Question: How have spas been affected as a result of the recession and how are they evolving?

Clodagh: Spas are becoming more versatile and mutable because of the combination of the economic downturn and the increasing time poverty of spa goers. Rents are high, so to achieve a reasonable return you will find locations like the Exhale Spa at the Gansevoort, which turns into a bar at night, and spas that have party rooms to accommodate entire wedding parties or a lecture series. The juice bar at the Great Jones Spa is open to the public and a great meeting place that brings traffic to the spa. In addition, the percentage of people who look for spas in hotel accommodations is rapidly rising.

Question: Are there venues where spas are an anticipated part of the lifestyle now (for example resorts, business hotels, etc.)?

Clodagh: Spas are evolving along the same trend line as food, with something for everybody in a variety of specialized interests and budgets; there is fast food and health food and gourmet food. Spas are permeating our culture in a similar way, and they are more accessible for hotel operators looking to expand the amenities offered to their guests (and not nearly as expensive as golf courses!). Too, the demographics have changed so much so that a sizable portion of spa business is directed toward men. What works best is when the spa echoes or enhances the hotel or resort brand, so each reinforces the other in a symbiotic relationship.

Question: Describe your vision of the future of spa design.

Clodagh: The health and wellness movement combined with the environmental movement has ratcheted up the bar as spa owners recognize the opportunity in being advocates of green design. With spas it just makes great business sense and creates a buzz to attract a clientele. A spa can be a leader for the green movement because, after all, the spa experience is about connecting your body to a healthy environment.

Question: Have you completed any progressive or unusual spas that speak to these ideas?

Clodagh: For the Miraval Resort outside of Tucson, they wanted to expand spa facilities quickly and inexpensively without shutting down their existing operations. We designed a desert garden with spa treatment tents brought in from South Africa, a sort of spafari. Guests love them, and they become a destination getaway within a destination spa. What the garden did was take the spa experience out into a natural desert setting to connect guests directly to a beautiful and precious locale.

Question: Tell us something unusual about yourself.

Clodagh: Something unusual about myself? I am on a news fast, but I read the comic strips. I love to laugh so much that I designed a LAUGHATHON for our family for every New Years Day. LAUGHATHON starts after a long lazy loving brunch with the family around four o'clock and typically goes on until midnight. Our sides ache as we watch a collection of the funniest movies long or short that we can find suitable for anyone from three (when they really watch) through adult. The kitchen counter is laden with a collection of movie snacks and munchies. Even the little ones when they see us giggling join in, and no one wants to leave.