Exquisite May 2017

COVERFEATURE
The whole point of travel, even on business, is to experience the cultural soul of the place.
That begins with your hotel – its design, spaces and ambience.
While ethnic style may seem primitive to some, local traditions represent who we are today.
Architecture and interior design that use ethnic elements connect a site’s past to the present
while respecting its spirit and history.
One of the most sought-after interior designers in the hospitality sector is Paula O’Callaghan, a
senior associate at Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA). Transforming hotel and resort spaces into
elegant ethnic havens is a large part of the American’s expertise, requiring lots of research;
listening to locals’ views, and observing their arts and customs.
Based in Singapore, Paula’s extensive living and working experience around the world makes her
a culturally sensitive designer, ideally atuned to the many challenges that working on international
projects present. Having an arts background coupled with an architecturally-oriented design
education, Paula has the unique capability of working in both the decorative and technical aspects
of a project.
Some of her high-profile hotel, new-build, renovation and historic restoration projects include
the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco, Marriott Copenhagen, Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Fairmont Peace Hotel
Shanghai, and Waldorf Astoria Shanghai.
Two projects of ethnic beauty include:
Siam Kempinski Bangkok, Thailand – Designed around its historical site as royal lotus
gardens, it exudes comfort and modern Thai beauty amidst the bustle of Bangkok.
Jiang-Nan Chun restaurant, Four Seasons Singapore – Inspired by the verdant land south
of the Yangtze, the longest river in China, and the culturally rich lifestyle of the people living there.
The carpet, the richly handcrafted carved millwork accents, a flock of plump ceramic songbirds
and the fish net light fixtures capture the colours and energy of the natural elements that define
this land and its culture.
It takes a lot of experience, expertise, passion and hardwork to complete such high-level design
projects the way Paula O’Callaghan does with such dazzling success.
It also takes a lot of energy. Being a passionate foodie helps.
ETHNIC
“Design should be fun,
never a chore! Have
fun and be passionate
about what you do,
and you will go far...”
— Paula O’Callaghan, senior associate, Hirsch Bedner
Associates; one of the most sought-after interior
designers in the high-end hospitality sector.
EXPERIENCES
Paula O’Callaghan designs beautiful hospitality spaces that
exude cultural authenticity and luxury
Writers Sara Graav (Architectural & Design Consultant) and Carol Kraal delve into
the creative mind of one of the world’s most respected interior designers
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