Life style
Jose Rivero and Lee McNichol leave an indelible mark in hospitality industry
By Zanita careem
International Design Practice, Studio Sixty 7, founded by designers Jose Rivero and Lee McNichol are making their mark as the new up and coming design practice of the future within the private and hospitality sector. Their design philosophy is focussed on attention to detail catering to the needs of their clients.
With a combined experience of over 20 years in the industry and having established themselves in world renowned design practices they are gearing up to be a force within the design industry.
Having recently completed the successful rejuvenation and design identity for Sun Siyam Pasikudah in Sri Lanka, which has gained much international recognition they have left an indelible mark in the hospitality industry. At present they are working on numerous luxury resorts in the Maldives, as well as private residencies in Mauritius, London and South America. With their sights set high, they not only provide a design but a way of new living with future collaborations coming soon as they branch out into the world of interiors.
A strong advocate of sustainability, Lee and Jose are an authority on everything from design of hotel and cultural masterplans and hospitality developments.
Your designs combines western concepts with an appreciation for Asian culture. How do you believe this fusion has influenced your architectural style and approach?
Here at StudioSixty7, design is all about balance and taking inspiration from the many different cultures around the world and fusing them together within our designs. Our approach is all about refined luxury, from t textures, shapes and forms to help create a harmonious and zen design.
Your work requires a high level of intellectual thought and creativity?
Yes, it is especially at the beginning when you are looking and working on a layouts of a space to create something unique. Our focus will be how to manage our client’s rough thoughts into something tangible and creative to them , We use our creativity to make sure everything works within the given space. Creativity for us is more a free way of thinking to create that magical outcome.
Are there any guiding principles or “lines to live by” that have shaped your personal and professional journey?
For us as at StudioSixty7, we like to make sure that we are creating a setting that is harmonious, making sure that each space blends with each other and works with one another We don’t like spaces that fight against each other and distract our vision.
So what do you see as the future of hotel design?
It’s maybe not so much in the design itself, but more so in the experiences that are on offer. There are so many great innovative new ideas out there but the fact remains it should be practical but stylish. In Maldives, we are now engaged on a fantastic resort project and our aim is to give the
. best guest experiences from handling the food,the ingredients we use, the usage of drinks that are served at the bar, They are the key ingredients which define the outcome and all of them play a pivotal role in influencing the project. We also plan the best innovative spas and treatment methods to allow the weary traveller to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
What was the greatest challenge you had to face and how did you ovecome?
Timing, this is always the greatest challenge on any job. We should enjoy the things we do! Luckily, the hotel Sun Siyam Pasikudah in Sri Lanka , we were fortunate to have an incredible team. Every single person put their heart and soul into this project to get the final product. Special mention should be made about the GM Arshed, the carpenters, landscapers, painters all of them worked hard to strive for the best. Also that feeling when the entire team has worked hard and made a submission and you know looks great. This what we loved most in Sri Lanka
Is the environmental a challenge facing the luxury hotel industry?
For us, it is one of the main challenges Collectively, we are mindful of the damage that can cause to the environment. As we can see, the environment is changing, and we must try to protect this as best as we can. Sustainability designs continues to excite us as it pushes us to use new innovative techniques and infuse contemporarory ideas to give the project the best.
How do you balance traditional and modern elements in your design?
Modern design for us is often more minimalistic in its approach. We love the fusion of old and new as it gives the space more character, charm and identity. We believe in adapting and upgrading to fulfill the rapidly changing needs of the community and the environment is the sole purpose of any design
From where do you draw inspiration?
Inspiration is everywhere! We’re constantly inspired by what we see For instance from a fashion show in Paris or just by walking around the streets of London, New York, Tokyo, we are inspired by those amazing details on billboards, buildings, pavements All these are amalgamatedinto our design philosphy. Our design philosphy is a fusion of creativity and functionality, where designs becomes a means to intergrate artistry and practicality
Pasikudah project – what appealed to you most?
