Hospitality Design: What I've Learned Tue, 02 Jun 2026 19:26:56 -0400 https://www.hospitalitydesign.com/ en © 2026 Hospitality Design: What I've Learned yes fc0f1535-678a-5046-83b5-0d3031d372ba Hospitality Design episodic false In this series, Hospitality Design magazine's editor in chief Stacy Shoemaker Rauen talks with influential hotel and design leaders on how they got to where they are today, what drives them, and their biggest lessons learned navigating an ever-changing industry. 

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Hospitality Design https://storage.buzzsprout.com/jm2782vkhw69gueefua6bq6o2ljs?.jpg Hospitality Design: What I've Learned https://www.hospitalitydesign.com/ Chantell Walsh, Strategic Hotels & Resorts Chantell Walsh, Strategic Hotels & Resorts Growing up in a small town in central Minnesota, Chantell Walsh’s creativity took the form of graph paper floorplans and endless hours outdoors inventing adventures. A pivotal job shadow at local architecture firm KKE Architects during high school solidified her path.

After earning her degree in architecture, Walsh landed in Chicago, working under a mentor who taught her to embrace process over perfection. That ethos followed her to Strategic Hotels & Resorts, where she joined as a consultant in 2010.

Fifteen years later and now vice president of design and construction, Walsh leads design efforts across the company’s evolving portfolio, which includes Regent’s U.S. debut property in Santa Monica, California and the highly anticipated transformation of the Waldorf Astoria New York.

For Walsh, success lies in crafting spaces that evoke emotion and above all tell a story.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Growing up in a small town in central Minnesota, Chantell Walsh’s creativity took the form of graph paper floorplans and endless hours outdoors inventing adventures. A pivotal job shadow at local architecture firm KKE Architects during high school solidified her path.

After earning her degree in architecture, Walsh landed in Chicago, working under a mentor who taught her to embrace process over perfection. That ethos followed her to Strategic Hotels & Resorts, where she joined as a consultant in 2010.

Fifteen years later and now vice president of design and construction, Walsh leads design efforts across the company’s evolving portfolio, which includes Regent’s U.S. debut property in Santa Monica, California and the highly anticipated transformation of the Waldorf Astoria New York.

For Walsh, success lies in crafting spaces that evoke emotion and above all tell a story.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-17551867 Wed, 23 Jul 2025 11:00:00 -0400 2108 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel operations, hotel owners, hoteliers, strategic hotels & resorts, chantell walsh 3 161 full false Greg Bradshaw, Adam Farmerie, Kristina O'Neal, and William Harris, AvroKO Greg Bradshaw, Adam Farmerie, Kristina O'Neal, and William Harris, AvroKO For more than two decades, AvroKO has pushed the boundaries of what it means to be a design firm. Founded by longtime friends Greg Bradshaw, Adam Farmerie, Kristina O’Neal, and William Harris, the multidisciplinary studio has earned a reputation for its richly layered interiors, holistic approach, and narrative-driven process.

From launching self-propelled projects like Ghost Donkey and Host on Howard to building enduring relationships with clients like 1 Hotels, AvroKO has remained steadfast in its desire to create spaces with soul. 

During a keynote conversation at HD Expo + Conference this May, they opened up about their origins as university friends, the power of collaboration, their “magic paper” annual summits, and the lessons learned over 25 years of running a design-driven, people-first business.


Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> For more than two decades, AvroKO has pushed the boundaries of what it means to be a design firm. Founded by longtime friends Greg Bradshaw, Adam Farmerie, Kristina O’Neal, and William Harris, the multidisciplinary studio has earned a reputation for its richly layered interiors, holistic approach, and narrative-driven process.

From launching self-propelled projects like Ghost Donkey and Host on Howard to building enduring relationships with clients like 1 Hotels, AvroKO has remained steadfast in its desire to create spaces with soul. 

During a keynote conversation at HD Expo + Conference this May, they opened up about their origins as university friends, the power of collaboration, their “magic paper” annual summits, and the lessons learned over 25 years of running a design-driven, people-first business.


Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-17477914 Wed, 09 Jul 2025 12:00:00 -0400 3762 design, interiors, hospitality, restaurant, restaurant design, hotel design, multidisciplinary design, New York interior designers, AvroKO, Host on Howard, James Beard Award Winners 3 160 full false Craig Stanghetta, Ste Marie Craig Stanghetta, Ste Marie Raised in Sault Ste. Marie, a small industrial town in Northern Ontario, Craig Stanghetta grew up surrounded by hospitality—his family owned the city’s oldest hotel. Though initially drawn to theater, he worked as a professional actor until he found the same sense of connection in the world of design.

His first project, the Chinese brasserie Bao Bei in Vancouver’s Chinatown, solidified the career pivot. From that moment, his focus shifted. What began as a hands-on, instinctual approach—learning on the fly, designing furniture, pouring countertops, and collaborating with friends—evolved into Ste Marie, a multidisciplinary design studio known for its immersive storytelling and mood-driven environments. 

Today, with a portfolio that spans restaurants, residences, and hotels, he continues to design with a sense of purpose and place, he remains committed to designing emotionally resonant spaces that take guests on a journey.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Raised in Sault Ste. Marie, a small industrial town in Northern Ontario, Craig Stanghetta grew up surrounded by hospitality—his family owned the city’s oldest hotel. Though initially drawn to theater, he worked as a professional actor until he found the same sense of connection in the world of design.

His first project, the Chinese brasserie Bao Bei in Vancouver’s Chinatown, solidified the career pivot. From that moment, his focus shifted. What began as a hands-on, instinctual approach—learning on the fly, designing furniture, pouring countertops, and collaborating with friends—evolved into Ste Marie, a multidisciplinary design studio known for its immersive storytelling and mood-driven environments. 

Today, with a portfolio that spans restaurants, residences, and hotels, he continues to design with a sense of purpose and place, he remains committed to designing emotionally resonant spaces that take guests on a journey.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-17402935 Thu, 26 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0400 3922 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, interior design, hospitality design, hotels, restaurants, lifestyle hotels, canada, vancouver design, toronto design, food and beverage 3 159 full false Sarah Klymson and Simon Marxer, Hyatt Sarah Klymson and Simon Marxer, Hyatt As senior leaders shaping the future of Hyatt's wellness-focused brand Miraval, Sarah Klymson and Simon Marxer bring complementary expertise to the table: Klymson is a trained architect and global design strategist, while Marxer is a veteran spa and wellbeing innovator with roots at Canyon Ranch and Red Flower.

