BLINK Design Group, known for its industry-leading philosophy of placemaking and deep dives into destinations, has put its money where its mouth is with innovative opportunities to develop talent, embrace new cultures and celebrate a legacy.
Inspired by its key brand value of exploration, BLINK is broadening the horizons of its team through its program of travel grant ‘rewards’ and talent swaps with like-minded industry innovators.
BLINK has announced its inaugural S.W.A.P. global exchange program, a six-week cultural and design exchange with cutting-edge Keiji Architects in Tokyo, allowing the participants from both firms to immerse themselves in new projects while gleaning invaluable insights into new markets and practices.
BLINK founder and creative visionary Clint Nagata said the program was an exciting way to reward and inspire talented team members, while helping strengthen BLINK’s foothold in Japan.
BLINK has already established its own following in Japan, with its award-winning recent work on the Six Senses Kyoto. Other recent notable projects for the firm include Banyan Tree Dongguan Songshan Lake, Capella Shanghai Jian Ye Li, Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort, Six Senses Uluwatu, Roku Kyoto LXR Resort, Regent Phu Quoc and Amanoi Spa Houses.
Talent inspires talent and needs constant nourishing, says Nagata. One handpicked designer from each firm will participate in the exchange, with potential to expand globally with other like-minded firms in key destinations.
Meanwhile, BLINK’s Kayte McMillan ‘A Wish to Remember’ Travel Award series, now in its sixth year has gone from strength to strength, with five travel grants set to be awarded for high-performing team members in 2025 to visit the destination of their dreams.
The first of 2025’s winners is Ploypak Ayasanond, a designer from BLINK’s Bangkok studio. She has visited Japan and was thrilled to view the two completed BLINK projects in person.
This trip could be said as an opportunity for my personal growth to explore the culture of the places where I can learn and of course recharge myself, Ploypak says.
Experiencing Six Senses Kyoto allowed me to truly appreciate how thoughtful design can transform a space into a sanctuary—where every detail, from the materials to the ambiance, fosters a profound sense of peace and connection. To create spaces that resonate with cultural authenticity and sensory engagement.
I am grateful to receive this award, this has been an inspiring milestone and profoundly enriching. The experiences and insights gained have significantly contributed to my development as a designer. I am thankful to BLINK for fostering an environment that encourages us to be explorers, not just designers. And thank you to Kayte for being a continual source of inspiration to all of us.
Kayte McMillan, a BLINK design director who died from cancer in 2018, was a much-loved member of the BLINK team whose lust for life and love of travel and new experiences was legendary.
To celebrate Kayte’s memory, selected team members get a trip to remember as well as an experience that will help fuel their passion for travel, hospitality and embracing new places while truly living BLINK’s brand values.
Nagata said the award had become a story of motivation, inspiration and reward for team members.
The spirit of travel and exploration is perfectly aligned with BLINK’s philosophy, Nagata said.
I was incredibly fortunate to work closely with Kayte McMillan. She was an amazing individual who really had a strong passion for travel and for life, and she was taken from us tragically far too soon.
In her honour, we created a travel grant for to reward team members who are excelling, so they can recharge, get inspired and experience the different aspects of travel and living abroad, seeing and experiencing amazing things.
There is no greater inspiration than the world around us and we encourage everyone at BLINK to be an explorer, and to strive for excellence so that they might win the award.
About BLINK Design Group
BLINK Design Group, founded by Clint Nagata, is a leading multi-disciplinary design studio with 19 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry. With projects spanning almost every continent and having worked with the world’s most renowned luxury hotel and resort brands, BLINK truly believes that creating memorable spaces is taking every client on a shared journey, made by people and place. Inspired by Clint’s passion for travel, constant exploration and enjoyment of the world, is what has shaped BLINK’s design philosophy and approach for each and every project. The Group has studios in Singapore, Bangkok, Dubai and London.
For more information about BLINK Design Group, please visit www.blinkdg.com.
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