Former Forrec executive, Matt Dawson, Joins JRA as VP of business development
by Tom Walker | 19 Oct 2023
Dawson has joined JRA / Matt Dawson
JRA has appointed Matt Dawson, a former VP at experience design company Forrec, as its new VP of business development.
At Forrec, Dawson – who has a master's degree in architecture – served on the executive team responsible for setting corporate priorities and also set the strategic direction for Forrec's client relations, leading a 12-person team to pursue new business development efforts across North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Prior to his VP appointment, Dawson served as Forrec's senior director of visitor attractions, managing client relations with cultural institutions, such as Science North, Mandai Singapore Zoo and the Panama Canal Authority.
As a sought-after thought leader, Dawson has been a featured speaker at conferences worldwide and has contributed content to dozens of industry articles.
JRA's executive vice president, Mark Amos, said: "Matt could not be arriving at a more perfect time. With the leisure market hungry for new experiences, we at JRA set a strategic growth plan in motion to expand our reach into new verticals and regions while deepening our relationships in existing ones.
"With his architecture and business development background, Matt is uniquely positioned to execute this plan and position us for global success."
Experience design studio JRA has completed work on multiple cultural and attraction projects in the first three quarters of 2023 – with more 12 others in the pipeline.
Recent openings include the National Corvette Museum's McMichael Family Education Gallery, the complete renovation of Louisville Slugger Museum, ExpERIEnce Children's Museum, The Ozark Mill, Kings Island Adventure Port and the Hasbro City FEC in Mexico City.
JRA was acquired by live entertainment specialist, RWS Entertainment Group, in November 2021.
JRA RWS Entertainment Matt Dawson05 Aug 2023
Plans revealed for US$2bn Oklahoma theme park
16 May 2023
RWS reveals new name, creates a 'powerhouse team' with JRA, Ted and ARC
17 Nov 2021
JRA becomes part of the RWS Entertainment Group
09 Oct 2015
Exclusive: Designers Forrec are creating a Top Gear attraction for BBC Worldwide
JRA has appointed Matt Dawson, a former VP at experience design company Forrec, as its new VP of business development. At Forrec, Dawson – who has a master's degree in architecture – served on the executive team responsible for setting corporate priorities and also set the strategic direction for Forrec's client relations, leading a 12-person team to pursue new business development efforts across North America, South America, Europe, the Middle
TAW,VAT,HAM,DES,PHR
More news
Equinox Hotels to launch futuristic wellbeing resort in Neom's luxury coastal region
by Megan Whitby | 23 Jul 2024
Fitness-focused hospitality brand and management company Equinox Hotels has announced plans to open a modern new resort on the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba in northwest Saudi Arabia. The venture is part of the ambitious US$500 billion (€462.7 billion, £396 billion) Neom* giga-project. The new resort, Equinox Resort Treyam, will be a centrepiece in Magna**, Neom’s new luxury coastal region, which encompasses 12 destinations along 120km of coastline. Magna
La Maviglia resort and medi-spa launching in Puglia in 2027, designed by Oppenheim Architecture
by Megan Whitby | 23 Jul 2024
Plans have been unveiled for La Maviglia, a new luxury resort and expansive medi-spa set to open in Italy's Puglia region, renowned for its Primitivo wine, in 2027. Spanning 202 hectares of lush olive orchard landscape and situated moments from picturesque beaches, La Maviglia resort is being brought to life following the sensitive transformation and expansion of an original 16th-century Masseria by acclaimed design firms Oppenheim Architecture and Enea Landscape
Vogue launches first Global Spa Guide – picks 100 of the world’s best spas
by Megan Whitby | 21 Jun 2024
Conde Nast’s iconic fashion and lifestyle magazine, Vogue, has launched a Global Spa Guide, curating 100 of the world's leading spas. Showcasing a wide range of locations – from urban sanctuaries and medical wellness clinics, to remote wellness resorts and mountain retreats – the guide emphasises the diversity and richness of spa experiences available to consumers worldwide. Each location is accompanied by detailed reviews and recommendations which highlight their unique
