Liberty Entertainment Group have been Shortlisted for Bar/Club/Lounge – Global Award in The International Hotel & Property Awards 2021. Read more about Principal / VP Creative Director Nadia Di Donato below:

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Name:           Nadia Di Donato
Company:      NDDESIGN /Liberty Entertainment Group
Position within company:       Principal / VP Creative Director
Website:        libertygroup.com

Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)

I see the world through a visual scope so I believe I didn’t choose my career path, it chose me:) I actually started my career in graphic design and worked in print for years. I worked as creative director for Azure magazine, a renown architectural and interior design magazine. I was introduced to the industry on so many levels…interior designers, architects, craftsmen, manufacturers and trades. I was in love with the industry.

I think the combination of my graphic design background and passion for interiors gave me a unique way of approaching spaces. I design a space as an art project, often not conforming to the limitations typical of construction. I’m always thinking outside the box. I’ve realized that not knowing all the rules allows me to break all the rules.

The pivotal point in my career was joining Liberty Entertainment Group in the hospitality industry as Creative Director of the company. It was a natural transition from 2d design to 3D design at a time when the industry itself was seeing revolutionary changes allowing innovation at lightning speed. Today my responsibility spans from conceptualization to implementation. I still consider every venue a new design palette 🙂

How would you describe your personal interior design style?

I design spaces through the eyes of an artist rather than as a technical interior designer. I’m always thinking out of the box and very hands on working closely with my construction team (whom I’ve been working with for over 25 years.

When I walk into a raw space, I always consider the existing elements that can be utilized in my design. Since most of my design projects are located in historically designated buildings, I have an immense appreciation and respect for the intricate details of historic design and always juxtapose original with new.

Personally, I am an art lover and a believer that fine art is like an accent piece of jewellery. Signature to my design is my inclusion of individually curated or commissioned art pieces tailored to reflect the personality of the space, elevating the dining experience by adding originality and intrigue.

It’s about quality, textures and meaningful art. I’m not a big fan of the latest trend or the ‘it’ design. I’m usually on a project site overseeing every detail with my construction team or running from one custom manufacturer to another to ensure originality, quality and my personal infusion of that slight bit of edginess.

Where does your design inspiration come from?

Prior to travel restrictions due to this pandemic, my biggest inspiration came from travel. For me, it was the only way to reset and refresh, it’s also a time to challenge my perspective on things and gather creative inspiration from exploring somewhere new. Over the years, it has become a big part of my process. There’s interesting design, architecture, signage, art, and culture tucked away in every corner of the world. Whether it’s a street sign in New York that helps me solve a design problem or a museum in Spain that becomes the inspiration for a new project, I almost always credit my travels as the source. In the meantime, although I cannot physically travel, I continuously peruse design visuals on all platforms available and collect a library of details whether for immediate use or as inspiration for new projects down the road.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?

I believe interior design (much like fashion design) reflects situations and circumstances at play. As a designer it’s important to have an awareness of current moods and outlooks. Having said that, I believe the direction of interiors will reflect blurred lines between commercial, hospitality and residential interiors. In light of continued significant lifestyle changes, I foresee experience in hospitality design will be in demand for high end residential living and across other industries. The emphasis will remain on creating spaces for home entertainment comfort and creating professional workspaces at home outfitted for technology. Clean spaces with neutral colour schemes, and raw natural materials to connect technology and modernity into warm comfortable living spaces.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2021 and beyond.

1. Continued emphasis on blurring the line between commercial, hospitality and residential design. Creating hospitality spaces with a relaxed less forced uniformity, especially with the use of textiles and furniture design for a more residential feel. And creating residential spaces to accommodate in-home work and entertainment.
2. Design will revert to an emphasis on divided, private spaces rather than open concept design.
3. Taking responsibility toward the planet with an emphasis on raw natural materials, live greenery, neutral colour schemes. In a tech-dominant world, there is a strong desire for unadulterated materials and forms, however used in a fresh and non-traditional way.
4. Breaking away from trends and forging your own path in terms of style and design. Incorporating custom pieces. Recognition that handcrafted uniqueness are qualities worth preserving and building on. I am seeing the resurgence of traditional craft techniques in new and contemporary ways. Individuality and true authenticity will be extremely important. A lot of layering in of vintage and recycled objects alongside new ones—a “mixology” of sorts.
5. Intelligent design is an interpretation of the function of a space and successfully transforming that space into a showcase. Since my background is in graphic design each project is an art piece. Design should be timeless, sophisticated, clever and primarily relevant to the intention of the restaurant. The most important element is using colours and materials that translate to the intended feel of the space rather than those latest trending palettes.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to interior design schemes, what would it be?

