Transylvanian born creative, Adam Tihany, is somewhat of a superstar in the interior design and architect world. Boasting a slew of global achievements over his impressive career – he was named one of the greatest American architects by The New York Times – the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recently commissioned the famed craftsman to bring his artistic flair to the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah Hotel in Riyadh.
Located in the heart of Riyadh, the 5-star Al Faisaliah Hotel has been remastered and rebranded as the newest Mandarin Oriental property in the Middle East. Tihany Design led the redesign of all guestrooms and suites as well as the ground floor lobby, level 1 meeting rooms and 3 atriums.
Esquire Middle East sits down for an exclusive interview with the interior mastermind to discuss his Transylvanian roots, working in Saudi Arabia, and his appreciation for Arabic art and culture.
Esquire: You were born amongst crazy Gothic castles in Transylvania, then studied in Milan, before leading the interior design for some of the world’s most well-known hotels and restaurants from L.A to New Delhi. What design aesthetic has shaped your work the most?
Adam Tihany: The privilege of having been exposed to many cultures, languages and customs prepares you to appreciate a wide array of styles. My work reflects this diversity and celebrates the beauty of many aesthetic choices.
Esquire: How did this new collaboration (with Mandarin Oriental) come about?
AT: My relationship with Mandarin Oriental goes back to 2000 when I was invited to design a bar and restaurant at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London. Through the years, we have had the privilege of collaborating with the Group on numerous projects around the globe – from Hong Kong to Istanbul.
Esquire: How does it feel to be entrusted with reimagining such an iconic Saudi landmark as Al Faisaliah Hotel? Was it challenging to blend historical, local culture with a modern, international design?
AT: The ultimate challenge when working on iconic properties is how to breath new excitement and innovations into the space while keeping its original DNA intact. A sophisticated interpretation requires in-depth research and understanding of a place’s history, demographic and all matters related to the local culture, forming a custom-tailored design.
Esquire: Tell us about how you incorporated Saudi influences into the space.
AT: Our mission was to create a site-specific hotel. As such, Saudi influences are critical to the success of the project. Our approach is quite subtle: the references whisper rather than shout. They are incorporated subtly in the weaving of the custom carpets and fabrics, reflected through local art and artifacts, and even inspired by unseen details in the furniture, lighting, colour scheme and wall coverings.
Esquire: How do you feel hospitality design has evolved – specifically in the Middle East?
AT: Visionary developments throughout the Middle East, especially in KSA, are opening the door to a major wave of innovation in architecture, design, sustainability and technology. The hospitality sector is reaping the benefits, right at the forefront of global tourism and luxury lifestyles.
Esquire: You have been called a “portrait artist” in the past for the way you craft a space as a direct extension of a brand or person. To what extent does place/region play into that?
AT: Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh is a portrait of the beautiful marriage between the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and the city of Riyadh.
For more information about the hotel, click here.