Japan's first Blue Zones longevity retreat to launch at Halekulani Okinawa
by Megan Whitby | 19 Jun 2024
A new retreat focused on helping people lead longer, happier lives is launching on the Japanese island of Okinawa. As one of the world's five Blue Zone areas, Okinawa is known for its population's longevity and health. National Geographic fellow and explorer Dan Buettner identified these Blue Zones, which also include Sardinia (Italy), Nicoya (Costa Rica), Ikaria (Greece), and Loma Linda (California). The programme will be hosted at the luxury
Total Fitness to launch purpose-built Women’s Gym
by Kath Hudson | 13 Jun 2024
Following the success of its first site in Whitefield, Total Fitness is launching a purpose-built Women’s Gym in Wilmslow. The concept has been trialled using an area of the Whitefield club that was converted to the Women’s Gym, but the second site will be purpose built. The new 4,500sq ft club will include cardio machines, a strength training area, group classes and a recovery area. Kerry Curtis, brand development director
Deepak Chopra-backed wellness resort Ameyalli to open among historic Utah hot springs
by Megan Whitby | 07 Jun 2024
Wellness industry figure Deepak Chopra is co-developing a new wellness community and resort focused on wellbeing and longevity in Utah’s Heber Valley, centred around natural geothermal springs. Named Ameyalli – an Aztec term meaning "a place where the healing water flows" – the project is a collaboration between Chopra, the Chopra Foundation and developer and managing partner Charles Heath. Heath, who acquired the thermal springs site, has set out to
Life Time Group Holdings does US$40 million sale and leaseback deal to fund growth
by Kath Hudson | 03 Jun 2024
High-end country club operator, Life Time Group Holdings, has closed a US$40 million sale and leaseback transaction. The company, which has a portfolio of more than 170 high-end, athletic country clubs across the United States and Canada, says the funds will be used to support growth and strengthen its balance sheet. The transaction involved one property with an institutional real estate investor that owns another Life Time destination. Going forward,
Ritz-Carlton Reserve to land in South America with tropical retreat in Rio de Janeiro
by Megan Whitby | 03 Jun 2024
Marriott is set to bolster its exclusive Ritz-Carlton Reserve portfolio with a brand new property in South America in Costa do Sol, Rio de Janeiro. The eco-luxury resort will open as part of the ambitious Maraey project, an 844-hectare sustainably-minded urban development designed to harmonise with the local ecosystem and champion economic development. By integrating environmental conservation with economic growth, the vision behind the tourist and residential project is to
Banyan Tree to debut in Caribbean with Oppenheim-designed island retreat
by Megan Whitby | 30 May 2024
Developer Rockwell Island Development Group (RIDGE) has appointed five-star, global hospitality brand Banyan Tree to manage its new luxury island retreat in Bimini in the Bahamas. Immersed in nature and surrounded by pristine beaches, Banyan Tree Bimini Resort & Residences will be situated on a 750-acre property on the secluded Rockwell Island. RIDGE is planning to deliver 54 waterfront residences, a 50-key five-star hotel and Bonito Beach Club, all with
Mandarin Oriental’s new London hotel and urban spa retreat opening 3 June
by Megan Whitby | 29 May 2024
Reservations are now open for Mandarin Oriental’s second London hotel, Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, set to open on 3 June. The luxury establishment will feature 50 guestrooms, 77 private residences and a luxury underground spa retreat. The new wellness facility – designed as a boutique counterpart to the flagship Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park spa – will cater to hotel guests, residents and the local community. The urban retreat will offer an indoor
GWI unveils latest edition of Hydrothermal Spa & Wellness Development Standards to elevate industry practices
by Megan Whitby | 28 May 2024
