Speakers

Enrique Vela is the Principal/ Director of Strategy of V Starr, beginning his career in 2006. As Principal/ Director of Strategy, Enrique works closely with the leadership team to create the company’s strategic visions and help set its course. His role involves closely collaborating with the design team and leadership to align business objectives with design goals, exploring new markets, and ensuring that the firm’s services meet both client needs and industry demands. One key area of focus for Enrique is building new work synergies while constantly assessing strategic initiatives, partnerships, and collaborations across all levels. Enrique comes from an architectural background, earning a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Syracuse University and later a Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University. His creative vision has since affected spa, restaurant, hotel, and bar projects around the world – most notably in New York, Las Vegas, Dubai, and California. He has also worked globally with most major hotel operators on projects ranging from small boutique hotels to large luxury resorts. From a residential perspective, Vela’s experience ranges from large 50,000-square-foot single-family residences to leading the interior design team of the tallest and most luxurious tower in the Western Hemisphere at Central Park Tower. Before joining V Starr, Enrique served as Principal/Owner and Director of Interiors at Olson Kundig, where he helped the firm foray into competitive hospitality markets.