Since Hyatt’s acquisition of Miraval in 2017, the duo has worked together to evolve the brand while honoring its original mission to empower guests to cultivate balance, mindfulness, and purpose.

Klymson’s design leadership has been instrumental in translating Miraval’s ethos into spaces that promote reflection, community, and comfort. Marxer, meanwhile, ensures that programming—from digital detoxing to equine therapy—remains immersive and emotionally resonant.

Together, they’re ushering Miraval into its next chapter, which includes the upcoming Red Sea resort, the brand’s first international outpost. As they expand globally, Klymson and Marxer are committed to scaling not just a brand, but also an intention—one that prioritizes authenticity, self-discovery, and wellbeing in every guest interaction.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> As senior leaders shaping the future of Hyatt's wellness-focused brand Miraval, Sarah Klymson and Simon Marxer bring complementary expertise to the table: Klymson is a trained architect and global design strategist, while Marxer is a veteran spa and wellbeing innovator with roots at Canyon Ranch and Red Flower.

Since Hyatt’s acquisition of Miraval in 2017, the duo has worked together to evolve the brand while honoring its original mission to empower guests to cultivate balance, mindfulness, and purpose.

Klymson’s design leadership has been instrumental in translating Miraval’s ethos into spaces that promote reflection, community, and comfort. Marxer, meanwhile, ensures that programming—from digital detoxing to equine therapy—remains immersive and emotionally resonant.

Together, they’re ushering Miraval into its next chapter, which includes the upcoming Red Sea resort, the brand’s first international outpost. As they expand globally, Klymson and Marxer are committed to scaling not just a brand, but also an intention—one that prioritizes authenticity, self-discovery, and wellbeing in every guest interaction.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-17313696 Tue, 10 Jun 2025 12:00:00 -0400 3587 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, interior design, hospitality design, hotels, wellness, resorts, wellness resorts, Hyatt Hotels, Miraval, wellbeing, self-care, the Red Sea 3 158 full false Dr. Jonathan Leary, Remedy Place Dr. Jonathan Leary, Remedy Place Growing up in a small town outside Providence, Rhode Island, Dr. Jonathan Leary always had big dreams. At a young age, he had plotted to move to Los Angeles and pursue a career in medicine, despite never having visited the city. Those dreams evolved as he explored ways of helping people on a deeper level—not just improving their physical health but enhancing their lifestyle.

After completing his undergraduate studies in kinesiology at the University of Rhode Island and obtaining a doctorate in chiropractic medicine from Southern California University, Leary had a traditional path to becoming a medical doctor in mind. But his perspective shifted as he spent time in hospitals. Instead of the fulfillment he imagined, he found chaotic and stressful environments that didn’t align with his vision of care. Struggling with the rigidity of these systems, he realized the traditional medical model wasn’t for him.

That’s when the idea for Remedy Place began to take shape. Through his studies and an introduction to alternative medicine, Leary was inspired by the power of holistic care. He saw potential for meaningful change by merging proven wellness practices with a hospitality-driven, healing environment.

The idea was bold. And today, with four locations in West Hollywood, New York, and Boston, Remedy Place is rooted in the belief that social connection is essential to health, transforming the concept of self-care and setting a new standard for wellness.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Growing up in a small town outside Providence, Rhode Island, Dr. Jonathan Leary always had big dreams. At a young age, he had plotted to move to Los Angeles and pursue a career in medicine, despite never having visited the city. Those dreams evolved as he explored ways of helping people on a deeper level—not just improving their physical health but enhancing their lifestyle.

After completing his undergraduate studies in kinesiology at the University of Rhode Island and obtaining a doctorate in chiropractic medicine from Southern California University, Leary had a traditional path to becoming a medical doctor in mind. But his perspective shifted as he spent time in hospitals. Instead of the fulfillment he imagined, he found chaotic and stressful environments that didn’t align with his vision of care. Struggling with the rigidity of these systems, he realized the traditional medical model wasn’t for him.

That’s when the idea for Remedy Place began to take shape. Through his studies and an introduction to alternative medicine, Leary was inspired by the power of holistic care. He saw potential for meaningful change by merging proven wellness practices with a hospitality-driven, healing environment.

The idea was bold. And today, with four locations in West Hollywood, New York, and Boston, Remedy Place is rooted in the belief that social connection is essential to health, transforming the concept of self-care and setting a new standard for wellness.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-17240011 Wed, 28 May 2025 09:00:00 -0400 3040 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, interior design, hospitality design, hotels, wellness, social wellness, self care, remedy place, jonathan leary 3 157 full false Caroline and Sabri Farouki, Farouki Farouki Caroline and Sabri Farouki, Farouki Farouki Caroline and Sabri Farouki, partners behind New Orleans-based studio Farouki Farouki, bring a personal and global perspective to their practice. 

Caroline grew up in Lafayette, Louisiana in a home designed by Louisiana architect A. Hays Town, known for pioneering reusing materials. Surrounded by antiques and architectural details, her passion for design started early. She studied architecture in college, but shifted to environmental studies with a minor in architecture before earning her master’s in fine arts in interior design from the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Sabri, born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, spent his formative years in Egypt, attending an American international school in Cairo. His exposure to varied cultural environments shaped his worldview of what design could be. After completing his undergraduate studies at Washington University in St. Louis, where he met Caroline, he went on to earn his master’s of architecture from Columbia University in New York.

The pair launched Farouki Farouki in 2015 after working at acclaimed firms like AvroKO, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, and Bjarke Ingels Group. Today, their firm balances architecture and interiors across a range of hospitality projects, including the recently opened Hotel Henrietta in New Orleans and the Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Caroline and Sabri Farouki, partners behind New Orleans-based studio Farouki Farouki, bring a personal and global perspective to their practice. 

Caroline grew up in Lafayette, Louisiana in a home designed by Louisiana architect A. Hays Town, known for pioneering reusing materials. Surrounded by antiques and architectural details, her passion for design started early. She studied architecture in college, but shifted to environmental studies with a minor in architecture before earning her master’s in fine arts in interior design from the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Sabri, born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, spent his formative years in Egypt, attending an American international school in Cairo. His exposure to varied cultural environments shaped his worldview of what design could be. After completing his undergraduate studies at Washington University in St. Louis, where he met Caroline, he went on to earn his master’s of architecture from Columbia University in New York.

