2019 Speakers

Dominic Chancellor is the Director of New Build Innovation Operations at Norwegian Cruise Line. He is part of the Innovation team, bringing new ideas and guest experiences from concept to completion.

Hilari Jones is a Studio Design Leader, Hospitality and Principal at HKS. Her passion lies at the intersection of sustainable design and problem-solving, believing in the potential of design to address pressing environmental challenges within the sphere of high-end luxury spaces. Hilari is drawn to innovative approaches that prioritize sustainability without compromising high standards of brand quality, functionality, or aesthetic appeal.

Graduate from The University of Louisville w/ Bachelor of Science Degree in Architectural Interior Design, Minor Art History. 38 years of experience. Luxury Residential, Yacht, Restaurant and other Commercial Interiors. Alumni of the year award 2018 from University of Louisville. President of ASID Florida South Chapter 2024-2025. City of Hollywood Planning and Design Board 2016-2026. Interior Project Locations: Fisher Island, Sunny Isles, Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Los Olas Isles, The Florida Keys and Gramercy Park in New York. Designed Custom Furniture, lighting, Wallcovering and Fabrics.

Stuart is speaking at CSI Design Expo Americas, their full bio will be available shortly.

As a Senior Project Director at The Parker Company, Nancy Smith brings over 39 years of diverse expertise in projects in the hospitality industry and beyond. Her extensive experience highlights skills in strategic sourcing and applying innovative solutions, enabling her to tackle complex projects with ease.  She excels in expert negotiation and the ability to leverage supplier relationship management to optimize project outcomes while adhering to a holistic project management approach to the project.  She prioritizes maintaining the fundamental vision of the designer while identifying cost saving opportunities and ensuring that client objectives are met without compromising quality. Her dedication to consistently delivering successful project outcomes has established her as a trusted partner for The Parker Company’s clients. She excels in analysis, adaptability, problem-solving, and troubleshooting, all of which contribute to her effectiveness in this dynamic field.

Fluent in French, and Spanish, she thrives in diverse, multicultural environments and enjoys collaborating with teams from various backgrounds.

Jason Gelineau is a dynamic leader in the global cruise and hospitality industries. With a career in cruise that has spanned over thirty years, Jason founded JAG Hospitality, a consulting firm specialising in brand ambassadorship, guest experience development, and product elevation for luxury cruise lines and hospitality ventures.

Jason’s expertise is rooted in a unique combination of operational insight and innovative thinking. Notably, he was pivotal in developing the onboard hotel operations-guest experience for Explora Journeys. Another career highlight was his involvement during the inaugural two years of The World of ResidenSea, the first-ever residential cruise ship, setting a benchmark for excellence in guest experiences.

His consultancy currently serves prominent clients in the cruise industry, offering a range of products and services to this expansive market. He is highly sought after as a global moderator for various Cruise Industry Conferences and Expos, demonstrating his expertise and influence in the field.

Giancarlo Pietri is a Principal and Creative Director of Urban Robot Associates, a true multidisciplinary design collaborative of architects, interior designers, and landscape architects based in Miami Beach. With the ambitious goal of changing the way we live, dine and stay, Urban Robot Associates endeavors to tell stories by making places. Giancarlo joined the firm in 2013 to launch URA’s interiors studio, focusing on hospitality projects, which has since garnered work with industry leaders like Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Marriott Hotels & Resorts.

Giancarlo was educated in Washington D.C., Paris and Milan, earning a Masters Degree in Interior Design at the Istituto Superiore di Architettura D’Interni di Milano, where he lived for three years. He worked on various key neighborhoods and venues of Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas— the largest cruise ship in the world— and most recently led URA’s interiors studio through the reimagining of Beach Club at The Boca Raton, located along Florida’s premiere Gold Coast beachfront coastline, which was recognized as a Forbes Five Star property in 2025.

Alex is speaking at CSI Design Expo Americas, their full bio will be available shortly.

A creative force at SMC, Alun is involved with all graphic design strategies – including digital signage, wayfinding and identity design. He has an intricate understanding of the signage requirements and processes of both refurbishment and newbuild projects.  

Known for his concise, crisp and impactful designs, Alun has a strong background in brand development and has overseen the design and implementation of both new and emerging identities. 

Alun’s area of expertise is digital signage and he understands the potential of this to enhance passenger experience and reinforce onboard brand identity – developing often complex systems into intuitive and user-friendly processes. 