The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) has published the fourth edition of the Guide to Hydrothermal Spa & Wellness Development Standards The 230-page guide, developed in collaboration with the GWI Hydrothermal Initiative* members, continues to set the industry standard for designing and constructing thermal experiences and wet areas in commercial and residential properties. Originally published in 2014, the publication is designed to help stakeholders – including owners, operators and consultants –
Merlin unveils record-breaking Hyperia coaster at Thorpe Park
by Liz Terry | 25 May 2024
Merlin Entertainments has launched its new Hyperia rollercoaster at Thorpe Park to celebrate its 45th year. The ride is billed as the UK's tallest, fastest and most weightless rollercoaster, beating The Big One in Blackpool for height by 13ft and at 81 mph, besting Thorpe Park's Stealth coaster for speed. It has two 20-passenger trains. Designed in-house by Merlin Magic Making – led by global creative director, Megan Wastell –
Connection, creativity and nature inspire Arizona’s upcoming desert wellness sanctuary Align
by Megan Whitby | 23 May 2024
A new nature-inspired wellness destination called Align is coming to Tucson, spearheaded by brothers and local hospitality entrepreneurs Mark and Eric Erman. Designed to foster individual and collective wellbeing, the project is set to create a central gathering space for users of the Chuck Huckleberry Loop, an 87.5-km circular trail used for outdoor leisure pursuits. Fronted by the Rillito River, Align will be realised with an extensive wellness facility, a
Wellness real estate market booming – forecast to reach $913bn by 2028, reports GWI
by Megan Whitby | 17 May 2024
The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) has released promising new research on the wellness real estate market at its third-annual Wellness Real Estate & Communities Symposium in Manhattan. The GWI defines wellness real estate as homes and buildings that are proactively designed, built and operated to support the holistic health of their residents. Called Wellness Real Estate: Market Growth (2019-2023) and Future Developments, the paper reveals wellness real estate is by
UAE’s first Dior Spa debuts in Dubai at Dorchester Collection’s newest hotel, The Lana
by Megan Whitby | 23 Apr 2024
The UAE’s first-ever Dior Spa has officially launched at The Lana, Dubai – the Dorchester Collection’s debut property in the Middle East. Bathed in natural daylight on the hotel’s 29th floor, Dior Spa The Lana was designed by architecture and interior design firm Gilles & Boissier. The 4,300sq ft spa – Dior’s fifth globally – features five treatment rooms and one couple’s suite. Facilities also include a futon for Japanese-inspired
Europe's premier Evian Spa unveiled at Hôtel Royal in France
by Megan Whitby | 09 Apr 2024
Europe’s first Evian Spa has opened at the five-star Hôtel Royal in Evian-les-Bains, France – the birthplace of the mineral water brand. The spa has been realised following a comprehensive 12-month renovation of the hotel’s existing wellness facilities and was curated to capture the essence of revitalisation. Spanning 1,700sq m, the Evian Spa embraces the ethos of its namesake brand, drawing inspiration from the beauty of nature's water cycle. Evian's
Clinique La Prairie unveils health resort in China after two-year project
by Megan Whitby | 28 Mar 2024
Swiss medical wellness and longevity brand Clinique La Prairie has unveiled its highly-anticipated health resort in Anji, China. The opening marks the brand's debut in China and its first international Health Resort outside of Switzerland. “We’re thrilled to announce the opening of our resort in China, representing a monumental leap in our mission to expand our legacy of excellence globally,” said the company in a statement. “The new resort is
GoCo Health Innovation City in Sweden plans to lead the world in delivering wellness and new science
by Kath Hudson | 28 Mar 2024
A new urban city centre in Gothenburg, Sweden is in development with the aim of accelerating health innovation. Next Step Group and Vectura Fastigheter joined forces to create GoCo Health Innovation City, with over US$400 million being invested in the 200,000sq m project. The architects for the development are Semrén + Måsson. When complete it will create a new life science district and urban city centre with a health and
