Influences and Inspirations of Jean-Michel Gathy
Principal Designer, Denniston International Architects & Planner
What does luxury mean in hospitality today?
Today luxury, in my opinion, means exclusivity, space, and time
Latest and greatest achievement
The fact that Denniston has designed and opened nine top hotels within 2013 [including Cheval Blanc Randheli, shown]; it’s my greatest professional achievement.
The Cheval Blanc Randheli
Last great trip
My last trip with my wife in Bhutan and New Zealand. I just love these two countries-Bhutan for its spirituality and New Zealand for its space and pristine environment.
New Zealand
Still on my travel bucket list
Antarctica, Iceland, and Norway
Mentor
Amanresorts founder Adrian Zecha
Architects who inspire me
The late Geoffrey Bawa and I.M. Pei
Geoffrey Bawa
Pastime
I am a passionate collector. They can be objects, writings, paintings, sculptures, and photos. It just fulfills my emotional needs.
Something people wouldn’t know about me
I am a pure romantic person even though I don’t look like it
Can’t travel without
My cashmere sweaters, tracing paper, and my camera
Cheval Blanc Randheli
Greatest lesson learned
From my father, my hero: Know what your duty is and not only what is owed to you
Words to live by
You can always do better-if you put your mind into it