Name: Lori Pinkerton-Rolet PPBIID, IIDA
Company: Park Grove Design
Position within company: Director
Website: Park Grove
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
I studied at the Inchbald School and also at University of the Arts London and started originally in the Residential sector, moving into Hospitality and Healthcare in 2008.
How would you describe your personal design style?
Eclectic! I’m interested in so many different styles, periods and craft techniques and materials that it’s difficult to pick just one direction at any one time. The blending of 2 or more styles in any one project is key to creating an interesting mix.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
Always from nature.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Design is moving more and more into the eclectic style I personally favour. When you see a style work its way down through the supply chain and media outlets it’s over. By offering something unique in every project it doesn’t date and it creates a real sense of style rather than looking like someone went shopping.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2017 and beyond.
1) Texture
2) Craftsmanship
3) Innovation in Materials
4) Use of more vibrant colour palates
5) Uniqueness in every scheme
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design, what would it be?
Be curious and be prepared to gain inspiration from every show, exhibition, film and life experience you have along the way…
How important are The International Hotel and Property Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
The Awards provide an international snapshot of the best in design in any given year and a marker of the very best our industry has to offer.
What projects are you currently working on?
Park Grove has just completed the concept design for the restaurant at the Sloane Club in London, and we’re working on our fourth hotel project in Ghana as well as continued work at The Grand Hotel, Brighton.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
To increase our staff slightly while still maintaining a creative and tight design team. I’ve also just joined a panel on the Construction Industry Council, reviewing UK policy decisions in relation to inclusive design principals. I’m really encouraged by the increasing national interest in this area and am looking forward to contributing in this way.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself
Your most treasured possession?
An Erte lithograph given to me as a surprise by a group of friends.
Your favourite holiday destination?
Takayama, Japan. Hands down.
Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar?
My favourite hotel is the Queensbury in Bath, UK
Your favourite book / film / song?
The best film is a toss-up between The Piano and The Wizard of Oz
Your favourite food and drink?
Chocolate is a food group in either form.
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
My best afternoons are those in which I walk on the South Downs, clearing my head and hanging out with the cows.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
I would be a Civil, Commercial and Family Mediator, and I hold these qualifications for the UK and US—specialising in disputes within the creative industries.
Anything else interesting?
In a former life I used to produce and direct The Grammy Awards ® for the international radio market.
