13th June 2024 | IN EXPERT INSIGHT | BY SBID Share Tweet Pinterest LinkedIn Hans J. Galutera, Founder and Principal of HG DesignWorks LLC, has given his insights into the industry. Over the past 25 years, I’ve dedicated my career to leading architectural branding projects. My former design company, BG Studio, allowed me to work on diverse spaces, including hospitality, retail, and residential environments. From residential suites to chic lounges, bars, and restaurants, I’ve left my mark on various design landscapes. At HG DesignWorks, my philosophy is a dynamic blend of chaos and structure. I emphasise drama, comfort, and warmth in all my projects. Drawing inspiration from my passions—dance and horseback riding—I infuse movement and elegance into every space I create. My proficiency extends across the entire spectrum of interior design. From conceptual development and space planning to site inspections, research, and construction management, I ensure a holistic approach. Seamlessly coordinating luxury residential and hospitality projects is my forte. Beyond my professional pursuits, I hold significant leadership roles within the industry, including Board Director for the New York State Education Department, Past-President of the International Interior Design Association NY Chapter, Educational Board Director for NY11Plus, and Professional Member of the Design Institute of Australia. I’m also proud to be recognised as an Honorary Member of the Society of British & International Interior Design, and to have received the “Best Innovative Design” award for maritime and naval Transport Design. Actively contributing to the advancement of our field, I serve as a respected judge and jury member for various international design associations, further solidifying my commitment to excellence in design. Why did you want to work in the interior design profession? Interior design isn’t just my profession; it’s my artistic calling. Each space becomes my canvas, waiting for strokes of creativity and functionality. Sustainability also guides my designs, weaving eco-friendly materials and maximising natural light. Beyond aesthetics, I deep dive into historical architecture, psychology, and cultural influences. Collaborating with diverse minds, I create spaces that evoke emotions, inspire generations, and hopefully leave a positive mark. Interior design my passion, purpose, and lifelong commitment. Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most? The creative process is truly exciting, offering me the freedom to conceptualise layouts and select colour palettes. I completely immerse myself in the creative journey because working on hospitality spaces, like projects for Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean, was particularly rewarding. Unlike designing with geographic context, ships present a unique challenge where creativity and authenticity are paramount. Witnessing an empty room evolve into a fully realised design feels magical—it’s like breathing life into architecture. The interplay of light, furniture arrangement, and subtle details creates a tangible and intangible transformation, leaving an indelible mark on both space and soul…it is quite spiritual when you think about it. HG DesignWorks LLC What has been your most memorable career highlight from the past year? Over the past year, my most memorable career highlight has been serving as mentor to young aspiring interior designers. Teaching design studio to undergraduates in the BFA and MFA programs, particularly focusing on hospitality design, has been incredibly fulfilling. Witnessing students evolve from initial concepts to fully realised, original designs, whether it’s crafting floor plans or conceptualising hotel lobbies and workplace projects, has been immensely rewarding. Additionally, being actively involved in various education boards has strengthened my belief in interior design as a credible profession deserving of recognition and profitability. Through mentoring and advocacy, I’ve not only contributed to the growth of future designers but also reinforced the importance of interior design in both academic and professional spheres. What are your favourite types of projects to work on and why? My favourite types of projects to work on I have to say are both residential and commercial spaces. However, hospitality spaces, I have a special fondness to design. Particularly bars, restaurants, and cafes as I’m drawn to these environments because they offer opportunities for people to gather, socialise, and be inspired by the designs I create. Among them, my absolute favourite is designing boutique hotel penthouse suites. These projects blend residential and hospitality elements, offering a unique challenge in understanding the brand’s appeal and the location’s character. Designing these suites allows me to be aspirational and envision the guests who will experience the space with a full understanding of the narrative I have applied to each and every design element. One notable achievement in this realm was winning an award from SBID for our design of the Celebrity Reflection Ultimate Penthouse Suite, featuring a cantilevered shower projecting from the vessel’s architectural envelope. It’s moments like these that drive my passion for creating innovative and memorable hospitality experiences. What are the most challenging aspects of working in interior design? One of the most challenging aspects of working in interior design