Company: DiLeonardo
Designers: Giana DiLeonardo, Frederick Robertus, Annmarie Leung, Flora Chou, Hung Le
Website: www.dileonardo.com
How would you describe your personal design style?
(Giana) “ I don’t really have a set design style I am influenced by so many different things: culture, food, light, texture, etc. It is important that each space you design has a story and is unique.”
Where does your design inspiration come from?
(Fred) “I draw my inspiration from the built environment. I take on the natural landscape and the
different cultures that I encounter through my many travels.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
(Fred) “Design will be more experiential given the fact that the platform has been greatened
by numbers. Society will finally be able to accept and innovate modernism.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2015 and beyond.
(Fred)
1. The Urban Context
2. The Cultural Context
3. Balance / Rhythm / Scale / Proportion
4. The Millennials
5. Sustainability
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design, what would it be?
(Giana) “Design is subjective believe in your ideas and don’t play it safe.
How important are The International Hotel and Property Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
(Giana) “The IH & P Awards are important to recognize the creativity and collaboration of our team and to share with all of those that participated in making the project a success.”
What projects are you currently working on?
The Address; Dubai, UAE
The Boulders | Curio a collection by Hilton; Arizona, USA
Hilton Hotel Resorts World; Manila, Philippines
Mövenpick Hotel; Colombo, Sri Lanka
Hyatt Regency Hotel; Dhaka, Bangladesh
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
(Giana) “To create beautiful spaces around the globe. I would love to design a project in
South America!”
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself…
Your most treasured possession?
(Fred) “My art collection.”
Your favourite holiday destination?
(Fred) “Anywhere in South America/ Latin America”
Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar?
(Giana) “There are too many to choose from……….”
Your favourite book / film / song?
(Fred)
Book- Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond
Film- Midnight Cowboy
Song- Too many since it changes on a regular basis, but I’d say “A Song for You” by any artist.
Your favourite food and drink?
(Giana) “I am a foodie at heart experiencing culture through food is a true passion…….I love anything with a little heat!”
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
(Giana) “On the beach in my home town in Rhode Island.”
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
(Giana) “Definitely something related to food and wine.”