Name: Kay Lang
Company: Kay Lang + Associates
Position within company: President & CEO
Website: www.kaylangassocs.com
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc).
I have been in business for over 20 years. When I went to college at UCLA and attended LA Art Centre, I decided then and there I didn’t want to be a starving artist so I studied to become an interior designer. I worked for a couple of well-known hospitality firms such as Hirsch Bedner (now HBA) before I officially started Kay Lang + Associates. At Nadel Architects I started the Interior Design Division and built that practice into a twenty-six person division. One day I decided it would be best to try and venture out completely on my own since I was bringing in the majority of the interiors work and fees. I first started out of my house. It was both exhilarating and sometimes downright embarrassing as a client call would come in and my little dog Harley would start barking just at that moment in the background. I would shush him and it didn’t always work. Today, we have been in our office building for more than 16 years. I believe in hard work and having passion, and I owe my success to those factors and my great talented staff.
How would you describe your personal interior design style?
Timeless and sophisticated – but seen through the lenses of a fresh spirit or new eyes. We are not so quirky or trendy but we do like to infuse some fun into our projects.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
Everywhere. Nature’s colour palettes, art, architecture, textures, people, other designers, products, etc.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
I feel that the trend is moving toward a new interpretation of mid-century modern and a revival of art deco classics with a rise in rich colours and textures. There are so many new products that mimic real patterns in nature. I also see a trend in refined boho textures that are classy, fresh and modern.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2020 and beyond.
Masculine and feminine mixed together. Navy and Pink together. Warm tones with cool tones, mixed metals and dark moody walls.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to interior design schemes, what would it be?
Architectural Interior Proportion is key. If the room doesn’t create a harmonious sense then something is out of sync.
How important are The International Hotel & Property Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
It is very important because it bridges the gap between the continents.
What projects are you currently working on?
We are happy to announce we are working on completing a couple of new build JW Marriott’s (one in Anaheim, California, and one in Orlando, Florida) and a new Hyatt Centric in Downtown Los Angeles, California, as well as a new City of Hope Hotel project in Duarte, California.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
Stay happy, healthy and be inspired.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession? My family and my dog.
Your favourite holiday destination? Tuscany, Hawaii or the Seychelles.
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar? Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur.
Your favourite book, film & song? Ave Maria and The Tipping Point
Your favourite food and drink? Tequila and Potato Chips.
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? Walk on the beach in the late morning with my dog or family, go to Massage & Spa. Paint later in the afternoon and have wine and cheese overlooking the beach.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be? I would be a set designer.
Anything else interesting? If I was younger, I would be also an FBI agent undercover as a pro golfer.
Kay Lang + Associates have been shortlisted for Hotel Over 200 Rooms – Global and Hotel Over 200 Rooms – Americas/Caribbean Award in The International Hotel and Property Awards 2020.
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