WATG Shares Its Sustainability Ambitions
In conjunction with Earth Day 2023, WATG reinforces its advocacy for a greener future and solutions to designing landmarks with low environmental footprints
As the world celebrates Earth Day on 22 April 2023, the preeminent multi-disciplinary design firm, WATG, reinforces its advocacy of designing with sustainability in mind. For over 70 years, the firm has stood at the forefront of sustainable architecture from reducing carbon emissions via renovations to designing energy-efficient buildings. The firm has set an ambitious goal for all projects to have an accredited team member onboard by 2024, regardless of the client’s plans for a sustainable project. By 2025, WATG hopes to receive accreditation for at least 50 percent of its team members.
A pioneer of sustainable design, WATG is responsible for some of the world’s most iconic and eco- conscious architectural projects, including the Fari Islands in the Maldives, and the Hann Lux Resort Banyan Tree and Angsana in the Philippines.
“As architects, we serve as agents of change in addressing the global climate crisis. The construction industry is responsible for 40% of global CO2 emissions, and this needs to change. At WATG, we
believe that every project we undertake must respect the local environment and have a positive impact on its surrounding communities,” said Chiara Calufetti-Lim, AIA, LEED AP BD+C and Principal of Architecture at WATG. “We are proud to champion sustainable design and will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible when it comes to creating a purposeful built environment.”
Fari Islands in the Maldives
In supporting a collective ‘Four Islands, One Destination’ vision, Fari Islands offers an elevated Maldivian resort experience on an island archipelago in North Male Atoll. Its design features innovative technologies such as solar panels and a water treatment system that recycles wastewater. The resort also boasts a coral regeneration program and biophilic architecture that support cross ventilation and natural wave movements, which help to minimise adverse impacts on the surrounding marine ecosystem. The Fari Islands project has won several awards, including the 2021 Green Good Design Awards and the 2021 AHEAD Asia Award for Eco-Friendly Hotel of the Year. The master planning project was led by Chiara and Marcel Padmos, Vice President of Planning, and conceptualised with sustainability at its core for a truly unique guest experience across a pristine landscape.
Hann Lux Lifestyle Resort, Banyan Tree and Angsana, in the Philippines
This is an ambitious ‘luxury playground’ and expansive eco-resort that showcases WATG’s integrated design services and commitment to sustainable tourism in the northern Philippines. The resort’s landscape is designed as a biodiverse space that celebrates local agricultural practices. WATG’s interior design firm, Wimberly Interiors were also involved in designing the wellness-orientated 56- key Banyan Tree and family favourite 200-key Angsana. Other green design features include a water management strategy and rainwater harvesting system.
“Identifying existing real estate to be renovated, converted for new use, and fitted with new tech and systems is now mandatory. Sustainability can no longer be an afterthought and must remain at the forefront of our approach to architecture. Our work can have immense influence on the environment, so we dutifully develop sustainable solutions, integrate them into our design process and always stay sensitive to the site and its connection to the Earth,” concludes Chiara.
About WATG
Founded in Honolulu in 1945 by George ‘Pete’ Wimberly, WATG is the preeminent leader in integrated luxury hospitality design. Grounded in rigorous strategy and incomparable domain expertise, WATG creates bespoke, exhilarating and culturally significant destinations.
WATG remains independent to this day with a profound respect for its heritage. Its five studios – Strategy, Master Planning, Architecture, Landscape and Wimberly Interiors – stay true to their values,
designing spaces that respect, protect and enhance the natural magic of their surroundings while delivering long-term value for clients and communities.
As of 2022, its global yet local team – representing more than 45 nationalities across offices in Honolulu, Irvine (California), Los Angeles, New York, London, Cairo, New Delhi, Singapore and Shanghai – has designed and delivered over 500 built projects in 170 countries and territories, pushing the boundaries of possibility while delivering enduring client success across the globe.
About Wimberly Interiors
Since its founding in 2011, Wimberly Interiors – a design studio of WATG – has established itself at the forefront of hospitality, entertainment and residential design. In its tenth anniversary year, the studio was longlisted in Dezeen’s Emerging Interior Design Studio of the Year category. In 2022, Wimberly ranked 9th in the Top 100 Hospitality Giants and 70th in Interior Design Giants.
From high-voltage nightclubs and chic restaurants to grand lobbies of stately hotels and intimate salons of private homes, Wimberly Interiors creates interior experiences that go beyond aesthetics. With a passion for exceptional design, its small but mighty team across New York, Los Angeles, London, Singapore and Shanghai is equal parts collaborator and disruptor – a flair that has led to over 60 awards and accolades, and an impressive portfolio of built work that includes the Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Grand Suites, the Bentley Suite at the St. Regis New York, EDITION Abu Dhabi, Dream Hotel Downtown New York, Marquee New York, Chroma Seoul, Hotel del Coronado, Park Hyatt Aviara, Bellagio Shanghai, Rosewood Baha Mar, Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, Kempinski Hotel Jinan, Four Seasons Maui at Wailea, Four Seasons Los Angeles, Hotel 50 Bowery NYC, Viceroy Kopaonik Serbia, Viceroy Ombria Resort in Portugal and more.