AJC DESIGN -

AJC Design specializes in hospitality design, residential and multi-family design projects for clients anywhere in the world. Creativity is Everything!™ is the mantra that has fueled AJC Design’s work since its inception in 2007. A vivid, unhindered imagination is at the core of every one of our compelling projects, no two which are the same. That’s why our company logo depicts a hardy walnut shell. While one half references our own passion for dreaming up one-of-a-kind designs and our dedication to making them a reality, the other is an ode to our clients, whose ideas and visions are just as integral to the design process. Built on communication, this mutual, respectful relationship is the foundation for all of AJC Design’s intricate, timeless interiors. We are energetic and honest and keep our clients well informed, involved, and comfortable, learning and laughing along the way.

Creativity is Everything!™ is integrated into all of our studio capabilities and embedded in our signature design process. Our work is customized for each project and client’s needs, so that no two projects are the same, and every project reflects creativity, imagination and original thinking.

Each client relationship starts with generating a creative vision for the project through concept design, which builds the foundation for the rest of the project. We continue our creative journey through schematic design, design development, construction documentation, and construction administration, where the project is actualized.

Creativity is Everything!™ means being able to see possibilities no one else can see, to create what nobody else has created, at a budget that works for your needs first. We infuse Creativity is Everything!™ to transform empirical knowledge into sketches, renderings, construction documents, and custom FF&E designs that reflect our client’s vision, goals, and brand, as well as the social / historical context of the project’s physical location.

Alicia Cannon, founder and principal of New York-based AJC Design, flaunts a signature style that melds dramatic, pop-inspired pieces with tailored, classic settings, fostered by her collaborations with the likes of luxury brands and urban artists.

Cannon’s vast expertise spans full-service and luxury hotels, inviting private residences, and vibrant workplaces. Consider the Hyatt Regency Greenwich, awash in coastal Connecticut charm; the Lanes, a multi-use, ground-up Long Island City residential building capped with a rooftop terrace; or the Long Island headquarters of the brand-new Opal Wealth Advisors

In 2015 Cannon was named one of Hospitality Design’s Wave of the Future honourees, the same year that she won a Stevie Award Bronze, attesting to how she infuses each of her projects with both professionalism and ingenuity, her top priority always capturing and nurturing a client’s vision. That’s why the Woman Business Enterprise-certified designer loves spending ample time getting to know every single one of them personally and embarks on a true partnership to unite functionality and rich, aesthetic details.

Recent AJC Design work includes the Sheraton Mahwah in New Jersey, which draws on the hotel’s past as the former Ford Motor headquarters; the Sheraton Wilmington South hotel, complete with soaring atrium; the lobby at the Westin Riverwalk in San Antonio that calls to mind the Spanish Colonial era; and a design competition culminating in two guestroom schemes for the Bellagio in Las Vegas that telegraph the Italian village of Bellagio in Lake Como. AJC Design has also completed the Thayer Hotel in West Point, New York, Hotel Indigo in downtown Brooklyn, and the Westport Inn in Connecticut, and is currently working on the Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel, slated to open in 2020, as well as the Thayer Resort and Spa scheduled for 2022.

Cannon is a graduate of the Pratt Institute, where she cultivated her childhood passion for transforming humdrum interior spaces into enduring, matchless designs.

A Summer Suitcase Story

August 16th, 2021 | by Alicia Cannon

August may be the last official month to take that summer vacation, but don’t give up on finding excuses to travel year round! This month, we’re privileged to hear from Victor Sanz, Creative Director at TUMI luggage. Because I draw inspiration from multiple sources and people, Victor was someone I long have admired not just from the design industry but from our days back at our alma mater, Pratt Institute. Not only did Victor share some of his perspectives on the hospitality industry, he also shared his personal insights on his creative process along with a few career/life tips. Even though Victor focuses on product design and not interior design, it’s great to know we are both part of the hospitality family. As creatives, we both want to create mesmerizing experiences for our clients!

AJC DESIGN: Can you describe your role at TUMI?

Victor Sanz (VS): I am the Creative Director at TUMI. My day is always filled with a mixture of both creative and business with my mind and hands always moving and meeting with my partners to push the brand forward. My workday definitely shifts depending on which team I am meeting with. We may be focusing on marketing for our next big collaboration or maybe I’m working with the design team in the studio refining the season’s collection.

AJC DESIGN: Given the decline of travel in 2020, how has TUMI shifted or pivoted in the last year?

