Name: David Moore
Company: WATG
Position within company: Senior Vice President
Website: www.watg.com
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
I graduated in 1986 from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and joined WATG in 1989 as a designer in Honolulu, Hawaii. In 2007, my colleague and I were tasked with opening WATG’s Singapore office and I have managed it since then. Throughout my career, my main focus has been designing hospitality developments across South-east Asia and China.
How would you describe your personal design style?
Having lived and worked in South-east Asia for so many years, I am influenced by the contemporary tropical modern architecture of the region. The interpretation of ‘tropical modern’ changes from country to country so the design direction needs to be influenced by local materials, culture and traditions from each region.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
The site, the local culture, guest experience and available local materials.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
We need to look at ways to push the boundaries in our designs. At WATG we use the brainpower of all our staff to understand the location, to develop a strong story, to push a sustainable design approach and to keep learning / understanding the latest technologies and materials. We combine all of this knowledge to create a strong concept for every project.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2016 and beyond.
You need to find the inspiration to create innovative concepts, looking at:
Location
Culture
Guests
Staff
Sustainable solution
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design, what would it be?
Be bold and stand by your convictions.
How important are The International Hotel and Property Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
It’s very important to us, it’s an honour to be recognised by our peers in the industry. The awards are a fantastic way to showcase the talent of our staff, the innovative designs we produce and our organisation as a whole.
What projects are you currently working on?
A boutique hotel located in a National Forest in China, a casino hotel in Vietnam and a senior living development in China – all very exciting projects.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
To continue engaging with our fantastic design teams, developing great designs and supporting our next generation of talent.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself
Your most treasured possession? I don’t keep many possessions but I value my time.
Your favourite holiday destination? Côte d’Azur.
Your favourite book / film / song? Song: Light my Fire (the Doors).
Your favourite food and drink? Steak with a glass of red wine.
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? It would be spent with my wife in a small café drinking a glass of red wine.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be? I would restore vintage cars.