Alexandra Champalimauds career as an interior designer had a dramatic beginning. In 1975, she, her husband and their young son fled Portugal in the wake of the countrys Carnation Revolution. They arrived in Montreal, knowing no one, without jobs or connections. But Champalimaud, who spoke French, began looking for work as a designer. She found it, eventually starting her own small firm, an endeavor that brought her to New York in 1994 to reimagine the Drake Hotel. In the States, a promising career received an injection of rocket fuel.
Alexandra ChampalimaudCourtesy of Champalimaud
Theres nothing like the United States in terms of opportunities, she says. Its extraordinary, the momentum that one can have.
Indeed. Champalimauds eponymous company has designed some of the worlds most iconic hotels, from The Plaza in New York and the Bel-Air in Los Angeles to the recently completed Raffles in Singapore. On the latest episode of the Business of Home podcast, Champalimaud shares the story of her meteoric rise and she and her firms CEO, Ed Bakos, discuss how theyre addressing the challenges of the COVID-19 era.
This episode was sponsored by Buildlane and Industry West. Below, listen to the episode and check out a few takeaways from the conversation. If you like what you heard, subscribe to the podcast (free of charge!) to get a new episode every week.
ReinventionWhen Bakos joined the firm seven years ago, he reimagined the companys internal structure. Rather than a collection of siloed teams, he implemented a flat management system, where everyone worked on everything. Rather than see ourselves as a small group thats subdivided, [we came] together around something we called one studio, says Bakos. It was the idea of this creative collective, a workshop mentality. Wed all be involved with making things at all levels.
Champalimaud CEO Ed BakosCourtesy of Champalimaud
The change isnt without its challengesit can be difficult to find the right team members and coordinate the efforts of a large group. But the benefits are many: Champalimaud is more nimble than ever, says Bakos, and able to capitalize on a diverse group of talents (the 50-person staff speaks 14 languages among them).
Zoom is good?Like all other New Yorkbased design firms, Champalimaud has been working from home for months now. There are difficulties, and both Bakos and Champalimaud expressed enthusiasm for a return to in-person design meetings. But the socially distanced era, they say, has changed the dynamic of the firm in positive ways. There is a freedom of expression. There might be others who, in my presence normally in a conference room, they might not want to be quite as involved, says Champalimaud. But when their job is to talk about X, Y and Z of this project, they do so. People feel they have been set free in some ways. They have to be more expressive to get their ideas across. Bakos agrees, adding that theres a benefit to client meetings where the entire staff is able to sit in on Zoom and pick up on nuances that would normally go unheard behind conference room doors.
React, dont overreact In contemplating the effect of the pandemic on her own firm and the industry at large, Champalimaud cautions against overcorrecting. [Its essential] that we take into consideration this incredible point of view, of complete health and wellness for the guest, she says. But its something to be taken in carefully measured steps. Buildings have lobbies and restaurants, and I believe versions of all of that are going to remain forever. Attitudes are changing every day. What we are not lacking is creativity. Common sense will prevail.
