
You x Us: Kuni Kawauchi
We asked Lead Designer, Kuni Kawauchi, to talk about his path to design, sources of inspiration, what shifts he feels are shaping the creative landscape, and much more!
Read moreFrom photographers to storytellers, Hospitality Design Magazine asked five design professionals to shine a light on visionaries who help bring hospitality projects to life.
George Gottl Chief Creative Officer and Cofounder, UXUS - By Aliya Khan, Vice President of Design, Lifestyle Brands, Marriott
George was once asked if he were a toy action figure, what he would be. His response was some kind of fabulous fashion superhero, eliminating fashion don’ts all over the world. Of course, there would be a seasonal change on the accessory.
As a strategist, George uses his inherent superpower as a master storyteller to paint vivid pictures. These images tell the stories of people—consumers, travelers, digesters of trend and culture. He organizes them into road maps for luxury brands like W Hotels, Chanel, and Bottega Veneta. I spend a lot of time explaining the job of a design strategist, and why it is important to first understand the end user before indulging in a conversation about a chair or a table. Partnering with George to understand today’s luxury customers and how they consume brands and experience was an excellent dreamscaping exercise. It is equal parts research, exploration, and, most importantly, fun.
George’s passion for fashion, travel, and multicultural references fuels his
work. His curiosity and desire to ask questions differently and move away from
the less obvious answers puts everyone in the room on intellectual notice to bring
their ‘A’ game. George and I met at a lunch years ago. It was hard not to be drawn
to him. (He also has an amazing laugh that stays with you.) It took a decade,
but partnering on W Hotels was the perfect opportunity for this Superhero of
Fabulosity to step in and help connect the dots for us.
This article originally appeared in Hospitality Design Magazine: https://www.nxtbook.com/emeral...
We asked Lead Designer, Kuni Kawauchi, to talk about his path to design, sources of inspiration, what shifts he feels are shaping the creative landscape, and much more!
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