2021 Speakers

Mary is the Founder & President of Wilson Pacific Development, specializing in the development and design of luxury, boutique, and independent hotels. Her experience spans nearly a decade of designing and managing various projects ranging from luxury residential design and remodelling to large-scale 300+ key hotel developments. Driven by a passion for art, design, and experiential hospitality, Mary founded Wilson Pacific Development to create distinctive properties that seamlessly blend aesthetics, functionality, and guest experience to maximize long-term asset value.

Steph is speaking at CSI Design Expo America, their full bio will be available shortly.

Over 23 years experience between New Building, refurbishment and refit for cruise vessels. Worked in both Ships owner and supplier side.

Ashley Michaels, NCIDQ is a design and product experience leader with more than 15 year of expertise in hospitality, brand development, and sustainable innovation. She is known for driving sustainability initiatives across Hilton’s brands and advancing material and quality strategies through cross-functional collaboration.
Ashley combines consumer insights, cost efficiency, and brand differentiation to accelerate speed to market and align stakeholders. She holds a BFA in Interior Design from Marymount University, completed advanced coursework in healthy materials at The New School positioning her as a forward-thinking voice in hospitality design.

Alix Loiseau is Director of Virtual Design & Construction at Royal Caribbean Group, where he leads the development of immersive spatial collaboration tools and digital twin environments for ship design and construction. With a background spanning architecture, applied technology, and enterprise innovation, Alix is focused on transforming how cross-functional teams visualize, review, and deliver complex design projects at scale.

With a background in both Architecture and Industrial Design from Pratt Institute, Aliya has built a reputation for translating brand strategy into thoughtful, resonant guest experiences at scale.

Throughout nearly two decades in the hospitality space, Aliya has played a key role in launching and evolving brands that have shaped the hotel landscape. Her contributions were central to the expansion of the iconic W Hotels brand in the mid 2000s. Her leadership served as a driving vision for the pioneering, select-service design-led Aloft Hotels in partnership with the Rockwell Group, and today has led the development of new concepts for Marriott Bonvoy including – Apartments by Marriott, Series by Marriott and the creation of the Outdoor Collection.

Aliya also plays a key role in shaping flagship properties and creative partnerships that push design forward. From Moxy Banff with Workshop APD and The Westin Washington DC Downtown with Parts and Labor Design, to the award-winning Bentley Suites collaboration with St. Regis, she consistently curates design relationships that elevate both the brand and the guest experience. These projects reflect her belief in the power of cross-disciplinary collaboration to drive innovation and differentiate Marriott’s global portfolio.

Based in Washington, D.C., she remains deeply engaged in the broader design conversation, drawing inspiration from travel, art, and architecture around the world. Her work continues to redefine how design lives within hospitality, not just as a visual language, but as a strategic force for innovation, business and brand growth.

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

Andy has over 25 years’ experience in design and has worked internationally on many large-scale leisure developments. His continued drive and enthusiasm for innovative relevant design keeps SMC fresh, dynamic, and relevant. Passionate about good design, he is adept at combining years of experience with innovative and new thinking to produce unique and challenging creative solutions for clients. Andy believes that SMC’s success is down to its people and their approach to design, both of which continue to strengthen the company and benefit clients around the world.

Anne Mari Gullikstad is the Chief Executive Officer of YSA Design, where she is also Partner and a Senior Interior Architect. She draws on over 32 years of experience with the company, working as an interior architect, project leader in key assignments and, since 2016, as CEO.

YSA Design is based in Oslo, Norway and, since 1985, has specialized in designing luxury ships including seagoing and river cruise vessels, as well as shore-based projects such as hotels, private housing and commercial buildings.

Anne Mari is renowned for bringing a fresh and original approach to her architectural work for ships and land-based projects, grounded in a broad base of experience since her certification in 1988 and an Honours Degree and Diploma in Fine Arts from the California College of the Arts & Crafts.

As an interior architect and designer, her landmark projects have included some of the best-known cruise ships in the world, including Disney Cruise Line, Silver Sea, Seven Seas, Seabourn Cruise Line and Viking River Ships.

Anne Mari’s project leadership skills have also been fully evident in some of YSA Design’s most prestigious work, including assignments for Disney Cruise Line, MSC, Costa Cruises. She is currently partner in charge for the three new Disney Cruise Line Ships.

