This November, five distinguished industry professionals will be inducted into Hospitality Design’s Platinum Circle hall of fame during a gala celebration in New York. The honor is bestowed on those who have made significant impacts and contributions to the hospitality industry and its many facets, including design, architecture, ownership/management, and purchasing.
We caught up with each of the honorees on HD’s What I’ve Learned podcast throughout the years—discussing everything from the project that changed it all to the key to successful collaborations and more.
Jennifer Johanson
Born and raised in Texas, Jennifer Johanson started her career designing high-rise buildings in Dallas before moving to San Francisco on a whim without a job. She first landed at John Powers Associates before joining Eric Engstrom’s firm in 1989 (the firm changed its name to EDG Design in 2007 when Engstrom retired). Today, she runs the company alongside her husband, Patrick O’Hare. Together, they have spearheaded such projects as the Viceroy DC, Lulu’s Lounge, and what they consider theri big break, the Andaz Scottsdale. Listen to the podcast episode.
Lyndon Neri + Rossana Hu
Lyndon Neri and Rossana Hu’s Shanghai-based practice is as prolific as its work is thought-provoking, thanks to the leadership provided by the husband-and-wife duo, who met while studying architecture at the University of California, Berkeley. They both cut their teeth with Michael Graves before deciding to go out on their own in 2004 after moving back to Shanghai. One of their early projects was the Waterhouse hotel, which established Neri&Hu as a firm known for a sensitive approach to design. In addition to helming the studio, they both teach at Harvard’s Graduate School of Design as visiting professors. Listen to the podcast episode.
Larry Traxler
Larry Traxler joined Hilton in 2009 as senior vice president of global design, where he’s helped double its portfolio to 6,700 hotels and overseen brand launches and refreshes that have transformed Hilton into a global powerhouse in nearly every segment. That’s only one facet of Traxler’s life: Along with his wife, Jerri, he’s built a library (and soon a multipurpose center) in Rwanda; he works with Warrior Canine Connection to help train assist dogs for veterans; and he supports a donkey rescue in Pennsylvania. Traxler’s thoughtful approach to his career and life is what makes him stand out in this industry. Listen to the podcast episode.
Brad Wilson
Brad Wilson started his career working with his mom to open a series of bakeries throughout Chicago. That, in tandem with a degree from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, made it a natural step for him to go into hotels, helping to reposition Nikko Hotels in Chicago and Los Angeles; launch W Hotels alongside Barry Sternlicht; and ultimately joining the late Alex Calderwood to bring Ace Hotel Group to life. The gamechanging brand rethought how people use hotels and especially the lobby, redefining hospitality for decades to come. Listen to the podcast episode.
