points into the design. In the last year and this year with reduced travel, it has been especially difficult to do the research and development needed for this.
Guy Heywood – Chief Operating Officer, Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas
I look for a combination of interesting design that stands out while at the same time being functional in its usability. I take a holistic approach to looking at the whole picture of interior warmth, striking architecture and interesting food and beverage concepts that have strong identities of their own.
Linda Boronkay – Founder, Linda Boronkay Design Studio
While this is a design award, we are also looking for a philosophy and approach that resonates, creates interest and is in synchrony with the project’s surroundings geographically, culturally and historically.
Ed Ng – Principal, AB Concept
AHEAD is far beyond just a head-to-head competition on how beautiful the design is; as judges we look at each project’s invisible and contextual messages.
Paul Wiste – Principal, Design Assembly
The project needs to captivate our imagination to the point where I am inspired to travel to the destination. An award-winning project should combine architecture, interior design and landscaping to demonstrate that this is a concept that has been considered and completed in its entirety. Finally, it should have that unexpected touch, that intangible element that sets it apart from the others.
Géraldine Dohogne – founder and Owner of Beyond Design
A winner has full coherence throughout, a meaningful guest experience, and a sustainable approach to design. An integration of these criteria is a real challenge, but the secret of a successful project. My advice would be to offer a truly authentic experience to the guest – a hotel is not just a space to sleep anymore.
Chris Webb – Vice President, Architecture + Design, EMEA, Hilton
In all winners I search for a compelling and subtle narrative that offers an authenticity, as well as a unique guest experience. My advice would be to incorporate great storytelling, introducing the characters, personalities and design philosophy that give true meaning to the design.
