Name: Ronald Zurcher
Company: Zurcher Arquitectos
Position within company: Founder, Designer
Website: www.zurcherarquitectos.com

Tell us a little about your background in design
-I am from Costa Rica
-I studied architecture in Mexico City

How would you describe your personal design style?
My architecture is organic, and essential.

Where does your design inspiration come from?
I have always looked for the cultural roots to get inspiration to do architecture.
In my early professional days, most of the inspiration came from the colonial cites. Nowadays I look for the very essences of the local culture of the place where the project is located. Could be various elements such as fauna, flora, landscape, etc.

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

I believe architecture should represent the local culture and the time when it is built.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2015 and beyond.
Today’s architecture should pay attention to its carbon footprint, to the social impact in its community, to represent the local culture, preserving the essential values and to facilitate communication among the inhabitants.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design, what would it be?
I believe we should always look for a more creative way of doing things, from the simplest detail to the general concept.

How important are The International Hotel and Property Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
The International Hotel and Property Awards are extremely important for our work. The credibility, the visibility, and most important, to have your work judged by a group of very high level professionals, and endorsed by people with criteria.

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself…

Your most treasured possession?
A classic car, a Triumph 1953

Your favourite holiday destination?
My favorite destination is the Mediterranean.

Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar?
I love local small restaurants and bars on the streets.

Your favourite book / film / song?
I can’t stop listening to the Beatles music.

Your favourite food and drink?
I could eat salad the whole day.
I am not an expert, but I love good wine.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? 
An afternoon with friends and family, enjoying cutting edge contemporary art with a good bottle of wine.

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
If I was not an architect, I would be a chef.