What changes have you noted in the luxury hotel market?In the past few years, luxury hospitality has been hit harder by the worldwide financial disruption than any other segmentsof the hotel business and it is likely to take a few more years for this hotel sector to recover. While indications are thataffluent travelers will return eventually, what they will be expecting to find in the hotels and resorts they visit will havemorphed, shifting perceptions about luxury in high-end hospitality.How does the current economy change the nature of what is considered luxury?The current financial crisis has been a catalyst for a movement of change in evaluating priorities. To the extent thatconspicuous consumption might be considered bad form in a global recession, design aesthetics will be tamped down innew and renovated properties, thereby changing the definition of luxury. While luxury conjures images of excess andindulgence; it needs to go deeper than just aesthetics.Do you see the profile of the luxury traveler changing?Absolutely, conscientious consumption is the new normal. Among affluent travelers, there seems to be self-consciousnessabout the appearance of over-indulgence and a desire to feel vindicated by moving away from conspicuous consumptionto conscientious consumption.What design changes do you see coming in luxury hotel segment?When it comes to luxury hotel design, expect to see less flash and more substance; comfort over coolness; friendlinessover pretentiousness. Now, more than ever, there is a desire and an appreciation for cultural authenticity and fordestinations with a sense of place. Luxury properties are evolving from the past grandiose polished marble andchandeliers to instead reflect their locale, through the use of indigenous materials, local art, and custom-designedfurnishings that exude warmth and a residential feel.How has today’s traveler perception of value changed?In the market today, value is even more invaluable. For every traveler, even the wealthy; value is always a top priority.Affluent travelers will be looking for an optimal price/quality balance when they are selecting their luxury vacation.How has the value perception changed the way your firm designs?Branding has been taking a backseat in the last few years. People want value for their money in every market.Consequently, luxury hotels will thrive if they can demonstrate why it's worth paying a bit more for an extraordinaryexperience, both by design and delivering service that is consistent, reliable and tailored to guest’s individual needs.What are you seeing as the latest trends in luxury hotel design?Authenticity in the travel experience. Hotel operators are moving away from themed architecture to transport guests toanother place and time. Hotel projects today suggest a move toward a more natural hospitality environment. People nowchoose authenticity and experiences over glamour and pretentiousness.How has the term “luxury” changed over the past few years?Luxury was always about having things, or having things done for you. Today’s luxury is about new experiences andmemories. To bring back the luxury customer, the hotel industry needs to do more than offer over-the-top amenities andprices, they must be equaled by truly memorable experiences. Hoteliers must be creative with the luxury experience byincorporating design and classic comforts that today’s luxury travelers appreciate, and experiences that reflect localculture.What are your thoughts on “green design” in luxury hotels?Green is here to stay. In some degree, green design has been altruistic, do the right thing because it is right. Respectingthe environment makes sense financially and will continue to gain traction in the luxury sector. Much of the momentumcomes from travelers themselves, who are increasingly aware that luxuries shouldn’t exceed the global good.What part does history have in luxury hotel design today?Respecting rather than rejecting the past has grown increasingly important in hotel design today. New and renovated hotelproperties should have noticeable references to the past, by renovating and enhancing existing hotels with acontemporary nod to their historic past.What are your thoughts on hotel properties that promote “extreme design”?The days of overpriced, undersized, trendy hotels are numbered. Timeless will trump trendy in the future, as hoteliers willseek to avoid the pressure to refresh their properties more often in lieu of going out of fashion. Hotels that start with a bit of history can gain an edge over their competitors in this increasingly crowded landscape.How has the term “hospitality” changed in the global market?We’re seeing a transformation, experience beats extravagance. These days; travelers are defining luxury not so much bythe degree of elegance, but by the quality of experience. Guests seek authentic experiences that are true to a location andits traditions, and leaving with an understanding of how life is lived in that part of the world. The authenticity of anexperience is the definition of genuine hospitality. This is the new luxury of tomorrow.If economy turmoil continues globally, what is the future of luxury hotels?Luxury won’t go out of style. There is little doubt that guests of luxury hotels will still desire a luxury by catering to aclientele more immune to volatile economic conditions, rather than the widened approach designed to appeal to a morebroad demographic.Elite clientele are becoming even more discerning in different ways. Guests are increasingly seeking value, quality,authenticity and personalized experiences. For luxury hoteliers to succeed in 2013 and beyond, they will need to spotlightthese trends and position their properties.