Designer Profile: Will Meyer, Meyer Davis

Will Meyer, designer and co-founder of globally recognized firm Meyer Davis, has spearheaded the designs for some of the world’s most alluring and stylish hotels, restaurants, and homes. Hear from the designer on two of his biggest influences, the projects that put his firm on the map, and the Southern Mexican region where visits find both peace and inspiration.

What were you like as a kid? Was there an ah-ha moment when you knew you knew you’d pursue a career in design? 

I enjoyed drawing at a very young age. My uncle was an architect and I remember visiting his office around 5^th grade, drawing with the parallel bar, watching him work and seeing what it was like to be an architect in real life. It was that first visit when I knew I’d attend architecture school.

What were those early years like of just starting out as a designer? Any lessons that you learned early on that you feel have shaped who you are today? 

I started my career working for Gwathmey Siegel. The principal—Charles—was a huge influence on meme. I absorbed through osmosis—how he conceptualized, delivered his ideas, and related to clients.

Are there any projects that you feel have especially defined Meyer Davis as a practice? 

Different projects during different periods have punctuated our career. We started off with residential projects. Our first hospitality opportunity was V Bar in Las Vegas, followed by Locanda Verde in NYC, and shortly after 1 Hotel South Beach, which put us on the map. Now, we are fortunate enough to say each project is always our next favorite and we believe the best is yet to come.

What is your favorite place to travel to in the world for rest and relaxation? What about to see great design?

My favorite place for rest and relaxation is the Oaxaca region of Mexico. It’s peaceful, rustic, sunny, and the area attracts an eclectic community of artists and progressive thinkers. I also find myself very inspired after each visit.

What is your favorite part about NYC?

I love New York for its energy. It attracts the most imaginative, creative, and ambitious people in the world.

What can we find you doing on a Saturday afternoon?

I like to spend my weekends connecting with my family. We love to be outdoors in nature as much as we can. Our typical Saturday ritual is playing tennis together, but you can find us out hiking or boating, depending on the season.

A book or two you’d consider must-reads? 

I’m a huge fan of period pieces, sci fi, anything imaginative that you can get lost in. I love Robert Harris and Henning Mankel. I’m currently reading the sci-fi trilogy “Three-Body Problem” by Cixin Liu.

An individual, deceased or living, who you’d like to have lunch with? 

Philippe Stark—I’ve always greatly admired his work and considered him a living legend. He really created the design world that we occupy today. I thoroughly enjoyed his work when I was younger, and my appreciation has grown even more now.