Her extravagant designs have been featured in high-end resorts and hotels around the world, and internationally renowned designer Pamela Hughes is setting new standards in residential luxury.
Pamela arrived in Sarasota in 1998 after accepting an invitation to design The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. She was quickly captivated with the area’s wealth of amenities, including its thriving arts and cultural community. Her turning point: a visit to the Ringling Museum, where she was enchanted by the interior architectural details and design elements. “The museum was incredible,” she recalls. “This was our inspiration in designing The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.”
When The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota opened its doors to the public in 2001, Pamela realized she wasn’t ready to end her relationship with the Gulf Coast’s desirable community. “I just didn’t want to leave,” she recalls. “I felt at home here, and loved the amazing lifestyle and wonderful people.” She promptly opened her Sarasota office and purchased a home here.
Not only recognized for her spectacular interiors for high-end hotels and resorts, she is also known as a premier designer of very luxurious residential projects throughout the United States. She especially enjoys the challenge of taking a large house and turning it into a home. “The process is a wonderful opportunity to develop relationships and to create beautiful spaces”, she says.
Working with a range of styles, Pamela notes that her signature isn’t steeped in a particular look. “It’s about quality,” she explains. “Not only in the design, but in the materials and furnishings that are selected.” Her residential clientele, she adds, have many of the same standards as the luxury resorts and hotels she represents. “We source the world for suppliers that provide the highest level of beautiful, quality products. From textiles to furnishings to antiques, we seek out the best for our clients.”
Pamela’s firm designed the interiors for the resort’s Tower Residences as well as The Members’ Beach Club. She also designed a series of luxurious deck houses for the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman with schemes ranging from modern to traditional British West Indies design. “The deck houses are beautiful residences, complete with Riva yachts,” she says. The project is already garnering international attention, and plans for expansion are in the works.
A designer and artist since her youth, Pamela finds inspiration everywhere. “I keep my eyes open every day,” she offers. “From the unique design sense and depth of history throughout Europe, to magazines and local architecture, there is always inspiration.”
Written by Lalaena Gonzalez-Figueroa