Prioritising the innovative use of new materials within signage, Alun constantly researches and broadens his knowledge on cutting edge products on offer and utilises these in novel and intelligent ways.

Under his dynamic project management and client centred approach, SMC maintains a reputation for delivering complex projects on time and within budget. 

Carl Lesvoix is a Partner / Design & Signage Director at Tillberg Design of Sweden, where he has been a driving creative force since 2007. With nearly two decades of experience, Carl brings a unique blend of design vision and strategic thinking to some of the world’s most prestigious hospitality and cruise ship projects. He specializes in integrating signage and environmental graphics seamlessly into luxury spaces, ensuring both function and beauty in the guest experience. Carl’s leadership has helped shape iconic designs across the globe, always with an eye for detail, innovation, and storytelling through design. His work bridges the gap between form and function, guiding multidisciplinary teams and collaborating closely with clients to bring bold ideas to life. As a long-standing member of TDoS leadership, Carl plays a key role in pushing creative boundaries while maintaining the commitment to timeless elegance.

Mara Davis is the Vice President of Design & Account Management at Bourne Group, a leading maritime signage firm based in Charleston, SC. With over 15 years of experience in environmental graphic design, branding, and wayfinding, Mara has built her career on collaboration and creating thoughtful, enduring design solutions for the cruise, hospitality, and corporate sectors. At Bourne Group, she leads with a people-first approach — grounded not in ego, but in partnership and trust — fostering long-term relationships with clients and peers alike.

As part of a company uniquely positioned to take projects from design through fabrication and installation, Mara values the knowledge and expertise gained by seeing ideas carried through every stage of execution. This holistic process not only strengthens creative outcomes but deepens collaboration across disciplines. Mara is passionate about elevating the design conversation within the maritime industry and is honored to connect with peers at Cruise Ship Interiors Expo who share a vision for lasting, meaningful design.

I have been working at MSC Cruises for 19 years, a professional journey that has allowed me to grow and take on various roles within the company. Since 2016, I have been a Signage Specialist, a position that combines my attention to detail, technical knowledge, and passion for visual communication. My role involves coordinating signage on board the ships, ensuring functionality, aesthetic consistency, and compliance with regulations. I have a deep love for art and design, which constantly inspire my daily work. I am naturally curious and enjoy engaging with different cultures, something the international environment at MSC allows me to experience every day. I believe in continuous improvement and the importance of listening, observing, and learning. For me, every project is an opportunity to grow, innovate, and contribute to creating memorable experiences for guests on board

Ben Marcionek, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB is a partner at Wilson Butler Architects (WBA), with over 18 years of experience in cruise ship master planning and design. Since joining WBA, he has played a key role in creating some of the most innovative entertainment and hospitality spaces at sea, including the groundbreaking venues aboard the Celebrity Edge-class ships, The Theater and Eden.

Combining creativity with technical expertise, Ben is a recognized leader in master planning—from early concept development and general arrangement (GA) planning to construction. His work is informed by close collaborations with cruise brands, shipyards, and outfitters worldwide, resulting in cutting-edge environments that enhance both guest experiences and operational efficiency.

Known for his passion, collaborative approach, and ability to turn ambitious concepts into reality, Ben continues to drive innovation in the cruise industry, shaping the future of guest experiences at sea.

Marisa Christenson is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY with a focus and degree in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management.

Marisa is currently Director, Food & Beverage Operations and Development for Holland America Line, leading the dining and beverage shoreside and fleet teams in development of new initiatives, programs, and guest experience enhancements. Her oversight is specific to the overall guest experience in all onboard dining and beverage outlets.

She previously spent 10 years with Nordstrom Restaurant Division, working in various markets as a regional restaurant manager, most recently the New York City flagship that opened in 2019.

Marisa is a native of Seattle, WA where she currently resides with her husband Jesse, three-year-old daughter Taylor along with a few family pets.

Charles Steadman is a seasoned hospitality leader with over 20 years of experience in food and beverage innovation and strategic partnerships. As Director of Food & Beverage Experience and Strategic Partnerships at Virgin Voyages, he has helped shape award-winning culinary programs that redefine dining at sea.

