Can Faik talks exclusively to the team at Meyer Davis

Posted in People on 5 November, 2015

Ahead of Sleep 2015, Can Faik speaks with Meyer Davis Studio’s Will Meyer and Gray Davis about the company’s past, present and future…

Sleep, the European hotel design industry’s most anticipated annual event, is to feature several leading industry figures who will be headlining and contributing to its free-to-attend conference in London’s Business Design Centre on 24-25 November, including Will Meyer and Gray Davis who are flying in from New York to share their recent experience on such projects as the redesign of the Paramount in NYC and 1 Hotel South Beach Miami.

Can Faik (CF): As a multi-disciplinary practice, what does Meyer Davis think about the change in how people are appropriating and inhabiting space as a result of evolving technology – does it influence their approach to the design of these spaces, e.g. hotel lobbies, guestrooms, workplaces?

Meyer Davis Studio (MD):  Technology can be a double edged sword in our opinion. It plays a huge role in the design process, as well as the guest experience. We’re working with clients and a general public that is more aware of and informed about design than ever before, and their expectations are high. The bar has been raised in terms of originality, and we embrace that challenge. We think the sky’s the limit for contemporary interior designers because you are pushed to develop projects that truly break the mould. In addition, integrating useful technology in to our projects is important so that our clients can offer the best amenities possible to their guests in a way that feels thoughtful yet effortless. Technology and design are going to continue to grow and evolve in a way that allows for better collaboration between interiors and operations.

CF Is there a particular type of project that you haven’t yet worked on and would love the opportunity to do?

MD We would love to design a yacht!

CF What has most recently given you a boost of creative inspiration, e.g. places, people, objects?

MD We both had the opportunity to visit Australia for the first time recently, and we were particularly inspired by the city of Sydney. It’s a stunning place, and we also felt inspired by the amazing team we met with there to kick off a new project. Meeting talented and creative people in a beautiful setting is also a great source of inspiration.

CF With a successful creative partnership of over 15 years, can you provide some insight into your approach, what unique qualities do you each bring to the relationship?

MD We’ve always had great communication between the two of us. We share an office within our studio and collaborate on a day to day basis. There are no egos – the best idea wins, no matter who it comes from.

Will Meyer and Gray Davis will be speaking about their creative partnership and recent projects at the Sleep Conference, 14:15-14:45 on 24 November.

Sleep is on 24 and 25 November with a late opening until 8pm on Tuesday 24 when visitors can enjoy the design inspiration and networking opportunities during the show’s cocktail hour from 6.30-7.30pm. Register now for your free ticket to Sleep 2015.

About the interviewee

Will Meyer and Gray Davis are principals and lead designers of Meyer Davis Studio, established in New York City in 1999. Each has over 20 years of experience in architecture and interior design; Davis previously worked under designers Thomas O’Brien and John Saladino, and Meyer under architect Charles Gwathmey. Meyer Davis now employs over 40 designers with offices in New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami and has won numerous design awards over the last 16 years for their work in hotels, restaurants, residencies and luxury offices. Recent projects for Meyer Davis include 1 Hotel South Beach, Vaucluse (a Michael White restaurant), and Le Meridien New Orleans.