Iain Watson, David Collins Studio

Hospitality Design: What I've Learned

Growing up in Scotland, surrounded by Glasgow's vibrant culture and architecture, Iain Watson, CEO of David Collins Studio, found his passion early on. A chance meeting with David Collins changed his life forever. He started working alongside the designer over the summer. Since that pivotal moment, spanning more than three decades, Watson has remained an integral part of the studio's evolution. Together, they carved a niche in the hospitality industry, crafting iconic spaces, including chef Pierre Koffmann's La Tante Claire in Chelsea, Claridge's Bar at the Claridge's Hotel in London, and the Blue Bar in London's Berkeley Hotel. The firm is also one of a handful of designers behind the highly anticipated Fontainebleau Las Vegas, opening this month. After Collins’ death in 2013, Watson took the reins of the company, where he has ushered the studio into a new era while still honoring Collins’ legacy.

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