TOP INTERIOR DESIGNER: Tihany Design

Aug

Dam D. Tihany has garnered widespread admiration for his hospitality designs. His sophisticated, often groundbreaking work is the result, in part, of his global perspective. The firm dedicates itself to custom-tailoring restaurants and hotels to reflect each client’s singular vision and unique brand of hospitality.

Upon graduating from the Politecnico di Milano School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tihany apprenticed at design firms in Europe.
Shortly after moving to New York City in 1976, Tihany established his own multi-disciplinary studio that encompassed all aspects of design—from commercial and residential interiors to furniture, products, exhibitions, and graphics.

In 1981, the studio began specializing in hospitality design with the creation of La Coupole, and he was inducted into the Interior Design Hall of Fame in 1991. Known for successfully integrating bold, contemporary designs in landmarks spaces, Tihany design’s aesthetic is an unexpected integration of contrasting element that together create perfect harmony.

Working globally in the most international cities his projects are characterized by their strong sense of place and individuality, Thinay projects reflects the multicultural staff in the office. Tihany has spent the last three decades turning Tihany Design into one of the leaders in luxurious and innovative spaces in hospitality.

In 2001, he opened the Rome office of Tihany Designs. That same year, he was named Bon Appetit’s Designer of the Year. Since then, he’s created signature restaurants for chefs, such as Heston Blumenthal, Thomas Keller, Daniel Boulud, Charlie Palmer, Pierre Gagnaire, and Jean-Georges Vongerichten. His hotel designs include the One & Only Cape Town resort in South Africa, the Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas, the Westin Chosun in Seoul, Korea, and The Joule in Dallas.

Tihany designed and curated two major exhibits for the Milan Furniture Fair—Grand Hotel Salone in 2002 and Dining by Design in 2004. He invited international star architects Zaha Hadid, Jean Nouvel, and Richard Meier, among many others, to submit designs.

Tihany is an educator and frequent lecturer in conferences and universities around the world. His contribution to the world of design has been recognized with numerous accolades, including an Honorary Doctorate from the New York School of Interior Design. His monograph Tihany Designwas published by Monacelli Press in 1999, and his second book Tihany Style was published by Mondadori Electa in 2004. In August 2011, he was appointed Art Director of The Culinary Institute of America.