Aliya began her career in hospitality design with W Hotels in 2003, earning awards for the opening of the W Montreal and renovations at the W Mexico City. Aliya also developed prominent design concepts for St. Regis, Le Meridien, and The Luxury Collection. Most notably, the award-winning renovation of the flagship St. Regis New York. While serving as Director of Renovations for the Luxury Brands, Aliya also led strategic development and execution of partner design suites for St. Regis, in conjunction with the world-class brands Bentley Motors, Tiffany, and Dior. A key effort was the award-winning Bentley x St Regis suites in New York and Istanbul, which won a number of design awards. In 2015, Aliya took a break from the hotel industry to lead the design and development of NeueHouse, the collaborative workspace for entrepreneurs and creatives in both New York and Los Angeles. Her love of design and travel brought her back to the hotel industry in 2017.
A true global nomad – when not on a plane, Aliya resides in her eighth city, Washington D.C.
Quick Facts
Something ILC attendees would never guess about you?
I really wanted to be a plastic surgeon. I had to dissect a frog in biology class, and my short career in medicine came to a grinding halt when the frog came to.
Favorite place to stay when traveling:
Ugh. That’s hard. First one that comes to mind Cotton House, Barcelona
MUST have travel item:
My iphone. The notes, the maps, the recommendations, and the ability to take photos and make more notes. And more lists of recommendations or favorites.
Biggest extravagance or vice:
Champagne whenever the mood strikes
Favorite ILC Memory?
Listening to Bashar at the last Congress. That guy. Realness.
Who in your industry inspires you:
Anoushka Hempel for being truly timeless, Rafael de Cardenas for his eye and Matthew Goodrich because working with him is just fun.
First job:
A stock girl in my grandmother’s store
Who would play you in a movie?
Mindy Kaling obviously.
Currently reading:
Out of Egypt by Andre Aciman