Name: Ed Poole AIA, RAIA, A:SIA
Company: Poole Associates Private Limited
Position within company: Director | Architect
Website: www.poole-associates.com
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
Architectural degree from Illinois Institute of Technology 1982. Chicago firms : GHK, Pappageorge Haymes. Relocated to Sydney Australia 1987-1990 firms : Rice Daubney, Allen Jack + Cottier. Relocated to Singapore 1990 and founded Poole Associates Private Limited. Early work was focused on high end residential and retail spaces. Branded hospitality work began about 10 years into the firms’ time-line, which includes W Maldives + Bali, Anantara Phuket + Maldives, Westin Kuala Lumpur + Langkawi, Aloft Kuala Lumpur.
How would you describe your personal design style?
Clean lines, natural materials, but rigorous logical and functional planning.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
Each project is analysed to satisfy clients’ functional, economic and image concerns. We do not adhere to a particular design style. Final solutions evolve from the many factors relating to a project, each viewed from a fresh perspective.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
More diversity, as the internet exposes everyone to any place, anywhere, at any time.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2015 and beyond.
1. Reduce carbon footprint by specifying local
2. Utilize local collaborations for the design goal
3. Utilize local labour, skill and craftsmanship
4. Reduce design concepts to their strongest singular points
5. Use technology to manage and administer a project, instead of boarding a jet
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design, what would it be?
Do your homework first. You need to know the needs of the client and the goals they are after.
How important are The International Hotel and Property Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
The IH+P Awards grants a designer exposure to different segments of the market, and audiences that might not otherwise be obtainable.
What projects are you currently working on?
The F+B components of a very large resort in the Maldives: 10 F+B spaces in Phase 1, and a new concept for JW Marriotts’ all-day dining called Café India (Mumbai + Kolkata), as well as a few speciality restaurants for Taj Palaces + Resorts in Mumbai + Delhi.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
Trying to overcome the severe staffing restrictions imposed on us by The Singapore Government.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself
Your most treasured possession?
My health
Your favourite holiday destination?
Anywhere with a backpack
Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar?
The one on the drawing board
Your favourite book / film / song?
None really, but sci-fi and EDM in general
Your favourite food and drink?
Seafood | Water
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
The Gym
If you weren’t a architect, what would you be?
Frustrated
Anything else interesting?
Severe dyslexia is a gift