Paris M. Swann

Vice President, Concept Architecture & Resort Development @ Universal Creative

About

Hospitality Design Leader with 20+ years of experience in hospitality design strategy and implementation, with an expertise in brand design identity, brand repositioning, design management, collaborative design leadership, and project development and construction management. With a brand-focused perspective, I help align a design vision and identity to the design narrative and ethos, while championing a collaborative and inclusive culture. As a creative leader of the most diverse and complex creative teams in hospitality, I've been able to realize innovative designs for multiple brands, setting records in industry impact, profitability, and guest experience. With an insatiable curiosity for travel and design, a driving passion for building award-winning hospitality projects, and a genuine love for the creatives that make up that magic alchemy of brand, experience, and inspiration. Currently the Senior Director of Concept Architecture, Planning, and Restaurants for Universal Creative's Concept Studio, I lead cross disciplinary creative teams to realize the ultimate fan wish fulfillment across the global portfolio of Universal Destinations and Experiences. For the previous 7 years, I lead design across all Newbuild and Fleet Modernization projects for Royal Caribbean's Celebrity Cruises, including the industry-defining Celebrity Edge and the award-winning Celebrity Revolution program. Also leading all Newbuild projects for the TUI Cruises brand, including the continuation of the Mein Schiff series and the new InTUItion class. Super Powers: Creative Leadership, Collaboration, Branding Development & Design, Design Strategy, Cruise Ship Design & Construction, Luxury and Lifestyle Hotels/Hospitality Design, Restaurant/Bar Design, Event Space Design, Luxury Residential Amenities, Luxury Retail, Wellness & Spa, etc. Social Housing, Multi-Family Housing, Boutique Retail, Workshop/CoWorking, Micro-Units, etc.

Country

United States

City

Greater Orlando

Industry

Hospitality

Skill

Design, Strategic Partnerships, Brand Development, Budget Management, Business Development, Strategy, Project Management, Leadership, Interior Design, Design Research, Sustainable Design, Construction Drawings, Submittals, Interior Architecture, Architectural Design, Construction, Concept Design, Furniture, SketchUp, Architecture

Experience

Vice President, Concept Architecture & Resort Development

Universal Creative

2026-2 - Present · 8 mos

Orlando, Florida, United States

Senior Director, Concept Architecture - Architecture & Resort Development

Universal Creative

2024-2 - 2026-2 · 2 yrs 1 mo

Orlando, Florida, United States

Leading within Concept Studio: - Master Planning - Planning & Area Development - Concept Architecture - Architecture & Engineering Design - Interior Design - Restaurant Concepts - Environmental Graphics

Founder & President

Seven Shades Creative

2023-4 - Present · 3 yrs 6 mos

Florida, United States

https://www.sevenshadescreative.com/ Design /Hospitality/ Collaboration Strategist & Consultant

AVP, Architectural Design - Celebrity & TUI Cruises

Royal Caribbean Group

2020-1 - 2023-4 · 3 yrs 4 mos

Miami, FL

Director, Architectural Design

Royal Caribbean Group

2017-1 - 2020-1 · 3 yrs 1 mo

Miami, Florida

Associate

Rockwell Group

2014-6 - 2016-12 · 2 yrs 7 mos

New York, NY

An accomplished project director with an established track record of success and a passion for design leadership and effective project management. Projects include the renovation of Studio G at Rockwell Group NY; renovation and re-positioning of The Time Hotel in New York, NY; an addition to the Viceroy Resort & Residences in Snowmass, CO; Food Hall and Boiler House Amenities at the Battersea Power Station in London, UK; an Autograph Collection Hotel in Chicago, IL; relocation of the iconic Union Square Cafe in New York, NY; luxury hotel project in Nashville, TN.

Project Architect

Stonehill Taylor

2008-7 - 2014-6 · 6 yrs

New York, NY

SELECTED PROJECT ROLES: Project Architect: The Renwick Hotel (New York, NY) Jan. 2014 – June 2014 Interior Architect: Hilton Downtown Brooklyn (Brooklyn, NY) Oct. 2013 – June 2014 Project Architect: The St. Regis New York (New York, NY) 2011 – Aug. 2013 Design Architect (Guestrooms): The Refinery Hotel (New York, NY) 2010 – 2012 Project Architect: John Dory Oyster Bar (New York, NY) 2010 Project Architect: DoubleTree TS Meeting Spaces & Executive Offices (New York, NY) 2009

Junior Architect/Job Captain

Stonehill Taylor

2006-7 - 2008-6 · 2 yrs

New York, NY

SELECTED PROJECT ROLES: Job Captain: Radisson Lexington 48 (New York, NY) 2008 Job Captain: Affinia Shelburne Hotel (New York, NY) 2007 – 2009 Junior Architect: Park Central Hotel: Owner Suites (New York, NY) 2007 Junior Architect: Jumeirah Essex House: Lobby & South Gate (New York, NY) July 2006 – 2007

Private Tutor, Freelance Architectural Designer

Freelance

2010-1 - 2013-1 · 3 yrs 1 mo

New York, NY

I provided CAD and design/construction document tutoring to a graduate student pursuing her Masters degree in interior design. I also provided CAD drafting and construction document production for a friend establishing her own private interior design practice.