May 28, 2012
interior designer alexandra champalimaud
Some of the most well-known hotels of the world - especially in the USA - have had the interiors designed by New York-based Alexandra Champalimaud. In America, she is behind looks at the Hotel Bel-Air, The Algonquin Hotel, The Carlyle and is in the process of redesigning the Waldorf Astoria. In London Alexandra has been working on the interiors for The Dorchester and has completed hotel commissions in other countries including China and Germany. Alexandra was born in Portugal and started her first interior design business in Montreal, Canada. In 1994 she moved her offices to New York to reflect her growing US and international client base. Alexandra has also designed a line of rugs for The Rug Company and will release a fabric range for Holland & Sherry.
How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? My first hotel work was with a professor from my university in Lisbon. It was the Hotel Vilalara in the Algare in Portugal. In my career and in my life I look for open doors and then I just walk through them.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? To bring more white into a room.
What’s your proudest career achievement? I’m not sure I’ve had it yet, but at the moment I am particularly proud of the Canyon Villas at the Hotel Bel-Air.
What’s been your best decision? Being fearless.
Who inspires you? My sons.
What are you passionate about? Health and fitness, design, fashion, travel and my family.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Again... my mother.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? A grand hotel in Paris - the renovation and reimagining of.
What are you reading? Steve Jobs biography
images courtesy of alexandra champalimaud