38 about, but it was important to us and it makes a vast difference.” Now that guests’ expectations are shaped by constant access to videos, reviews and recommendations from other travellers, it’s more crucial than ever for Studio DADO to design with intention, says Ruiz. “Guests can sense when an experience has, or has not, been carefully considered, and they’re looking for something that goes beyond novelty,” he explains. “They want to encounter new places, flavours, moods or perspectives that expand their horizons. This makes hospitality design more demanding but also more rewarding because it gives us the opportunity to create spaces that are emotionally precise, visually compelling and impossible to mistake for anywhere else. This is exactly the kind of challenge that drives us.” Studio DADO’s ability to navigate complex challenges and deliver bespoke, luxury cruise ship interiors has kept the firm in high demand in the decade since it launched. In addition to continuing to work on new cruise ships, the firm is also diversifying by applying its design expertise to land-based hospitality, restaurant and retail projects. “We’re working with several new clients, all of whom have come to us looking to step up their design and find innovative ways to enrich the guest journey,” says Calle. “We believe cruising may be entering a ‘golden age’, where guests are looking for a more sophisticated and transformative experience. And designers must rise to that challenge.” The firm anticipates cruise ship interior design will follow a similar trajectory to land-based hospitality. “There will likely be some consolidation that leaves a few larger cruise lines and limited regional operators, while the boutique and superyacht brands will continue to find their niches,” says Mesa. “In addition, there will be increased stratification, with ships becoming more targeted to a specific clientele through the level of luxury, design, amenities or itineraries they offer. “There are only two paths for the industry to follow: one where ships get larger and offer more extreme onboard amenities and activities, and another where they become more bespoke and intimate. The market can support both, but Studio DADO is most aligned with the latter.” To keep pace with these industry shifts, Studio DADO will continue investing in the talent, skills and tools required to stay ahead of evolving design demands. “We’re all passionate enough to believe great design can change the world, but realistic enough to know we must always deliver for our clients,” says Calle. “We need the best people to achieve this goal.” Ruiz agrees. “We’re constantly looking for new skills and talent,” he says. “We’re on what we call ‘the impatient search’ – we’re always looking for both the next thing and also a new way of getting there. We want to improve both product and process. Keeping pace with design trends is important, but so is testing new techniques, tools and technology. It can be terrifying, but it’s also exciting.” “ Keeping pace with design trends is important, but so is testing new techniques, tools and technology” Jorge Mesa From left, Javier Calle, Yohandel Ruiz, Jorge Mesa and Greg Walton founded Studio DADO in 2016 Photo: Stephanie Hynes
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