LUX Autumn 2018

95 C2 Limited Design Associates LLC is an award- winning design firm in Fairfield, Connecticut. Led by founding partners and co-creative directors, Craig J. Smith and Christina H. Romann, the firm has established itself as the leading boutique hospitality design firm on the east coast. In June, LUXlife Magazine named C2 Limited Design amongst the winners of the 2018 Leading Designers Award, with the Build Design Excellence Award in Master Planning Services, Connecticut. We spoke to Craig J. Smith to find out how they have become the leaders in this notoriously competitive sector. Founded in 1988, C2 Limited Design has long been considered the best design firm in the North-East, with an established history of working with some of the biggest names in hospitality. At the heart of this success, lies the firm’s unique approach to design; in Craig’s own words, “we are much more than designers; we are storytellers, strategists, brand stewards and curators of each client’s unique property aesthetic and brand message. We create designs that are aimed to elevate the everyday experience. For us it’s not simply about the statement of space, but rather one’s intense experience of that space that matters most.” In a sector that appears to be becoming more and more competitive, we asked Craig how C2 Limited Design stays ahead of the competition, his answer was simple, “with hands-on principal involvement from our first sketch to the assignments’ closeout.” In a sector occupied by large full-service firms, where a client can be passed across departments as the project progresses, C2 Limited Design offers a respite; a guided, streamlined process that is, by definition, client-focused. When it comes to new clients, Craig emphasizes the importance of a collaborative approach, “we pride ourselves on bringing a highly creative 1807LU02 and collaborative approach to every stage of conceptual planning, design and project implementation. In doing so, we ensure a holistic contextual integration of an assignment’s architectural backdrop, interior décor, and landscape design, while successfully managing our client’s programmatic, budgetary and timeline expectations.” C2 Limited Design takes on projects that both showcases their size, and goes beyond the abilities of firms which are many times larger. When asked about their most successful project, Craig was eager to speak about the $67 million-dollar repositioning of the historic Hotel Hershey – a project that sits perfectly alongside the rest of their portfolio. From Keswick Hall in Virginia, to the Stanwich Country Club in Connecticut, they have a habit of making the near-impossible look easy, achieving effortless class, and flawless luxury in every sketch, and every project. Coming to the end of the interview, we asked Craig what he thinks about the future of the hospitality design sector, “the distinguished golf resort and private club market is very strong and will continue to flourish due to the forward thinking of the select group of managers with whom we partner with.” To finish, Craig emphasizes the importance of staying true to their brand going into the future, “Continue to stay true to our brand, and value proposition which has and will continue to pay dividends in the success of our firm.” LUXlife created the Leading Designer Awards to recognise the work of renowned experts, and up and coming designers around the world. C2 Limited Design, as undisputed experts in the hospitality and luxury sectors, inspire with their innovative approach to master planning, and interior design. Going further in 2018, they are continuing to work on conceptual master planning assignments at Greenwich Country Club, CT, Orchard Lake Country Club, MI, Baltimore Country Club, MD and Rehoboth Beach Country Club, DEL. Contact: Craig J Smith/Christina H. Romann, Co-Founding Partners & Co-Creative Directors Company: C2 Limited Design Associates LLC, 95 Reef Road, Fairfield, Connecticut, 06824, USA Telephone: 001 203 259 2555 Web Address www.c2limited.com Creating Luxury in Hospitality Style