30 Dec Q&A with Jacki Arena of Jacki Arena Interiors
About the Designer
Jacki Arena is a Florida Licensed Interior Designer and the founder of Jacki Arena Interiors, Inc. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Interior Design from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, Florida and has been an influential member of the hospitality industry since 1992. While working at the Boca Raton Resort and Club during art school, she discovered her desire to design luxury experiences in the hospitality industry. She began researching the connection between hospitality spaces and human emotions. She studied people as much as she studied design. Working as in-house designer for Extended Stay America developing prototypes and then as a designer for Sandals Resorts provided her with well-rounded experience ranging from business hotels to luxury resorts which were building blocks in the foundation of her design principles.
About the Company
With more than 85 hospitality projects, JAI is a leader in the hospitality design industry. Jacki Arena leads a well-rounded team of individuals that offer decades of experience in specialized areas of design, such as architectural design, furniture procurement, and artistry. She also believes in a mentorship business model that allows her team to influence up-and-coming interior designers. JAI is committed to designing spaces that make an impact in the lives of all who experience them. She feels that telling a human story through the design of a space is essential to creating Design that Makes a Difference.
Where did you get your start in the design industry?
My first job, that I am forever grateful for, was as in-house designer for a new hotel brand called Extended Stay America in 1996. I helped design the prototypes for Extended Stay America and Studio Plus, but was also fortunate enough to participate in the early stages of ESA’s branding and operations decisions which became the building block in the foundation of my design principles.
What made you start Jacki Arena Interiors?
A client I worked closely with while at a previous company, who has since become one of my mentors, gave me an opportunity to design a hotel on my own in 2001 and from there, doors continued to open and I began living out my passion.
Can you describe the atmosphere and design process in your studio when working on a project?
I select a lead designer based on project, brand and client experience then bring on support team as needed for production and support. Since we have an open design studio, everyone is familiar with the projects “on the table” so offer input as needed as well. For larger projects, we start with a full team charette / collaboration.
Can you tell us about one project you are extremely proud of?
Front Street Village Inn & Bistro – recent boutique hotel we completed in Beaufort NC. A beautiful location and even more beautiful relationships formed through that project. Definitely met my purpose of Design That Makes a Difference.
If you weren’t designing, what would you be doing?
Traveling and Photography…or perhaps travel photography!
What is one vacation you have gone on that you would recommend other people take?
Visit Bermuda. It is all the charm of a Caribbean island, but without the poverty…and just off the coast of North Carolina. Lovely people and breathtaking scenery!
Are there any design trends you are starting to see that could alter the industry?
Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence. I don’t think we can begin to imagine where these will take us as a people and an industry five to ten years from now.
Check out Jacki Arena’s textile design for the Lebatex, Inc. 20th Anniversary Designer Collection!
For more information, visit www.jackiarenainteriors.com or check them out on instagram.
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