The pair launched Farouki Farouki in 2015 after working at acclaimed firms like AvroKO, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, and Bjarke Ingels Group. Today, their firm balances architecture and interiors across a range of hospitality projects, including the recently opened Hotel Henrietta in New Orleans and the Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-17155561 Tue, 13 May 2025 21:00:00 -0400 2608 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, business owners, architecture, interior design, multidisciplinary design, new orleans, new orleans hotels, farouki farouki 3 156 full false Suchi Reddy, Reddymade Suchi Reddy, Reddymade Suchi Reddy’s creative journey began in Chennai, India, where she grew up in a vibrant home curated by her mother—think scenic wallpaper, terrazzo floors embedded with marble fragments, and a rich mix of textures. Surrounded by gardens and books, Reddy developed an early sensitivity to how environments shape our sense of self. That awareness grew into a passion for architecture, which she pursued both in India and the U.S.

In 2002, she founded her New York–based multidisciplinary studio, Reddymade. From Humanscale’s sustainably minded Chicago showroom to immersive installations for the Smithsonian, her work reflects her guiding principle: form follows feeling. Rooted in the science of neuroaesthetics—the intersection of neuroscience and design—Reddy’s approach centers on creating spaces that resonate emotionally. Whether through retail, residential, or institutional projects, her mission remains the same: to make people feel seen, included, and inspired.

This episode is brought to you by American Leather. For more information, go to americanleather.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Suchi Reddy’s creative journey began in Chennai, India, where she grew up in a vibrant home curated by her mother—think scenic wallpaper, terrazzo floors embedded with marble fragments, and a rich mix of textures. Surrounded by gardens and books, Reddy developed an early sensitivity to how environments shape our sense of self. That awareness grew into a passion for architecture, which she pursued both in India and the U.S.

In 2002, she founded her New York–based multidisciplinary studio, Reddymade. From Humanscale’s sustainably minded Chicago showroom to immersive installations for the Smithsonian, her work reflects her guiding principle: form follows feeling. Rooted in the science of neuroaesthetics—the intersection of neuroscience and design—Reddy’s approach centers on creating spaces that resonate emotionally. Whether through retail, residential, or institutional projects, her mission remains the same: to make people feel seen, included, and inspired.

This episode is brought to you by American Leather. For more information, go to americanleather.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-17072397 Wed, 30 Apr 2025 10:00:00 -0400 2261 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, interior design, hospitality design, retail, commercial, neuroaesthetics, suchi reddy, multidisciplinary designers, reddymade 3 155 full false Jacu Strauss, Lore Group Jacu Strauss, Lore Group Born in the Kalahari Desert of South Africa, Jacu Strauss’ early years were marked by his imagination—crafting dollhouses from wine boxes and drawing urban streetscapes in the dirt. With limited access to TV or the internet, he turned to encyclopedias and magazines to fuel an inner world that laid the foundation for his future.

At 18, he left for London on what was meant to be a brief gap year. It quickly turned into a journey through banking, architecture studies in New Zealand, and ultimately, back to the UK. His career took a turn when he joined Tom Dixon, where he helped dream up the transformative Sea Containers hotel.

That philosophy continues to anchor his work as creative director at Lore Group, where he oversees a diverse portfolio of hotels. From the charming Pulitzer Amsterdam to the intimate sophistication of the Lyle in Washington, DC, Strauss designs with both whimsy and purpose—always seeking to humanize spaces through material, form, and story.

This podcast is sponsored by StyleNations. For more information, go to stylenations.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Born in the Kalahari Desert of South Africa, Jacu Strauss’ early years were marked by his imagination—crafting dollhouses from wine boxes and drawing urban streetscapes in the dirt. With limited access to TV or the internet, he turned to encyclopedias and magazines to fuel an inner world that laid the foundation for his future.

At 18, he left for London on what was meant to be a brief gap year. It quickly turned into a journey through banking, architecture studies in New Zealand, and ultimately, back to the UK. His career took a turn when he joined Tom Dixon, where he helped dream up the transformative Sea Containers hotel.

That philosophy continues to anchor his work as creative director at Lore Group, where he oversees a diverse portfolio of hotels. From the charming Pulitzer Amsterdam to the intimate sophistication of the Lyle in Washington, DC, Strauss designs with both whimsy and purpose—always seeking to humanize spaces through material, form, and story.

This podcast is sponsored by StyleNations. For more information, go to stylenations.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-16986686 Tue, 15 Apr 2025 21:00:00 -0400 3209 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, business owners, hotelier, lore group, jacu strauss, tom dixon, luxury hotels 3 154 full false Morris Adjmi, Morris Adjmi Architects Morris Adjmi, Morris Adjmi Architects As founder of his eponymous New York firm, visionary architect Morris Adjmi's work is deeply rooted in a respect for heritage while embracing innovation. With a career shaped by early experiences working alongside Pritzker Prize-winning architect Aldo Rossi, Adjmi developed a distinct approach that balances modern aesthetics anchored in a deep understanding of architectural and cultural history. 

His projects, spanning adaptive reuse to new construction, reflect a meticulous attention to detail. Take the recently opened Forth Atlanta, which is revitalizing the Georgia city’s Old Fourth Ward with Adjmi’s signature refined yet curated style. 

Adjmi’s forthcoming projects—including the renovation of the Swan Hotel at Disney World in Orlando, Florida and the Four Seasons Hotel Charleston in South Carolina—maintain a dialogue between past and future to honor each city’s identity while reimagining its possibilities.

This episode is brought to you by American Leather. For more information, go to americanleather.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> As founder of his eponymous New York firm, visionary architect Morris Adjmi's work is deeply rooted in a respect for heritage while embracing innovation. With a career shaped by early experiences working alongside Pritzker Prize-winning architect Aldo Rossi, Adjmi developed a distinct approach that balances modern aesthetics anchored in a deep understanding of architectural and cultural history. 

His projects, spanning adaptive reuse to new construction, reflect a meticulous attention to detail. Take the recently opened Forth Atlanta, which is revitalizing the Georgia city’s Old Fourth Ward with Adjmi’s signature refined yet curated style. 

Adjmi’s forthcoming projects—including the renovation of the Swan Hotel at Disney World in Orlando, Florida and the Four Seasons Hotel Charleston in South Carolina—maintain a dialogue between past and future to honor each city’s identity while reimagining its possibilities.

This episode is brought to you by American Leather. For more information, go to americanleather.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-16905941 Wed, 02 Apr 2025 14:00:00 -0400 2925 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, interior design, hospitality design, hotels, restaurants, architecture, morris adjmi 3 153 full false Cathy O'Brien, Naturopathica Cathy O'Brien, Naturopathica From her childhood in Larchmont, New York to leading a renowned wellness company, Cathy O'Brien’s wide-ranging career spans the music industry as well as the beauty and wellness sectors, where she helped rethink brand strategies at luxury companies like Jo Malone.