In addition, she has also over the years been part of several land-based projects developed by the YSA team which include: the Norefjell Spa and Resort hotel, the Trysil Mountain Resort & Residence, and the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue’s RS Noatun Convention Center.

Barbara Wiethoff is a partner at JOI-Design, where she leads hospitality and cruise ship interior design projects. With Master’s degrees in both Interior Architecture and Architecture from the Technical University of Düsseldorf, Barbara brings over 20 years of experience to the field. Her career has spanned yacht design, high-end private interiors, and retail architecture, equipping her with a diverse skill set and a keen eye for cross-cultural creativity and detail. Since joining JOI-Design in 2007, she has played a key role in shaping the firm’s luxury design approach, combining elegance with technical precision. Promoted to partner in 2024, Barbara now helps guide the studio into a new era, continuing its legacy while evolving with the changing needs of global clients. Passionate about blending functionality with beauty, she is dedicated to creating spaces that inspire, engage, and reflect the unique stories and identities of the people who experience them.

Bruno Solís Almeida is an industrial designer working at the intersection of architecture, design, and luxury. His career has evolved through a combination of deliberate choices and a fair share of serendipity, beginning as an apprentice to a master glass artist and expanding into roles across visual merchandising and the world of architecture.

Today, Bruno serves as Concept Manager at Grupo Vidanta, where he shapes creative direction from the very inception of architectural and interior design projects. His work includes the design of emblematic resorts across Mexico’s coastlines, the development of the world’s first luxury theme park, contributions to the interiors of the brand’s first mega yacht, and collaborative ventures with Cirque du Soleil.

Driven by a strong sense of purpose, Bruno approaches design as both a creative and human discipline, focused on how spaces are experienced, remembered, and brought to life through collective effort.

Charles Steadman is the Director of Food and Beverage Experience and Strategic Partnerships at Virgin Voyages, where he has led the development of a bold, guest-centric dining and drinking program since 2018. Across a fleet featuring more than 20 eateries and 25 bars per ship, he brings a land-based, premium hospitality mindset to the cruise industry, blending experience design with commercial performance.

Steadman has curated a distinctive portfolio of food and beverage offerings, collaborating with acclaimed chefs including Tom Colicchio, Matthew Kenney, Maneet Chauhan, Matt Lambert, Sohui Kim, and Silvana Esparza. His approach focuses on creating immersive, purpose-driven environments that enhance guest engagement while driving revenue and loyalty.

Prior to Virgin Voyages, he spent over a decade at The Breakers in Palm Beach, opened his own restaurant, Jack’s Grumpy Grouper, and worked with Starwood Hotels to help conceptualize 1 Hotel South Beach.

Christopher Earl joined the Grand Bahama Shipyard and the Chief Executive Officer in May 2025. Immediately prior to his appointment, he spent 4 years at Seaspan Shipyards where he led all Naval ship and submarine maintenance programs, commercial/ cruise ship repair and overhaul projects, and shipbuilding manufacturing support at the Seaspan shipyard located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Before executive leadership in industry, Earl spent 35 years in uniform with the Royal Canadian Navy. That period saw him hold positions in numerous operational submarines, hold increasing responsibility across Royal Navy and Royal Canadian Navy engineering and procurement organizations, manage Canada’s largest military ship repair facility, and serve as the Chief Engineer of the Royal Canadian Navy. He retired as a Rear Admiral in 2021 after leading Canada’s military procurement and medical supply distribution response during the COVID crisis.

Earl is a graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada, holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, a master’s degree in defense studies, and is a graduate of Canada’s national security and senior executive development program.

With a background in engineering and years at RH before joining Brightmark, Chrystal brings a unique balance of technical rigor and design expertise to large-scale, circularity projects. She understands that the best solutions are both functional and thoughtful, blending precision, creativity, and human-centered design to deliver work that is as effective as it is impactful.

Danielle Darling, Senior Manager of Interior Design at Sandals Resorts International, bringing over two decades of hospitality design experience across luxury resorts, boutique hotels, cruise ships, and internationally recognized hospitality brands.

Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Danielle earned her bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. Throughout her career, she has contributed to hospitality projects from concept through installation for brands including Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn, Marriott Autograph Collection, Royal Caribbean Group, and other leading hospitality brands.

Her portfolio includes boutique Caribbean resorts such as Windjammer Landing, The Body Holiday, and Curtain Bluff, along with Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas.

Now back home in Jamaica, Danielle is focused on shaping the future of hospitality design for Sandals and Beaches Resorts through innovative, guest-centered, Caribbean-inspired design solutions, most recently contributing to the newly opened Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks & Caicos.

On Completing a career as a Chief Engineer, Graeme joined Lloyd’s Register (LR) in 1996 as a Ship Surveyor, working on almost all types of existing ocean-going vessels in New York were the activities also included undertaking surveys on Equipment and components for new and existing vessels.

Graeme Transferred to Philadelphia were after becoming a Senior Surveyor, he began working on the classification of equipment and components, materials; also undertaking Quality Schemes for Equipment and Components and Materials.

Subsequently, Graeme became senior Surveyor in charge of the port of Philadelphia and Baltimore as well as regional Coordinator of the Quality Assurance for Engineering Systems operated within the Americas.

Graeme in December 2015 changed roles to become the Americas Type Approval – Business Development Manager as Lloyd’s Register recognised the importance of having a dedicated Technical matter expert who could undertake supporting role for the Equipment and component manufacturers and the steel mills, foundry’s, forging companies, etc. who support the shipbuilding and existing shipping industry.

Focus today is the continual improvement of the Type Approval process, Certification and Alternative methods such as the Quality Assurance for Engineering Systems QAES which allows companies flexibility for Certification, supply chain management and also certification of unique innovative products for Marine and Offshore use.

Graeme holds a B. Eng. in Mechanical System and Design Engineering from the University of Liverpool in Liverpool, United Kingdom. He has also qualified as a Chartered Engineer, a member of the Engineering Council within the UK and a Member of Institution of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMarEst).

Gordon Boggis is the CEO of Carnegie, a leading designer and manufacturer of authentically sustainable commercial wallcoverings, textiles and acoustic solutions. Carnegie is the only Certified B Corp in its industry segment and is best known for its Cradle-to-Cradle Gold and Living Product Challenge Certified Biobased Xorel. The Xorel range also includes IMO Wheelmark wallcoverings and indoor/outdoor upholstery.

Prior to Carnegie, Gordon led companies across a range of industries, with a strong focus on textiles, innovative materials, health and wellness and purpose-driven businesses. He’s passionate about harnessing the talents of companies to be a force for good and deliver positive change.

Gordon grew up in the UK and gained his B.Sc. in chemistry from Loughborough University. His strong background in science, materials engineering and production processes brings a unique perspective to the manufacturing and development of healthier alternative materials for the built environment.

Despite living in the USA for over 25 years, he still refers to “soccer” as “football.”

I am a Senior Interior Architect and Head of Sustainability & Implementation at YSA Design, with over 21 years of experience in the cruise industry. My work blends creativity, strong concept development, and technical expertise, alongside solid project management skills that enable me to lead projects seamlessly from early vision through to final execution.

I am passionate about integrating sustainability into every stage of the design process, from initial concepts and material selection to delivery. Through close collaboration with shipyards, clients, and multidisciplinary teams, I ensure projects are managed efficiently and executed with clarity, precision, and a strong environmental focus.

With extensive experience in complex cruise ship projects, I confidently navigate industry regulations and evolving challenges. I continuously explore new technologies and design trends, delivering innovative, responsible, and high-quality design solutions tailored to each project’s unique identity.

As Chief Brand Officer at Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises, Janice Davidson brings extensive expertise in the luxury cruise industry. Since joining Regent in 2010, she has played a pivotal role in elevating brand strategy, driving creative excellence, and enhancing the guest experience.

She has assisted with the development and design of new builds across the brands, helping shape the future of luxury cruising. Prior to her current role, she served as Regent’s VP of Creative & Guest Experience and brings a strong foundation in agency side creative leadership.

Today, Janice leads global brand strategy and oversees the development of best in class creative and marketing across all channels. She spearheads brand storytelling for upcoming ship launches and refurbishments, collaborating closely with cross functional teams to deliver exceptional introductions of new vessels within the luxury cruise category.