Link:
Alexandra Champalimaud on what will (and won't) change in hospitality design - Business of Home
- This Midcentury-Modern Reno in San Diego Is a Time Capsule of Retro Features - Architectural Digest - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- What Makes a 'Sustainable' Material When It Comes to Interior Design? - TriplePundit - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- Kai Williamson Is The Interior Designer You Need To Know - Forbes - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent's kitchen redesign is sophisticated and sleek these are the key tweaks they made to ... - Homes & Gardens - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- "I Straight-Up Tell Our Clients Not To Do It: People Are Revealing Which Current Interior Design Trends Will "Age ... - BuzzFeed - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- Seann William Scott and Olivia Korenberg's Relationship Timeline - AOL - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- This Must-See Exhibit Explores Narratives Around Black Liberation - Interior Design - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- Business of Home - Business of Home - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- Shea McGee just revealed her brand new remodel | - Homes & Gardens - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- 3 Kitchen Island Trends That Interior Designers Love (and 2 to Skip) - Yahoo Life - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- The Chic Home: Interior designer's tropical penthouse in Bukit Timah - The Straits Times - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- Shop the best deals from Wayfair's 72-hour flash sale, according to an interior designer save up to 70% - AOL - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- Alicia Keys' living room teaches how to decorate with art | - Homes & Gardens - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- Industrial Design in 2024: From Industrial Revolution to Timeless Evolution - Bored Panda - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- The restoration of a derelict 1500s English cottage turned into a family home | - Homes & Gardens - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- What the MatchesFashion men did next - Financial Times - October 8th, 2022 [October 8th, 2022]
- What are the worst colors to paint a room? The shades experts say you should never use - Homes & Gardens - October 8th, 2022 [October 8th, 2022]
- MapMyHouse app launched to connect interior designers, landscape artists and architects together - India TV News - October 8th, 2022 [October 8th, 2022]
- Designer of the Day: Jane Yang-DHaene - Surface Magazine - October 8th, 2022 [October 8th, 2022]
- Want to know more about the ins and outs of LEDs? This designer's new book lights the way - Home Accents Today - October 8th, 2022 [October 8th, 2022]
- Eight architecture and design vacancies based in Europe - Dezeen - October 8th, 2022 [October 8th, 2022]
- Architects are reviving the post-covid office space with hybrid workers in mind - Quartz - October 8th, 2022 [October 8th, 2022]
- This 29-year-old's dorm room makeover went viral on TikTok. Now she's a full-time interior designer - CNBC - September 13th, 2022 [September 13th, 2022]
- Survey reveals two thirds of people shun design trends - BTR News - September 13th, 2022 [September 13th, 2022]
- Im an interior design fanatic Costco has the best bed sheets and products to help when my spray-on tan s... - The US Sun - September 13th, 2022 [September 13th, 2022]
- School of Architecture Announces Fall 2022 Visiting Critics - Syracuse University News - September 13th, 2022 [September 13th, 2022]
- Liberace's Townhouse in Famed West Hollywood Complex Bought by TV Exec DIRT - DIRT - September 13th, 2022 [September 13th, 2022]
- Im an interior designer only one of the Kardashians has a good taste in decor & it might surprise you... - The US Sun - September 13th, 2022 [September 13th, 2022]
- Spruce up your sanctuary - The New Indian Express - September 13th, 2022 [September 13th, 2022]
- 'The Janes' Posters Vandalized Ahead Of Bucktown Doc Screening On Women Who Helped Thousands Get Abortions - Block Club Chicago - September 13th, 2022 [September 13th, 2022]
- Ginny Marquardt - The Suffolk Times - Suffolk Times - September 13th, 2022 [September 13th, 2022]
- The worst home on the block became one of the best natural colors were the key - Homes & Gardens - September 13th, 2022 [September 13th, 2022]
- How to bring the outdoors in, according to Atlanta's top interior designers - The Atlanta Journal Constitution - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
- Im an interior designer there are seven mistakes that make homes look rubbish & Im sick of seeing them... - The US Sun - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
- Im an interior designer and you should NEVER have carpet in small rooms in your home what to do ins... - The US Sun - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
- Road to Perfection: Interior Designer Eilish Rickard tries out the new DS 4 - image.ie - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
- Im an interior designer & there are four styles that will NEVER go out of fashion perfect if you hate re... - The US Sun - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
- Jennifer Lopez And Ben Affleck Will Reportedly Exchange Vows This Weekend In Georgia - Scary Mommy - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
- A place to find peace; walk the new labyrinth - Alpena News - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