Driven by her vision for holistic wellness and inspired by her own health challenges, O'Brien came to Naturopathica in 2022 with the goal of revolutionizing the way people approach self-care. Recognizing the powerful connection between nature, science, and wellbeing, she sought to create products and experiences that were both effective and innovative. 

Under her leadership, the company has become a pioneer in natural health, offering therapeutic solutions that emphasize balance, sustainability, and the importance of nurturing the mind, body, and spirit. Through Naturopathica, O'Brien continues to redefine what it means to live a truly healthy and harmonious life.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> From her childhood in Larchmont, New York to leading a renowned wellness company, Cathy O'Brien’s wide-ranging career spans the music industry as well as the beauty and wellness sectors, where she helped rethink brand strategies at luxury companies like Jo Malone.

Driven by her vision for holistic wellness and inspired by her own health challenges, O'Brien came to Naturopathica in 2022 with the goal of revolutionizing the way people approach self-care. Recognizing the powerful connection between nature, science, and wellbeing, she sought to create products and experiences that were both effective and innovative. 

Under her leadership, the company has become a pioneer in natural health, offering therapeutic solutions that emphasize balance, sustainability, and the importance of nurturing the mind, body, and spirit. Through Naturopathica, O'Brien continues to redefine what it means to live a truly healthy and harmonious life.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-16816972 Tue, 18 Mar 2025 13:00:00 -0400 3488 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, wellness, wellbeing, cathy o'brien, Naturopathica, self-care 3 152 full false Brad Guidi and Jason Brown, Blue Flag Capital Brad Guidi and Jason Brown, Blue Flag Capital When Jason Brown and Brad Guidi joined forces to create hospitality real estate private equity firm Blue Flag Capital, they weren’t just building hotels—they were crafting experiences rooted in storytelling, design, and a sense of place.

Their journey began with a bold vision on Nantucket and has since expanded to destinations from Martha’s Vineyard to Jackson Hole.

With a philosophy of hospitality as theater, Blue Flag Capital, with Brown and Guidi at the helm, continues to redefine hospitality, one immersive stay at a time.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> When Jason Brown and Brad Guidi joined forces to create hospitality real estate private equity firm Blue Flag Capital, they weren’t just building hotels—they were crafting experiences rooted in storytelling, design, and a sense of place.

Their journey began with a bold vision on Nantucket and has since expanded to destinations from Martha’s Vineyard to Jackson Hole.

With a philosophy of hospitality as theater, Blue Flag Capital, with Brown and Guidi at the helm, continues to redefine hospitality, one immersive stay at a time.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-16733365 Tue, 04 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0500 3377 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, interior design, hospitality design, hotels, private equity, blue flag capital, nantucket hotels, martha's vineyard hotels 3 151 full false Darius Davie + Matthew Sears, Groom Guy Darius Davie + Matthew Sears, Groom Guy Growing up  in Brooklyn, lifelong friends Matthew Sears and Darius Davie started their entrepreneurial journey thanks to a shared passion for design, grooming, and community. Enter Groom Guy, their take on a luxury salon concept that blends wellness with hospitality.

Davie, a former hairstylist, envisioned Groom Guy as a resource hub for men’s self care, while Sears—who has a background in finance—helped shape that vision into a thriving business.

In 2020, the duo launched the inaugural Groom Guy inside Yours Truly DC, with locations in the PGA National Resort in Florida and Salamander DC to follow. Designed as a self-care sanctuary, the intimate barbershop prioritizes thoughtful design, sensory details, and an elevated approach to grooming, elevating the barbershop into an essential hospitality experience.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Growing up  in Brooklyn, lifelong friends Matthew Sears and Darius Davie started their entrepreneurial journey thanks to a shared passion for design, grooming, and community. Enter Groom Guy, their take on a luxury salon concept that blends wellness with hospitality.

Davie, a former hairstylist, envisioned Groom Guy as a resource hub for men’s self care, while Sears—who has a background in finance—helped shape that vision into a thriving business.

In 2020, the duo launched the inaugural Groom Guy inside Yours Truly DC, with locations in the PGA National Resort in Florida and Salamander DC to follow. Designed as a self-care sanctuary, the intimate barbershop prioritizes thoughtful design, sensory details, and an elevated approach to grooming, elevating the barbershop into an essential hospitality experience.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-16655058 Wed, 19 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0500 2354 design, interiors, hospitality, barbershop, salon, self care, groom guy, darius davie, matthew sears, washington dc, dc hotels 3 150 full false Elizabeth Blau Elizabeth Blau A driving force behind the evolution of Las Vegas dining scene and beyond, Elizabeth Blau began her F&B journey under the legendary Sirio Maccioni at Le Cirque in New York. 

That foundation propelled her to Las Vegas in the late ‘90s, where she played a crucial role in transforming the city into a culinary powerhouse.

Today, as founder and CEO of Blau Associates, she continues to shape the future of hospitality alongside her husband, chef Kim Canteenwalla, blending her passion for design with culinary excellence.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> A driving force behind the evolution of Las Vegas dining scene and beyond, Elizabeth Blau began her F&B journey under the legendary Sirio Maccioni at Le Cirque in New York. 

That foundation propelled her to Las Vegas in the late ‘90s, where she played a crucial role in transforming the city into a culinary powerhouse.

Today, as founder and CEO of Blau Associates, she continues to shape the future of hospitality alongside her husband, chef Kim Canteenwalla, blending her passion for design with culinary excellence.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-16569198 Wed, 05 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0500 3054 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, interior design, hospitality design, hotels, restaurant, restaurant design, Las Vegas restaurants, Elizabeth Blau, Bellagio, Wynn Resorts 3 149 full false Sigurlaug Sverrisdóttir Sigurlaug Sverrisdóttir Icelandic hotelier Sigurlaug Sverrisdóttir has built a reputation for her innovative approach to creating immersive guest experiences.

Growing up in a small town near Reykjavik, she developed a deep connection to Iceland’s rugged natural beauty, a bond that would later shape her career.

After nearly two decades with Icelandic Airline, Sigurlaug returned to Iceland in 2013, where she transformed a former geothermal power plant staff building into the ION Adventure Hotel—a boutique property that  blends with the surrounding volcanic landscape.

Her collection of properties, including a second hotel in Reykjavik, embodies her dedication to connecting guests with Iceland’s vibrant culture and authentic spirit.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Icelandic hotelier Sigurlaug Sverrisdóttir has built a reputation for her innovative approach to creating immersive guest experiences.