Jennifer Chesek serves as Vice Principal at Beyer Brown & Associates, where she leads business development initiatives across the hospitality, senior living, and multi-family sectors. With more than 25 years of experience spanning hospitality operations, programming, and FF&E procurement, Jennifer brings a well-rounded perspective to both new construction and renovation projects.

Her expertise lies in aligning client vision with thoughtful, strategic solutions that enhance both operational performance and guest experience. Jennifer is especially passionate about the role relationships play in successful projects, believing that strong partnerships are the foundation for long-term collaboration and impactful results.

Based in Atlanta, Jennifer works closely with clients and industry partners throughout North America, Canada, and the Caribbean, bringing an insightful and relationship-driven perspective to conversations around hospitality, workplace experience, and evolving industry trends.

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

Lindsay Keir is Director of Marketing at II BY IV DESIGN, an internationally recognized studio specializing in hospitality-driven environments across hotels, cruise ships, retail, and multi-unit residential. Working closely with founding partners Dan Menchions and Keith Rushbrook, she leads global business development and strategic positioning for the firm.

Her work focuses on how experience, brand, and business strategy intersect, examining how design influences loyalty, operational clarity, and long-term value. With growing involvement in experiential hospitality at sea, she is particularly interested in how cruise environments balance immersive storytelling with technical and operational realities.

She brings a cross-sector perspective to the conversation, drawing from retail, residential, and land-based hospitality to inform evolving approaches to cruise design.

Linh Nguyen is an accomplished interior designer in the cruise industry. With over 13 years of experience as a Senior Design Manager at Seabourn & Holland America Line, her expertise spans from cruise ship design to managing multi-million-dollar projects on prominent cruise brands such as ultra-luxury Seabourn and premium Holland America Line. After receiving her BA in Communications from the University of Washington, she diversified her skills and pursued a degree in Interior Design at Bellevue College.

Linh started her career at Holland America, quickly moving into the role of designing and managing ships. Now, with the company her leadership role focuses on design, strategy and interior operational maintenance. From large‑scale projects to intimate spaces, her work is guided by intention, creativity, and a commitment to sustainability.

Division and has been with the company for over 41 years. Mitch spent nine years as Vice President-West Coast Operations heading the Los Angeles office of the company, which included sales, marketing and project management for the Western region. In 1996 Mitch relocated back to Miami to co-direct Parker Reorder Company, an industry innovator of Hospitality Procurement Software acting as the Business Development Manager. Mitch is a Partner Administrator for FF&E projects, handles corporate sales and marketing, FF&E project administration and all operational aspects of the company including IT, HR and Accounting. Mitch is a graduate of the University of Colorado with a Bachelor of Arts

A 38-year veteran of the maritime industry, Lisa McCabe joined Carnival Corporation in 2009 and came over to Carnival Cruise Line to build the refurbishment department in 2012. She leads a team of project managers responsible for the cruise line’s large scale dry dock projects throughout the fleet of 29 ships that include the addition of areas to enhance the guests’ experience such as Waterparks, Retail, Casino as well as updating food and spa areas. During her time at CCL, McCabe has been responsible for projects that occurred in over 90 dry docks in shipyards in the Bahamas, US, Europe and Singapore.

My is the Senior Director, Design & Innovation for HA Line and leads the design department overseeing three prominent cruise brands: Holland America 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”.

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

Nick took ownership of Trimline in early 2021 alongside COO Ross Welham, and five years on Trimline is a trusted partner across the cruise refit sector, pioneering innovation in their niche.

With a background spanning software engineering, product design, project management and finance, Nick has brought a technology-led approach to the traditionally hands-on world of marine interior outfitting. Trimline’s in-house platform, TAPP, now underpins every aspect of project delivery — from drawings and procurement through to vessel logistics and staff training — and increasingly leverages AI to speed up workflows and tighten quality.

At CSI 2026 he looks forward to discussing how technology, integrity and exceptional customer service are reshaping the refit industry, and where cruise interiors are heading over the next few years.

