AHEAD, the Awards for Hospitality Experience and Design revealed its winners from the inaugural AHEAD America awards, which was held on 28 June 2017 at the Perez Art Museum in Miami.
AHEAD celebrates the very best of design in all its forms and the guest experience it creates in hospitality projects across the region. Catch a look at the event below:
RH Contract provides a business-to-business partnership like no other in the industry. With our multi-category product assortment, unparalleled product design and curation capabilities, uniquely integrated interior design approach, the benefits of RH’s purchasing power, and our global supply chain and logistics scale, RH Contract has proven to be a unique, valuable project partner.
Preciosa Lighting elevates the heritage of Bohemian crystal through contemporary lighting designs since 1724. The company is built on centuries of tradition and the unique art of master glassmakers from Crystal Valley. We honour this heritage and craftsmanship by creating innovative lighting products that stand the test of time.
Our lighting styles range from individual luxury lighting to dynamic and interactive installations. As a global company, Preciosa cooperates with designers worldwide to create exclusive lights that reflect our spirit. Our historic chandeliers and contemporary projects can be found in hotels, resorts, fine restaurants, luxury residences, cultural institutions and on board yachts and cruise ships in locations as varied as New York, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, Moscow or London.
Preciosa Lighting can create unrivaled emotional experiences by combining the traditional art form of chandelier craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. This knowledge is what drives our intention to unveil the symbolic as well as the aesthetic power of decorative lighting. It led us to create Preciosa’s Signature Designs which are highlighted by countless customization possibilities to perfectly fit the owner’s desires.
Signature Designs are authentic, timeless, and celebrate design. We are inspired by the allure of crystal combined with light. Creative craftsmanship is evident through the versatility of each light; customizable for space and its uses. Preciosa’s advanced use of technology is seen in every element of the design. They present contemporary styles with a timeless quality.
KALDEWEI – your worldwide partner for iconic bathroom solutions shaped from superior steel enamel. KALDEWEI’s extensive range of bathtubs, shower surfaces, and washbasins are ideally suited to the demands of the hospitality industry delivering an increased level of health and wellbeing awareness for your hotel. The smooth, non-porous glass surface not only gives you security against germs and dirt but is also the material of the future. KALDEWEI steel enamel is made of 100% natural materials and is 100% recyclable, so it’s good for your guests and the planet too.
To learn more visit KALDEWEI.com
Founded in 1892 in Switzerland, LAUFEN has become one of the world's leading companies for sanitary ceramics. Today LAUFEN Bathrooms provided integrated bathroom concepts with high-quality products, ranging from sanitary ceramics to bathtubs and shower trays, furniture, faucets, and accessories.
Over the years, our business has continued to grow dramatically, both domestically and internationally. We began with only two products and now provide over 15,000 products to our global customers. Lutron’s success is a result of the strong principles and philosophies, which guide our growth. Our founder, Joel Spira, developed five principles: These principles guide each of us in the business decisions we make each day.
Take care of the customer with superior goods and services.
Take care of the company.
Take care of the people.
Innovate with high quality products.
Deliver value to the customer.
Designing and manufacturing everything in bathrooms.
Roca began life as a family business manufacturing cast iron radiators at a factory in Gavà, near Barcelona in 1917. Over the years, the portfolio gradually expanded and by 1929, Roca entered the bathroom environment for the first time. With an attentive focus on social changes, Roca has since been pioneering when tackling issues surrounding sustainability, design, and technology, and remains at the forefront of these innovations today. Today, Roca reaches over 170 countries, supplied by 76 production plants with more than 20,000 employees worldwide. After one hundred years, Roca is still proud to call itself a family business.
Villeroy & Boch, formed in 1748, is a leading ceramics manufacturer steeped in European culture and history, and one of the biggest international premium brands in the areas of bathrooms and wellness.
Villeroy & Boch offers the finest and most innovative bathroom products and furnishing concepts for both private customers and property developers. The company is a pioneer in the realm of ceramic product design and innovation. Villeroy & Boch beautiful, high-quality products are hallmarks of French design flair and German engineering efficiency.
Alarwool S.L. is a family business with over 60 years of experience in the textile industry. Its origins date back to 1950 in Alar del Rey, a small town in the Spanish province of Palencia (ALAR-WOOL) where the main economic engine was agriculture and sheep farming. That was when Don Pedro Cubero bought the only local industry, a textile spinning facility that belonged to the Count of Mansilla and which employed most of the population in the area. Spinning at the heart of Tierra de Campos, where there was more than 1 million head of sheep, guaranteed the best raw material for its yarn.