Growing up in a small town near Reykjavik, she developed a deep connection to Iceland’s rugged natural beauty, a bond that would later shape her career.

After nearly two decades with Icelandic Airline, Sigurlaug returned to Iceland in 2013, where she transformed a former geothermal power plant staff building into the ION Adventure Hotel—a boutique property that  blends with the surrounding volcanic landscape.

Her collection of properties, including a second hotel in Reykjavik, embodies her dedication to connecting guests with Iceland’s vibrant culture and authentic spirit.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-16483713 Wed, 22 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0500 3724 3 148 full false Vincent Celano, Celano Design Studio Vincent Celano, Celano Design Studio From working in a butcher shop as a child to immersing himself in the world of art and architecture, Vincent Celano’s upbringing in Brooklyn, New York instilled in him a love of storytelling and a deep appreciation for the power of design.

After graduating from Pratt Institute, he cut his teeth at design giants like Rockwell Group, Jeffrey Beers International, and ICRAVE, where he honed his craft in experiential and hospitality design.

In 2005, he founded Celano Design Studio, a multidisciplinary firm dedicated to creating dynamic, guest-centered environments. Today, the studio has expanded to include furniture and industrial design, reflecting Celano’s unwavering commitment to human-centered experiences.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> From working in a butcher shop as a child to immersing himself in the world of art and architecture, Vincent Celano’s upbringing in Brooklyn, New York instilled in him a love of storytelling and a deep appreciation for the power of design.

After graduating from Pratt Institute, he cut his teeth at design giants like Rockwell Group, Jeffrey Beers International, and ICRAVE, where he honed his craft in experiential and hospitality design.

In 2005, he founded Celano Design Studio, a multidisciplinary firm dedicated to creating dynamic, guest-centered environments. Today, the studio has expanded to include furniture and industrial design, reflecting Celano’s unwavering commitment to human-centered experiences.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-16402401 Wed, 08 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0500 2960 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, hospitality design, interior design, vincent celano, founders, las vegas, hotels, restaurants 3 147 full false Matt Goodrich, Goodrich Matt Goodrich, Goodrich Matt Goodrich, principal of his New York-based design studio Goodrich, has cultivated an approach that is rooted in collaboration, curiosity, and pursuing the unexpected. With a career that spans more than two decades, including stints at Rockwell Group and AvroKO, Goodrich’s perspective champions the art of storytelling.

Since founding his eponymous firm in 2017, Goodrich, who was recently named Boutique Design's 2024 Designer of the Year, has leaned into projects that push boundaries, taking on challenges that stretch the team’s capabilities, from Ci Siamo, his collaboration with restaurateur Danny Meyer to the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. The latter, home to the New York Islanders hockey team, challenged the studio, which had little prior experience in either live entertainment or sports venues, to create a unique, hospitality-driven project. It became a defining moment for the firm, reinforcing Goodrich’s ethos: learning by doing and embracing the unfamiliar to create something extraordinary.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Matt Goodrich, principal of his New York-based design studio Goodrich, has cultivated an approach that is rooted in collaboration, curiosity, and pursuing the unexpected. With a career that spans more than two decades, including stints at Rockwell Group and AvroKO, Goodrich’s perspective champions the art of storytelling.

Since founding his eponymous firm in 2017, Goodrich, who was recently named Boutique Design's 2024 Designer of the Year, has leaned into projects that push boundaries, taking on challenges that stretch the team’s capabilities, from Ci Siamo, his collaboration with restaurateur Danny Meyer to the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. The latter, home to the New York Islanders hockey team, challenged the studio, which had little prior experience in either live entertainment or sports venues, to create a unique, hospitality-driven project. It became a defining moment for the firm, reinforcing Goodrich’s ethos: learning by doing and embracing the unfamiliar to create something extraordinary.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-16301919 Wed, 18 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0500 3053 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, new york firms, new york design, restaurant design, branding, creativity 2 146 full false Episode Re-release December 8, 2020: Tara Bernerd, Tara Bernerd & Partners Episode Re-release December 8, 2020: Tara Bernerd, Tara Bernerd & Partners Revisit our conversation with prolific designer Tara Bernerd, founder of  her eponymous London-based firm Tara Bernerd & Partners. Back in 2020, as the world was facing an unprecedented pandemic, Tara shared how her team was navigating Covid, as well as detailed her work on projects including the Hari Hong Kong.

This year, Tara was guest editor of our November 2024 issue, where she and her team highlighted the New Dolce Vita, a celebration of all things Milan, from its people, places, and projects. Read the issue here.


Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Revisit our conversation with prolific designer Tara Bernerd, founder of  her eponymous London-based firm Tara Bernerd & Partners. Back in 2020, as the world was facing an unprecedented pandemic, Tara shared how her team was navigating Covid, as well as detailed her work on projects including the Hari Hong Kong.

This year, Tara was guest editor of our November 2024 issue, where she and her team highlighted the New Dolce Vita, a celebration of all things Milan, from its people, places, and projects. Read the issue here.


Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-16220698 Wed, 04 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0500 3028 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, interior design, hospitality design, hotels, restaurants, london, designers, tara bernerd 2 145 full false Aliya Khan, Marriott Aliya Khan, Marriott Having lived across continents—from Hong Kong to Houston and Singapore to Pakistan—Aliya Khan’s upbringing instilled a appreciation for culture, architecture, and art.

After studying architecture at Pratt Institute in New York, Khan began her career in residential design before transitioning to the hospitality industry, working for Starwood Hotels & Resorts (now Marriott), helping launch brands like W Hotels, Aloft, and Le Méridien.

Today, as vice president of global design strategies for Marriott International's lifestyle brands, Khan has redefined the design language for Aloft, Moxy, AC Hotels, and Westin.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Having lived across continents—from Hong Kong to Houston and Singapore to Pakistan—Aliya Khan’s upbringing instilled a appreciation for culture, architecture, and art.

After studying architecture at Pratt Institute in New York, Khan began her career in residential design before transitioning to the hospitality industry, working for Starwood Hotels & Resorts (now Marriott), helping launch brands like W Hotels, Aloft, and Le Méridien.

