Meet the interior designer behind some of the world’s top hotels: Tara Bernerd’s clients include Four Seasons, Rosewood and Belmond, with her latest project being Thompson Hollywood
- After The Hari Hong Kong in 2020, Bernerd’s London-based company worked on Four Seasons Hotel Fort Lauderdale in Florida, and Conrad Grand Avenue Hotel with Frank Gehry
- Bernerd used to be at Yoo with Philippe Starck, draws inspiration from Yves St Laurent and the Bauhaus movement, and her favourite timepiece is the Patek Philippe 5168G Aquanaut
“The next six months ahead are very exciting, as we complete the model rooms phase with Belmond, for a [new] resort. In December our Four Seasons Hotel Fort Lauderdale launches in Florida.” Then early next year, Conrad Grand Avenue Hotel will open in the heart of the Grand Avenue Arts District in Los Angeles, opposite Disney Concert Hall. “We worked closely with architect Frank Gehry on this remarkable destination project, that is set to transform the area,” she continues.
With such a busy life, Bernerd attributes having a good team as helping her attain a balanced lifestyle. “I count myself extremely fortunate in that I love what I do,” says Bernerd, who worked alongside Philippe Starck at Yoo before she opened her own design company. “I am heavily involved in every project we design so my schedule tends to be extremely busy. However, I have great partners and a team that I work closely with; the synergy in the studio means that we have strong communication, which is key. They are exceptionally talented and dedicated and this allows balance.”
She says she thrives off a routine, with weekdays starting at 8 to 9am and working up until 7pm. “These times shift depending on calls when we have to take in different time zones between Asia and the US, as I am based in Europe. However time off and time with family is of huge importance and unless I am travelling to a project, I will usually always honour the weekend.”