Portfolio
Vincom CenterHo Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Enrique Ary Pepino is a talented designer with over eight years of design experience. He joined WATG in 2005 and has since worked on several major urban and resort hotels and mixed-use projects around the world. He has a strong sense of cultural sensitivity and creativity in conceptual design resulting in the creation of unique and versatile projects. Originally from Argentina, his extensive work throughout South America, Africa, Europe and the Middle East has equipped him with an acute knowledge and appreciation of the importance of creating a sense of place and how this ultimately impacts the guest experience.
How did you end up in London?
I had no idea I would end up in London; but when the train of life comes, you pick your train and there you go!
I was working for a firm in Argentina and I transferred to their London office when presented with the opportunity. This was a firm that specialized in hotels, and I spent three years at that company. We worked mainly in Spain and Portugal. I felt like it would be good for my career to have a second experience in another company; so, since WATG is a leader in the industry, I applied.
What makes designing hotels/destinations compelling for you over other kinds of architecture?
In my experience, the nice thing about designing hotels, and specially working at WATG with worldwide projects, is that as a designer you have to study and understand each project's cultural background. The variety of cultures makes it very interesting. I also enjoy working with interdisciplinary teams and creative people from different backgrounds.
What is your favorite project you've worked on at WATG?
I think each project has something unique or special. If I had to choose one, it would be the Le Meridien Cairo Airport Hotel. It was my favorite because I worked on it from concept to construction documentation.
What projects are you working on now?
I'm working on a 900-key hotel and residential mixed-use development for the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia. I'm also working on a 120-key hotel with retail, residential, clubhouse and villas in Antalya, Turkey. The operator is going to be Missoni, and WATG created the master plan and will also do the interiors and landscape design, as well. Furthermore, the Mall of Kazakhstan is a mixed-use project that will consist of a hotel along with retail and residential components. We're also doing some work in Abu Dhabi.
What makes a great hotel?
In my opinion, it's a hotel that can give you a sense of place, where you can have a unique experience. You don't tire of a great hotel - you always want to revisit.
What is your favorite destination?
I like places with strong identities. I really enjoyed traveling to Egypt and Turkey. They're just living in a different way. Time is on a different scale. You'll see someone who works for months on a piece of stone. It's impossible to find that in many other parts of the world.
