DESIGNWILKES

A DRIVEN BOUTIQUE INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM

DESIGNWILKES

Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Bangkok

CONSTRUCTION

Timeless and Elegant Design Jeffrey Wilkes, founder of DESIGNWILKES, discusses his organisation’s drive to always put the customer at the forefront of decision-making Writer: Sean Galea-Pace | Project Manager: Ryan Gray

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passion for quality.

It’s something that Jeffrey Wilkes, founder of DESIGNWILKES has in abundance.

Wilkes has always been passionate about architecture and questioned why things looked the way they do.

He puts that down to his parents’ influence and credits them for being the key factors in setting him on the path he is on today.

“Hanging out with my Dad in the workshop he had at home helped along with a creative mother. They were very home proud,” he explains.

“But it certainly rubbed off and they also let me contribute. They never put down my ideas.”

This laid the foundations for Wilkes who then went to fine arts and design school before designing high-end condominium projects in Toronto, Canada. This subsequently led to hotel designs which is a true mix of a variety of aspects of interior design, where in 1994, Wilkes moved to Malaysia to open a branch of a renowned design firm.

16 years later, Wilkes decided to open his own business. And today, DESIGNWILKES possesses an established group of repeat clients such as Mandarin Oriental, The Leela Hotels India, The Oberoi Group, and ITC Hotels, while employing 35 fulltime members of staff, the majority having been with the firm since launch.

“We like to think that we excel at meeting our clients’ needs before our own,” explains Wilkes.

“Service is key as well as timeless and elegant design.”

However, Wilkes believes that what sets his organisation apart is its commitment to the end product and a drive to put the client first.

“We do try to keep people excited by the projects they are working on, and allow them opportunities to travel and work on site in the various countries we work,” he says. “On site experience is a huge benefit to a designer, and of course to the end product.”

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DESIGNWILKES

KEY PROJECTS

MANDARIN ORIENTAL BANGKOK One of DESIGNWILKES’ most important projects was the design of the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. Wilkes describes a first-hand experience of travelling to one of its key projects.

“The three times that we have worked on this property, it has been our mission to preserve history, and disseminate it throughout the property to new areas all with a sense of freshness not pretension.

When I first travelled in Asia, I, like many, made a pilgrimage to Bangkok for the fun uninhibited lifestyle and the sheer magic of its people and its Kingdom.

Naturally a trip to The Oriental as it was then known was on that list. Now known as the Mandarin Oriental, the property is in itself its sense of place. We do look to the Thai culture of course, and Bangkok, but unlike newer properties we look to its past.

Further, our journey took us to reflect on its riverside location, almost taken for granted over the years. The Chao Praya River allowed us a wonderful opportunity to dwell on the property as a resort in the city. The views from the pool have been opened to the river, the terrace revamped as was the Verandah and Lord Kim’s restaurants with a small extension and larger windows to the river.

The water inspired carpet in the guestrooms have fish swimming around, as do the bedside lamps. Various boats seen on the river have been sculpted in brass sheeting. Brushed teak floors have been installed now in all principal areas of guestrooms, balconies added in some rooms extended to the building edge for enhanced river views, these factors all contribute to a more relaxed resort atmosphere. The room sofa is comfortable and big with a tea height table suitable for work or play.

Throughout the property fresh colour was played with very liberally. Redoing the lobby was great fun. We had done it before but this time it was different. We were renovating so many areas that it allowed us to really feel the place. And as each area folds into the next there is a wonderful connection. In the Main Lobby, walls were lightened, as were other features. Crystal chandeliers that replaced iconic teak bells were added for sparkle and sunlight, yet fashioned in the bell shape to reflect

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on the past. Seating was painted with Jim Thompson fabrics in yellow and green and orange, so fresh and citrusy - happy. And as it was once one of the hotel’s original owners, it was so fitting. It feels very much The Mandarin Oriental of old but new.

It all combines to welcome you to its 140 years of spirit.

As part of the Mandarin Oriental mantra, it is more than just a sense of place, it is a realisation. It is geographical identification and cultural representation.”

About Jaquar Group Conceived back in 1960, Jaquar Group is built on the platform of highest quality standards, aesthetics and with the intent of exceeding customer expectation.

Today, Jaquar Group caters to premium and luxury bathroom segments with Jaquar and Artize brands respectively for residential and commercial sectors across the globe as a one stop destination for all bathroom products.

Overview on the Jaquar Group • Jaquar Group is one of the fastest growing bathroom company in the world with presence in over 60 + countries across Europe, Middle East, Asia- Pacific and Africa.

• Currently, the Group delivers over 2.4 million bathrooms every year and produces over 28 million bath fittings annually. Jaquar Group produces 125,000 faucets on a daily basis.