Four Seasons announces luxury wellness resort and residences at Amaala
by Megan Whitby | 22 Mar 2024
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is the latest brand to join the collection of luxury hospitality partners at Saudi Arabia's upcoming regenerative tourism destination Amaala. Positioned as the premier global integrated family wellness destination, Amaala is taking shape along Saudi Arabia’s north-western coastline, promising transformative experiences inspired by art, wellness and the allure of the Red Sea. Four Seasons, in collaboration with Amaala’s developer Red Sea Global (RSG), is set
Aman sister brand Janu debuts in Tokyo with four-floor urban wellness retreat
by Megan Whitby | 14 Mar 2024
Janu – Aman’s highly-anticipated sister brand – has opened its inaugural hotel in Tokyo, marking the first in its pipeline of 13 properties across city, country and coastal destinations. Meaning ‘soul’ in Sanskrit, Janu was first announced in 2020 and is a hotel, residence and lifestyle brand based on social connection, equilibrium and human interaction. With 122 rooms and suites, Janu Tokyo and has opened among a landmark building designed
€38m geothermal spa and leisure centre to revitalise Croatian city of Bjelovar
by Megan Whitby | 08 Mar 2024
A multi-million-euro geothermal spa and leisure centre, called Terme Bjelovar, is scheduled to open in the Croatian city of Bjelovar in Q3 of 2025. Already six years in the making, the project in Veliko Korenovo is projected to cost €38 million (US$41.2 million, £32.6 million) to complete – according to Dario Hrebak, mayor of Bjelovar, who says the facility will “revitalise the city”. Terme Bjelovar will be home to a
Two Santani eco-friendly wellness resorts coming to Oman, partnered with Omran Group
by Megan Whitby | 07 Mar 2024
Sri Lankan retreat brand Santani Wellness Resorts has joined forces with the Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran Group) to develop and operate two new locations in Oman, marking its international debut outside of Sri Lanka. The resorts, located in the Jabal Shams in Ad Dakhiliyah and Dhofar Governorates, will encompass a total of 182 accommodations and adhere to high-level sustainability standards. Unveiled at the ITB 2024 travel trade show in
Kerzner shows confidence in its Siro wellness hotel concept, revealing plans to open 100
by Kath Hudson | 05 Mar 2024
Following the launch of its Siro wellness hotel brand, in the form of Siro One Za’abeel in Dubai, Kerzner International has revealed it plans to create a global chain of properties under the brand. Speaking this weekend at the World Spa and Wellness Convention in London, Zoe Wall, vice president Siro and Wellness at Kerzner, said the company envisions opening at least 100 hotels, indicating that the Dubai property is
Ritz-Carlton, Portland unveils skyline spa inspired by unfolding petals of a rose
by Megan Whitby | 15 Feb 2024
A new urban wellness retreat has opened in downtown Portland, Oregon, at the recently opened luxury hotel The Ritz-Carlton, Portland with architecture and design by GBD Architects and HKS Interior Design and identity and wayfinding by Knot. Situated on the 19th floor of the 35-storey, 251-room hotel, Cloudbreak on Nineteen has been conceived with the help of ROAM Interior Design as a restorative health and wellness haven complete with a
Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners are just one of the names behind The Emory hotel London and Surrenne private members club
by Kath Hudson | 12 Feb 2024
Surrenne, a luxury private members club gym and spa launches in London in April, with membership costing £10,000 a year. Spanning almost 2,000sq m across four floors, Surrenne is part of Maybourne Hotel Group’s new all-suite hotel, The Emory. Architectural designer, Remi Tessier has designed the club with “perfectly choreographed light and AI-influenced symphonies orchestrated to complement the senses.” Maybourne COO, Roland Fasel, says the offering has been put together
Peninsula Hot Springs unveils AUS$11.7m sister site in Australian outback
by Megan Whitby | 12 Feb 2024
