Palms designer’s dream mission

The man whose creative touch permeates the walls and halls of prestigious international hotels such as the Grand Hyatt Bali, Shangri-La HotelManila & Bang-kok and the Peninsula Hotel, Sheraton Hong Kong and many other hotel properties overseas and in Manila brings the same touch to the Palms Country Club in Filinvest Alabang.

A product of world-renowned Hirsch/BEDNER and Associates (HK), Arlen de Guzman has been the "dream house" designer of a long but select list of prominent residents in the country.

The Palms Country Club project is, to him, a totally new concept. Interpreting the developer’s mission of creating an environment which is soothing and relaxing, Arlen is internalized the character of the proposed club, aiming to capture the harmonious interplay of high and low energies which defines a real club atmosphere.

"My designs for The Palms Country Club will be strikingly contemporary. Modern, in fact. But the prevailing mood will be influenced by natural, warm and visually enriching Asian accents. Contemporary with Asian flair, in short," says the youthful international designer whose home was recently featured in BluePrint lifestyle magazine.

When asked whether he was successful in delivering a "place with soul," Arlen responds by inviting members and media to see for themselves.

A lot of the design concept revolved around bringing the outdoors indoors. Open spaces, bay windows, free-flowing areas give the refreshing aura of life and well-being that is what The Palms promises its members.

Accustomed to the high standards demanded by the hospitality business, Arlen chose the best combination of colors, textures and materials, most of which were sourced overseas. Furniture is mostly teak wood from Indonesia, tiles and stone surfaces from Italy, and upholstery and window treatments from France. The color palette is a play on light beige accentuated by natural elements such as teak furniture, artifacts and Asian décor.

All public areas are user-friendly, relaxed, restful and imbibes a pleasurable feeling of being pampered.

Since The Palms Country Club is a family country club, conscious planning was done to ensure that age groups are allowed their freedom of privacy and interaction.

Children and teens will have their playroom, video center, day care area, game room and sports and recreational area.