She started out in retail design before setting up her own company Des_sign Interiors in 1991, when she began working on residential projects. In 2004, having made a name for herself in the industry, she left Melbourne for Hong Kong in 2005, joining Hirsch Bedner and Associates where she was introduced to the world of luxury hotel design. Lykopandis joined DiLeonardo in 2007, and was senior designer on the Huangshan Golf Hotel project.

Have you worked on many projects in China?

Since I arrived in Hong Kong in 2005, I have worked on more than 20 projects, most of which have been five-star brand-name properties.

Do the Chinese take hotel design seriously?

What can I say? The competition is high and the marketplace is very buoyant at the moment. However, the Chinese are still a little introvert and reluctant to reach out and accept guidance.

How do you find working in China?

It is amazing, from the point of view that you meet so many people, make so many contacts, and have a diversity of projects to work on – and travel.

What was the design brief?

In short: to be ‘fabulous!’

What was your solution?

Our approach combines the magnificent, imposing nature of the Yellow Mountain, its powerful vertical gestures and jagged edges softened by foliage, with the golf course,its sensuous curves of the cart path and sinuous sand traps underscoring the hallmark of European sophistication of intertwining with nature. Both the mountain and the golf course emphasise the contradiction of man’s respect for nature and his will to conquer it. This contradiction is the essence of our design.

Golf hotels can be less than glamorous. How did you set about making the Huangshan different and stand out from the crowd?

Huangshan as a region is unique and very beautiful. It breaks away from the typical ‘concrete jungle’ and is nestled in lush greenery in a very tranquil environment. We were lucky in the sense that the client was happy to bring some sense of ‘city glam’ to the country.

Did you have much freedom of creativity on this project?

Yes we did. Since the client is also the operator, you have a closer working relationship, and our client is very open to new ideas.

How would you sum up your design philosophy?

My design philosophy is functionality first but always with a unique twist to give it a real ‘wow’ factor.

Are you working in any other hotel projects at the moment?

We have projects going on throughout the region, including major urban centres throughout Asia – Shanghai, Seoul and in Taiwan.

How would you describe the style of the Huangshan Golf Hotel?

I’d say it is upscale relaxed luxury – perfect for golf, and contemplating the future, after all, this region is home to almost all of the country’s leaders.

Did you have to do much research into the Huangshan area and its history?

In every project there is always an a period of research for inspiration and a better understanding of the market place and the potential end-users expectations. In most cases our clients are more than happy and proud to share historical facts about their region to give their project a real sense of place.

What are your favourite aspects of the scheme?

I enjoy the development of details and realising the concept.

What would your ideal luxury-hotel experience be?

One where you never had to leave the property!

 

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This article was first published in X2 Magazine