REAL Exclusive Magazine

Pamela Hughes

Hughes Design Associates

By Lalaena Gonzalez-Figueroa

Photography by Giovanni Lunardi

Her extravagant designs have been featured in high-end resorts and hotels around the world, and internationally renowned interior designer Pamela Hughes is setting new standards in residential luxury.

Pamela arrived in Sarasota in 1998 after accepting an invitation to design The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. She was quickly captivated with the area’s wealth of amenities, including its thriving arts and cultural community. Her turning point: a visit to the Ringling Museum, where she was enchanted by the interior architectural details and design elements.  “The museum was incredible,” she recalls. “This was our inspiration in designing The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.”

When The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota opened its doors to the public in 2001, Pamela realized she wasn’t ready to end her relationship with the Gulf Coast’s desirable community. “I just didn’t want to leave,” she recalls. “I felt at home here, and loved the amazing lifestyle and wonderful people.” She promptly opened her Sarasota office and purchased a home here.

Though Pamela is well known for her work with high-end luxury hotels and resorts including The Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons and The Cloister at Sea Island, she reveals that her true passion is working with homeowners to create spaces that are as elegant as they are accommodating. “I enjoy the hands-on aspect of high-end residential design projects,” she says. “It’s an opportunity for me to connect with individuals and work one-on-one with my clients.” Understanding each client’s unique wants and needs is as much an art as it is a skill; Pamela interviews and observes, developing a rapport and a sense of style that will translate into a spectacular design.

Working with a range of styles, Pamela notes that her signature isn’t steeped in a particular look. “It’s about quality,” she explains. “Not only in the design, but in the materials and furnishings that are selected. We source the world for suppliers that provide the highest level of beautiful, quality products. From textiles to furnishings to antiques, we seek out the best for our clients.”

Pamela is currently involved in renovation work within the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota where she and her firm designed the interiors for the resort’s Tower Residences as well as The Members’ Beach Club. She is also in the process of designing a series of luxurious deck houses for The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman with schemes ranging from modern to traditional British West Indies design. “The deck houses are beautiful residences, complete with Riva yachts,” she says. The project is already garnering international attention, and plans for expansion are in the works.

A designer and artist since her youth, Pamela finds inspiration everywhere. “I keep my eyes open every day,” she offers. “From the unique design sense and depth of history throughout Europe, to magazines and local architecture, there is always inspiration.”

Pamela Hughes
Hughes Design Associates
3412 Clark Road, Suite 237
Sarasota, FL 34231
Telephone: 941.922.4767
1487 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 100
McLean, VA 22101
Telephone: 703.442.3200
www.hughesdes.com

Click here to see Pamela Hughes latest work

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