Name: Floss Barber
Company: Floss Barber Inc.
Position within company: CEO
Website: www.flossbarber.com
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
Drexel University, B.S. Design, 1975
NCIDQ Certified
Nevada State Certified Interior Designer
How would you describe your personal interior design style?
My personal style embraces the best of modern classic design. I love Carlo Scarpa and Andree Putman. I like the attention to details, clean lines, and simple but elegant interiors.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
Design inspiration comes from the client and the project: the site, culture, history, architecture, and people who are going to use it. This way, every project is unique and authentic.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
I believe that design has relied on the shabby-chic or industrial-glam for too long. Sophisticated clients understand that it is the full experience of the space that matters. Design is moving toward a full involvement of all of the senses – sound, smell, touch, and see. If you can leave an individual with a memory of a space, you have succeeded.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2018 and beyond.
- Keep it simple.
- Make the bones solidly good.
- Have an aspect of surprise.
- Integrate great state-of-the-art lighting.
- Be authentic.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to interior design schemes, what would it be?
Keep it simple yet have a bold move.
How important are The International Hotel & Property Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
The award is tremendously important in acknowledging my team for the good work they have done. To be among such distinguished peers acknowledges my personal commitment to high standards of design. The awards underline the importance to keep striving for excellence.
What projects are you currently working on?
Giada’s – celebrity chef restaurant | Atlantic City, N.J.
The American College | Bryn Mawr, Pa.
Borgata Lobby Bar | Atlantic City, N.J.
Parker Hotel | Philadelphia, Pa.
Hirtle Callaghan & Co. | Conshohocken, Pa.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
- Integrate Duval Art Consultancy into Floss Barber, Inc.
- Acknowledge new leadership within Floss Barber, Inc.
- Win International Hotel & Property Design Award from design et al.
- Publish the recent renovation of Hill College House.
- Create video blog for Hospitality Design Magazine.
- Feature key staff in national publications.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession?
My grandmother Mary Bosak Kutney’s gold and enamel Madonna on a gold chain
Your favourite holiday destination?
Villa in Tauromina, Italy
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
Hotel: Baccarat Hotel, New York City. Restaurant: L’Essentiel, Deauville, France
Your favourite book, film & song?
Book: Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramhansa Yogananda. Film: Yoga Sutra by Zorie Barber. Song: Calling all Angels by KD Lang.
Your favourite food and drink?
Food is 100% organic, Drink is Sazerac made by Le Cheri in Philadelphia or Rosé
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Kayaking in nature
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
Real estate tycoon