Hot Off the Press: 100 Hotels + Resorts

Questions and Answers with the book's editor, Howard J. Wolff

What was the catalyst for this new book of the firm's work?

We were approached by Images Publishing, in Australia. They let us know that a previous collection of WATG's work, Designing the World's Best Resorts, was one of their best-selling books on architecture and design worldwide. After several re-printings, including a Chinese edition, they wondered if we had enough new projects for another book.

Obviously, you did.

Indeed. Despite the title - 100 Hotels and Resorts - the 324-page, hard-cover book (11"x11" square), actually features 122 of our projects (77 of which were not in our last book). And for the older, iconic projects that did appear in the previous book, we managed to get all new photography.

Many books on architecture seem to be written for other design professionals. This is different. How so?

WATG's mission is "designing experiences that lift the spirit." That not only helped to determine the selection of projects to be included in the book but also influenced its tone. We wrote the book to appeal to lay people who love to travel; we wanted to give them a glimpse into what shapes the design of destinations.

What did you do to create such broad appeal?

We started with a clean layout and great photography with the goal of evoking the reaction, "I want to go there." Anticipating that readers might actually use the book as a guide for selecting destinations to visit, we added features like "Don't Miss" and "Guests Say" - which often have more to do with experiences than with architectural styles or interior design details.

But don't architecture and design have something to do with creating experiences?

Ah, yes. We like to think of ourselves as storytellers and escape artists. We create the scripts, the environments and the opportunities for people to satisfy their desire for rejuvenation, relaxation, romance, excitement and enrichment.

122 projects in this book, yet no two look alike. How do you do that?

WATG's signature is that we don't have a signature. We draw inspiration from the qualities that make each location unique. Our aim is to design destinations with a strong sense of place; we do so by embracing the principles of cultural authenticity and environmental sustainability.

Where can I find the book?

It's being distributed to bookstores throughout the world. You can also find it online at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and Wanbooks.com. Amazingly, it’s already #947,141 on Amazon’s list of best-selling books and rising fast!

Destination Design Firm WATG Publishes New Book