We were taken up by the client, the people and the team spirit, It was love at first sight. Sri Lanka is one of the most beautiful places, the people, their energy, exotic nature all contributed to put our heart and soul to this project. We met many inspiring people from the local area and our aim is to give the best to the the community at large and the country .
What trends for 2024 are you focussing most?
Dark wood and bold colours! This are the colours we used in Pasikudah! We made sure this is balanced by natural tones. However when we think of the future it is potential that excites us us the most. The potential to create that special team for a unique project where every comes together and something magical is created.
How have guest’s preferences changed the hotel design in recent years?
We live in a world full of social media, bloggers, now we get to see what is happening in the world better. The guests are conscious of thier needs and our design philosphy should be to give the guests the best of hospitality. We need to combine so many functional factors while caring about every single design detail.Everything has to be a reflection of our client’ssoul. Each project of ours is customised and tailored to our client’s needs
Could you describe a bit about your design philosophy?
StudioSixty7’s design philosophy is all about creating zen and harmonious spaces to live and stay within the subtle fusion of natural tones and organic forms. We want to create a calm environment, while giving each design its own personality and identity, all balanced with an opulent warmth and serenity. We based everything on client’s request while giving answers and a solution to all thier needs,from an aesthetic and functional point of view,by incoporating cutting edge technologies and material from an environmentally friendly perspective
How would you define you style, your philosophy and how did you evolve your style to keep up with the time and thus last?
Today, the rapidly developing world our style is ever evolving and developing but our core values and philosophy remains the same, that is to grow and move with the times.
Sun Siyam Pasikudah
Institute of Hospitality Sri Lanka
The 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the UK-based Institute of Hospitality’s Sri Lanka Chapter was held recently at the Ramada Hotel Colombo,.The event provided an evening of camaraderie , reflection of the past and present achievements,setting new benchmarks for the future
The AGM had the presence of two distinguished guests, the Chief Guest Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and the Guest of Honour British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick. Their inspiring speeches were lauded by all hoteliers who were present at the occasion
A special thanks was extended to Robert Richardson, CEO of the Institute of Hospitality UK, along with his team, sponsors, committee members, and all attendees for making the event memorable.
Dr. Harsha Jayasingh, Past President of the Institute of Hospitality (UK) Sri Lanka Chapter, emphasised the Institute’s longstanding history and the strength of its Sri Lankan branch. “The Institute of Hospitality (IH) UK has a history of 86 years, and we are proud to be the Sri Lanka Branch. IH Sri Lanka is much stronger now with many members from all areas of the hospitality industry,” he stated.
Dr. Jayasingh highlighted the significant role of tourism in Sri Lanka’s economy,. He said tourism it is the third-largest source of revenue for the country. “Tourism accounts for about 13.3% of total foreign exchange earnings and employs 450,000 people directly and indirectly. The hospitality industry in this island of pearl holds tremendous potential for economic growth, job creations, and cultural exchange,” he added.
He also pointed out more women should be attracted to the industry and advocated for the use of technology in hospitality sector to attract the younger generation.
The newly appointed Chairman Ramesh Dassanayake spoke about the challenges faced by the industry, including the reluctance of youth to join the sector. . Dassanayake expressed concerns over the migration of staff between hotels and the overall ‘brain drain’ in the sector. ” We must maintain high standards in the hotel We must try to attract tourists to Sri Lanka, we must have with many facilities Hence, hotel schools and other professional institutions involved in skills development mustincrease their intakes,” he pointed out.
Chief Guest Sajith Premadasa emphasised the importance of eco tourism and said “We need to have an environmental policy related to tourism in place,” . .