• Currently there are 15 Jaquar World showrooms across countries, you can find Jaquar world at London, Milan, Moscow, Leeds, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Dhaka, Dubai, Riyadh, Kuwait, Muscat, Addis Ababa, Kinshasa, & Dar es Salaam with plans underway for more to open in geographies across the world.

• The company’s approach to aesthetic design has won several accolades like IF Awards (Germany), Plus X (Germany) Good Design (U.S.A & Japan), Elle Décor International Award, Red Dot & German design award (Germany).

• The Group has been globally certified in quality

by WRAS, KIWA, SON, ISO, CE, TISI, SASO, PZH, ZNAK-B, IKRAM QA, PUB, KC, SABS.

• Jaquar Group is setting up exclusive showrooms across the world showcasing unique features like wide range of products & concepts from leading global bath brands i.e. Jaquar and Artize. Customers also get expert advice, design consultancy and unmatched customer service as special benefit at Jaquar world.

T +60196499338 | E Irfan.m@jaquar.com | www.jaquar.com

DESIGNWILKES

Alexander Lamont British designer Alexander Lamont is known for his peerless creations of furniture, lighting, accessories and wall art using meticulous craftsmanship and contemporary designs. As creative director, he and a team of international designers innovate using the worlds’ precious decorative materials; straw marquetry, shagreen, eggshell, natural lacquer, mica, parchment, to name a few.

The company has over 150 staff working in its design, production, sales and customer support teams across Europe and Asia. Its workshops are in Thailand and benefit from the incredible artistic and craft traditions of that country with the addition of master craftsmen from Europe.

Jeffrey Wilkes, founder of DESIGNWILKES

DESIGNWILKES’ work on the Verandah Restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok was transformational. To renovate the All Day Dining Restaurant, The Verandah size was increased in conjunction with the adjacent Terrace and BBQ areas.

As a result, the restaurant was able to increase the back of house kitchen.

There is an area for semi-private dining as the hotel caters to a number of groups for both business and leisure. The existing structure and kitchen location within the hotel site meant that additional space for the kitchen needed to be taken along the lengthwise position of the room, which was not originally the plan. Space across the front area with the river view is the more desirable space.

Ceiling heights are low, access to natural was compromised with a number of solid awnings along the access corridor. We moved the windows into the corridor marginally 8 | APAC Outlook issue 48

and created a stronger windowscape with a range of mullion sizes to add focus to the window, which accentuated the feel of a verandah.

The rear section of the room was lifted upwards with timber flooring, the front section in patterned marble.

This pattern repeats out on the terrace connecting these spaces. Cream painted planked ceilings and a mass of hand - blown glass pendant lights provide a bright and cheerful nature.

A Thai inspired artist mural provides a jovial garden atmosphere, which brings the outdoors to the inner room.

DESIGNWILKES values quality.

The firm prioritises high standards of design and remains dedicated and committed, refreshed and rejuvenated with a new spirit of adventure. Despite its origins beginning in Southeast Asia, the company has expanded to China, India, Japan, the Middle East, Europe, and North America. DESIGNWILKES operate with its headquarters in

For its project work, the firm has amassed an A-list of customers from luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Cartier to hoteliers including Mandarin Oriental, Aman and Four Seasons, while collaborating with leading interior decorators such as Jeffrey Wilkes, Bill Bensley, Peter Marino, David Collins and Yabu Pushelberg.

With over 20 years of experience in working at the highest quality, in both residential and commercial projects, the company is praised for its specialized approach and flexibility. New collections are launched twice a year and Alexander Lamont also offers its savoir-faire and craftsmanship for numerous bespoke projects. We collect all information for a custom quotation, and guide the designer and contractor in an open communication to ensure the smooth delivery of incredible workmanship and style to the world’s great projects.

www.alexanderlamont.com

DESIGNWILKES

Skyfold® The Mandarin Oriental Jumeira is a new luxury resort located on the beach with a view of the Dubai skyline.

Providing unparalleled service and flexibility for its clientele, the hotel was able to maximise its space using Skyfold walls. Skyfold fully automated vertical walls offer excellent acoustic ratings up to STC 60.

Skyfold solutions are not just acoustic walls used to reconfigure spaces; they are created to be multipurpose design pieces that live within a space. Thirteen Skyfold Classic 55’s were used in the ballroom, meeting rooms and show kitchen.

www.skyfold.com

Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Bangkok

Malaysia, however, conduct most of its work outside of the region.

“The majority of our work is in India, we have also done projects in Thailand, Indonesia, UAE, Sri Lanka, Japan, China, Hong Kong, and the UK,” explains Wilkes.

“Kuala Lumpur is a fantastic base. It has a fantastic loyal workforce and is a dynamic city full of architecture that inspires, both old and new. We hope to do more work there in the future.”

Wilkes strives for a green approach wherever possible and stresses that everyone has a social responsibility to do their bit.

