The Quick Six with German Mendoza

German is a Senior Designer for Wimberly Interiors at our London office. With over 20 years of experience in architecture and interior design, German has a keen eye for detail and a passion for quality. Known among the team for being proactive and self-motivated, Mendoza collaborates with owners, developers and operators to deliver unique and inspiring interior design. His portfolio includes an array of prestigious and internationally acclaimed projects such as the Kempinski Hotel Jinan and Viceroy Kopaonik Serbia, the Ritz-Carlton Amman, and St. Regis Astana.

On the occasion of being included in The Brit List’s Top 25 Interior Designers of 2022, we chat to German about where it all started, his biggest career risks, and creating a sense of place through design.

What was the first design project you ever worked on?

I have been working purely in hospitality design for the past 10 years. I studied architecture in Venezuela and moved to London to pursue my education and do a Master’s degree. I started working in London shortly after completing my Master’s and was involved mainly in high-end residential projects in London and Internationally.

One of the first projects I worked on at WATG was the Abu Dhabi Edition. It has been open for three years and it is very exciting to watch it evolve and see the impact it has had on its surroundings.

What is the biggest career risk you’ve ever taken, and did it pay off?

My career path has been steady, but the nature of my job always puts me outside my comfort zone. I am currently working on the design of a luxury train where every millimetre counts. Having never worked under such spatial constraints, that was something that made me nervous. I generally feel comfortable taking calculated risks – the best way of conquering one’s fears is to face them head-on!

What three things do you always take on a business trip?

I have to say I am quite organized when it comes to packing for a business trip, although funnily enough, I do tend to forget my business cards! I am really excited about getting e-business cards in the new year as part of a sustainability initiative in our firm. Other than that, so long as I have my passport and my camera with me, the world is good.

A large part of your role in design is to shape urban and leisure destinations. What is your favourite place to visit?

Being an avid traveller, I always find that my favourite part of travelling is seeing a new perspective on things. A few years back we landed a project in Jinan, China. The city is famous for its natural springs, but it also has a rich culture and heritage. Our visit to site was paramount as we infused the initial design narrative with the patterns and finishes we discovered.

If you had to pick one design trend to make a comeback or could predict a future trend, what would it be?

The future is exciting, and we are always looking at new trends, but what really gives gravitas to our designs is the research we carry out during the initial design stages. We weave this research into our designs to create something unique which has significance.

As designers of tourist destinations, we are all familiar with the term creating a sense of place. This is often formed initially through the landscape or architecture but as interior designers, we delve deeper to deliver the unexpected. Our aim is to orchestrate a sequence of spaces that captivate guests.

One piece of advice to aspiring designers?

Don’t ever stop learning. In my experience, the only way to truly grow in this profession is to always be open to learning, asking questions, and seeking guidance. Learn from those with more experience than you.

Finally, have fun along the way! It is a privilege to work with such a fantastic group of people.