WMC Names Roger Thomas Design Icon

World Market Center Las Vegas will honor Roger Thomas of Wynn Design and Development as a "Design Icon" during the Winter 2009 Las Vegas Market, Feb. 9–13. The Las Vegas Market Design Icon Lecture Series recognizes design legends, who share their stories and experiences in order to inspire future designers. Thomas joins the ranks of Design Icon honorees named by World Market Center Las Vegas including Vladmir Kagan and Larry Laslo.

Thomas will be honored on Thursday, Feb. 12 during the Winter 2009 Las Vegas Market.

"Roger is an outstanding and inspirational individual," said World Market Center President and CEO Robert Maricich. "We admire his talent and his generosity in sharing his expertise and resources with the design community. We established the Design Icon program to motivate and inspire future leaders. Roger Thomas is a singular and unique individual in the world of design and we are honored to present him with this award. His stellar talents in both hospitality design and home furnishings design are truly unmatched."

Thomas created the interiors of Wynn Las Vegas and most recently led the interior design of Wynn Macau, which opened to the public in September 2006. Encore at Wynn Las Vegas, which opened on Dec. 22 last year, along with Wynn Diamond Macau, which will open January 2010, also bear his stamp. Thomas designed the interiors of properties including the Golden Nugget hotels in Las Vegas and Laughlin and the Mirage Resort, Treasure Island and Bellagio Resort on the Las Vegas strip.

Thomas started his career as an apprentice designer while still in his teens. Elected to the Hospitality Design Platinum Circle in 2005, Thomas received a Lifetime Achievement award from the Network of Executive Women in Hospitality. In 2007, Thomas was listed in Architectural Digest's AD 100.

The Roger Thomas Collection was inaugurated in 2006 with signature designs for APF Munn Master Framemakers. The Collection was expanded in 2007 with furniture for Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman and designs for The Natural Carpet Company and in 2008 with green sustainable lighting for Niedermaier and outdoor furnishings for Veneman.