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The Premier Business-to-Business Event
for the Hospitality Interior Design Industry

Seminar Info 2009

Friday 13 November 13:35 – 14:35

The Future Solutions for Asia hospitality design

Speaker: Barbara Allen, Chief Executive Officer, HLA

Barbara, founder and CEO of HLA, has been in the forefront of Interior Design for the past 25 years.  Holding a Diploma in Interior Design, Barbara was educated in Stuttgart, Germany before graduating in Singapore, followed by advanced University courses in London and San Diego, California where she studied Environmental Design, Architecture and Art History.  Barbara is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers, The National Historic Preservation Society, the United States Green Building Council, and the Hong Kong Designers Association.

A noted specialist in the hospitality industry she has been a guest speaker to Sheraton Hotels, Intercontinental Hotels, the San Francisco Design Council, and various Government and Construction Associations around the world. 

Barbara’s earlier experiences, as an Executive Director of Leo Burnett responsible for product and brand development and as the Acting USA Cultural Affairs Officer in the Middle East, where she studied Islamic Art, provide her with an unusual edge to her design approach.  As a result of Barbara’s knowledge in branding and positioning, HLA often advise operators and owners, as development consultants, in addition to providing design and lead consultancy services.

Barbara has designed more than 15 Royal Residences and Offices, 30 hotels, 10 service apartment towers, 2 hospitals, 20 Restaurants, 10 spas, and 1 cruise ship.  She is listed in the Who’s Who in Asia Pacific, and Who’s Who in Interior Design.  

In 2004 Barbara was awarded a Royal Warrant in the UAE and in 2007 the company was given an award for architectural and interior design Excellence in Design from the Industrial Bank of Taipei (to both Monica and Barbara). 

In 2009 Barbara was selected by the Italian luxury furniture manufacturers, Colombo Stile, to design a new collection of luxury furnishing, joining an elite list of international furniture designers.

HLA have offices in Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Kuala Lumpur, with rep offices in Jeddah, India, and China. HLA provide interior design and concept architectural services to the hospitality & leisure industry. The company is currently designer to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Taipei, and the Intercontinental Hotel & Spa Resort in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.