Today, as vice president of global design strategies for Marriott International's lifestyle brands, Khan has redefined the design language for Aloft, Moxy, AC Hotels, and Westin.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-16140677 Wed, 20 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0500 3146 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, business owners, Marriott, Aliya Khan, Moxy, Westin, AC Hotels, Starwood, hotel design, hospitality design 2 144 full false Tom Ito, Gensler Tom Ito, Gensler Born and raised in Los Angeles, Tom Ito, a third-generation Japanese-American, was destined to be in the hospitality industry. He worked at his grandparents’ restaurant when he was young, and he was also inspired by his parents—his father was a bartender-turned-restaurant GM and his mother worked as a hostess. He joined Gensler nearly 40 years ago, launching the firm’s hospitality practice in the late 1990s with the renovation of the Beverly Hills Hotel. He has since expanded the practice to an international scale, with projects including Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Resort & Residences in Guanacaste, Costa Rica; the Six Senses Grand Bahama; and the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Athens in Greece. Now, as the firmwide leader of the hospitality practice and principal in Gensler’s Los Angeles office, Ito is also integral to the firm’s climate change initiative, which aims to make all Gensler projects carbon neutral by 2030.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Born and raised in Los Angeles, Tom Ito, a third-generation Japanese-American, was destined to be in the hospitality industry. He worked at his grandparents’ restaurant when he was young, and he was also inspired by his parents—his father was a bartender-turned-restaurant GM and his mother worked as a hostess. He joined Gensler nearly 40 years ago, launching the firm’s hospitality practice in the late 1990s with the renovation of the Beverly Hills Hotel. He has since expanded the practice to an international scale, with projects including Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Resort & Residences in Guanacaste, Costa Rica; the Six Senses Grand Bahama; and the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Athens in Greece. Now, as the firmwide leader of the hospitality practice and principal in Gensler’s Los Angeles office, Ito is also integral to the firm’s climate change initiative, which aims to make all Gensler projects carbon neutral by 2030.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-16058650 Wed, 06 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0500 2606 2 143 full false Sam Fox Sam Fox Born in Chicago and raised in Arizona, Sam Fox’s early experiences working in his parents’ diners, Mexican restaurants, and delis shaped his understanding of the industry. He dropped out of the University of Arizona, where he was studying real estate finance, to pursue his passion, using his tuition money to open his first restaurant—all before he turned 21. Now, with a vast portfolio of successful eateries, Fox has taken on a new challenge with the opening of the Global Ambassador, a luxury hotel in Phoenix that is centered around five of his newly created restaurants. Here, he shares how his past paved the way for a career as one of the country’s most prolific restaurateurs. 

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Born in Chicago and raised in Arizona, Sam Fox’s early experiences working in his parents’ diners, Mexican restaurants, and delis shaped his understanding of the industry. He dropped out of the University of Arizona, where he was studying real estate finance, to pursue his passion, using his tuition money to open his first restaurant—all before he turned 21. Now, with a vast portfolio of successful eateries, Fox has taken on a new challenge with the opening of the Global Ambassador, a luxury hotel in Phoenix that is centered around five of his newly created restaurants. Here, he shares how his past paved the way for a career as one of the country’s most prolific restaurateurs. 

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-15976321 Wed, 23 Oct 2024 10:00:00 -0400 2511 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, business owners, restaurants, restaurant owner, Sam Fox, hotelier, Global Ambassador 2 142 full false John Meadow, LDV Hospitality John Meadow, LDV Hospitality Raised for much of his childhood in Connecticut before moving to New York as a teenager, John Meadow developed a love for hospitality at a young age. He got his start as a dishwasher and sandwich maker at Au Bon Pain before attending Cornell’s hotel school. By 24, he opened his first restaurant, and in 2008, launched Scarpetta, which won accolades for its refined yet unpretentious take on Italian dining. 

As president and founder of LDV Hospitality, Meadow has built an empire that spans multiple countries and cities. His portfolio now includes the forthcoming Barlume, slated to open next month in New York, and his first foray into hotels with LDV at the Maidstone, which opened this summer in the Hamptons.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Raised for much of his childhood in Connecticut before moving to New York as a teenager, John Meadow developed a love for hospitality at a young age. He got his start as a dishwasher and sandwich maker at Au Bon Pain before attending Cornell’s hotel school. By 24, he opened his first restaurant, and in 2008, launched Scarpetta, which won accolades for its refined yet unpretentious take on Italian dining. 

As president and founder of LDV Hospitality, Meadow has built an empire that spans multiple countries and cities. His portfolio now includes the forthcoming Barlume, slated to open next month in New York, and his first foray into hotels with LDV at the Maidstone, which opened this summer in the Hamptons.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-15896788 Wed, 09 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0400 3008 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, business owners, Scarpetta, restaurant design, restauranteurs, LDV Hospitality, John Meadow 2 141 full false My Nguyen, Holland America Line and Seabourn My Nguyen, Holland America Line and Seabourn Settling in Seattle as a Vietnamese refugee, My Nguyen began her 22-year design career as an intern for Holland America Line followed by nearly nine years at NB Design Group. Now, Nguyen leads the interior design and interior asset management teams for Holland America Line and Seabourn fleets.

Through her commitment to sustainability, Nguyen has pushed boundaries in the cruise industry, transforming design processes to focus on environmental responsibility. Whether leading a design team or tackling the post-pandemic travel surge, Nguyen's ability to balance creativity with practicality makes her a force in cruise ship design today.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Settling in Seattle as a Vietnamese refugee, My Nguyen began her 22-year design career as an intern for Holland America Line followed by nearly nine years at NB Design Group. Now, Nguyen leads the interior design and interior asset management teams for Holland America Line and Seabourn fleets.

Through her commitment to sustainability, Nguyen has pushed boundaries in the cruise industry, transforming design processes to focus on environmental responsibility. Whether leading a design team or tackling the post-pandemic travel surge, Nguyen's ability to balance creativity with practicality makes her a force in cruise ship design today.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-15813984 Wed, 25 Sep 2024 11:00:00 -0400 2947 design, interiors, hospitality, cruise ship, cruise ship design, Holland America, Seabourn 2 140 full false Juan Bremer, Xala Juan Bremer, Xala Juan Bremer has a deep connection to nature that has shaped his journey into the world of luxury hospitality. Growing up as the son of an ambassador, Bremer’s early years were a whirlwind of cultures, spanning Moscow, Germany, and Mexico. (Today, he splits his time between Mexico and Italy.) This multicultural upbringing instilled in him an appreciation for diverse environments and languages, a foundation that continues to influence his philosophy around development.

