Name: Dean Concannon
Company: Harrison Design
Position within company: Design Director
Website: www.harrison.hn
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
Shrewsbury College . HND building construction and design , architectural technician for 5 years at conservation architects . The last 30 years I have been at “ The Design school of life “ designing over 500 Bars , Restaurants in the leisure sector in the UK and Internationally learning my craft and still leaning every day .
How would you describe your personal interior design style?
My style is dependent on the design brief, target audience and with an eye on trends .
Where does your design inspiration come from?
Nature , Art , Architecture , micro biology , basically pretty much everything around me all.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2019 and beyond.
Botanical , relaxed casual environments , heavily themed environments giving customer experience , eco friendly and material considerate , healthier restaurants with healthier offers for all .
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to interior design schemes, what would it be?
Always design for the customer, not yourself and make it authentic .
How important are The International Hotel & Property Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
Very , that is why I entered my project
What projects are you currently working on?
Hilton F & B various , Wyndham Hotels US new concepts.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
To target F&B in hotels and Stadia UK and Europe , using my 35 years of experience in the business .
Your most treasured possession?
My black drawing board .
Your favourite holiday destination?
Maldives
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
Hotel: Makanda Costa Rica
Restaurant : Roka Charlotte street London
Bar: The vault bar 72 floor of the JW Marriott in Dubai
Your favourite book, film & song?
Favorite book : The wind in the willows
Film : Life of Brian
Song : New order blue Monday
Your favourite food and drink?
Food : Japanese
Drink : Ale
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
A few beers in the pub with friends followed by sunday lunch , back home to watch a good film with the wife and kids .
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
Property developer or hair dresser!