Riccardo Manzoni is a naval designer based in Monaco, working with Tillberg Design of Sweden since 2016. Over the past decade he has contributed to luxury cruise and yacht projects within large multidisciplinary teams, specialising in exterior design, outdoor areas, layouts and general arrangements. He holds a Master’s Degree in Naval and Nautical Design from the University of Genoa and began his career at a leading Italian shipyard, working close to the steel, the systems, and the people who build these vessels. Most recently he worked on the exteriors of Sun Princess, the first of Princess Cruises’ Sphere-class ships—a project that called for careful alignment between exterior design and shipbuilding, balancing aesthetic ambition with the structural and engineering demands of the superstructure: the very intersection of aesthetics and engineering that defines his work.

Ted Carroll is one of the founding partners and current President of The Carroll Adams Group and brings over 25 years of hospitality experience in the FF&E/OS&E procurement, operations, interior design, and development to the company. As the President, Ted provides principal level oversight of all projects.

Prior to starting The Carroll Adams Group in 2001, he worked with leaders in the hospitality industry such as Westin Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, and The Ritz-Carlton Development Company where he managed the FF&E procurement hospitality team, assisted in the development of new brands, and the development of standards for both operations and design and construction.

Ted is a member of The American Society of Interior Designers, where he holds the designation, Allied Member, ASID. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Johnson & Wales University, in addition to Graduate Studies at Rollins College, Crummer School of Business.

Tolù is the visionary behind Adẹ̀kọ́ & Co. He adopts a holistic approach to design, collaborating with the finest artisans, craftsmen, and makers to create a unified aesthetic that is timeless yet globally contemporary. He’s an expert storyteller who considers and chooses every facet of every project in order to convey its unique narrative. 

Born in Nigeria, Tolù moved to London in 1995. In his teens, he was mentored by Design Museum founder Sir Terence Conran on furniture design. He honed his artistic flair at Camberwell College of Arts (now University of the Arts London), and later attained his Interior Design BA degree at Bournemouth University. During his studies he developed a distinctive aesthetic characterised by classic luxury and attention to detail, craft, and functionality.

Tolù has held several senior positions at renowned interior design firms, including David Collins Studio. He has worked on multiple residential, hospitality and maritime projects all around the world. Selected projects include Gordon Ramsey’s Maze Grill Restaurant

The Ritz, Edition, W, Hilton, and Marriott hotels

and MSC, Norwegian, and Viking cruise lines.

Tolù is a proud member of the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) and The Society of British and International Interior Designers (SBID).

Tracey Fillmore, ASID, NCIDQ, CHID, EDAC, CAPS, RID is an award-winning Registered Interior Designer specializing in healthcare design. She was nationally recognized by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) as Volunteer of the Year in 2023 and was most recently named among ASID’s Top 50 Designers for her outstanding and significant contributions to the profession.

A passionate advocate for the interior design community, Tracey has played a pivotal role in advancing legislative and regulatory initiatives that elevate and protect the profession. Her advocacy has helped shape policy and reinforce the critical role of interior designers as key contributors to public health, safety, and welfare.

Based in Southwest Florida, Tracey serves as Senior Facilities Designer for Lee Health, where she applies her expertise to create healing environments that enhance patient and staff well-being. She currently serves as President of the ASID Florida South Chapter, leading with vision and dedication to the design community.

At the national and international levels, Tracey represents ASID and the profession through her service on two National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Technical Committees, contributing her insight on fire safety and design. She is also an active member of the International Fire Safety Standards Coalition—a global alliance of more than 60 countries working to establish comprehensive international fire safety standards.

Beyond her professional commitments, Tracey finds joy and purpose in her faith and family. She cherishes time spent with her three adult children and granddaughter and embraces Florida’s natural beauty, making the most of life both personally and professionally.

For Yohandel, design is a celebration. He appreciates every detail and searches for the unexpected to create places and spaces that give guests meaningful experiences and long-lasting memories. His attention to detail is unmatched, allowing him to get the most out of every square millimeter of every project.

Cynthia Guthrie is Founder and President of Guthrie & Associates, Inc. established in 1990 and currently serves as Executive Advisor on the Executive Board of Directors for NEWH, Inc. among other positions served on the local and international level since 2003. Known for her passion and commitment to the hospitality industry she has been recognized for her leadership and selected by her peers to receive the Joyce L. Johnson Recognition of Excellence Award among other industry awards. Most important to Cindy is providing a platform to encourage students to focus their future to hospitality and connecting professionals.