Kurnia Betty Chew

Extensive passion and dedication Design Manager with demonstrated histories of solid experience in Hospitality Design Industry.

Long service opportunity in managing and accomplished many prestigious hotels responsible from conceptual design to completion in varying regions, will continue to set goals higher and exceed expectations to assume a key role in a prestigious Hotel Brand.

With passion for design, extensive experience, and dedication to excellence, she aims to drive innovation, create exceptional guest experiences, and elevate the Brand’s reputation with unique and authentic design that align with the owner’s vision and meet Global Hotel Brand Standards.

Ms Office

Autocad

SketchUP

Photoshop

Major Accomplishments and Recognitions (2000 - Present)

Throughout my career in the Hospitality Design Industry, I have successfully completed numerous projects at various stages [Concept Design & Space planning, Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documentation, Site Implementation to Completion of the project], demonstrating my expertise and commitment to excellence.

Here are the key accomplishments and recognitions for projects completed at different stages from 2000 to present:

Hotels & Resorts

• Intercontinental Hotel & Resorts, Penang - Malaysia
• Fairmont Hotel, Hanoi - Vietnam
• Langham Hotel, Nanjing - China
• 5 Star Hotel, Tashkent - Uzbekistan
• Marriott Hotel, Danang - Vietnam
• Ritz Carlton Hotel, Tashkent - Uzbekistan
• Crowne Plaza Hotel, Sabah - Kota Kinabalu
• Crowne Jewel Residences, Sabah - Kota Kinabalu
• Hilton Hotel, Okinawa - Japan
• Renaissance Hotel, Xian - China

[2019 BDNY Gold Key Award Finalist - Best Hotel Upscale]

• OUE Twin Peak - Singapore
• Ritz Carlton Hotel, Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia
• Four Season Hotel, Pudong - Shanghai - China

[Inspire Travel's 2013 Luxe List for Finest Business Hotel]

• Sheraton Gandaria Hotel, Jakarta - Indonesia
• Four Seasons Hotel, Zanzibar - Tanzania
• Sheraton Hotel Qingdao - China
• St Regis Hotel, Zhuhai - China
• Shangri-La Hotel, Pudong - China
• Shangri-La Hotel Garden Wing - Singapore
• Sheraton 1000 Island Lake Resort, Hangzhou - China
• Le Meridien Hotel, Bangkok - Thailand
• Hilton Hotel, Luxor - Egypt
• Sheraton Lion Lake Resort & Hotel, Qingyuan - China

Restaurant

• Maze Restaurant - London
• The Planefood Restaurant - London

Public Building

• National Library - Singapore
• Changi Airport Terminal 3 - Singapore

Primary Roles and focus:

> Collaboration and Integration

• Consultant and Contractor Collaboration: Effectively collaborates with a diverse range of consultants (Architects, Structural, MEP, AV/IT, Landscape, Lighting, Signage, Acoustic specialists, etc.) and contractors. Ensures that all design elements are seamlessly integrated into the project, maintaining consistency with the overall vision and brand standards of the client.
• Design Program Alignment: Guarantees that the Design Program aligns with the client’s vision and adheres to Global Hotel Brand Standards, ensuring that the final product meets both aesthetic and functional requirements.
• Seamless Integration: Facilitates the smooth integration of interior design elements with other project components, ensuring that all elements work together to achieve the client’s vision and meet Global Hotel Brand Standards.
• Vision Alignment: Actively works to align the design with the client’s overall vision and brand identity, ensuring that the final product is not only functional but also reflective of the brand's core values and image.

> Team and Project Management

• Leadership in Design Phases:
• Concept Design: Leads the brainstorming and development of initial design concepts that meet the project brief and client expectations.
• Space Planning: Directs the layout and organization of spaces to optimize functionality, flow, and user experience.
• Schematic Design: Oversees the transition from concept to schematic design, ensuring that ideas are developed into feasible design solutions.
• Design Development: Manages the refinement of designs, including material selection, detailing, and coordination with other disciplines.
• Construction Drawings: Ensures the accurate and detailed production of construction drawings that contractors can easily interpret and execute.
• Site Implementation: Leads the design team in monitoring and managing the implementation of designs on-site, ensuring that construction aligns with design intentions.
• Resource and Timeline Management: Manages resources, schedules, and budgets to ensure that the design process is executed efficiently. Allocates tasks within the Design Team and ensures all deliverables are met within project timelines.
• Material Specification Management: Oversees the selection and specification of materials, ensuring that they meet project objectives, design schemes, and budget constraints.

> Communication and Coordination

• Daily Design Communication: Facilitates daily communication among the Design Team, consultants, and contractors. Ensures that all design-related queries and issues are addressed promptly, preventing delays and ensuring clarity.
• Coordination Meetings: Regularly participates in and contributes to project coordination meetings, where the latest design developments, changes, and updates are discussed. Ensures that all stakeholders are informed and aligned.
• Information Flow Management: Proactively requests and manages the flow of updated drawings, specifications, and other relevant documents. Ensures that all consultants and contractors have access to the most current information, reducing the risk of errors or misunderstandings.

> Space Planning and Design Development

• Public and Guest-room Areas:
• Public Areas: Develops space planning solutions for public areas such as lobbies, restaurants, lounges, and meeting rooms, ensuring they are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and aligned with the brand’s identity.
• Guest-rooms: Designs guest-rooms with attention to detail, focusing on comfort, usability, and brand consistency. Ensures that the layout optimises space and enhances the guest experience.
• F&B and Facilities Areas: Plans spaces for Food & Beverage outlets and other facilities, ensuring that they are functional, meet operational needs, and comply with all relevant regulations.
• Compliance and Regulation Adherence: Ensures that all space planning complies with local authority requirements, including fire safety, accessibility, and other regulatory standards.
• Room Matrix Management: Provides and manages the Room Matrix, detailing the number, type, and location of rooms. Ensures that the matrix aligns with the overall Facility Guest-room program and meets the Hotel Brand’s standards.

