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