Australia’s iconic bathing destination Peninsula Hot Springs in Victoria has announced the arrival of its brand new sister site in Cunnamulla, southwest Queensland. Designed as a remote desert oasis in the outback, Cunnamulla Hot Springs is owned by the local council and marks the fourth site operated by Peninsula Hot Springs Group (PHS) – founded by Charles Davidson in 2005. Overlooking the Warrego River, the newly built site flows with
IWBI creates WELL for residential programme to inspire healthy living environments
by Megan Whitby | 12 Feb 2024
The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), has launched a new global certificate to recognise and award industry best practices to create healthier and more resilient homes. Called WELL for residential, the evidence-based, third-party verified certification programme has been conceived to transform the way homes are designed, built and maintained to support human health and wellbeing. The certification – informed by the WELL Building Standard (WELL) and its 10 WELL concepts
Conrad Orlando unveils water-inspired spa oasis amid billion-dollar Evermore Resort complex
by Megan Whitby | 09 Feb 2024
The healing power of water has inspired the concept behind a large new spa in Florida at the recently-opened Conrad Orlando hotel. The 433-key Hilton hotel was developed by Dart Interests and forms part of the developer and owner’s billion-dollar 1,100-acre mega-resort called Evermore Orlando*, located next to Florida's iconic Disneyland resort. Dart appointed spa and wellness consultancy Under A Tree (UAT) to develop a wellness concept for the two-floor
Studio A+ realises striking urban hot springs retreat in China's Shanxi Province
by Megan Whitby | 09 Feb 2024
Architecture and interior design firm Studio A+ has revealed the design inspiration behind its recent boutique hotel and hot springs retreat project in Fengxi New City, Shanxi Province, China. Founded by Min Wang in 2007, the studio’s vision was to create a property that represents a seamless fusion of city life and nature, providing guests with a peaceful and refined sanctuary. The architectural approach to Mu Feng Yue Hot Spring
Populous reveals plans for major e-sports arena in Saudi Arabia
by Rebecca Skeel | 08 Feb 2024
Populous have unveiled their plans for a state-of-the-art e-sports arena, designed to stand as a central landmark in Qiddaya City’s gaming and e-sports district, Saudi Arabia. The 5,155-seat venue will be designed to accommodate multiple experiences that prioritise players and spectators, as well as hosting both national and international esports events. The stadium will include the largest combined total video screen area of any esports arena in the world, with
company profile
Try cladmag for free!
Sign up with CLAD to receive our regular ezine, instant news alerts, free digital subscriptions to CLADweek, CLADmag and CLADbook and to request a free sample of the next issue of CLADmag.
sign up
features
Catalogue Gallery
Click on a catalogue to view it online
To advertise in our catalogue gallery: call +44(0)1462 431385
features
features
cladkit product news
Mather & Co has transformed the visitor centre into the ultimate haven for ardent Coronation Street viewers
Experience designers, Mather & Co, have orchestrated a remarkable collaboration with ITV to unveil the new Coronation Street Experience, a
...
The Clematis design
The Botanicals is Siminetti’s newest Mother of Pearl decorative panelling collection, inspired by the distinctive patterns found in botany and
...
cladkit product news
The furniture collection draws on absolute geometries, pure lines, neutral colours and strong references to nature
Furniture manufacturer Varaschin has unveiled the new Wellness Therapy range, designed by Italian spa and wellness architect and designer Alberto
...
The event will allow buyers and suppliers to meet
Cruise Ship Interiors (CSI) invites cruise lines, shipyards, design studios, outfitters, and suppliers to take part in CSI Design Expo
...
cladkit product news
Koto is known for crafting modular, energy-neutral cabins and homes
A striking wood-fired hot tub has been unveiled by Koto, an architecture and design studio which has a passion for
...
Ojmar says the batteryless lock is easy to install and features a user-friendly interface
Smart lock manufacturer Ojmar has released the OTS20 Batteryless – the first battery-free electronic locker lock on the market. The
...
