Ian Carr and René Kaerskov, co-CEOs of the iconic global interior design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), announce the launch of HBA Architecture
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Mr. Carr is based in HBA’s Singapore office and is responsible for all design activities worldwide. Mr. Kaerskov is based in their Los Angeles and responsible for all financial & operational activities worldwide. The two have worked as a team to successfully transition the legendary hospitality interior design firm, established in 1964 by Howard Hirsch and Michael Bedner, into the second generation of owners while creating an innovative and ambitious business model that has dramatically expanded the firm’s design services and staff.
“We launched HBA Architecture in response to our clients’ requests to provide architectural design services at the same high standard of quality and innovation as HBA, while seamlessly supporting and expanding our recognized accomplishments in the hospitality design arena,” said Mr. Kaerskov. “HBA Architecture successfully launched simultaneously in Singapore and Shanghai, with two additional offices in the final planning stages set to launch in the first quarter of 2013.”
HBA Architecture provides architecture design services for master plans, mixed-use developments, urban hotels, urban resorts, destination resorts, branded residences, urban offices and branded retail. Mr. Carr added “We have been working towards HBA Architecture for a decade. We share a common passion and commitment to continually revolutionizing hospitality design, while maintaining a standard of enduring quality on a worldwide scale. Our mission is to create a seamless extension of the established HBA brand, built upon the foundations of experience, creativity and client service.”
HBA Architecture entrusted seasoned veterans, well known in the global hospitality architecture design industry, with the important assignment to establish and expand this new venture. Jeffrey M. Williams, AIA has been appointed as the Managing Director and Yann A. Leroy as the Design Director for all global activities of HBA Architecture.
Hirsch Bender Associates (HBA) announces the launch of HBA Architecture 10 October 2012 Page 2 of 2 Mr. Williams and Mr. Leroy have worked together for nearly three decades on the design and successful completion of landmark architecture projects in major urban cities and destination locations. They worked together as Partners at BBG-BBGM for twenty of their twenty-four years with this internationally acclaimed Architecture & Interior Design firm and were directly responsible for the establishment and growth of the firms’ international practice. Both have extensive global expertise with the design of luxury urban hotels, urban resorts, destination resorts and branded residences gained from established business relationships with branded regional and international hotel operators.
They have collectively provided architectural design services in the following nineteen countries and regions: Australia, China, Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Qatar, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, USA and Vietnam.
“This is an extremely exciting opportunity,” enthused Mr. Williams. “I have worked on projects with Ian Carr for over a decade and we embrace the same values and design philosophies, including the importance of creating a sense of place that respects and embodies the unique cultural heritage of a community and offers a vision of its future.”
Mr. Leroy stated, “HBA Architecture is committed to creating inspirational architecture designs of exceptional quality that exceed the discerning expectations of the client, hotel operator and future guests, as well as are embraced by the local, regional and international communities they serve.” Leading the hospitality interior design industry since 1964, HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates remains keenly attuned to the pulse of changing industry trends governed by today's sophisticated traveler. Our international presence, depth of experience, and detailed industry knowledge enables us to identify interior design trends at their source, make definitive predictions about new directions and innovations, and influence design standards at a global level.
HBA has sixteen offices globally, with over one thousand talented design professionals. Additional expansion plans will be announced in the near future.