More than 60 years after its founding, Alarwool S.L. is still a family-owned and operated company, run by the same family that founded it and its principal activity is still the manufacture of custom woven wool rich carpets. At present it not only works with local raw materials but also selects the best wool form around the world to manufacture its carpets, which are installed in cruises, casinos and hotel chains worldwide, making Alarwool S.L. one of the world-leading custom carpet manufacturing company.
Alarwool S.L. makes its carpets according to the most demanding design, color and quality specifications, working closely with some of the most important design and architectural firms around the world. For the company it has always been a priority to keep all the workforce in Spain, so now all carpets are manufactured at its production plant in Crevillente, Alicante. Furthermore, it is important to note that approximately 90% of its production goes to projects outside Spain.
Alarwool S.L. offers a very personalized service, updating customers on a regular basis as to the progress of its project from the moment our designers begin to develop design concepts to the delivery of the material or installation. With a capability to produce over 450,000 square meters of carpets annually, Alarwool S.L. is one of the largest companies manufacturing high quality wool carpets for hotels, casinos and cruise
Mission
Founded in 1973, award winning Franklite is one of the leading innovators in high-quality decorative lighting. Working with clients, architects, lighting consultants, interior designers, M & E consultants and distributors for the residential, hospitality and commercial markets throughout the UK, Europe, Middle and Far East.
Franklite has a story to tell. We are far more than just a lighting manufacturer; we are creators, visionaries and craftspeople who continue to pride ourselves on our manufacturing methods and excellent service. This includes offering products that balance optimal performance with beautiful aesthetics and have successfully supplied our exceptional luminaires to palaces, embassies, hotels, private residences and multi-residential projects.
Franklite remains at the forefront of the lighting industry with incredible in-house technology which includes the Rigo Near-Field Goniophotometer and highly-skilled design and technical teams who continue to develop signature products. Our LED plates and most recently award winning tuneable light engines are manufactured in-house and compatible with many of our luminaires.
The globally operating Geberit Group is a European leader in the field of sanitary products and celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2024. Geberit operates with a strong local presence in most European countries, providing unique added value when it comes to sanitary technology and bathroom ceramics.
The production network encompasses 26 production facilities, of which 4 are located overseas. The Group is headquartered in Rapperswil-Jona, Switzerland.
For 30 years Gessi has been designing and creating concepts to enhance the use and benefits of water with the commitment to realise the aspirations of style, personalisation, physical and mental wellbeing of individuals in the most private of living spaces. Creating a new sector, the Private Wellness sector, Gessi has transformed places that were previously utilitarian into environments capable of exciting and regenerating those who live in them on a daily basis.
Created in a zero impact green park, the company's creations bring a message of beauty, love of nature, attention and safety for the user into the homes of those who choose them. The serenity and passion with which they are made, engraved in each object, give a positive vibration to whoever uses and enjoys them.
A global reference for lifestyle, innovation, design and sustainability, the Gessi collections furnish the world's most beautiful hotels, public spaces, yachts and private homes.
With its brands hansgrohe and AXOR, the Hansgrohe Group, based in Germany, enjoys a reputation as a leader in innovation, design and quality within the bath and kitchen industry. The 120-year plus history of the company is marked by innovations, such as the first hand-held shower with multiple spray types, the first pull-out kitchen faucet, and the first wall bar to hold a hand-held shower. Hansgrohe stands for long-lasting quality products and for responsibility towards people and the environment. Hansgrohe is a reliable partner to its customers worldwide, where countless projects show how hansgrohe showers turn the hotel bathroom into an oasis of wellness or how AXOR bathroom collections created in collaboration with international designers, complete the furnishing of a luxurious hotel, villa or high-end residential home. AXOR brand inspires, constructs and produces taps, showerheads and accessories for luxurious bathrooms and kitchens to perfection. While hansgrohe brand offers premium assortments in showers, faucets, washbasins, furniture and accessories. The company, its brands and products have collectively won more than 600 awards since 1974. Hansgrohe will continue to develop ground-breaking solutions that not only shape the flow of water but also enhance user’s daily interaction with it.
Interdecor Design, with over 30 years of experience, we are proud to be considered the leading 5-star international interiors contractor within Europe.
Garnering an undisputed reputation amongst clients for our manufacturing capability and skilled team, we offer products, with a commitment to style, quality and value, ensuring absolute client satisfaction.
