Step into a world where design becomes an enchanting symphony of elegance, sophistication, and pure cleverness. At the heart of this captivating realm stands Nadia Di Donato, the Vice President and Creative Director at Liberty Entertainment Group. With her visionary approach, she breathes life into spaces, going beyond the ordinary and creating extraordinary experiences that ignite our senses and leave us craving for more.
For Ms. Di Donato, design is not just about making things look pretty; it’s about crafting an incredible journey that breaks boundaries and takes us on an unforgettable ride. With her unwavering belief in timeless elegance, she adds a unique touch to each project, ensuring that the design perfectly aligns with the purpose and vibe of the space.
But her artistic vision doesn’t stop at the physical interiors alone. Ms. Di Donato understands that true design magic lies in seamlessly integrating multiple layers throughout the customer experience. From the carefully chosen art and furniture to the meticulously designed tableware, menu layouts, and even the stylish outfits, every single detail is thoughtfully curated to create an atmosphere that stays etched in our memories.
With more than three decades of experience under her belt, Ms. Di Donato has been an integral part of Liberty Entertainment Group since its very beginning in 1987. With her formal training in visual communications from Ryerson Polytechnic University, she’s armed with an impeccable eye for detail and a deep understanding of how form and function come together harmoniously.
Through her close collaboration with the Liberty Group developers, each venue boasts its own distinct design approach, making it a true testament to Ms. Di Donato’s meticulous attention to detail. She has single-handedly turned Liberty Entertainment Group facilities into the epitome of creative theming in the city, where every nook and cranny tells a unique story.
Ms. Di Donato’s Journey as a Creative Visionary
Ms. Di Donato saw the world through a visual scope, leading her to believe that her career path was not a choice she made, but rather one that chose her. Initially starting in graphic design and gaining years of experience in print, her inherent creativity always shone through. Graduating from Toronto University with a degree in graphic design and visual communication, she took on the role of creative director for various publications, including Azure, a renowned interior design magazine in Canada. It was during this time that Ms. Di Donato developed a deep passion for the industry, appreciating its multiple facets.
With a background in graphic design and an unwavering love for interiors, Ms. Di Donato possessed a distinct approach to spaces and venues, perceiving them as artistic and design palettes. She refused to adhere to the conventional limitations of construction, constantly pushing the boundaries and thinking beyond the norm. A pivotal moment in her journey occurred in 1996 when she joined Liberty Entertainment Group, a prominent player in the hospitality industry, as their creative director. This transition marked a shift from 2D design to 3D design, coinciding with the revolutionary changes taking place within the design industry as a whole. These changes brought about opportunities for rapid innovation, which Ms. Di Donato eagerly embraced.
Today, Ms. Di Donato responsibilities encompass the entire spectrum from conceptualization to implementation. She plays a crucial role in bringing her creative vision to life, orchestrating every step of the design process with meticulous attention to detail.
The Company
For over three decades the Liberty Entertainment Group, led by president & CEO, Nick Di Donato and vice president, creative director Nadia Di Donato, has been redefining Toronto’s restaurants, nightlife, and special event experiences. As developers and operators of landmark establishments, the Liberty Entertainment Group has become recognized as one of the most successful and innovative companies in the industry. The company continues to gain success and acknowledgment for its impressive roster of unique venues, including Toronto’s premiere special event facilities, Casa Loma, and the Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex. The company is also responsible for the development of Toronto’s most prolific restaurants including BlueBlood Steakhouse, Michelin-starred, Tre Forchette awarded Don Alfonso 1890, three Cibo Wine Bar locations (King West, Yonge St, and Yorkville) and two projects currently under development, DaNico and Blue Bovine Steak + Sushi House. With over 500,000 square feet of hospitality space, Liberty Entertainment Group caters to a diverse clientele of upwards of 1.75 million people per year including A list celebrities, sports personalities, and industry leaders. Visit www.libertygroup.com.
Playful Approach to Interior Design
Ms. Di Donato has always approached her work in interior design with a belief that work should be a form of play. This perspective will continue to shape her future design approach, as well as her personal growth and development. Her vision revolves around designing spaces that reflect personality and prioritize comfort. She aims to create designs that are timeless, avoiding overtly flashy elements that may become dated or distract from the intended design experience. Ms. Di Donato seeks to strike a balance where people can feel the design’s impact without it overpowering the overall experience. She maintains a lighthearted approach, never taking herself too seriously.
As an emerging leader, Ms. Di Donato firmly rejects the notion that certain things cannot be accomplished. She encourages others to imagine the impossible, fostering a playful and creative mindset that breaks free from conventional boundaries. She believes in thinking outside the proverbial box, refusing to let limitations hinder her progress. Ms. Di Donato disregards any distinction between male and female leaders, recognizing that there is no inherent difference in their capabilities. She has never allowed her gender to be seen as an obstacle, despite working predominantly in a construction-oriented field surrounded by men. She embraces these challenges and rises to meet them head-on.
Visualizing Excellence
In her role, Ms. Di Donato holds the responsibility for creating all visual materials associated with Liberty Entertainment Group. She plays a pivotal role in the overall creative design of the company’s venues and properties, ensuring a cohesive and visually appealing experience for guests.