Born in Los Angeles, Steadman pursued a business degree at Palm Beach Atlantic University while working in hospitality. He spent over a decade at The Breakers Palm Beach, leading high-revenue beverage programs, before launching his own restaurant, Jack’s Grumpy Grouper, in 2012. He later played a key role in the concept and launch of the 1 Hotel brand, focusing on sustainability and elevated mixology.

Since joining Virgin Voyages in 2018, Steadman has crafted innovative beverage experiences that align with the brand’s commitment to sustainability and inclusivity. His work has contributed to Virgin Voyages’ industry recognition, including Best Overall Cruise Beverage Program (Vibe Vista Awards 2024) and Best Dining – Large Ship (Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice Awards 2024). The brand has also been named #1 Best Large Cruise Ship (Condé Nast Traveler) and #1 Mega Cruise Ship (Travel + Leisure 2024).

Steadman’s leadership continues to elevate Virgin Voyages as a leader in modern cruise hospitality.

Katy Harris is a Creative Entertainment Director, with a passion for storytelling, innovation, and crafting unforgettable guest experiences. Her background spans from performing in London’s West End to leading entertainment projects across Disney parks in Europe, the U.S., and Asia Katy bringing a global, story-driven approach to her work. Katy joined Princess Cruises in 2017 as Director of Creative Entertainment and Experiences. Since then, she’s led the creative development of original experiences immersive shows, interactive venues, and large-scale events across the Princess fleet.

Katy thrives on collaboration and cross-department synergy, believing that the best experiences come from uniting technology, design, food & beverage, and performance into a single, unforgettable narrative.

A two-time IAAPA Brass Ring Award winner, and CSI Design Award recipient, Katy brings a global perspective and a deep commitment to creative excellence in the cruise industry.

Lionel is Chief Creative Officer and a Co-founder of Journey. In these dual capacities, Lionel is reimagining design services to respond to client needs across an ever-changing landscape of physical and virtual experiences. Recognizing that both the product and the process require reinvention, Lionel approaches every project — including the design of Journey itself — with the intention of creating something the world has never experienced before. In 2002 Lionel founded ICRAVE, a design-build startup that has since morphed into an iconoclastic, award-winning practice renowned for reimagining built and digital environments for entertainment, hospitality, airport, healthcare and workplace clients. A visionary and a maverick, Lionel helped lead the revitalization of New York City’s Meatpacking District and has articulated bold new visions for entertainment and hospitality experiences across North America. Motivated by his passion for reinvention, Lionel works to weave unexpected connections between technology, design and operations across industries and experience platforms, breaking new ground as he goes.

Richard Kilman is Vice President, Entertainment at Virgin Voyages. Joining Virgin Voyages ten years ago, Richard is adept at designing and developing a wide range of experiences that deliver high guest satisfaction and increase brand awareness.

Before moving to Virgin Voyages, Richard was Director Entertainment and Product Development at Norwegian Cruise Line. There he was responsible for conceptualizing, developing and implementing innovative guest experience products which delivered on the brand promise and created incremental revenues.

At Virgin Voyages Richard is known in the cruise industry as a pioneer in the development of new and exciting entertainment, food and beverage and recreational attractions. Richard is a visionary who believes in leading through collaboration, empowerment and creating a sense of team that increases employee engagement and productivity.

Ronnie Farzad is speaking at CSI Design Expo Americas, their full bio will be available shortly.

Saleta Valdés Márquez is a seasoned business executive with over 10 years of experience leading and executing large-scale organizational transformations. With a proven ability to define strategy, galvanize teams around a common vision, and drive results, she has been at the forefront of enhancing guest experiences through innovative solutions.

Passionate about using technology to improve customer interactions, Saleta specializes in bringing new concepts to life by implementing frictionless guest interactions. She focuses on personalizing the journey from the moment a guest books, ensuring they have direct access to the tools, controls, and devices that allow them to curate a seamless onboard experience.

Her expertise lies in identifying key moments of interaction and leveraging experiences and data feedback to optimize guest satisfaction.

Christina Fernandez is a Senior Director of Digital Products at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, where she drives the vision and execution of digital guest experiences across guest facing channels. Christina blends strategic insight with a passion for human-centered design. Her work focuses on creating seamless, intuitive experiences that surprise and delight travelers while delivering measurable business impact.

