Visual panache

Thus far, the highlight of my year has been my trip to Las Vegas to visit Encore, the newest hotel in the Wynn Resorts collection.

Meeting what I call “The Dream Team” was such a coup for me. I had a chance to sit in on the designers’ panel and Q&A. The Encore design team is comprised of:  Roger Thomas, EVP of design; Jerry Beale, SVP of design;  DeRuyter O. Butler and Todd-Avery Lenahan, room & spa design; and Michael Hong, architecture/exterior design. Landscaping was designed by Don Brinkerhoff, CEO of Lifescapes International, and his team.

Barbara Kraft

It was obvious that each design team member really felt the project flowed well. It involved heavy communication and a strong understanding and respect for each other. Thomas emphasized the fact that the team was very well-orchestrated: “Elasticity and reaction time were key on the project. The project involved ‘design gymnastics.’”

A great amount of emotion was involved in this project as well. As Lenahan states: “It is a labor of love. It is really art in its truest sense. Artistic gestures lift spirits. It is from the passion and the enthusiasm of the design team.”

Design team The Encore design staff posed with Hotel Design publisher Mary Malloy during a visit to the property. Top, from left, Michael Hong, principal, Michael Hong Architects; DeRuyter O. Butler, EVP of architecture, Encore; Jerry Beale, SVP of design, Encore; Roger Thomas, EVP of design, Encore; Todd-Avery Lenahan, room & spa design, Principal & CEO, ABA design firm.

That is one word that resonated among all designers when discussing the project—“love.”

Beale says working with Steve and Elaine Wynn was easy. “The Wynns believe designers are involved from tabletop to sound system.”

The Wynns had a vision, and every brush stroke was considered by Steve Wynn. He has broad and open expectations, which are clearly defined and communicated to the team. I was surprised to learn that Elaine Wynn was involved in many decisions, including her design of the uniforms.

Russell MacMasters

When I asked Lenahan what it is like to work with Steve Wynn, he replied, “He’s the best editor of design that I’ve ever worked with.”
From the moment I stepped into the property, it was obvious the hotel was first class through and through. It also was evident that this property was designed for the well-healed, well-traveled guest.

One of the things that surprised me most about this property was that there wasn’t, what I call, an “artificial casino scent.” It was also shocking to see sunshine pouring into the casino, provided by the floor-to-ceiling windows around its perimeter. I mean, have you ever been to a casino where one of the themes is “bringing the outdoors in?” I enjoyed my tour with the horticulturist, Jim Gibbons and with the floral design director, Paige Dixon. The hours of labor involved and the unique trees and flowers shipped in weekly for this property is mind-blowing.

If you are looking for inspiration, whether you are a designer or a hotel owner or developer, I strongly suggest you visit this property soon. You will be inspired, in awe and truly pleased with yourself for making the trip.
Please visit our website at HotelWorldNetwork.com for more photos of the property.