Bremer’s creative spirit was evident from a young age, leading friends on adventures and conjuring up games. This innate creativity, combined with a love for the outdoors, has become the cornerstone of his work. His entry into hospitality was born from a desire to preserve the untouched beauty of Mexico’s virgin beaches, and his first major project, the One&Only Mandarina via his RLH Properties company, set the stage for Xala, a 3,000-acre luxury development in the Costalegre region of Jalisco, Mexico. Found on the Pacific coastline, it will be home to residences and a Six Senses resort, slated to open in 2026.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Juan Bremer has a deep connection to nature that has shaped his journey into the world of luxury hospitality. Growing up as the son of an ambassador, Bremer’s early years were a whirlwind of cultures, spanning Moscow, Germany, and Mexico. (Today, he splits his time between Mexico and Italy.) This multicultural upbringing instilled in him an appreciation for diverse environments and languages, a foundation that continues to influence his philosophy around development.

Bremer’s creative spirit was evident from a young age, leading friends on adventures and conjuring up games. This innate creativity, combined with a love for the outdoors, has become the cornerstone of his work. His entry into hospitality was born from a desire to preserve the untouched beauty of Mexico’s virgin beaches, and his first major project, the One&Only Mandarina via his RLH Properties company, set the stage for Xala, a 3,000-acre luxury development in the Costalegre region of Jalisco, Mexico. Found on the Pacific coastline, it will be home to residences and a Six Senses resort, slated to open in 2026.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-15736364 Wed, 11 Sep 2024 14:00:00 -0400 3039 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, business owners, juan bremer, xala, mandarina, real estate, hotel development, mexico development 2 139 full false David Montalba, Montalba Architects David Montalba, Montalba Architects Born in Florence and raised between Switzerland and Northern California, David Montalba, founder of Montalba Architects, was exposed to many different cultures growing up, which is evident in his work today from the rustic yet refined Whitepod eco-chalets in Monthey Switzerland to the bespoke Nobu Palo Alto in California.

Today—with offices in Santa Monica, California; New York; and Lausanne, Switzerland—his multidisciplinary firm is celebrated for their thoughtful balance between modernity and timelessness, all while maintaining an approach that is as much about the people who inhabit the space as the space itself.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Born in Florence and raised between Switzerland and Northern California, David Montalba, founder of Montalba Architects, was exposed to many different cultures growing up, which is evident in his work today from the rustic yet refined Whitepod eco-chalets in Monthey Switzerland to the bespoke Nobu Palo Alto in California.

Today—with offices in Santa Monica, California; New York; and Lausanne, Switzerland—his multidisciplinary firm is celebrated for their thoughtful balance between modernity and timelessness, all while maintaining an approach that is as much about the people who inhabit the space as the space itself.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-15663286 Thu, 29 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -0400 2564 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, business owners, montalba architects, david montalba, 2 138 full false Eric Papachristos, A Street Hospitality Group Eric Papachristos, A Street Hospitality Group Eric Papachristos, who lived in Greece before returning to the U.S. at age 10, spent his life in restaurants, working at his father's diner as a dishwasher. It made sense, then, that his path would lead him back to hospitality after earning a degree in finance.

With a keen eye for collaboration, Papachristos joined forces with celebrated chef Jody Adams to open Greek restaurant Trade Boston in 2011. Thirteen years later, he has grown his empire to count 10 restaurants under his A Street Hospitality Group banner.

His latest venture, the AvroKO-designed La Padrona, is a culinary gem nestled within the luxurious Raffles Hotel in downtown Boston. As Papachristos looks to the future, his ambitions extend beyond the dining scene, with plans to develop a residential community in Boston—a pivot inspired from the challenges of the Covid era.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Eric Papachristos, who lived in Greece before returning to the U.S. at age 10, spent his life in restaurants, working at his father's diner as a dishwasher. It made sense, then, that his path would lead him back to hospitality after earning a degree in finance.

With a keen eye for collaboration, Papachristos joined forces with celebrated chef Jody Adams to open Greek restaurant Trade Boston in 2011. Thirteen years later, he has grown his empire to count 10 restaurants under his A Street Hospitality Group banner.

His latest venture, the AvroKO-designed La Padrona, is a culinary gem nestled within the luxurious Raffles Hotel in downtown Boston. As Papachristos looks to the future, his ambitions extend beyond the dining scene, with plans to develop a residential community in Boston—a pivot inspired from the challenges of the Covid era.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-15553810 Tue, 13 Aug 2024 08:00:00 -0400 2880 design, interiors, hospitality, restaurant, restaurant design, boston restaurants, A Street Hospitality Group, Raffles Boston, Eric Papachristos, Jody Adams 2 137 full false Karen Herold, Studio K Creative Karen Herold, Studio K Creative After a 13-year stint at Chicago firm 555 International, Karen Herold, who grew up in Holland, went out on her own, founding Studio K Creative in 2014. 

A decade since she launched her firm, Herold has made a name for herself with a portfolio that includes restaurants for BOKA Restaurant Group like chef Stephanie Izard’s Girl and the Goat in Chicago and Los Angeles and BIÂN wellness cub in Chicago. Next up is a heli-ski project that marries Herold’s luxury background with the great outdoors. 

Here, she she talks about her time as a fashion student, what she learned from her mentor James Geier of 555 International, and building projects with people she admires.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> After a 13-year stint at Chicago firm 555 International, Karen Herold, who grew up in Holland, went out on her own, founding Studio K Creative in 2014. 

A decade since she launched her firm, Herold has made a name for herself with a portfolio that includes restaurants for BOKA Restaurant Group like chef Stephanie Izard’s Girl and the Goat in Chicago and Los Angeles and BIÂN wellness cub in Chicago. Next up is a heli-ski project that marries Herold’s luxury background with the great outdoors. 

Here, she she talks about her time as a fashion student, what she learned from her mentor James Geier of 555 International, and building projects with people she admires.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-15508427 Wed, 31 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0400 3617 2 137 full false Michael Pandolfi, Nora Liu-Kanter, and Tim Rooney, JBI Michael Pandolfi, Nora Liu-Kanter, and Tim Rooney, JBI The industry lost an icon when architect and designer Jeffrey Beers passed away earlier this year at age 67 after a battle with cancer. But Jeffrey Beers International (JBI), the New York practice Beers founded in 1986, will uphold his visionary legacy and continue to shape the hospitality design sphere under the guidance of newly appointed partners Michael Pandolfi, Nora Liu-Kanter, and Tim Rooney.

At the time Pandolfi joined the firm in 2000, JBI resembled a carefree artists’ studio more than an office. Beers took over a closet, turning the open space under a massive skylight in the main room over to his small team. Las Vegas was fast transforming into a high-end food and drink destination then and JBI was smack in the middle of that energetic shift, bringing to life venues like Tabu—the MGM Grand ultra-lounge flaunting tables with holographic images projected onto them—and Rumjungle at Mandalay Bay, a fantastical tropical restaurant and nightclub fusing fire and bongo drums. 

