Name: Libby Patrick

Company: Sims Patrick Studio, Inc.

Position within company: President

Website: www.simspatrickstudio.com

. Tell us a little about your background in design

My background is in architecture and art from Auburn University. I also have a lot of informal education in medicine. My main experience comes from working in-house in multi-disciplinary architecture firms until I founded Sims Patrick Studio, Inc. in 2000. I have lead interior design and architectural projects of most every type usually for very large scale places. These include: corporate, retail, healthcare, residential, hotels, restaurants, churches, education, recreation, and entertainment.

. How would you describe your personal design style?

For my own home I would say Modern Farmhouse. For my clients…anything they want!

. Where does your design inspiration come from?

Research about the location and significance of the place or project.

. In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?

To continue to create interactive and experiential places.

. Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2014 and beyond.

1)The way we start each project is by first listening to the client’s program.

2)The creation of a design story about the project with concept imagery to support the story.  Create plans and sketches to demonstrate.

3)How it will appeal to the 5 senses.

4)Show good proportions with strong focal points. How finishes, lighting and quality details will support the concept.

5)The finishing touches of fashion… the furniture, art, and accessories.

. If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design, what would it be?

It is tough to design at “gunpoint”. Initial ideas are very strong but you need time and study to evolve the best and most beautiful solutions.

. How important are The International Hotel and Property Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?

We are an emerging firm and we hope that being recognized internationally will open new doors and expose our design aesthetic to like-minded professionals and Owners worldwide.

. What projects are you currently working on?

Sonesta – Philadelphia Pennsylvania

Sonesta – Atlanta, Georgia

Sonesta – Coconut Grove, Florida

Marriott – Frederick, Maryland

AC Hotel – Asheville, North Carolina

Intercontinental Hotel Group prototype development

Multiple Hilton and Marriott properties in Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, and Mississippi

Multiple shopping center renovations in Seattle, Washington; Atlanta, Georgia; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Omaha, Nebraska; Miami, Florida

. What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

To reach out to Brands and Owners that share our values and aesthetics, that are open to hiring new design firms!

. Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself

Your most treasured possession? 

Our family and our pet animals

Your favourite holiday destination? 

My Mom and Dad’s home in Decatur Alabama. My Mom teaches cooking school and is a cookbook author. She is the queen of hospitality!

Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar?

This is ever changing for me. A beach hotel, Sonesta Hilton Head, or La Samanna! Restaurant…Daniel in New York. Bar…Petes Pub in Abaco, the Bahamas.

Your favourite book / film / song?

This is tough since I love variety! I love Pretty Woman and The Big Chill. I like the music in these as well. I love all music types and I love to sing and enjoy serious whistling. My favourite song may be “Your Song” by Elton John. There are so many depending in my mood but this one comes to mind.

Your favourite food and drink?

I love sushi and fresh and roasted vegetables of all types. Anything sweet with vanilla, arugula, beets, and blue cheese, cinnamon bread pudding, dark chocolate.  I love classic Sauvignon Blanc and occasionally good scotch.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?

Walking in the woods, in my garden or along the waters edge looking for birds, turtles and interesting plant life.

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?

I would love to play the electric guitar and be a rock star!

Anything else interesting?

Keeping a sense of humor and healthy perspective on what can and cannot be changed has gotten me through the everyday challenges and mysteries of life.