Jean-Michel Gathy

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