> Design Execution and Documentation

• Comprehensive Design Development:
• Concept Design: Translates the client’s vision into a cohesive design concept, considering aesthetics, functionality, and brand identity.
• Schematic Design: Develops the initial concept into a schematic design, detailing layouts, materials, and key design features.
• Design Development: Refines the schematic design, focusing on material selection, detailing, and coordination with other project disciplines.
• Construction Documentation: Prepares detailed construction drawings and documentation that guide the construction process, ensuring accuracy and clarity for contractors.
• Presentation and Communication: Utilises AUTOCAD and other design tools to create presentations and communicate design concepts effectively to clients and stakeholders.
• Material Specification and Sourcing:
• Product Selection: Carefully selects products and materials that align with the design scheme and project objectives. Considers factors such as durability, aesthetics, sustainability, and cost.
• Documentation: Thoroughly documents all selected materials and products, providing clear specifications for procurement and construction teams.
• Timeline and Quality Control: Ensures that all stages of the design process are completed within the project timeline. Monitors quality control to ensure that the final deliverables meet the highest standards.

> Drawing Review and Coordination

• Internal Review and Feedback:
• Drawing Review: Regularly reviews design drawings at all stages, providing feedback and ensuring that they align with the overall design vision.
• Coordination with Consultants: Ensures that all drawings are coordinated across different disciplines, identifying and resolving any conflicts or discrepancies.
• External Consultant Coordination: Works closely with external consultants to ensure that their drawings and designs are aligned with the project’s overall objectives. Facilitates communication between consultants to address any issues or concerns.
• Construction Progress Monitoring: Regularly visits the construction site to monitor progress and ensure that it aligns with the approved design plans. Identifies potential issues early and works with the construction team to resolve them.
• Safety and Compliance: Ensures that all construction activities meet safety standards and comply with local regulations. Works with contractors to address any safety concerns or compliance issues.

> Design Presentation and Material Selection

• Visual Representation:
• Floor Plans and Elevations: Creates detailed floor plans and elevations that accurately represent the design intentions. These are used for both internal review and client presentations.
• 3D Perspective Views: Develops 3D perspective views to help visualize the final design. These views are essential for conveying the design to clients and other stakeholders.
• Material Boards: Prepares material boards that showcase the selected materials, finishes, and color palettes. These boards are used during presentations to communicate the design scheme.
• Space Planning Concepts: Develops innovative space planning concepts that optimize functionality and enhance the user experience. Ensures that all spaces are designed with the end-user in mind.
• Color Palette and Textile Selection:
• Color Palette Development: Carefully selects color palettes that complement the overall design and reflect the brand’s identity.
• Textile Selection: Chooses textiles that enhance the aesthetic and tactile experience of the space. Considers factors such as durability, maintenance, and sustainability.
• Product and Material Documentation:
• Specification Sheets: Creates detailed specification sheets for all selected products and materials. These sheets include information on product sources, finishes, and installation guidelines.
• Documentation for Procurement: Ensures that all product and material specifications are thoroughly documented and communicated to procurement teams, facilitating smooth sourcing and delivery.

> Supplier and Vendor Coordination

• Furnishings and Fixtures Sourcing:
• Practicality and Cost-Effectiveness: Proposes alternative furnishings and fixtures that meet design requirements while being practical and cost-effective.
• Sourcing Coordination: Coordinates with suppliers to source high-quality products that align with the project’s budget and timeline.
• Vendor Management:
• Vendor Selection: Works closely with vendors to select products that meet design specifications and project requirements.
• Negotiation and Coordination: Negotiates with vendors to secure the best possible prices and delivery timelines. Ensures that all vendor-supplied products meet quality standards and are delivered on time.
• Product and Material Quality Control:
• Inspection and Approval: Inspects all materials and products upon delivery to ensure they meet the required specifications and quality standards.
• Issue Resolution: Works with suppliers and vendors to resolve any issues related to product quality, delivery timelines, or installation.

> Site Inspection and Project Completion

• Mock-Up Room Reviews:
• Design Accuracy: Attends Mock-Up Room Reviews to ensure that the constructed spaces accurately reflect the design intentions.
• Client and Stakeholder Feedback: Collects feedback from clients and stakeholders during Mock-Up Room Reviews and makes necessary adjustments to the design.
• Site Inspections:
• Progress Monitoring: Conducts regular site inspections to monitor construction progress and ensure alignment with design plans.
• Quality Assurance: Ensures that all construction work meets the required quality standards
• Hotel Opening Inspections: Attends site inspections during Hotel Openings to ensure that the finished project meets all brand standards and client expectations.

October 2023 - Present | Sabbatical

Objective: Personal and Professional Development

Sabbatical season has not only enriched my professional skillset but also provided a holistic approach to personal and community development, preparing me for future challenges and opportunities in the hospitality design industry.

Focus Areas:

> Professional Development:

• Enrolled in online courses, seminars, and workshops focused on Design and Management to enhance professional skills.
• Advanced computer skills through targeted learning programs, including proficiency in design software.

> Industry Research and Exploration:

• Explored new trends in hotel design through travel and conferences.

> Volunteer Work:

• Participated in community projects at the local church.

> Personal Growth:

• Balanced personal and professional life with quality family time.