“I am a great lover and admirer of craft so whenever we can use local artisans, we will,” he explains. “It’s very important to keep craft alive as it is disappearing as fast as the rainforests.”

“We believe in reusing and upcycling. When we are confronted with a renovation, we often look at what elements can be saved or manipulated to appear fresh and new.

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Mandarin Oriental, Dubai

CONSTRUCTION

DesignWilkes

Discover the endless possibilities with Skyfold® premium space solutions

• Acoustic movable walls that exceed industry standards up to STC 60 (Rw 59 dB) • Vertical Innovation with fully automated walls that store in the ceiling

info@skyfold.com | www.skyfold.com

• Effortless Flexiblilty to seamlessly reconfigure space for multiple uses and events

admin@zenzii.net sales@shreejiinnova.com

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DESIGNWILKES We don’t always blast out the marble and throw it away because what may appear unusable in one location may be better suited for another location.

Locally supplied products are also important both for the environment and reinforcing a sense of place.”

INSIDE THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL JUMEIRA PROJECT DESIGNWILKES’ original design of the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira had been inspired by a trip to Dubai at the time of year when the flame of the forest trees was out in full bloom, while the canopy of orange blossoms brightening the landscape. Having opened in 2019, the Mandarin Oriental Jumeria is now regarded as one of the most competitive luxury hospitality markets and was the inspiration for the idea of a ‘Canopy of Light.’

Mandarin Oriental, Jumeira

“WE’VE GOT LOTS OF EXCITING PROJECTS UNDERWAY. WE’RE RENOVATING A BEACH RESORT IN GOA FOR ITC HOTELS, FINISHING UP MAJOR RESIDENCES IN GENEVA AND A PALATIAL HOME IN AHMEDABAD” In its planning of the lobby, DESIGNWILKES wanted to connect the front of the hotel to the beach side, so the idea of an islamic based garden stretching through the lobby was then accelerated with its Canopy of Light.

Mandarin Oriental Jumeira could have used real trees, however, they would have been switched with artificial and look akin to an airport or shopping park. The idea of making the trees in crystal with sparkle would be unique.

It spoke to its overall concept of the Dubai Riveria, simultaneously incorporating glamour and a resort setting.

And so, its forest in its weathered travertine garden was created.

Mandarin Oriental showcases 256 rooms and suites, many with private balconies and terraces providing incredible views across the Persian Gulf. The hotel lobby is filled with 14 artificial trees, each possessing 900 lights and cooling white marble floors. One of the property’s most impressive features is a state-of-theart 2,000 square metre destination spa, a complex whose curbed ceilings pay tribute to the rolling dunes of the desert, while the blue hues on

Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo display in the flooring call to mind the crystalline waters outside. The Mandarin Oriental Jumeria Dubai also features six restaurants and bars, each with their own distinctive design aesthetic and ambience.

INSIDE THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL TOKYO PROJECT In 2019, Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, completed the refurbishment of its 179 guestrooms and suites in a style resembling Japanese culture.

Wilkes was appointed as the principal interior designer for the hotel’s luxurious Presidential Suite, which has picturesque views of Mount Fuji.

Mandarin Oriental, Dubai The hotel confirmed bespoke fabrics and furnishings were used to reflect woodlands and changing seasons, with autumn leaf colours of gold, orange and purple, and springtime wisteria and sakura patterns embroidered onto headboards.

Wilkes himself is recognised for his ability to blend cosmopolitan influences with tradition. He has contributed to the interior design of some of the world’s most renowned hotels including the W Goa, Mandapa Ritz Carlton Reserve in Ubud, Mandarin Oriental Dubai, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, The Leela Udaipur among many others.

DESIGNWILKES’ future is bright, and it has projects such as the ITC Luxury Collection in Sri Lanka and Nepal on the horizon. At DESIGNWILKES, diversity continues to play an influential role as it challenges creative interpretations to reflect its client’s aspirations.

With the future in mind, Wilkes is optimistic about the next couple of years and is keen for his employees to continue to be happy in their craft.

“We’ll continue to work for our clients and ensure they are always happy with the end product,” he affirms.

“We’ve got lots of exciting projects underway. We’re renovating a beach resort in Goa for ITC Hotels, finishing up major residences in Geneva and a palatial home in Ahmedabad. We’re also beginning work on a penthouse in Chennai and turning an actual palace in Khajuraho into a six-star hotel and renovating Britain’s oldest Indian restaurant Veeraswamy. We will also complete three major homes in Kuala Lumpur by the end of 2021.”

Tel: +(603) 2092 1699 Fax: +(603) 2092 1695 info@designwilkes.com www.designwilkes.com

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DESIGNWILKES Level 3, Work @ Clearwater, Changkat Semantan, 50490 Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Tel: +(603) 2092 1699 Fax: +(603) 2092 1695 info@designwilkes.com www.designwilkes.com PRODUCED BY APAC OUTLOOK MAGAZINE