Name: R. Pat Murphy AIA
Company: Seifert Murphy
Position within company: Partner
Website: www.seifertmurphy.com
Tell us a little about your background in design…
Pat Murphy holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Texas at Austin. He is registered Architect and Interior Designer. Prior to joining Seifert Murphy, Mr. Murphy was the Director of Development for Latin America at Wilson and Associates. He successfully directed several high profile hotel projects in Mexico, El Salvador, Costa Rica, the United Arab Emirates as well as the United States and Canada. It was here that he established his credentials with the successful completion of hotel projects nationally and internationally.
How would you describe your personal design style?
Timeless
Where does your design inspiration come from?
Understanding local cultural influences but translated them into contemporary design solutions.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Unique design that is responsible design not just opulence for luxury sake.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2015 and beyond.
1. Responsible
2. Unique
3. Local
4. Culture
5. Timeless
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design, what would it be?
Listen to your client but give them solutions that are unique not expected.
How important are The International Hotel and Property Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
This is our first year so I’ll be finding out.
What projects are you currently working on?
Atton Brickell Hotel – Miami
St Elm Boutique Hotel – Dallas
Person Residences in Nicaragua and San Salvador
AT&T Executive Education & Conference Center at the University of Texas
Port Isabel Culinary Institute – Texas
Renaissance Hotel – Ft. Worth
InterContinental Guatemala
InterContinental Miami
InterContinental Managua
InterContinental Tegucigalpa
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point – Ft Meyers
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
We are looking forward to working on more ground up projects. Since the downturn most of our work has been renovations.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself
Your most treasured possession?
My Colnago Superissimo
Your favourite holiday destination?
Where I live, Austin Texas
Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar?
Back in the day, the Camino Real Mexico City / Franklin’s BBQ / White Horse Saloon
Your favourite book / film / song?
Unbroken / To Kill a Mockingbird / Any song by John Prine
Your favourite food and drink?
BBQ / Sazerac
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Sitting in my backyard with a Sazerac watching the sun set with my wife Cathy and dog Ollie
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
Professional cyclist (If I had the legs and lungs for it!)