Professionalism is ensured throughout all stages, with Interdecor assuming control of the project from initial site surveys to completion, providing value engineering advice, sample finishes, prototype rooms, achieving strict budget requirements, and meeting tough delivery schedules and completion dates for all our clients. Interdecor has undertaken complex projects often requiring hand finishing, inlay, and intricate carving.
Our team uses the latest computer technology and has access to constant training programs. Considering our expertise, dedicated management team, and project managers, we can confidently guarantee all our clients will be completely satisfied with our performance across all project stages.
Our primary objective is to provide interior designers, contractors, major international hotel operators, and private clients with the highest quality bespoke furniture, upholstery, architectural millwork, and complete interiors for bedrooms and public areas.
Studio KOHLER offers a diverse range of high-quality kitchen and bathroom products and intriguing KOHLER finishes tailored to elevate your global commercial, hospitality, and residential projects.
Northern Lights have been transforming spaces through artisan lighting for over 35 years, forming close collaborative relationships with some of the most influential and high-profile interior designers and architects globally.
Their passion & expertise has helped create some of the most iconic luxury bespoke lighting on a global scale, with their decorative fittings located in a wide variety of stunning hotels, restaurants, private residences, marine and commercial settings. From bedside lamps and wall lights to six metre bespoke chandeliers, their expert teams work closely to turn creative visions in to reality.
Well-considered design is at the forefront of everything; from the timeless, versatile and ever-evolving lighting pieces in the Signature Collection through to dramatically stunning bespoke lighting design. Blending 35 years of manufacturing expertise with generations of innovative product design principles enables Northern Lights to configure complex in-house manufacturing techniques in their UK facility to deliver spectacular, unique lighting designs that exceed their clients’ briefs.
Their skilled teams of designers and artisans have spent years developing their craft, focusing on the details to ensure Northern Lights is a name you can trust. By keeping as much of the manufacturing as possible under one roof, they are able to maintain full control from concept through to delivery. This commitment to carefully curated designs enables them to approach bespoke lighting in ways that very few other companies can.
“Northern lights are very proud of our in-house manufacturing capabilities. We create exquisite bespoke installations and some truly unique collections. We have particular expertise in glass techniques, metal fabrication and an extensive range of completely custom finishes, all produced in our own facilities. Our unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and new technology allows us to elevate any design vision, turning the sublime into the iconic.” - Donna Bruce, MD.
SAATCHI ART
Founded in 2011, Saatchi Art is a gallery and art consultancy that has disrupted the art-buying process by making art widely accessible to all kinds of buyers – from collectors to designers.
We strive to support historically excluded groups of artists and provide them with a platform to showcase their work. Since we started our gallery over 50% of sales each year are by women.
Saatchi Art represents artists in over 100 countries, providing our clients with an unparalleled selection of paintings, photography, sculpture, and works on paper, enabling us to support projects with both local and international artists. We also work with design studios and artisans internationally to create unique pieces, from ceramics to bas reliefs and woven textiles.
Our art advisory services are offered free of charge, and we curate bespoke art packages for hospitality, multifamily and residential, commercial, and healthcare projects. Currently, we are working on projects in the US, UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
We have recently curated art collections for Four Seasons New Orleans (Bill Rooney Studio), tommie Hollywood and tommie Austin (Studio Collective), Hotel Barriere Fouquet’s New York (Martin Brudnizki Design Studio), The Boca Raton (Rockwell Group), Dream Doha (Meyer Davis), Thompson Hollywood (Tara Bernerd & Partners), 1 Hotel Toronto (Rockwell Group and SH Hotels & Resorts), and Aria MGM (Rottet Studio).
Our team of art advisors is dedicated to contemporary art and design, and to working with the finest designers in the world to create elevated, sophisticated, and memorable experiences.
We look forward to working with you!
Rebecca Wilson
Chief Curator & VP, Art Advisory
rebecca@saatchiart.com
At Sans Souci Lighting, every piece of glass we create tells a unique story – a narrative shaped by the skilled hands of Czech craftsmen, whose traditions are passed down through generations. Our designs are born from a profound respect for the art of glassmaking, seamlessly blending heritage with modern innovation. Our lighting pieces are more than functional objects; they are works of art, handcrafted with love and precision. Each curve and intricate detail celebrate true craftsmanship, honouring the legacy of Bohemian glassmakers.
