Name: Daniel Piana
Position within company: Principal
Website: www.dpadesigners.com
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
I have a degree in Architecture which I obtained from Buenos Aires University (UBA), and over 25 years of experience designing hotels in Latin America; my experience involves both architecture and interior design.
How would you describe your personal design style?
DPA&D style can be defined as eclectic, international and timeless. Our design is defined as timeless since it is not subject to fashion; its freshness remains over the years. Whenever a guest stays at a hotel designed by our studio, anywhere in the world, the guest experiences and perceives the flair of the local culture through the interplay of colours, textures, and other regional distinctive features.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
My design gets inspiration from “the voices of the Earth.” It reflects the different corners of the world that I have visited collecting the ideas that further nourish each project development.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
The design is moving towards a global style and global ideas as a counterpoint to regional expressions. Currently, the world’s differences and similarities are covered by the global village phenomenon. We will witness the remake of the international style.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2014 and beyond.
Green / Sustainable
Efficient / Functional
Simple
Beautiful and harmonic
Less is more
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design, what would it be?
Keep it Simple.
How important do you feel Design Awards are as recognition of designers talents and achievements?
The International Hotel and Property Awards are of great importance because they recognize the work of big architecture and design studios, providing them with visibility, and putting them into contact with each other.
What projects are you currently working on?
Sheraton Reserva do Paiva Hotel. Recife, Brazil
Sheraton Rio Hotel. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Sheraton Maria Isabel Hotel. Mexico DF, Mexico
Residences & Flat Hotel. Recife, Brazil
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
Our aim for the next twelve months is to expand DPA&D in Europe.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself
Your most treasured possession? My newest golf clubs.
Your favourite holiday destination? South Carolina. USA.
Your favourite hotel/ restaurant/ bar? Sheraton San Cristobal. Santiago, Chile. Seasons 52, Coral Gables, Miami. Café Tortoni. Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Your favourite book / film / song? Book: El libro de arena [The Book of Sand]. Jorge Luis Borges. Film: L’armata Brancaleone [For Love and Gold]. Directed by Mario Monicelli. Song: What a wonderful world. Sung by Louis Armstrong.
Your favourite food and drink? Spaghetti Pomodoro Argentine Malbec red wine
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? At home, enjoying the garden and the birds.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be? A painter.