Podcast

Clint Nagata Unlocking the Art and Innovation, And The Future of Luxury Hotel Design

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Luxury Hotel Designer Clint Nagata On Unlocking the Art and Innovation Behind High-End Luxury Hotels.

Unlocking the Secrets of Luxury Hotels. A Podcast Conversation Between Renae Leith-Manos and Clint Nagata

In the ever-evolving world of luxury hotels, design plays a crucial role in shaping guest experiences. Renae sits down with Clint Nagata, the visionary founder of BLINK Design Group, to uncover the intricacies of luxury hospitality design, the industry’s latest trends, and the future of high-end accommodation.

For over 18 years, Clint has redefined luxury hospitality with his distinctive approach, blending his Hawaiian roots with a global perspective.

His work spans continents, from the serene beaches of Southeast Asia to the bustling cityscapes of Japan, weaving cultural traditions, nature’s beauty, and contemporary elegance.

His impressive portfolio includes Six Senses Kyoto, Fullerton Hotel Ocean Park Hong Kong, Regent Phu Quoc in Vietnam, JW Marriott Khao Lak, and the Hilton LXR Hotel line’s Roku Kyoto in Japan.

The Regent Phu Quoc, Vietnam Designed By Clint Ngata

Designing with Purpose and Vision

In conversation, Clint reveals that each hotel project begins differently, but key elements remain constant: the owner’s vision, the brand’s core pillars, and the location’s essence.

Designing a luxury hotel isn’t an overnight process—projects typically take anywhere from two to five years. Frequent travel fuels his creativity, providing inspiration from diverse cultures and environments.

Reflecting on his journey, Clint shares how his career took an unexpected turn from architecture to luxury hotel design. His first project in China nearly two decades ago set the stage for his future, and he has since chosen Bangkok as his creative base, drawn by its vibrancy and energy.

Inside the elegant Regent Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Evolving Expectations in Luxury Hospitality

The luxury hotel landscape is shifting, with guest expectations evolving rapidly. Clint highlights Japan as a burgeoning market for luxury hospitality, with new openings such as Janu Tokyo and Aman’s “affordable” resort concept—though “affordable” in Aman’s world still means a starting price of around $1050 per night. Kyoto is also welcoming fresh additions, including Six Senses and Banyan Tree properties.

As a designer with Japanese heritage—his ancestors hail from Kumamoto—Clint acknowledges that while he doesn’t deeply connect with his cultural roots, Japanese values influence his designs. Sustainability, a growing priority in luxury hospitality, is central to his projects. He ensures that material selection aligns with environmentally conscious practices while maintaining aesthetic and functional integrity.

Six Senses Kyoto Designed by Clint Ngata

Luxury Beyond Hotels: Branded Residences and Rapid Renovations

A fascinating trend Clint has observed is the increasing shift of luxury hotel brands into branded residential offerings. This evolution allows guests to extend their high-end hospitality experiences into private residences, blurring the lines between hotels and homes.

Hotel renovation cycles vary, but Clint recalls an especially rapid transformation—an Aman renovation that took only five months from design to completion, a rare feat in the luxury sector.

The Global Footprint of a Luxury Designer

Travel is an integral part of Clint’s profession—he took 40 trips in 2024 alone. Currently, he is spearheading two projects in France, located in Nord Valley and Normandy, along with another significant development in the Middle East. Australia has also been on his design map—he previously worked on a project at the Wirra Wirra winery and hopes to return for future endeavors.

Despite having a vast and diverse portfolio, Clint struggles to choose a favorite project, noting that each one holds a special place in his creative journey. However, he believes the Middle East remains an untapped well of luxury experiences, with immense potential waiting to be showcased to the world.

The JW Marriott Khao Lak Designed by Clint Ngata

Looking Ahead

As this engaging conversation wraps up, Clint shares his upcoming travel plans, which include a trip to the U.S. to visit his son and attend the prestigious Gold Key Awards, where he has been shortlisted.

On a lighter note, Clint and Renae discover an unexpected shared past—both had pivotal experiences with LEGO, a playful yet fitting symbol of the building blocks of their respective careers in hospitality and design.

For an insider perspective about luxury hotels and the creative forces shaping them, this episode is a must-listen, offering a rare glimpse into the artistry behind some of the world’s most breathtaking properties.

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Renae elegantly traverses the globe, curating the most exquisite personalised travel, dining, and wellness experiences for discerning women. With over 25 years of distinguished journalism, her work has illuminated the pages of prestigious magazines, newspapers, and digital platforms. Renae’s expertise transcends travel writing; she is a coveted speaker and coach within the luxury hotel industry. Balancing her professional pursuits with a delightful contradiction—a passion for fitness and an indulgence in dark chocolate—Renae infuses a unique blend of authority and Australian charm into the realm of luxury travel.

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