The 32nd AGM of the Institute of Hospitality UK, Sri Lanka Chapter, was a testament to the strength and potential of Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry. The insights and commitments shared during the event set a new benchmark for the future.(ZC)
Pix by Thushara Attapathu
Life style
He recognizes human identity beyond boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
Visit of Sri Gurudev to Sri Lanka
Humanitarian, spiritual leader and Global Ambassador of Peace Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (Sri Gurudev) was in Sri Lanka on a three day tour on the invitation of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Dinesh Gunewardene. Gurudev who inspired a wave of volunteerism and service to moot one of the largest volunteer-based organisations in the world – The Art of Living – visited the various projects under the aegis of the foundation and launched twelve vocational and technical centers around the island. He was accompanied by thousands of followers from Sri Lanka and around the world.
Gurudev who visited Sri Lanka for the sixth time also had a first day cover launched in honour of his visit. He is a strong proponent of spreading happiness, using the unique Sudarshan Kriya, yoga, meditation and practical wisdom to unite people, empower individuals and transform communities. His programmes provide techniques and tools to live a deeper, more joyous life, while his non-profit organisations recognize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
The Art of Living which has more than 30,000 teachers and over one million volunteers across 180 countries has touched in excess of five hundred million people around the world. CNN called it “Life Changing” and The Washington Post headlined it, “Fresh air to millions”.
In Trincomalee, Gurudev met with war victims and had a heartwarming engagement with the children from the children’s homes run by the Foundation. He also visited the Koneswara Temple in Trincomalee and graced the Kumbhabhishekam at Seetha ecogPnize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion. Amman temple at Nuwara Eliya. He held discussions with the trustees on the progress of the foundation’s social service projects, while also holding a special event – Ekamuthuwa – attended by a large number of dignitaries and his devotees from around the world.
His time with the Prime Minister was spent discussing the prospects of unity in diversity and uniting Sri Lanka by adding happiness into the formula of living. In addition he had discussions with the Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, prominent business stewards and civil society leaders.
by Zanita Careem
Envison your dream wedding day come to life at the Epitome Hotel, a prestigious city hotel in Kurunegala offering an unrivalled luxury rendors experience for weddings.
The venue is designed to embody opulence and luxury from all quarters for a spectacular wedding in kurunegala,Thier ballroom is the largest banquet facility in Sri Lanka It can be divided into six luxurious pillarless wedding halls on the ground floor and 25pax smaller banquet halls.
It can be easily named as a five star heaven in the heart of the city contributing to a myriad of immense experiences tailored to inspire and delight wedding experiences.
From opulent décor set up to exquisite table decor, lavish food, every detail is meticulously curated to spark your imagination and ignite creativity for a perfect wedding. The previous prestigious wedding shows season one and season two attracted large crowds
were unique events which gave the wedding vendors and potential clients had an opportunity to connect and interact with each other. Beyond being a showcase it was a chance for the wedding vendors to unite and contribute to the vibrancy of the wedding industry. The wedding show covered all area of the bridal industry providing a comprehensive variety of bridal supplies from Sri lanka and became the most popular bridal exhibitions in Kurunegala.This bridal exhibitions allowed brides and grooms to experience first hand the products and services available from suppliers in Sri Lanka
These wedding shows held at The Epitome created a benchmark and gave an opportunity for vendors to create connections to the utmost satisfaction said Harshan Lakshita Executive Director. of the magnificent Hotel
Our wedding shows featured experts and professionals in every field‘ It covered all areas of the bridal industry provided a comprehensive variety of bridal supplies from Sri lanka and became most popular bridal exhibition in this region.We are always open to everyone to join us at our wedding shows in the future. It is an opportunity to discover the incredible talent within our local wedding and bridal vendors to make meaningful relationships and plan thier special day at our breathtaking hotel The Epitome said General Manager Kavinda Caldera
The Epitome Hotel’s bridal show which will be held end of June will buzz with great ideas,advice and inspiration for all those who plan thier dream wedding
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The Hotel Epitome’s Wedding Season 3 will marked excellence, celebration and inspiration for those in the wedding industry. The exhibition halls will resonate with ideas on exquisite bridal wear to decor, florists , photography etc and showshowcase the rich tapestry of talent within the local wedding industry. .
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