Tina Lai
Los Angeles
Summary
Interior architect with three decades of experience in hospitality design and management across North America and Asia. Proven ability to adapt to dynamic environments and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders. Strong team player with a positive attitude and a track record of building client relationships and partnerships that drive business growth.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Interior Projects
Masastudio
Los Angeles
06.2022 - Current
- Design leader specializing in ultra-luxury hospitality environments defined by quiet elegance, material integrity, and cultural relevance.
- Extensive experience directing bespoke furniture development, collaborating with artisans and manufacturers worldwide for the Residences at Amangiri Resort, Utah.
- Established relationships with vendors and suppliers to secure favorable terms for materials or services.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
Senior Interior Designer
Stanford Hotels Corp.
San Francisco
01.2016 - 05.2022
- Worked directly for Hotel Ownership/ Developer with 16 Marriott and Hilton properties.
- Directed design duties and made critical decisions based on advanced understanding of design-build and construction processes, for new hotel, Astra Autograph Hotel, Seattle.
- Administered budget and procurement processes, negotiating annual purchases of $6 million and engaging directly with vendors from Italy, France, Brazil, Mexico, China, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
- Facilitated alignment with multi-discipline design consultants and building trades, project and construction managers , assessing documentation, contracts, and shop drawings to secure project success.
- Managed material selection and procurement for various projects.
- Oversaw installation processes to ensure design integrity and quality.
- Conducted site visits to assess progress and resolve design issues.
Senior Interior Designer
IDDI
Fort Lauderdale
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Created concepts for interior design company specializing in boutique hotels , Sagamore Hotel Miami .
- Created detailed design presentations for client approval and feedback.
- Generated cost estimates for furniture, fixtures, equipment, lighting, flooring and wall treatments.
- Researched new trends in the industry to remain up-to-date with current design practices.
Senior Associate
SCDA
Singapore
04.2014 - 01.2015
- Generated fee proposals for new RFP's with budget breakdown and schedules.
- Assisted with marketing and event planning for fist international branded property development, Soori Highline New York: 27 luxury apartments units from 8 -20 million value, organized media event launch with sales presentation.
- Implemented strategies to take advantage of new opportunities.
Senior Design Manager
Wimberly Interiors & WATG
Singapore
10.2012 - 04.2014
- Led client communications between owner and operator group, improving client satisfaction rates for project delivery.
- Created team organization and task distribution for a team of 8, enhancing team efficiency.
- Established contents and format for deliverables from concept phase through 100% CD phase, ensuring project alignment with strategic goals.
- Led design projects from concept through completion for Anantara Resort Hotel in Tangalle, Sri Lanka ,
Project Director
LTW Design Works
Singapore
01.2011 - 09.2012
- Executed space planning and created concepts and designs for Kerry Shangrila Hotel Hangzhou , China including public spaces and guestrooms, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
- Managed a project team of 6 Technical and FFE designers, enhancing team efficiency and project delivery.
- Coordinated with developers and site team in China on critical consultant issues for Langham Hotel showflats and sales gallery, improving project alignment and client satisfaction.
- Mentored junior staff in project management best practices and industry standards.
Lead Designer
ICRAVE
New York
09.2008 - 05.2010
- Bask Spa Atlantic City, New Jersey.
- Created detailed design documents and presentations for client approval and feedback.
- Submitted design ideas to plan projects with customers and managers.
- Lead brainstorming sessions to generate innovative ideas for projects.
- Presented final designs to senior management for approval.
- Sketched drawings and wrote specifications to meet client requirements.
Freelance Interior Designer
Independant Contractor
New York
07.2005 - 07.2008
- Worked on project basis for several renowned hospitality interior designers : Tony Chi , Thierry Despont , Mark Zeff , Rockwell Design .
- Assisted clients successfully by choosing furnishings consistent with preferences and budget.
- Used computer-aided drafting and related software to produce construction documents.
- Selected materials, colors, and furnishings that align with client needs.
- Designed floor plans, elevations, and 3D perspective views and material boards for both in-house review and presentation to client.
Owner's Representative - Specialty Retail
Fauchon , Paris
New York
01.2004 - 2005
- Created detailed design plans using CAD software for new specialty food store rollout .
- Developed a variety of design concepts that Fauchon's brand expectations while remaining cost-effective.
- Conducted site evaluations to assess feasibility of design concepts and implementation.
- Consulted with vendors to select suitable materials for store designs based on budget constraints and aesthetic requirements.
- Designed custom fixtures such as display cases, counters and cabinets as needed.
Interior Designer - Restaurants
Adam Tihany Design
New York
01.2000 - 09.2001
- Developed detailed floor plans using AutoCAD and other design software tools.
- Selected furnishings, materials, and color schemes to meet client specifications.
- Collaborated with clients to understand design preferences and project requirements for restaurant One C.P.S at the famous Plaza Hotel .
Intermediate Designer
Bogdanow Partners
New York
01.1998 - 07.2000
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address project issues related to restaurant typology.
- Produced conceptual sketches, CAD layouts, and detailed drawings in accordance with company standards.
- Lead designer for Fauchon Paris flagship store and Teas Salon at the Swiss-Hotel on Park Avenue.
CAD Designer
Helpern Architects
New York
09.1995 - 02.1997
- Utilized AutoCAD software for drafting and modifying project layouts for architect of record team documenting the first W-Hotel Park Avenue in collaboration with Rockwell Design.
- Maintained organized documentation of all design revisions and project changes.
- Modified existing designs to meet customer specifications or design changes.
Resource Librarian
MBT Architecture
San Francisco
07.1994 - 07.1996
- Managed library collections and ensured accurate cataloging of resources.
- Facilitated vendor educational programs and workshops for staff's in house education.
- Curated a diverse collection of materials, including books, mediaresources, and catalogs, to meet architectural staff 's needs.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Interior Architecture
California College of Arts
05-1994
Skills
- Interior design planning and FFE concepts
- Procurement and vendor negotiation
- Custom Furniture Development
- Multi-disciplinary collaboration
- Brand development
- Verbal and written communication
- Industry knowledge
- Space planning
- Budget administration
- Vendor relationship management
Certification
NCIDQ certification
Honors And Awards
- Nominated for Gold Key Award for Best Spa Design
- "Bask Spa" in Atlantic City with Icrave Design- Cover of Hospitality Design Magazine
Languages
English
Full Professional
French
Professional
Italian
Professional
Portuguese
Native/ Bilingual
German
Limited
Chinese (Mandarin)
Elementary
Timeline
Director of Interior Projects
Masastudio
06.2022 - Current
Senior Interior Designer
Stanford Hotels Corp.
01.2016 - 05.2022
Senior Interior Designer
IDDI
01.2015 - 01.2016
Senior Associate
SCDA
04.2014 - 01.2015
Senior Design Manager
Wimberly Interiors & WATG
10.2012 - 04.2014
Project Director
LTW Design Works
01.2011 - 09.2012
Lead Designer
ICRAVE
09.2008 - 05.2010
Freelance Interior Designer
Independant Contractor
07.2005 - 07.2008
Owner's Representative - Specialty Retail
Fauchon , Paris
01.2004 - 2005
Interior Designer - Restaurants
Adam Tihany Design
01.2000 - 09.2001
Intermediate Designer
Bogdanow Partners
01.1998 - 07.2000
CAD Designer
Helpern Architects
09.1995 - 02.1997
Resource Librarian
MBT Architecture
07.1994 - 07.1996
Bachelor of Arts - Interior Architecture
California College of Arts