is navigating collaboration among the design team and clients. Understanding the psychology behind how people respond to design proposals adds an intriguing layer to the process, especially with years of experience in the industry. Interestingly, even at the pinnacle of my career, managing internal dynamics within the design studio proved to be even more challenging than handling client projects. Working with creatives often involves navigating egos, requiring adept project management skills. Mastering this aspect is crucial for success, as it ensures smooth project execution and fosters a harmonious team environment. In essence, effective project management becomes so integral in mitigating challenges and definitely makes for successful outcomes in interior design projects. What do you wish you knew before working in the field? Before entering the field, I wish I had a deeper understanding of the business side of interior design. This realisation led me to teach professional practice and internship courses in universities now for the past 5 years in different institutions. Emphasising the importance of treating interior design as a business is so important and now I take it to heart that 90% of it is business and 10% is design. Early in my career, I found myself navigating unfamiliar waters, learning on the go. Had I been more versed in handling the professional and business aspects, I believe I could have achieved success more swiftly and with greater contentment. Integrating business acumen with design creativity from the outset would have been advantageous, ensuring a smoother learning curve for myself and my team. Recognising this now, I advocate for a holistic approach that intertwines business strategies with design principles for a more efficient and prosperous journey in the field. HG DesignWorks LLC If you could give one tip to aspiring designers, what would it be? If I could offer one tip to aspiring interior designers, it would be to prioritise networking and involvement in professional organisations. Building a strong network and finding a mentor can significantly streamline your path to success. Listen attentively to their guidance and be proactive in meeting their needs; in return, they will likely offer valuable advice and support. Whether it’s a professor or a seasoned professional you meet through organisations like SBID, learning from experienced individuals can provide invaluable insights and opportunities for growth. Additionally, stay curious and open-minded, continuously seeking new knowledge and experiences to enrich your journey in the field of interior design. How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead? Looking ahead, I envision the interior design industry embracing technology more than ever, particularly with the integration of AI. This shift will revolutionise the way spaces are conceptualised, designed, and experienced. AI will empower designers to create environments that are not only visually appealing but also sensorially engaging and environmentally sustainable. The focus will be on crafting immersive experiences that enrich the lives of occupants, making every moment meaningful and memorable. We’ll move beyond static rooms. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) will allow us to experience designs before they’re built. We’re moving away from mundane and predictable designs towards spaces that are both fantastic and authentic, blurring the lines between the physical and virtual realms. It’s an exciting evolution that promises to redefine our understanding of interior design and elevate it to new heights of creativity and innovation. What does being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer mean to you? Being an accredited SBID interior designer holds significant meaning to me as it signifies a distinction beyond mere decoration. It represents an evolution in the profession, much like the historical separation of architects from engineers. As interior designers, we possess a unique blend of skills, combining knowledge of human behaviour, scale, proportion, and a deep concern for public health, safety and welfare. Being accredited by SBID acknowledges our commitment to excellence and professionalism in the field. It validates our expertise and sets us apart as true masters of our craft, capable of creating spaces that not only look beautiful but also function harmoniously and promote well-being. I believe that this accreditation is a mark of credibility and quality that instils trust in clients and peers alike, elevating the standards of interior design practice. About HG DesignWorks LLC HG Designworks, situated in the heart of Manhattan, stands as a beacon of excellence in luxury interior design. With a focus on elevating residential and maritime hospitality spaces, their unmatched expertise and innovative approach redefine modern living. Each project is a testament to their commitment to crafting unique and breathtaking environments that surpass traditional norms. From opulent residential sanctuaries to inviting hospitality venues, HG Designworks consistently delivers unparalleled results. Their dedication to pushing boundaries and embracing innovation has solidified their reputation as industry leaders. Experience the epitome of luxury and sophistication with HG Designworks, where every space tells a story of elegance and refinement. Visit Profile If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.