HOSPITALITY INSIGHTS,
FORGED BY EXPERIENCE
Great hospitality is more than design or service—it’s the ability to align both with operational excellence. These insights distill our unique experience in shaping some of the world’s most celebrated hotels, offering a roadmap for transforming ideas into destinations that thrive in the most competitive markets.
01.
GUIDANCE FROM CONCEPT TO
COMPLETION — AND BEYOND
Building and operating a luxury hotel in New York City is a feat few have mastered. It demands vision, precision, operational fluency, and an ability to navigate one of the world’s most complex development environments. Each project was unique, but all shared one goal: to position and differentiate a property in the world’s most competitive luxury market.
02.
A TRACK RECORD OF
TRANSFORMATIVE PROJECTS
AMAN NEW YORK
The $400M transformation of The Crown Building into an ultra-luxury, members-only destination set a new benchmark for hospitality in New York. With 22 private residences, 83 suites, a private jazz club, world-class spa, Japanese omakase bar, and Italian restaurant, Aman New York redefined exclusivity. Its curated service culture now commands the city’s highest room rates..
TRUMP INTERNATIONAL HOTEL & TOWER
The $200M redevelopment of the Gulf and Western Building created 167 luxury hotel rooms and 170 residences, with dining by Jean-Georges Vongerichten. General Electric credited it as their most successful real estate project to date, serving as the model for the brand’s global expansion.
MANDARIN ORIENTAL, NEW YORK
Located in the Deutsche Bank Center, this $265M flagship property features 248 guest rooms, 64 private residences, and a renowned spa. Under my leadership, it consistently earned Forbes Five Stars and AAA Five Diamonds, and was valued at $375M after a decade of operation.
03.
OUR APPROACH: ALIGNING VISION
WITH OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Every great property starts with an idea, but lasting success depends on execution. Our role is to ensure that architecture, design, and operations are in perfect alignment—from the initial blueprint to long-term asset performance.
This means:
- Designing for operational efficiency to protect ROI.
- Embedding service culture that supports luxury at every guest touchpoint.
- Establishing preventive maintenance programs during pre-opening to secure the asset’s value
- Ensuring legal and regulatory compliance in NYC’s challenging environment.
04.
THE POWER OF
BRANDED RESIDENCES
Branded residences enhance a hotel’s business model, elevate brand perception, and generate significant additional revenue streams. I launched New York’s first with Trump International, expanded the model with Mandarin Oriental, and refined it to perfection at Aman New York.
05.
NAVIGATING NYC’S
LEGAL ENVIRONMENT
From zoning and special-use permits to labor neutrality agreements and
operating licenses, NYC’s regulatory requirements can stall or derail even the
most promising projects. I work with top-tier legal teams to manage:
- Landmark preservation and community board relations
- Offering Plan creation and Attorney General approvals
- Licensing and permitting strategies for both hotel and residences
06.
SERVICE CULTURE: THE
SOFTWARE OF LUXURY
A building is the hardware—service is the software. We partner with expert HR training firms to instill a five-star service culture that integrates seamlessly across rooms, F&B, spa, and residences. This directly translates into higher guest satisfaction, repeat visits, and stronger financial performance.
07.
THINK. TRANSFORM. THRIVE.
These three pillars define our process:
- THINK – Transforming ideas into tangible, operationally sound concepts.
- TRANSFORM – Turning vision into physical reality through disciplined execution.
- THRIVE – Ensuring sustained profitability, brand prestige, and market leadership.
In a city where ambition meets relentless competition, success demands more than inspiration—it requires a roadmap built on experience, precision, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