VS: While TUMI is known for its strong travel heritage, everyday bags and essentials have been a core part of our range for a long time. We create high performing products to elevate all journeys and life on the move. The essence of the TUMI brand is that we are always moving forward, pushing boundaries, constantly evolving and exploring how people interact with the world. In that sense, last year was no different – we are responding to the changing habits and lifestyles of our customers all the time. This ethos allowed us to be well prepared for the shift in people’s movements.

AJC DESIGN: Are there any new projects that you are excited to launch (and can share with us)?

I was very excited to jump into 2021 as we have a lot of very exciting projects lined up. We kicked off April with launching our collaboration with McLaren, which is a brand I have admired ever since I was a kid. It was quite a special experience with their team – we’re two like-minded brands who share the same values—unparalleled quality, technical innovation and design excellence. With McLaren’s advanced technology and our top-of-the-line materials, our gear can tackle the most arduous excursions and still effortlessly translate into daily life.

AJC DESIGN: What has been your most favorite product you’ve designed at TUMI?

VS: I use and test all the bags and travel pieces, my current favorite is the new 19 Degree Aluminum Trunk . The silhouette provides a completely different packing solution. It has innovative collapsible interior dividers that act like shelves so that you are able to pack in a highly organized fashion. It’s just like a portable closet – and it looks fantastic in your living room, too. I just recently used it on a road trip and it was amazing to not have to unpack and just have the piece as a closet!

AJC DESIGN: How has your creative process been modified with your WFH situation?

VS: Last year has been exceptionally tough but has also made us even more creative and collaborative.

In the past I used to get inspiration from my travels but over the past year I’m finding creativity by digitally connecting with artists, musicians, architects, and other creatives across the globe who are doing interesting things and are pushing the boundaries of their own industries.

AJC DESIGN: I’d love to know if you find yourself stuck in the creative process, how do you reset?

VS: I walk away from the problem and let my mind wander for a bit. I also give myself the creative freedom to explore radical approaches to the design problem, so that I can be more forward and find new sparks.

AJC DESIGN: Where do you pull inspiration?

VS: The speed at which the world has digitized and progressed in showcasing what individuals are doing has also greatly interested me. It enabled me to easily interact with artists, musicians, architects, and other creatives across the globe to keep the ideas flowing.

AJC DESIGN: Since I design hotels, I have to ask, What is your favorite hotel?

VS: Ritz Carlton Paris and the Upper house in Hong Kong. The service is what can make or break a great stay.

AJC DESIGN: Any words to live by?

VS: Enjoy what you have and the moment you are in and don’t worry about what you do not have.

AJC DESIGN: What advice would you give to someone starting out in your industry?

VS: One of the things I wish I could’ve realized as a younger designer that I know now is the path of design is not always a straight one. There are many complications in designing and with design there’s more to the creation than just pen to paper. There are many levels, layers and people involved to create one piece. Having an in-depth understanding of all those individuals and how they interact with the development is crucial to success. This takes time to understand.

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Mid-level Interior Designer
AJC Design is looking for a passionate, Interior Designer in our New York office to work on hospitality projects from the definition and delivery of the design, conceptualization through development, coordination, documentation and execution. Under the direction and oversight of the Principal Designer and Design Director, this role will also create architectural construction drawings using AutoCAD and Revit, and perform construction administration services including responding to RFI’s and interpreting contract and construction documents, to ensure the design intent is met. (Note: This is a full-time, contract position based at AJC Design's New York office.)
Is This You?
- You have the skills - Interior Design Degree from an accredited institution;
- You must be proficient in AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and all MS Office applications
- You know the industry and have a few years of years of interior design experience, particularly in the hospitality industry, under your belt
- You are a time track start with a reputation of never missing deadlines and planning ahead
- You are extremely client-focused and realize even the tiniest details matter
- You can plan and follow-through from start to finish and all stages in between
- You’re a motivated, self-starter and have no problem taking initiative
- You excel at communications, are comfortable presenting to clients, and open to feedback
- You’re a natural collaborator who works well as part of a team and is not afraid to ask questions
- You want to learn from one of the best and grow your career!
- You are able to commute to our NY office 5 days a week
To apply, please send cover letter, resume, and portfolio to info@ajcinteriordesign.com
- Cover letter, Resume, Portfolio (Maximum of 10MB)

Email the following documentation to info@ajcinteriordesign.com

Portfolio in PDF format Resume

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Is This You?