MEET THE SPEAKER
Kirsty
Vance
Associate Director of Interior Design
I-AM
Kirsty Vance, associate director at I-AM, has a strong background in creating inspiring environments centred on the human experience. Vance’s I-AM journey began in 2014 when she joined the 3D team, having previously gained experience in a multi-disciplinary studio specialising in branded retail environments. She has also spent time living and working in New Zealand. There, she collaborated with renowned clients, including the InterContinental Hotels Group, working on projects such as the Holiday Inn Auckland and the new Crowne Plaza Hotel in Christchurch.
During Vance’s early days at I-AM, Kirsty played a crucial role in the successful roll-out of Nationwide branches and the concept development of the innovative Ethos restaurant. She went on to be involved in exciting projects like the Eastpak digital pop-up, Al Dawaa store transformation and Center Hotels. Her designs have earned awards and were shortlisted for Interior Designer of the Year at the Brit List Awards 2021.
As Associate Director, Vance has led numerous projects in the hospitality and financial sectors. With an approach that blends creativity, design, and a profound understanding of human needs, her leadership and vision have guided teams to deliver exceptional results that resonate with people on a deep level.
SESSION DESCRIPTION
Unlocking Hospitality Trends: A Journey with I-AM
Join Pete Champion and Kirsty Vance of I-AM for a journey through the ever-evolving landscape of hospitality design, uncovering the hidden dynamics of modern hotel experiences through research, insights, and real-world application.
To begin, your hosts will introduce their ‘LIFE-LED™’ philosophy, a distinctive method based on the intersection of research, design, and human experience that allows them to create immersive and purposeful spaces that cater to the evolving needs of today's guests, building brand value. Next, dive into a discussion about how the emphasis on hotel experiences is increasingly pivoting from the traditional focus on rooms and stays to the ‘peripherals’ that surround them. To illustrate the implications it holds for future design, you’ll walk through a compelling case study centred on Center Hotels, showcasing how I-AM's principles were brought to life in a tangible project, and see how Vectorworks played a crucial role in realising the vision of Center Hotels, highlighting the software's integration within the design process.