Diana Martinez, senior design director at Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, recalls having an affinity for creativity from a young age, pursuing any medium she could get her hands on—from sketching and painting to ceramics and photography. While attending the University of California, Davis, Martinez majored in interior architecture, leading her to study aboard in Copenhagen, where she cemented her passion for design and soon began her career journey at the now-shuttered San Diego firm Graham Downes Architecture.
What are your early design memories?
I was born in Mexico and moved to Palo Alto, California when I was 5 years old. I consider Palo Alto home but the fond memories of my childhood in Mexico have stayed with me and shaped my perspective of the world. I always had a passion for anything creative: sketching, painting, jewelry making, photography, ceramics. When applying to universities, I didn’t know what I was going to do. It wasn’t until my freshman year at the [University of California, Davis] that I discovered the design program. I submitted a portfolio and was accepted. Part of this was a semester at DIS [Danish Institute for Study Abroad] in Copenhagen. It was the most valuable time of my education.
When did you know you were on the right career path?
I remember working all night on several projects for school and feeling so fulfilled, ambitious, and proud of what I could accomplish. I didn’t get into hospitality until my first career at Graham Downes Architecture (GDA). The community, energy, and passion that I experienced there, combined with the learning experience were magnetic. I was sold on the industry.
What did you learn from your time at GDA?
When I was first hired, my initial task was to make sense of a very chaotic sample room. I loved going through everything they collected. It took me a while, but I had the space in tip-top shape and could find anything the more senior designers and architects needed at lightning speed. It was the start to building a network of relationships within the industry.
What are some of your memorable career stops along the way?
[While at GDA], I helped on a few hotel projects, including the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, where I learned how expansive the creative work could get when it comes to an interior environment. After GDA, I designed high-end residential projects for an architect in San Francisco. While I still could use my imagination and creative direction on materials and finishes, I felt limited and knew hospitality was where I needed to be.
What do you enjoy most about your role at Kimpton?
When I found the job posting at Kimpton, I hadn’t known about the brand. But the job description intrigued me. I was so young and naïve, but it was that type of open mind that allowed me to adapt, learn, and shape my position at Kimpton. I am able to have so many different roles. One day I’m reviewing a drawing set, and the next I’m in another country scouting shops to accessorize a hotel lobby or on the phone discussing new interior designer talent for an upcoming project.
Greatest work-related achievement?
There are several, but the work we did at the Sylvan Hotel in Atlanta stands out. The multiple venues allowed for us to stretch the design possibilities and gave us a platform to experiment and express so many concepts in just one space.
Describe your design style.
I am drawn to a mostly neutral but authentic palette—soft hues, but as natural as materials can get as a base. I believe in layering and bringing in elements that have more character or color or history behind them.
Space you love but didn’t design?
The Barcelona Pavilion is my all-time favorite piece of work. I also love Janu, Aman hotels, and what Hoxton and Soho House have done. Also Maison de La Luz and Ace Hotel in New Orleans.
Guilty pleasure?
It’s a rare opportunity, but shopping in [New York’s] SoHo. I love the way retail expresses itself so much stronger and faster than hospitality. It’s like a hyped-up version of what we do for hotels.
Favorite place to travel?
Mexico. I have so much nostalgia whenever I return and yet feel the thrill of an exotic, new place that I know nothing about.
Check out some Kimpton projects Martinez worked on, and get to know the rest of Hospitality Design’s 2022 Wave of the Future class.