Throughout his career, Sherif Ayad has developed retail, hospitality, multifamily, entertainment and mixed-use projects that yield the highest profit for investors by simply addressing and exceeding the expectations of today’s consumers. His attention to detail and focus on pragmatic design solutions have been his trademark for design excellence and client representation in all aspects of commercial projects. Sherif Ayad has been recognized in the Commercial Interior Design profession for outstanding design Projects by numerous design books, magazine publications and national design awards. Since 1979, Sherif has been responsible for hundreds of successful projects within the US and internationally. He has worked with some of the most renowned retailers and commercial developers around the world, gaining him a wealth of design knowledge and experience.

With over 34 years in creative design, John specializes in commercial interiors, particularly in Latin American and Asian markets. He’s collaborated on strategic design, branding, and artistic direction for various firms, aiming to fuse local cultures into innovative concepts. An FIU Advisory Board member and Adjunct professor, John channels his passion for creative energy and technological processes into pioneering ideas.

Professional Registrations Licensed Interior Designer, Florida ID-0003735
National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ)
Professional Affiliations: International Interior Design Association
Member: Florida International University Advisory Board, Interior Architecture Department Member & Adjunct Professor

As President of the Americas, Meghann leads operations and strategic vision for all 5 HBA offices, including supporting our Partner Brands represented in the States. Over a 18+ year tenure with HBA, Meghann has been integral to the growth of the San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta and New York studios. As HBA looks forward, Meghann leads the senior leadership team responsible for the next era of growth and innovation. Her diverse background in design and business management – including an extensive portfolio of globally renowned hotel and resort projects – makes her uniquely suited for the ever-evolving challenges of the global design landscape.

With a degree in Interior Design and Business Administration from Kansas State University and extensive experience working closely with her clients in the design industry, Meghann is extremely adept with client communications, project management, and scheduling. Her professional and personal interests are diverse – she is an avid traveler and student of the world, and her extensive international travels have informed her strong sense of design and style. With her diverse background and her dedication to her clients, her staff, and to the design industry Meghann is a key asset and a valuable member of the HBA team.

Catherine Martin is Managing Editor of Sleeper Media, the publisher and event organiser serving the hospitality design community worldwide.

Having joined the company in 2007, Catherine now leads its magazine portfolio, comprising Sleeper (hospitality experience & design), Supper (hotel food & drink), and Starboard, a new publication focusing on the design and development of cruise ships, river boats, sleeper trains and aeroplanes.

Catherine guides the editorial content and creative identity of the print publications and their affiliated websites, and also supports Sleeper Media’s events, which include AHEAD – the awards for hospitality experience and design – and Sleepover, a nomadic networking event for hotel innovators.

Catherine attends a number of exhibitions and investment conferences worldwide, and can often be found checking out new hotel developments and interviewing the visionaries behind them.

Bruce Goff, FASID has been with IHG Hotels and Resorts for 7 years after a decades long career with Domus Design Group an architecture and design firm.  Prior to IHG he was responsible for the architecture and design of Harrah’s Hotels, JDV hotels, as well as numerous other resorts and gaming properties.  

Currently a Renovation Manager with responsivity for IHG’s upscale and lifestyle brands such as voco and Hotel Indigo and having worked across almost all of IHG’s 19 brands he has a depth and breadth of knowledge from the owner, franchiser, and developer. 

Leaning into IHG goal of ‘True Hospitality for All’ he bridges the goals of brand and owner’s ROI with hotels that deliver true guest love. 

Stefan is the founder and CEO of Oceancircle and President of the Bez Group, with over 25 years of leadership experience in the cruise and hospitality industries.

Known for his hands-on, solution-driven mindset, Stefan has developed business models that combine operational efficiency with environmental responsibility.

In 2022, he launched Oceancircle to rethink how renovation waste is handled on ships and in hotels. Instead of disposal, his approach transforms used materials into certified second-life products, reducing emissions, saving costs, and extending the life cycle of valuable resources.

His mission is clear: build a circular economy where waste becomes opportunity, and sustainability is not a compromise, but a competitive advantage.

Stefan leads a team of dedicated professionals committed to driving meaningful change across an industry in transition.

“I think everyone should remember whenever you see a successful Interior design, someone once made courageous and brilliant decisions.”- Tatiana Sheveleva

Born and raised in Kazakhstan, Tatiana Sheveleva has always believed in following her dreams and trusting in her talent. From the beginning of her career as an international Designer, she has been actively involved in large-scale projects with Five-Star Hotel Brands such as Park Hyatt, Andaz Hyatt, The Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, Baccarat, The St. Regis, and Intercontinental, to name a few. Tatiana leads her teams with the same drive and determination that led her to where she is today. Crediting inspiration from her heritage, Tatiana invokes a uniquely luxurious, crafty, and sharp approach. Her work transcends expectations and challenges convention, resulting in timeless spaces that leave a lasting impression.