Close to you
As a global manufacturer of sanitary products and installation systems, “close to you” is our promise. We have been operating as an independent, family-run business in close proximity to people and the markets for over 30 years. Curiosity about our customers’ world leads us to develop well-thought-out products and services and will continue to drive our innovative approach forwards in the future. Innovation, design, and high-quality standards are our main drivers. Our system solutions combine permanently safe functions with a timeless design. This combination is representative of the driving force behind our company – making good products even better.
Competencies
In front of and behind the wall. TECE’s areas of competence encompass outstanding sanitary design elements such as toilet flush plates including cisterns, prefabricated wall modules, a toilet with shower function, and elegant shower channels or shower profiles.
We support your international project activities by consulting you, providing the configuration of water supply systems, and preparing the accurate technical design of prefabricated wall modules. We assist you with the fulfillment of all relevant local regulations and environmental certification. You can rely on a fast, responsive, and reliable service.
Around 1’500 employees globally manufacture and serve clients – TECE products are available in more than 50 countries.
Guided by clients’ vision, VISO harnesses the transformative power of light, metal and stone in design to engineer and manufacture exceptional products, service, and quality.
Their integrated design approach and innovative manufacturing methods, empowers their teams to collaborate closely with the Architecture & Design community. These partnerships enable them to turn their clients’ original design intent into a stunning reality. They are well positioned in Toronto, Lisbon, Miami, Riyadh and Dubai for their team of highly trained professionals and partners to ensure seamless project lifecycle for all stakeholders.
What makes the wheel spin is their thirst for collaboration. Collaboration is the cornerstone of VISO’s operations. They pride themselves on merging creativity with technical proficiency to achieve exceptional outcomes. By pushing the boundaries of innovation, they craft unique and visually captivating experiences that stand the test of time.
Founded 25 years ago, leaders Filipe Lisboa and Tzetzy Naydenova continue to drive the company forward fearlessly to solve complex, large-scale interior and exterior lighting, metal and stone installations, and artistic sculptures. With their dynamic leadership, nothing is impossible for VISO.
We’re the leading B2B media company in hospitality design
We create content and commercial solutions to connect communities developing exceptional hospitality experiences around the world. We’ve been publishing beautiful magazines, curating exceptional events and crafting online content since our launch in 1999.
TOPHOTELPROJECTS is the heart of a global community of suppliers and decision-makers which initiates and supports the communication relating to building, design, furnishing, and operation of hotels.
We are a German research firm covering global hotel constructions, that over a decade branched out into hospitality events, media, and hotel design.
No other company comes close in supporting the hotel industry by efficiently combining different business areas into one integrated solution.
Ever since the hotel industry veteran Rolf W. Schmidt founded the company in 2009, our core activity is building the world’s most comprehensive directory of:
We took the complex, ever-evolving global hospitality industry and introduced it to our German sense of efficiency and sheer hard work.
Our research team of some 25 experienced professionals spends 1,800 hours a month researching hotel projects around the world.
Our database has been 10 years in the making, during which we gathered information on over 24,000 hotel projects and 120,000 related companies. Currently, our database has information on more than 6,500 ongoing hotel projects worldwide – important details included.
TOPHOTELPROJECTS today represents an exhaustive, ever-growing network of professionals from all major sectors of the hospitality industry: owners, developers, investors, brands, operators, architects, designers, and suppliers.
In 2019, TOPHOTELPROJECTS and Sleeper Media signed a strategic partnership with mutual co-investment. This partnership combines digital expertise and in-depth data of TOPHOTELPROJECTS with Sleeper Media’s leading hospitality offerings. It is all about synergy and a win for all sectors of the industry.
HIX
Expo. Talks. Installations and Social. HIX is designed for hotel design.
Last year, HIX welcomed over 3,500 guests and 200 exhibitors for a showcase of the latest and greatest in hotel design and experience.
Returning bigger and better for 2022, we’re bringing the hotel interiors community together for two days of networking, discussions and celebration against a backdrop of design installations, social spaces and a curated exhibition of Europe’s leading suppliers.
New this year is Collection, a curated edit of of 30 leading brands serving up a taste of their latest ranges in a space served by its own ‘mini-bar’ and curated playlist. Elsewhere, the Workshop Lounge allows guests to meet our expert speakers following sessions of an expanded talks programme exploring the latest hotel trends.
Music Concierge is one of the leading experts in the creation of brand identity through music, specialising in providing complex playlist solutions for some of the best-known names. For over a decade, we have been responsible for the signature sounds of internationally renowned hotel groups, iconic retailers and other branded spaces across the globe.