Tell us more about the history of your firm. What motivated the focus on luxury?
I founded Tara Bernerd & Partners 23 years ago, with the aim of creating a design practice that combined creativity with a strong business foundation. From the beginning, I’ve been passionate about delivering designs that reflect the character of the client and their location, while also providing a sense of timeless elegance. Working with renowned brands like Four Seasons, Belmond, and Rosewood has allowed us to refine and showcase this vision on a global stage.
What type of projects are you normally pursuing? Are there any specific parts of a new hotel project you specialise in?
We work on a wide array of projects, from luxury hotels and residences to yachts. Within hotel projects, we take a holistic approach, designing everything from public spaces to the guest rooms and often bespoke furniture. I very much believe that each element of a hotel should contribute to the overall guest experience, creating a seamless narrative throughout the property.
Is there a common DNA for all the projects designed by Tara Bernerd & Partners?
Our designs are deeply layered and rooted in their environment. We always aim to create a sense of place, drawing upon the local culture, the history, and craftsmanship. Every project has its own distinct identity, but they all share a commitment to understated luxury and an inviting, residential feel. It’s about crafting spaces that feel authentic and timeless.
How important is it for luxury hotel projects to have a sense of place?
A hotel should feel like an extension of its surroundings, offering guests a genuine connection to the locale. By incorporating local materials and working closely with artisans, we ensure each project resonates with its environment while maintaining a contemporary edge. For example, our work at Maroma in Riviera Maya heavily drew upon Mexican heritage and craftsmanship.
Which completed projects do you consider the most representative of your work?
Every project is special, but a few stand out. Maroma, A Belmond Hotel in Riviera Maya is a beautiful blend of local craftsmanship and contemporary design. Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale represents a milestone as one of our first Four Seasons and hotels in South Florida. Another highlight is Rosewood Munich, our first collaboration with the brand, which brings a refined, residential style to the heart of Munich.
To what extent do you follow trends? Is there a recipe to achieve desirability for your designs?
As a rule I tend to avoid trends, instead creating designs that are considered and timeless. Desirability comes from understanding how people live and interact with spaces. It’s about balancing functionality with beauty, layering textures, and ensuring the space feels both personal and inviting.
How do you define luxury when it comes to hospitality?
Luxury is about creating an experience that feels effortless and personal. It’s found in the details: the way a space flows, the tactile nature of the materials, and the thoughtful integration of comfort and elegance. Above all, luxury should be understated, it’s about making people feel at home, even when they’re far from it.
What about innovation when it comes to materials used or finishes?
We’re always exploring innovative materials and techniques, often combining them with traditional elements to create a rich, layered aesthetic. Sustainability is also a priority, and we work hard to ensure that every material we use, be it wood, stone, or textiles, is responsibly sourced.
Most luxury hospitality and residential projects are also about comfort and functionality. Tell us more.
Layouts and functionality are at the core of all our designs. Every detail is carefully considered, from the flow of a space to the height of a chair or the texture of a fabric. Whether in a hotel or a home, the goal is to create spaces that are as practical as they are beautiful, enhancing the experience for everyone who uses them.
Have you considered the launch of your own retail for interior design items?
It’s certainly an idea we’ve explored. Many of the bespoke pieces we design for our projects have attracted interest, and it’s exciting to think about how we could share them with a wider audience.
How do you view the impact of AI?
AI is a fascinating tool, particularly for visualisation and project management. However, design is fundamentally human—it’s about emotion, intuition, and storytelling. While AI can and will enhance certain aspects of our process, it will never replace the creative instincts and personal connections that define great design.
What is your current pipeline?
At Tara Bernerd & Partners, we have a wonderfully diverse pipeline at the moment. We have a number of hotels in Italy, including one in the heart of Milan, as well as an exciting new project in Japan. We’re also continuing our work on high-profile projects like the St Regis Residences and Hotel at Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale. Each project presents its own unique challenges and opportunities, and I’m thrilled to see how they evolve.
Tara Bernerd