Ms. Di Donato finds immense inspiration and happiness in her family, consisting of her husband and two sons. Their ambition, perseverance, focus, and accomplishments serve as a constant source of motivation for her. Witnessing their drive to achieve more each day fuels her own desire to surpass her previous achievements. Additionally, Ms. Di Donato takes a hands-on approach to her projects, collaborating closely with her construction team, with whom she has cultivated a working relationship spanning over 25 years. Their presence brings her joy and contributes to the success of her endeavors.
Travel holds a special place in Ms. Di Donato’s heart as it serves as a significant source of inspiration. Exploring new destinations allows her to challenge her perspectives on design and leadership. It is during these journeys that she gathers fresh inspiration, immerses herself in different cultures, and discovers captivating design elements, architecture, signage, and art unique to each city. Ms. Di Donato embraces the opportunity to draw motivation and innovative ideas from her surroundings, making travel an integral part of her personal and professional growth. She finds that every city in the world offers a wealth of interesting design concepts and cultural experiences that enrich her creative process.
Blurring Boundaries
Ms. Di Donato firmly believes that interior design trends reflect the current state of affairs. Looking ahead, she envisions a merging of commercial design with residential interiors, driven by the impact of technology and global events reshaping lifestyles. Her extensive experience in hospitality design positions her to be sought after for high-end residential living as well as opportunities across various industries.
There is a notable emphasis on creating spaces that prioritize home entertainment comfort and convenience, as well as professional workspaces that are seamlessly integrated with technology. Clean and uncluttered spaces featuring neutral color schemes and raw natural materials will bridge the gap between technology and modernity, resulting in warm and comfortable living environments. Ms. Di Donato perceives a growing trend of bringing the world of hospitality into residential settings, blurring the boundaries between commercial and residential design. This entails using sturdier materials that exude solidity and weight in homes, while incorporating a more relaxed and less uniform approach in hospitality spaces. The inclusion of textiles is paramount to achieve a residential feel in these areas.
Environmental responsibility has gained significant importance, emphasizing the use of raw natural materials, live greenery, and neutral color schemes. In a world dominated by technology, there is a strong desire for unadulterated materials and forms, approached in fresh and unconventional ways. Custom pieces play a significant role in design, acknowledging the value of handcrafted uniqueness and building upon it. A trend of layering vintage and recycled objects alongside new ones emerges, creating a harmonious “mixology” of elements that adds depth and character to spaces.
Unyielding Vision
In the realm of hospitality, Ms. Di Donato understands that it is impossible to cater to everyone’s preferences. The most valuable and costly lesson she has learned is to never waver in her vision. Thorough research, unwavering focus, and diligent execution from start to finish have been the tried-and-true formula for the success of the Liberty Group. Despite having a diverse portfolio, each individual venue remains true to its specific concept. Ms. Di Donato firmly believes in seeing the cup as half full in any situation, firmly holding the belief that every problem has a solution. She acknowledges that setbacks are a part of life, both personally and professionally, but views them as opportunities for growth, resilience, and improvement.
Over the next five years, Liberty Group aspires to continue growing and gaining international recognition within the highly competitive hospitality industry. Their goal is to create, design, and implement properties that are acknowledged on a global platform, serving as a testament to their talent and achievements. Ms. Di Donato is committed to nurturing and developing leaders within the hospitality arena, not only within the country but also on the world stage.
Under Ms. Di Donato’s creative direction, the Liberty Entertainment Group has amassed an impressive collection of uniquely designed venues, spanning from casual eateries and nightclubs to elegant restaurants and large banquet facilities. Their crown jewel, Casa Loma, holds a special place among their accomplishments. The group’s unwavering commitment to creativity and excellence has garnered recognition as one of North America’s top hospitality companies. Personally, Ms. Di Donato considers it an extraordinary honor to be recognized alongside the world’s best in her field.
Expanding Horizons
Ms. Di Donato envisions the expansion of Liberty Entertainment Group not only within the hospitality arena but also through new projects beyond hospitality. The company’s establishments are strategically situated in historically designated properties or iconic neighborhoods across cities. These “classic” shells present a unique opportunity to blend traditional elements with modern design, a signature approach that defines Liberty Group. Currently, they are working on the development of two new restaurant properties in Toronto set to launch later in the year. One is Da Nico, an elegant and upscale fine dining destination housed in a historic bank building, while the other is Blue Bovine Steak & Sushi, located in the historic Union Station at the heart of the central business district. Both restaurants are poised to break new ground and uphold Liberty Group’s vision.
Unwavering dedication to excellence is a constant pursuit for the company, as evidenced by recent international award wins for their properties. These accolades include a prestigious Michelin Star, the Tre Forchette award from Gambero Rosso, Top 50 Italy awards, and numerous design et al awards. Liberty Group aims to establish their hospitality properties as global leaders, setting a new standard of dining that captivates the attention of critics worldwide.
Ms. Di Donato’s expertise extends beyond the realm of hospitality. She recently completed the design of a medical facility, overseeing the entire process from the initial design stage to its full completion. Healthcare interior design has evolved significantly, with a greater emphasis on enhancing the overall patient experience. Applying the same mindset seen in commercial and residential design, Ms. Di Donato incorporated various hospitality design elements into the 5000 sq ft clinic. By defying conventional rules and introducing fresh concepts, she revolutionized reception areas, foodservice facilities, clean open spaces, lighting effects, audio/visual applications, and the use of natural materials and warm neutral color palettes.
Written by Steve Sanchez.
