PERSONALITIES
The lobby entrance at the new flagship in Bangkok growth . They see huge potential with the company and want to continue to grow and invest both in our assets and infrastructure as a company .”
DEVELOPMENT ASPIRATIONS What ’ s ahead , says Asher , is desired expansion in key U . S . markets and elsewhere in North America for both Standard and Bunkhouse brands via conversion and even new development . It helps Standard International to have the expertise and capital of Sansiri behind it .
“ There have been a lot of cities that have really grown through COVID where a standard would be perfect – like Austin , Nashville or Detroit ,” Asher says . “ And then there are places like Mexico City . We are also working on a project in Toronto .”
Some of the growth will come through acquisition with equity partners and Asher says Lalvani has been leading the charge on that with the investor group . “ It ’ s been a real focus and we ’ re well equipped to do that ,” she adds .
The fact that Standard does everything in-house , successfully operates its own food and beverage , and has a lot of experience negotiating deals acts as a differentiator , according to Asher . “ I ’ ve negotiated every single deal for this company over the last 11 years ,” she adds . “ It allows me to know where we can give things , where we can be flexible , and where we can ’ t … But a lot of my confidence comes from knowing the actual business underlying the deal , and then by surrounding myself with amazing creative people that bring these properties to life .”
Asher added that Standard would love to have another project in Los Angeles , the brand ’ s birthplace , as well as another deal in Miami .
In Europe , Standard International is under development in Lisbon , Dublin and Brussels and has designs on Rome , Milan , Copenhagen , Berlin , Paris and other key gateway markets . Additionally , Asher says the firm would love to add Tel Aviv and is working on projects in Dubai .
Standard is opening in Singapore and Melbourne next year , and Asher says Sydney has been a big focus and remains a big target . Bali is on their radar and , with its parent company based in Thailand , Standard ’ s home turf is undoubtedly an ongoing opportunity for growth , including Phuket and Koh Samui . “ We have a great infrastructure and an entire team in Thailand , as
44 hotelsmag . com July / August 2022