Global Design Manager
Hilton, McLean, Virginia
Your past life? Hair stylist and training other stylists for a product manufacturer. One day, as I was sitting in a hotel getting ready for a sales meeting, I found myself contemplating the art installation on the wall at breakfast. Then it dawned on me: I can do that. I realized someone selected that piece, and it could provide a bit of respite to the guest who may be far away from home. I could use my experience as a business traveler to help provide moments like that. Two weeks later, I applied to the design school at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia, and got in.
How will you change the guestroom dynamic? I would like to see a tech-free room type in our properties for the people who want to use their stay as a retreat to truly disconnect. But my ultimate idea of luxury is to not have to hear the phone alarm or struggle with an alarm clock. Let the blackout drapery be your wake-up call; have them open at the exact right time for the sun to wake you up.
Client presentation tip: Practice in front of your non-designer friends. When they get it, you know you’re ready.
What’s on your boards? New Tapestry Collection by Hilton developments in California, like the Fort Sutter Hotel in Sacramento, Hotel Point Loma in San Diego, and the conversion of the Inn at Saratoga.
Photos: Hilton
