2019 Speakers

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

Tatiana was born and raised in the rich cultural tapestry of Kazakhstan. She is Co-Owner of Chapi Chapo Design and Owner of CHAPI DESIGN. CHAPI DESIGN, the sister company of Chapi Chapo Design, is an internationally recognized luxury design firm known for its refined and cultured approach to hospitality and yacht interiors. Based in Toronto, this award-winning firm has collaborated with leading developers and hospitality brands, shaping some of the most memorable guest experiences worldwide.

CHAPI DESIGN focuses on the luxury hospitality market, branded residences, F&B, and the yacht industry, working on Evrima, Ilma, and Luminara for Ritz-Carlton Yachts. More than just designing spaces, CHAPI DESIGN crafts immersive journeys through a deep understanding of place, culture, and human connection. 

Tatiana has recently received the Gold Key Award, IDA Gold Award, Stella Award, AHEAD Americas, and IDC Awards.

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 thought leader in spatial and human-centered design, leading over 50 high-profile international projects. Renowned for her innovative approach, she continuously redefines industry standards across diverse sectors, driven by a forward-thinking entrepreneurial vision.

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

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.

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.

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.