Chicago-based Mary Cook Associates (MCA), a national, award-winning commercial interior design firm, today announced that hospitality design veteran Scott Durst has joined the firm’s executive leadership team as vice president of operations. In this role he will direct and oversee all business operations and strategic initiatives, and ensure MCA’s values and mission are consistently met across the organization.
“One of the most important factors in this firm’s continued success over 35 years in business has been putting the right people in the right seats – and that’s especially true when it comes to having a robust leadership group in place to drive our strategy, enhance our processes and manage our growth,” said Mary Cook, president and founder of Mary Cook Associates. “As the newest member of our executive team, Scott not only brings to the table years of architectural and interiors expertise, including an impressive global portfolio and extensive work in the hospitality sector, but also a proven track record for leading multi-faceted teams as they bring complex design concepts to life. His hands-on approach, knowledge of all phases of projects of all sizes, and diverse experience will be an asset to our operations and elevate our focus on innovation and efficiencies.”
Most recently, Durst spent eight years as director of the hospitality interior design studio at The Gettys Group, where his work included notable projects such as the Boston Godfrey Hotel, the Renaissance Allentown, Blackstone Hotel Chicago, the Royal Sonesta Chicago and World of Wine in Portugal. Cook noted this background is an ideal complement to MCA’s current portfolio, which includes hospitality projects such as the Kinn MKE Guesthouse in Milwaukee as well as extensive work nationally in multifamily – a sector that is increasingly influenced by hospitality design. “From the programming of amenities to the wow-factor designs developers are seeking to differentiate their projects from the competition, multifamily is taking a number of cues from high-end hotels and hospitality spaces,” said Cook. “Scott’s perspective from that arena will align nicely with our firm’s work both creatively as well as operationally.”
Durst’s 17 years in the industry also include architectural design project management positions at London firms PLP Architecture and KPF Architecture, as well as Steelman Partners in Las Vegas.
“There’s amazing cross-pollination happening right now in design, with high-end residential informing hospitality and hospitality in turn inspiring multifamily, and the Mary Cook team has earned a reputation for bringing those influences together in an authentic and curated approach to interiors,” said Durst. “With my own variety of professional experiences, I’m eager to add my perspective to the company’s process as we deliver innovative design solutions for a diverse portfolio of clients spanning different industries.”
Durst is a graduate of Kent State University, where he earned Bachelor of Science in architecture and Bachelor of Architecture degrees.
For more information about Mary Cook Associates, visit www.marycook.com.
About Mary Cook Associates:
Established in 1986, Mary Cook Associates (MCA) is a fully integrated interior architecture and design firm nationally known for creating innovative interiors for leading owners and developers of real estate. The firm’s projects include multifamily, model homes, student living, senior living, clubhouses, restaurants, and hospitality environments. MCA’s work emphasizes functionality, showcases possibilities, and delivers a measurable Return on Environment (R.O.E.℠).
MCA’s team includes more than two dozen designers and architects that are strategic, imaginative and skilled at designing a wide variety of spaces that respond to demographic, geographic and lifestyle influences of target markets. Smart, functional spaces that establish immediate connections with their users and boost Living Better by Design℠, increase property value, and accelerate sales and occupancy rates are the hallmarks of the results MCA consistently achieves. Currently celebrating its 35th anniversary, the firm continues its national presence with award-winning work that spans 36 states. www.marycook.com.
