Appointment marks next step in award winning hospitality design firm's Middle East expansion

Dubai, UAE, 05 March, 2014 - HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates, the world's leading hospitality design firm, has named interior designer Martin Farrow as the latest Associate to join the expanding Middle East design team in HBA's Dubai office.

Managing projects, staff and operations within the Dubai office, Martin brings with him over 25 years' experience in creating world-class luxury interiors for some of the world's most prestigious hotels, including the Burj al Arab, Dubai, Madinat Resort Jumeirah, Dubai, The Four Seasons Hotel, Hong Kong, and The Mandarin Oriental, Prague. Tasked with leading the luxurious Fairmont Hotel project in Lagos, Nigeria, Martin looks to expand HBA Middle East's operations further into Africa as demand for high-end hospitality continues to grow in the region.

Prior to joining HBA, Martin headed the commercial department at McVitty Interior Consultants, in addition to spending over 15 years at KCA International, growing from Design Manager to Senior Associate. Qualified as an Interior designer, Martin also has an MA in Fine Art, bringing his unique creative flair to the HBA design team.

Commenting on his design style, Martin says; "One of the most important factors in my approach to design is the ability to provide clients with the best creative solutions and a personal approach that delivers more than just the 'wow' factor. I firmly believe that building strong working relationships which are based on effective communication with clients is the key to creating and delivering unique designs, which combine a blend of innovative ideas along with practical solutions to turn a concept into a reality. With HBA's world renowned reputation and holistic approach to hospitality interior design, I feel confident that together we can continue to create inspired interiors that truly put guest experiences first."

Leila Abdulrahim, Director, HBA Middle East says; "HBA prides itself on hiring employees with leadership potential, integrity, creativity, and the ability to work with people at all levels and locations. Martin brings with him a flair and passion for interior design, and we are delighted to welcome him to our ever-growing Middle East team. Having worked on some of the most prestigious projects seen in the region such as the Burj al Arab, Dubai, we feel excited to continue both his and our track-record of designing world-class interiors for clients across the region and around the globe."

Following a highly successful year of expansion in 2013, HBA's strategy will continue to take the form of celebrating its employees and incubating talent amongst its global network of passionate designers. It has a worldwide design team of 1,300 people, with more than 90% of employees now based outside of the United States.

About HBA
World-renowned as the "Number 1 Hospitality Design Firm" (Interior Design) and honored in 2012 by the Gold Key Awards, Hospitality Design, Perspective Awards, the Boutique Design Awards and the European Hotel Design Awards; HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates, unveils the world's most anticipated hotels, resorts, and spas.  Leading the hospitality interior design industry since 1965, HBA remains keenly attuned to the pulse of changing industry trends governed by today's sophisticated traveler. The company's international presence, depth of experience, and detailed industry knowledge enables them to identify interior design trends at their source, make definitive predictions about new directions and innovations, and influence design standards at a global level.  HBA's ultimate objective is to add value, raise standards and enhance the brand of a project's owner and operator.

HBA creates the signature look of traditional luxury brands, independent contemporary boutiques, urban resort spas, world-class residences, restaurants, casinos, and cruise ships. From continent to continent, each HBA interior is the result of a unique and sensitive response to location, architecture, and client vision. With over 1,000 designers around the globe in 16 offices and a recent expansion in Asia, HBA is a true global company with more than 75% of its employees now outside the United States. HBA's international presence, combined with its extensive knowledge of the interior design industry, has facilitated the ability to rewrite the language of design with each new project.

For HBA in Los Angeles, Atlanta, San Francisco, London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo, Singapore, Melbourne, New Delhi, Dubai Moscow, Istanbul, Thailand and Manila, visit www.hba.com.

© Press Release 2014