Adam D. Tihany and Matteo Vercelloni

I have always kept a very small design studio of no more than 15 people in New York. This atelier model allows me to remain at the creative head, closely involved in the development of every project rather than in the management of people. We operate in a niche segment of the high-end international luxury hospitality market including resorts, hotels and restaurants. The cruise industry is relatively new for our firm, but it has become an important part of our business, along with very high-end luxury residential condominiums. For over 40 years, the studio has maintained a boutique, craftsman-like approach to creating innovative and timeless hospitality interiors at some of the most iconic properties around the world and at sea. - Adam D. Tihany

In its essence, design is the solution to a problem. I have found that the greater the challenges presented, the more creative and- often times daring- the solution. This is especially the case when working on cruise ship interiors, where movement and vibrations are a part of the basic functionality of the ship, the ceilings are low, and everything is in steel, meaning no moving an outlet at the last minute. The challenges become the launching pad for creativity.- Adam D. Tihany

One of the most valuable truths I learned early on is the importance of telling a good story. A dynamic narrative is what transforms a beautiful space into an experience that is engaging, meaningful and – most importantly- memorable. - Adam D. Tihany

Milton Glaser said that there are three responses to a piece of design – good, bad, and WOW. We always say that Wow is the one to aim for. It’s that extra something that surprises, delights and leaves you wanting more. And in the long run, Timelessness. A project that remains living and relevant for a very long time. - Adam D. Tihany

These days, there is a much higher premium on good design as people are recognizing the important role it plays across the board in our lives. People are more aware of design than ever and it has infiltrated almost every industry. The more we consume, the more we demand- and the more sophisticated we become. Design has become not only an expectation, but a point of judgement. This is good news for designers and good news for the hospitality world because we don’t have to reinvent the services that exist; we can reinvent the design. It is an exciting time to be a creative person. - Adam D. Tihany

The secret to tapping into inspiration is to never stop learning; never hold back on curiosity. The world is an endless resource for creativity and often times it is the unexpected discoveries that will take you the farthest. - Adam D. Tihany

One of the core principles of my design philosophy is to ensure that every project is distinct and site specific. We go to great lengths to fully understand the location of each project, its culture and its people, so that our design narrative will incorporate the true character of the place. It is my belief that if you are checking into a hotel or dining out anywhere in the world, you should know where you are at all times. The distinction is a whispered element that roots a place to its location. - Adam D. Tihany

Listen first and completely. Tell their story, not your own. Look past the computer screen- explore, discover and never stop learning. - Adam D. Tihany

We work with a number of luxury hospitality brands including Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons, Dorchester, Oberoi and Belmond. On the cruise front, our longtime relationship with Carnival Corporation has resulted in the creation of the complete interiors for Seabourn Encore and Ovation (and Seabourn Venture, expedition ship upcoming) and public spaces for Holland America’s Pinnacle Class. I’m currently serving as Creative Director for the Italian cruise line Costa Cruises as well as the iconic British line Cunard. I’ve also designed many signature restaurants for celebrity chefs including Thomas Keller, Daniel Boulud, Heston Blumenthal, Wolfgang Puck and Richard Ekkebus. - Adam D. Tihany

My professional life began in Italy. When I arrived in Milano, I had very little knowledge of design and architecture, and at that point had barely traveled outside of my home country of Israel. In Milan, a lifelong passion was ignited and my studies and experiences there shaped my philosophy on design- and life, for that matter. I’m an Italian designer, which is really how I was able to start my career in New York. At the time there was a high demand for European style, especially in shops, bars and nightclubs. From Israel to Italy to New York, I became an American with an Italian design sensibility – and that much has never changed. - Adam D. Tihany

My passion is rooted in hospitality and my craft is design. There is no one aspect that is preferred over another. The best projects always begin with good clients, with a working relationship built on mutual respect, trust and excitement for the project. I enjoy working on projects where we can be part of the conceptual team and are given the freedom to design and control the entire experience - from the interior architecture down to the smallest details such as art, sound, smell, tableware, uniforms and graphics. With the recent launch of Tihany Product Design, I’ve gone back to my Milanese roots and am working with leading manufacturers to bring consumer products to market. While working with leading chefs and hoteliers around the world, we developed a strong knowledge of the ‘needs and wants’ of this industry, which we are now pairing with our strong design style and refined aesthetics to design new furniture, lighting, textiles, tableware and alike. - Adam D. Tihany

A good designer finds a solution to a challenge. A great designer does it in a way that goes beyond expectations. They surprise, delight and create something that will live on in the memory of all who experience it. - Adam D. Tihany

Thinking about design can be hard, but not thinking about design can be a disaster. Design is everywhere and accessible to everyone, and the more we consume, the most sophisticated we become. Design is not only an expectation, but a point of judgement. It is how we present our ourselves, communicate and shape our world. - Adam D. Tihany

Having worked on projects on land and at sea, I’d love to design the world’s most luxurious airport lounges, connecting land to air. An amazing winery, a fantastic library and a cozy cinema are also on my wish list. - Adam D. Tihany

One of the most valuable truths I learned early on is the importance of telling a good story. A dynamic narrative is what transforms a beautiful space into an experience that is engaging, meaningful and – most importantly- memorable. - Adam D. Tihany

There are many who have inspired me and continue to do so at every stage of my career. Luis Barragan for his architecture of color, Gio Ponti for his imagination and style, Hertzog & DeMuron for their endless originality and Renzo Mongiardino for his craftsmanship. - Adam D. Tihany

If I had to start over again I will probably will try to become a jazz musician (Controbasso) - Adam D. Tihany