In the realm of high-end design, where aesthetics and functionality dance in perfect harmony, Chapi Design Inc. has carved a distinct niche for itself. Specializing in luxury projects across the globe, Tatiana and her dynamic team have consistently pushed the boundaries of creativity, earning them a reputation for excellence and innovation. Their commitment to crafting extraordinary spaces is not just a claim

it’s a testament substantiated by a staggering seven prestigious awards garnered in the past three years.

The impressive list of awards includes:

• Gold Key Award

• Ahead Award

• Stella Award

• IDA Gold Award

• Luxury Hospitality Award

• International Hospitality Award Winner

• BLT Award

These accolades reflect not only the firm’s creative prowess but also its ability to understand and translate the unique vision of each client into tangible form.

Rebecca is a Principal and the lead interior designer at Wilson Butler Architects (WBA), a Boston-based firm specializing in arts and entertainment architecture. Since joining WBA in 2006, she has been at the forefront of designing transformative hospitality and theater environments—both on land and at sea.

Her portfolio includes some of the most innovative and immersive spaces in the cruise industry, such as Celebrity’s Edge-class venues (including The Theater), and Royal Caribbean’s Wonder and Utopia of the Seas. She also played a central role in the Oasis Modernization program and the revitalization of Celebrity Solstice.

NCIDQ certified, a LEED Accredited Professional, and a member of IIDA, Rebecca pairs technical expertise with creative vision. She holds a BFA in Interior Design from the New England School of Art and Design at Suffolk University and brings over 20 years of design leadership to every project.

Sabine Grimes, Founder and Principal of Unison Group is a proven thought leader in shaping the future of spatial and human-centered design, steering a myriad of multifaceted development projects internationally. Sabine’s deep fascination with the multi-dimensional aspects of art and culture informs her progressive vision. Her studio excels in creating innovative environments, from luxury hotels and branded residences to retail explorations. Her creative abilities surpass the field of interior design

through her commitment to innovation, she strives to enhance and advance every realm she engages with. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, she continually redefines industry standards by perpetually transcending the limits of possibility and exploring new curiosities.

As Director of Hotel Maintenance, Dry Dock and Refit at Aida Cuises Marc Spingler oversees all refurbishment and drydock projects for the AIDA fleet including financial planning, development and implementation of interior design and fleet standards. Recently, Marc was a member of the leadership team for the AIDA evolution project starting with AIDAdiva and played a key role in the sustainable refit program.

Marc joined AIDA Cruises in 2001 onboard the ships for more than seven years gaining expertise in the cruise hotel operation mainly as hotel director. Throughout his career Marc has held several executive positions in the shore-based fleet operation and was appointed in 2021 for his current role.

My passion for cruise vessels and their construction has been a constant throughout my life. From a young age, I was captivated by the intricate design and engineering required to build these impressive ships. Since completing my university studies, I have been fortunate to work in various roles within the cruise industry, which has provided me with invaluable insight into the industry as a whole, from both the operator and contractor perspectives. This experience has allowed me to develop my skills in managing highly complex projects and has instilled in me a deep commitment to continuously exploring and improving processes to enhance project management practices.

David McCarthy is speaking at CSI Design Expo Americas, their full bio will be available shortly.

Ana-Maria Girtu is an accomplished Director of Cruise Hotel Operations at The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, based in Monte Carlo, Monaco. With over a decade of experience in the cruise, travel, and tourism industry, Ana-Maria excels in leading hospitality operations with a strong emphasis on event management, sustainability, and IT integration.

Ana-Maria oversees Guest Services, Entertainment, MICE Operations, and Housekeeping Operations across the fleet, consistently enhancing operational efficiency and guest experience while championing environmental sustainability.

Cristina Stefani is a Marketing & Communication Strategist at Aquafil, where she leads the company’s marketing initiatives for circular economy projects across various industries, including aviation, hospitality, contract, and marine. Her work centers on promoting sustainable practices and driving innovation within these sectors, aligning Aquafil’s vision of a circular economy with market trends, user demand, and customer needs.

