SOME CAN ONLY DREAM

And dreamy or dreamlike is a good way to describe the work done by Thomas.

Thomas, executive vice president of design for Wynn Design and Development, spoke about his work as the first speaker in the Architectural & Decorative Art Society’s Luminaries Series, held recently at the Las Vegas Design Center at World Market Center.

According to Carolyn Muse Grant, founding president of ADAS, the series is designed to provide greater insight into those who helped shaped the Las Vegas Valley.

Through his work for Steve Wynn for nearly 30 years, Thomas and his dreams have certainly made a dramatic impact. Among his repertoire are the interiors for the Golden Nugget, The Mirage, Treasure Island, Bellagio and Wynn Las Vegas. Currently, he is working on Encore, which is set to open next year. Once that opens, he said he plans to retire, dividing his time between New York and Europe and spending time painting in the studio at his Northern California home.

Despite the fact that Thomas’ work is a creation of his fertile imagination, his designs are in no way unsubstantial or incomplete. He is admittedly very detail-oriented and bases his finalized designs on full-size models he creates.

In fact, several of the slides Thomas showed that appeared to be taken at the Wynn Las Vegas were in fact taken in an off-site facility. By creating an exact replica of his designs, Thomas said he was able to change out fabrics, fixtures, furnishings and decorative accents until the combinations were just right.

He said he tries to incorporate as many custom elements as possible. The idea, he said, is to create unique experiences for the guests.

Thomas calls his design concept “evocatecture,” which he describes as a blend of architecture and design that evokes emotions and heightens the senses. He said he wants to create the backdrop for life-changing events and memories that last a lifetime.

“The night before it (Wynn Las Vegas) opened, I said this is either going to be the best thing I’ve ever done or the worst — and I’m not sure which,” he said.

In creating the interiors for Wynn Las Vegas, Thomas said he and his staff considered the best features from previous designs as well as all the ideas that didn’t work, and went forward from there.

But even with concentrating their efforts on creating the best, once the resort opened, there were still features that didn’t work as they were intended.

“I live for the opportunity to remodel,” Thomas said half in jest.

And remodel he did. Allowing just 90 days for each project, the design team reinvented several of the hotel’s key amenities, including the restaurant Corsa Cucina and nightclub Tryst.

In addition to sharing details about his work at Wynn, Thomas showed a few slides of elements that will be found within Encore. Those items, including furnishings, rugs and mirrors, are part of his licensed collections with various manufacturers.