Name: Roy Posey 
Company: Keane Brands
Position within company: Head of Design
Website: http://www.keanebrands.com
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
Graduated from Kingston University, London, and remained in the city for just over 8 years, predominantly in the Hospitality and F&B fields. In late 2013 took the decision to move to Singapore and join one of the giants of the Hospitality industry with projects spanning across Asia and the Middle East. Joined Keane at the end of 2016 as Head of Design, in Dubai.
How would you describe your personal interior design style?
I don’t think I have a particular style, as each project brief asks for something different. Understanding and preference with certain materials may drive a familiar aesthetic, but as we develop, we learn, and that drives us to use new materials and techniques. I try to interpret a brief and make things comfortable and importantly approachable; it needs to have the right attitude.
What is vital, is that we evoke the right emotions from not only in what we see, but how we touch and interact with the interior. With that, functionality; without it we defeat the purpose of delivering the best experience.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
I love to travel and experience the authentic. Having lived in some of the worlds most diverse and multicultural cities, means I get to meet people of all backgrounds and origins. Their stories inspire a lot of ideas.
I love how many preconceptions can be eradicated as soon as you can put two feet in a new culture or you meet someone new.
Naturally, we absorb the current/new styles and fashions across the globe, be it through design or social media, exhibitions, and from the creative suppliers and craft people surrounding us.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
I think we are surrounded by so much technology, that is often hard flat and shiny, big bright screens and colours, that more and more we will see heavier textures and natural tones/finishes.
Natural materials and earthen colours, will still require a bit of a pop, but I feel we are seeing these turn to be a heavier, and muted in contrast. Big plants are everywhere (which I love), which is a reaction and desire to reconnect with nature.
We see a lot of the simple Scandinavian contemporary styles at the moment, with pastel colours. With the introduction of natural textures, we will see to remove the staged look that this can sometimes bring, and pair it back to being more comfortable and yes, approachable look and feel. I think we will see black a lot more too.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2018 and beyond.
- Earth tones, natural and simple contrast
- Handmade elements
- Black backgrounds
- Bring outside in
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to interior design schemes, what would it be?
Make sure there is room for the objects in your space to breath. Let the special ones stand out and not get lost.
How important are The International Hotel & Property Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
We work tirelessly to create the best that we can in experience and aesthetic. This can misunderstood as entertainment. We’ve all met someone who says, “Oh you’re an interior designer, I’d love to do something fun like that”.
Though we love what we do, the best recognition comes from those within the industry, from suppliers to owners, operators and peers. The IH&P Awards, brings this recognition to a global level, it expands businesses and gives us a chance to show what we can achieve given the best talent and support around us.
What projects are you currently working on?
We are close to opening two great venues at the W Hotel on the Palm, Jumeirah.
Michelin stared chef, Akira Back’s first restaurant in the GCC region, with incredible views from the top of the hotel. It has been designed to abstract the influences on his food and life. It takes you on a journey like no other, with an extra special bar “floating” in the reflection pool on the terrace.
Just next door we have SoBe: Sunset and Rooftop Bar. The destination bar to the hotel, with views to the Wet Deck and sunset. The bar draws influence from the back streets of Miami, a bit darker and dirtier than expected, where you will find a Haitian voodoo culture within.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
We have had a lot of interest in more public spaces within hospitably. Hotel owners and operators are looking to create more immersive and textural experiences, moving away from the safer neutrals we have seen in previous years. We’d love bring more of our creativity across the globe, within a variety sectors from our 3D, 2D and Strategy teams
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession?
Noise-cancelling headphones (for a flight).
Your favourite holiday destination?
South Africa
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
1 Hotel Central Park, NY | Kiln, Soho, London | Scarfes Bar, Rosewood London
Your favourite book, film & song?
To Kill a Mockingbird | The Labyrinth | Galaxies Will Be Born by Say Hi
Your favourite food and drink?
Hainanese Chicken Rice | Old Fashioned
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
BBQ, drinks, friends, music
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
A poor musician
Keane Brands