Cristina is particularly focused on the “R2R” (Regenerated to be Regenerable) project, which highlights Aquafil’s commitment to circularity. Through “R2R,” the company aims to foster a more sustainable and circular future by building a network of adopters dedicated to reducing environmental impact through eco-design practices.

With a background in economics and over 20 years of experience, Cristina brings a unique perspective to her role, blending sustainable solutions with business growth strategies. Her expertise includes crafting impactful campaigns, nurturing strong relationships with stakeholders, and identifying opportunities for sustainable development.

James S. Mitchell is the Head of Newbuild Growth & Innovation for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH), focused on developing innovation, the creation of new guest experiences, emerging technologies, and the strategic planning new vessel assets and private islands.

James joined Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. in 2015 after the merger with Oceania and Regent Seven Seas Cruises where he started in 2012. He has held numerous roles within the organization most recently as the Senior Vice President of New Build Strategy and Development and Vice President of Marine HSEM (Health, Safety, Environment & Medical Operations). Before joining NCLH, James began his career as an Environmental Officer at Celebrity Cruise Lines, sailing onboard the Millennium and Solstice Class vessels from 2007 to 2012.

Originally from Framingham, Massachusetts, James received his Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Safety and Environmental Protection from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy with a concentration in Emergency Management. He continued his studies in Environmental Management & Sustainability at the Harvard Extension School, before moving to Miami in 2012. Additionally, he is a graduate of The Wharton School’s General Management Program and completed his MBA at Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management.

Liz Schneider is an Interior Designer based in Seattle, Washington. Owner of Liz Schneider Interiors (LSI), she gained experience in the marine industry planning and managing interior refits as an Interior Manager at Holland America Line. Since establishing LSI, Liz has worked with Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Windstar Cruises, as well as private operators and research vessels to plan and execute interior refits in-service and during dry docks. During her free time, she enjoys participating in community events, being outside and in the water. Liz is passionate about Interior Design, the evolution of sustainable design, and the future of the industry.

As vice president of newbuilding and refurbishment, Trevor Young is currently coordinating the 13 new building projects that are currently part of MSC Cruises’ fleet expansion plan. He also coordinates all refurbishment projects in the Company’s existing fleet. Trevor’s career started with him earning a diploma of business and hospitality management, along with a certificate in hotel and catering Management which lead him to the cruise industry in 1996.

My is the Director of Interior Design for HA Group and leads the design department overseeing three prominent cruise brands: Holland America Line, Princess Cruise Line and Seabourn. My’s design experience is diversified across Refurbishment and Newbuild.

As a globally recognized thought leader, My’s repertoire of achievements span both land and sea. She is known for her internationally acclaimed award-winning designs as well as being a public speaker on topics close to her heart such as Sustainability and Leadership.

On the topic of inspiration, My says, “inspiration to me is not a noun. It’s more of a mindset. I’m as inspired seeing the colors of leaves while walking in my neighborhood as I am looking at fashion in different cities that I visit around the world. The key is to always keep your eyes open and not have tunnel vision. That mindset assures you will always feel inspired”.

Javier Calle, USGBC LEED, is a recently reincarnated design professional.
After 24 years in the retail design world, Javier followed his instincts,
“cut the cord,” and took the plunge into the entrepreneurial world, as a
founding partner of Studio DADO, a Miami-based design firm that
specializes in creating memorable interior spaces on cruise lines and in
the hospitality industry.

In his previous life, Javier worked as a senior associate at RTKL Associates,
Washington, D.C., during which time he travelled the world, practicing and
perfecting his craft.

A graduate of Southern Polytechnic State University, Marietta, Georgia,
Javier started as a retail specialist, and cut his teeth on many large-scale,
highly visible projects, such as the exclusive Mexico City-based
departmental store, El Palacio de Hierro. In another challenging project,
he was a part of the designing team behind Royal Caribbean’s behemoth
vessel, The Oasis of the Seas.

Javier’s drive for excellence is strongly marked by his passion for achieving
the right balance between his love for classic, timeless design that has the
fluidity to adapt to the demands of the present and the need for being
anchored in functionality and industry standards.

The same passion shapes his life outside work. Javier takes great pride in
providing a wonderful life for his children, and is a generous mentor for
young designers. An avid outdoorsman, Javier is a huge soccer fan and an
avid bicyclist.