Conceptualization – All hospitality design components revolve around clearly defining a target market. Every detail departs from that one notion…”How do you want the customer to feel” Once I have that clear understanding in mind, I establish the identity of the restaurant by pairing the design storyboard (furnishing, coloring, lighting, construction materials) with a detailed visual package (ie: tableware, uniforms, signage, logo, menus, marketing collateral, etc) which I use as my framework to ensure the overall image of the restaurant is cohesive and consistent. This phase is the most crucial part of the overall process. It results in a design vision that guides the entire project. I always find myself stumbling upon some “design magic” through this exploratory process. Narrowing it down to that final design conceptualization and managing every detail through the build process and to final customer enjoyment is a very rewarding experience.

How important are The International Hotel & Property Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?

Design is so subjective, therefore to be recognized by an expert panel, in a highly competitive industry, on a global platform is the highest confirmation of skill and achievement. Personally, it is enough of an honor to be shortlisted in the company of fellow design professionals from the industry. This award would truly provide assurance to future and existing clients, and validate my design work amongst the world’s best.

What projects are you currently working on?

Currently working on a combination of residential/commercial properties.

Prince Estate a 14000 sq ft villa on 8 acres perched on the cliff overlooking lake on the mountain. This modern industrial chic state-of-the art Villa Will include:

Private banquet room for 200+ people, 10 bedrooms with walkout patios and en-suites

Amenities include: Outdoor Pool, converted Gymnasium into event space, Temperature Controlled Wine Storage, Commercial kitchen.  It will offer the first of its kind all inclusive event venue for destination weddings in prince Edward county. PEC is one of the most sought after destinations in the world. It ranked 9th out of the 50 locations listed as ‘The Best Places to Travel’ according to Travel and Leisure Magazine published by Time Inc.

Also designing a large medical facility from design stage to full completion. Healthcare interior design has evolved immensely over the years with far more emphasis on the overall patient experience. As in commercial applications to residential design, the same mindset is being applied to medical clinics. The design incorporates many hospitality design details in this 5000sq ft medical clinic. Breaking rules with fresh concepts regarding reception areas, foodservice facilities, clean spaces, lighting effects, audio/visual applications, natural material, warm neutral colour pallets.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?

Blueblood steakhouse in Toronto’s historical Casa Loma was both my favourite project and at the same time, the most challenging project. The intention of the design was to cleverly juxtapose the beautiful historical backdrop with modern elements. To do so I used contemporary lighting, furnishing and modern fine art along side original early 1900s artifacts from the castle. Weworked closely with the city’s historical board regarding the build out of the restaurantevery detail was subjected to approval.

My first time Original Fine art collaboration with Mr Brainwash. My art direction and his execution on art pieces as focal elements in the space. In his words it will remain a one of a kind painting original for the castle not to ever be replicated.

Scoured the world for natural materials such as cowhides, leather, walnut wood and real antlers to use in Custom designed furniture and light fixtures to depict the sense of a traditional steakhouse.

Since the restaurant is housed in the city’s most prized historical venue, the challenge of the build-out was to consider minimal disruption to the original space. Every detail was designed with the ability to revert the space to its original form. Almost as though creating a permanent pop-up restaurant 🙂

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?

Custom craftsmen, custom upholsterers, woodworkers, fine-art.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

Aside from expanding into new projects outside of hospitality, my goals are from a personal growth perspective regarding my work. My mindset towards my work in Interior design has always been work is play, and in light of all that is going on in the world, that more than ever will resonate in my design approach moving forward. Designing with personality and comfort in mind. No flashy design that might date itself or take away from the intended experience — to feel it but not have it get in the way. Not taking myself too seriously. Never accepting the notion that it can’t be done and always thinking outside the box.

Your most treasured possession?

My most treasured possessions are my husband and sons. They inspire me everyday 🙂

Your favourite holiday destination?

I don’t have one favourite. My idea of a perfect holiday is traveling to exotic destinations to experience the diversities of different cultures from flavours to scents, from landscape to design and architecture. I’ve travelled to every continent. Each experience enriching my sense of style and design. That is my favorite holiday 🙂

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?

I personally enjoy small boutique style hotels. Exceptional attention to quality, service and detail are a priority for me. Aside from Xango 🙂 my other favourite restaurant at the moment is Central in Lima, Peru which was the inspiration for Xango.

I’m very saddened about the current state of the hotel and restaurant industry due to the covid19 pandemic. It’s going to be a challenging comeback. We all need to support this industry which has served the world so well.

Your favourite book, film & song?

Book – the obstacle is the way by Ryan Holiday

Film – Mahogany, Diana Ross’ life story

Song – set fire to the rain by Adele

Your favourite food and drink?

Food – Asian Fusion / Latin American Fusion

Drink – Fine Italian wine

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?

Retreating from the demands of work and enjoying spending time with my family.

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?

I have been designing since I was 17. I live and breathe design. It’s really the only thing I know how to do.

Liberty Entertainment Group

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