- Interior Designer & Artist Vernica Ortuo Has Found a Way to Turn Her Side Hustle into a Creative Business - Remezcla - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
- Why this New Hampshire designer is turning her shop into a showroom - Business of Home - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
- 5 kitchen renovation tips to end up with your dream cooking place - Courier Journal - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
- Jennifer Lopez Visits Hospital With Ben Affleck and His Mom Ahead of Wedding Weekend - E! NEWS - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
- Interior designers share 10 popular trends that never look as good in real life - Yahoo! Voices - July 18th, 2022 [July 18th, 2022]
- How a focus on wellness helped this Montana designer build her business - Business of Home - July 18th, 2022 [July 18th, 2022]
- A career as an interior designer - The Hans India - July 18th, 2022 [July 18th, 2022]
- How To Build A Sex Room: 9 Thoughts I Had While Watching The Netflix Design Show - CinemaBlend - July 18th, 2022 [July 18th, 2022]
- Im an interior designer the 10 expensive things that make your home look cheap... - The US Sun - July 18th, 2022 [July 18th, 2022]
- MADE: Card designer treasures her work - Greater Wilmington Business Journal - July 18th, 2022 [July 18th, 2022]
- Interior design firm Quirk Studio: Eclectic with a touch of the eccentric - indulgexpress - July 18th, 2022 [July 18th, 2022]
- Im an interior designer these are the best changes you can make to keep cool & why thin curtains are a m... - The US Sun - July 18th, 2022 [July 18th, 2022]
- 26 Years Ago Today, TWA Flight 800 Exploded Over the Atlantic, Killing 230 - Frequent Business Traveler - July 18th, 2022 [July 18th, 2022]
- Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello Just Listed Their Ultra-Private Beverly Hills Mansion for $19.6 Million - Robb Report - July 18th, 2022 [July 18th, 2022]
- Big Brother house experiences a surprise exit - The Boca Raton Tribune - July 18th, 2022 [July 18th, 2022]
- 5 colors to avoid in a kids' room the shades to steer clear of, according to color psychology - LivingEtc - July 18th, 2022 [July 18th, 2022]
- 'Big Brother 24' Spoilers: Who Are the Week 2 Nominations? - Showbiz Cheat Sheet - July 18th, 2022 [July 18th, 2022]
- What are the 6 types of kitchen layouts? The most popular designs to maximize space - Homes & Gardens - July 18th, 2022 [July 18th, 2022]
- 2022 Best of the East Bay: Home & Garden - Diablo Magazine - July 18th, 2022 [July 18th, 2022]
- Everything to know about Japandi and how to infuse it into your home - CNN - February 20th, 2021 [February 20th, 2021]
- Ferguson & Shamamian and Bunny Williams Interior Design Collaborated on This Cloud-like City Loft - HouseBeautiful.com - February 20th, 2021 [February 20th, 2021]
- This Is the Most Pinned Interior Design Style on Pinterest - BobVila.com - February 20th, 2021 [February 20th, 2021]
- 'Your home should be a place that inspires': Lessons from the interior designer who has mastered the art of happy - Toronto Star - February 20th, 2021 [February 20th, 2021]
- Black Makers Reflect on the Cultural Roots of Their Crafts - Interior Design - February 20th, 2021 [February 20th, 2021]
- What are the home decor trends for 2021 - Atlanta Journal Constitution - February 20th, 2021 [February 20th, 2021]
- 3 Ways to Style Your (Very Gay) Coffee Table - Out Magazine - February 20th, 2021 [February 20th, 2021]
- Interior design expert reveals seven things that are losing YOU money on your home including fake grass and - The Sun - February 20th, 2021 [February 20th, 2021]
- These Families Are Stuck at Home During Covid, but Have Plenty of Places to Go - The Wall Street Journal - February 20th, 2021 [February 20th, 2021]
- This old-fashioned pattern is set to be one of the biggest interior trends this year - interior designers can't get enough of it - LivingEtc - February 20th, 2021 [February 20th, 2021]
- How to Create a Chic and Functional Home Office, According to Interior Designers - Glamour - February 20th, 2021 [February 20th, 2021]
- How the Boeing 747 Changed the Way Airplanes Are Designed - Architectural Digest - February 14th, 2021 [February 14th, 2021]
- Matthew Williamson on his new curated interior design platform - Evening Standard - February 14th, 2021 [February 14th, 2021]
- Interior designers share 5 bedroom trends that'll be huge this year, and 5 on their way out - Insider - Insider - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]
- The Mostand LeastSoothing Paint Colors, According to Interior Design Pros - Mansion Global - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]
- Interior Design Tips to Help Brighten Up Your Space and Mood - Architectural Digest - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]
- Interior designers reveal why brown is the color you need to bring into your home this year - LivingEtc - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]
- 13 of the Best Schools for an Interior Design Education - HouseBeautiful.com - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]
- Designer of the Day: Louise Liljencrantz - Surface Magazine - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]
- The Herd: New hires, promotions & departures for 2.9.21 - RichmondBizSense - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]
- Interior Design Society Opens Submissions for 2021 Designer of the Year Awards - Furniture Lighting & Decor - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]
- NYC Architect West Chin Says the Home Has Become the Nucleus of the Family - Mansion Global - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]