Final Thoughts: There's nothing wrong with a little competition

Paul Rusnak

What is it that's so fascinating about the art of design? I can think of a lot of reasons, which I hope are reflected in the pages of each issue of HOTEL DESIGN. But, let's face it, interior/architectural design doesn't just serve a tangible purpose in the spaces where we live and work, it also can be quite entertaining.

JUDGMENT DAY "Top Design" contestants' fates rest in the hands of the show's panel of judges.

If you haven't done so lately, take a spin around your television-program guide. You might be surprised to find a wealth of shows on interior and architectural design covering a wide range of topics, from basic how-to projects to elaborate transformations. For example, HGTV's expansive lineup of shows along with TLC's "Trading Spaces" and "While You Were Out," to name a few, are just some of the choices out there to help satisfy everyone from the generally curious to those who are just jonesing to be under the constant influence of design and décor.

Margaret Russell [left], of Elle Decor magazine, and interior designer Kelly Wearstler cast critical eyes on a design project during an episode of Bravo TV's "Top Design."

I'll admit it. I'm a fan of Bravo TV's "Top Design." The show, hosted by celebrated designer Todd Oldham, pits inspiring designers against one another in a weekly competition to see whose design is the best. Contestants are critiqued and judged by a panel of design/style notables on how well they execute design solutions for various spaces. One by one, the contenders are eliminated based on their performance, which ultimately leads up to the last one standing with the top design and the grand prize to match. Can you sense the drama?

OK, although it is "reality" TV, I do believe there is validity to these kinds of shows. It's interesting to watch these individuals overcome design challenges and use different methods to bring inspiration to life—the very same topics HOTEL DESIGN editors like to focus on when we write our features. And personally, I think the competition factor not only is good entertainment, it is reality.

Design firms do compete for business. Competition is good. It signals a healthy market and helps raise the bar on creativity and design standards, which we are all witnesses to right now in the hotel industry.

I'm not yet aware of a reality show about great hotel designs. So, until then, stay tuned to the pages of HOTEL DESIGN. Annoying commercials not included.