Pamela Hughes
Hughes Design Associates
By Lalaena Gonzalez-Figueroa
Photography by Chad Spencer
An internationally renowned luxury designer whose sumptuous interiors have been featured in the industry’s top publications, Pamela Hughes is proud to call Sarasota home.
Pamela, who maintains an office in McLean, Virginia, in addition to her Sarasota location, first arrived in the area when she accepted an invitation to design The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. In 1998, she arrived with her talented and experienced team, familiarizing herself with the community, talking to residents, and absorbing the arts and cultural vibe. 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.”
In November 2001, The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota opened its doors to the public, and 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 offers. “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 only the finest materials and suppliers, Pamela has developed relationships with vendors around the globe. “We’re extremely particular about working with firms that provide the utmost in quality products,” she notes. Frequent jaunts to Europe enable her to scout for antiques, textiles and furnishings. For a current project, The Concession Golf Clubhouse, Pamela joined acclaimed designer Adrienne Vittadini in Paris to scout for new sources. Enviable stuff, and Pamela enjoys every minute of it.
She smiles, “I have a lot of fun in my work, and am proud to have been a part of The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota,” (where she and her firm also designed the interiors for the resort’s Tower Residences as well as The Members’ Beach Club).
A designer and artist since her youth, Pamela finds inspiration everywhere. “I keep my eyes open every day,” she reveals. “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
www.hughesdes.com [1]
3412 Clark Road
Suite 237
Sarasota, FL 34231
Telephone: 941-922-4767
1487 Chain Bridge Road
Suite 100
McLean, VA 22101
Washington, DC
Telephone: 703-442-8363
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