World-class design firm stamps mark in Phl

MANILA, Philippines - Gettys, a leading international design firm, is bringing its expertise to more resorts and upscale residential projects in the Philippines.

The global design company set up its Philippine headquarters in January, a move that aims to fasttrack its growth in one of the most dynamic property markets in Asia.

“Most of our current work is in the Philippines and in Hong Kong. With China taking less of the role it used to have several years ago, we’d like to focus in the Philippines,” said Ariane Steinbeck, managing director and principal of Gettys.

Now that Gettys is properly positioned in the Philippines, Gettys staff from all over the world will be closer to local clients to provide thinking and execution of iconic designs, Stenbeck said.

“Projects keep coming in. We hope to get some more projects and build good relationships,” Gettys studio director Dave Li said.

Gettys is targeting to work with property giants Filinvest Land, Ayala Land and Federal Land,  among others.

So far, Gettys has worked extensively with property tycoon Andrew L. Tan’s residential builder Megaworld and Travellers International Hotel Group, the owner and operator of Resorts World Manila.

Gettys created an innovative leisure space that integrated VIP casino elements into each touchpoint at Resorts World Manila.

For Megaworld, Gettys was hired for the interior design and concept of the cosmopolitan-themed lobby of plush condominium One Central in Makati. It also partnered with Megaworld for the interior design of the deluxe Richmonde Hotel Iloilo.

Steinbeck said Gettys is looking for more projects in the Philippines given the trust and understanding it has developed with local property players.

“Our goal in the Philippines is not only to service our existing clients here,” Steinbeck said.

For Li, hotels in the region are stepping up the ante in terms of design to create more memorable experience for guests. Hence, the need for Philippine hotels to focus on design.

In its 25-year operations, award-winning Gettys’ famous works include The Peninsula Hong Kong, Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai, The Ritz-Carlton in Miami and Hard Rock in Macau.

In particular, hospitality ventures in the Philippines would do well with iconic designs.

“The Philippines is still a bit of an undiscovered tourism mecca. There are many other places in the Philippines that could benefit from tourism that is respectful of the land and the people around,” Steinbeck said.

Li said the country’s tourism sector is benefiting from the government’s push to develop the sector.

International visitor arrivals continued on a record streak this year, growing 11.8 percent in the January to August period to 3.18 million from 2.85 million in the same period last year, data released by the Department of Tourism showed.

Areas ripe for a Gettys-designed hotel include Cebu, Davao and even Binondo where hotels are being put up, Li said.

“We would also love to do some resorts. That’s the best design here in the Philippines especially with the beaches,” Li said.

Gettys is currently  designing Resorts World Manila’s Marriott Grand Ballroom, which will be a 5,000-seater venue for meetings and conventions.