“Those were things that Jeff loved—crazy ideas that not everybody would propose to a client,” recalls Pandolfi, noting how Beers regularly encouraged his staff to share such wild notions in an office he treated as an open forum. “Nobody had titles. Everybody was equal. If you had a great idea, everybody would listen to it and it could be executed.”

Here, the three partners share how they plan to continue their late founder’s legacy.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> The industry lost an icon when architect and designer Jeffrey Beers passed away earlier this year at age 67 after a battle with cancer. But Jeffrey Beers International (JBI), the New York practice Beers founded in 1986, will uphold his visionary legacy and continue to shape the hospitality design sphere under the guidance of newly appointed partners Michael Pandolfi, Nora Liu-Kanter, and Tim Rooney.

At the time Pandolfi joined the firm in 2000, JBI resembled a carefree artists’ studio more than an office. Beers took over a closet, turning the open space under a massive skylight in the main room over to his small team. Las Vegas was fast transforming into a high-end food and drink destination then and JBI was smack in the middle of that energetic shift, bringing to life venues like Tabu—the MGM Grand ultra-lounge flaunting tables with holographic images projected onto them—and Rumjungle at Mandalay Bay, a fantastical tropical restaurant and nightclub fusing fire and bongo drums. 

“Those were things that Jeff loved—crazy ideas that not everybody would propose to a client,” recalls Pandolfi, noting how Beers regularly encouraged his staff to share such wild notions in an office he treated as an open forum. “Nobody had titles. Everybody was equal. If you had a great idea, everybody would listen to it and it could be executed.”

Here, the three partners share how they plan to continue their late founder’s legacy.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-15423806 Tue, 16 Jul 2024 13:00:00 -0400 3931 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, business owners, jeffrey beers, interior design, hospitality design, 2 136 full true Mark Eacott, Ennismore Mark Eacott, Ennismore Growing up in Kent in southeast London, Mark Eacott was always a curious kid—inspired by his artist grandfather, who taught him how to sketch and draw, and his dad, who was a builder with a strong do-it-yourself skillset. Those influences, coupled with Eacott’s creative mind, fostered his passion for design. He majored in architecture at the University of Bath, where he studied abroad as part of the Erasmus exchange program at TU Delft, a specialized architecture school in Holland. That was a life-changing experience for Eacott, ultimately leading to an internship at OMA in Rotterdam where he worked alongside Rem Koolhaas. (Eacott went on to earn his master’s degree from the Royal College of Art in London.)

His career took off from there, and he added a list of hospitality giants to his résumé including Soho House, Yoo, HBA, and SBE, before landing at Ennismore (the latter two companies were both acquired by Accor), where he’s been the global vice president of design since 2019. Eacott’s philosophy is centered around service and experience. He’s unafraid to retool brands that need a facelift or to call upon nostalgia for reboots of industry gamechangers, like the refresh of the Delano in Miami. Now based in Dubai, Eacott shares lessons learned along his impressive journey and how a successful brand is rooted in emotion.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Growing up in Kent in southeast London, Mark Eacott was always a curious kid—inspired by his artist grandfather, who taught him how to sketch and draw, and his dad, who was a builder with a strong do-it-yourself skillset. Those influences, coupled with Eacott’s creative mind, fostered his passion for design. He majored in architecture at the University of Bath, where he studied abroad as part of the Erasmus exchange program at TU Delft, a specialized architecture school in Holland. That was a life-changing experience for Eacott, ultimately leading to an internship at OMA in Rotterdam where he worked alongside Rem Koolhaas. (Eacott went on to earn his master’s degree from the Royal College of Art in London.)

His career took off from there, and he added a list of hospitality giants to his résumé including Soho House, Yoo, HBA, and SBE, before landing at Ennismore (the latter two companies were both acquired by Accor), where he’s been the global vice president of design since 2019. Eacott’s philosophy is centered around service and experience. He’s unafraid to retool brands that need a facelift or to call upon nostalgia for reboots of industry gamechangers, like the refresh of the Delano in Miami. Now based in Dubai, Eacott shares lessons learned along his impressive journey and how a successful brand is rooted in emotion.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-15356292 Wed, 03 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0400 3422 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, interior design, hospitality design, hotels, restaurants, lifestyle hotels, ennismore, accor, hoxton, sls, mondrian, delano 2 135 full false Sam Nazarian, SBE Sam Nazarian, SBE In 1979, as the Iranian Revolution swept through the streets of Tehran, Younes Nazarian and his wife Soraya Sarah made the decision to leave behind a successful construction business and move their family to the U.S., ultimately landing in Los Angeles. His youngest son, Sam, was only 3 years old at the time, but he watched his dad build a new life in America.  Younes’ business acumen led him to become an early investor in technology company Qualcomm and eventually chairman of Nazarian Enterprises, which focused on a variety of interests in the private, public, and real estate markets.SB

Like his father, Sam, showcased a formidable drive. A smart, athletic kid, he played baseball and basketball in high school and college before attending NYU’s Stern School of Business. By 23, Sam had become the country’s largest distributor of Nextel, a wireless digital communications provider. A year later, he ventured into hotel real estate, buying the Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. By the time he was 26, Sam had invested in 10 hotels and had even dipped his toes into film production on the side.

In 2006, he launched SBE—Sammy Boy Entertainment, a callback to a childhood nickname. After a series of successful nightclub venues, the first SLS hotel in Beverly Hills opened, a testament to his vision of blending F&B and nightlife into a cohesive luxury-meets-lifestyle experience.

As the SBE brand grew, so did Nazarian’s ambitions. In 2020, he sold the company to Accor, and this January, he announced HQ Projects, a strategic partnership with Wyndham that provides hotel owners with the freedom to craft their own hospitality stories.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> In 1979, as the Iranian Revolution swept through the streets of Tehran, Younes Nazarian and his wife Soraya Sarah made the decision to leave behind a successful construction business and move their family to the U.S., ultimately landing in Los Angeles. His youngest son, Sam, was only 3 years old at the time, but he watched his dad build a new life in America.  Younes’ business acumen led him to become an early investor in technology company Qualcomm and eventually chairman of Nazarian Enterprises, which focused on a variety of interests in the private, public, and real estate markets.SB

Like his father, Sam, showcased a formidable drive. A smart, athletic kid, he played baseball and basketball in high school and college before attending NYU’s Stern School of Business. By 23, Sam had become the country’s largest distributor of Nextel, a wireless digital communications provider. A year later, he ventured into hotel real estate, buying the Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. By the time he was 26, Sam had invested in 10 hotels and had even dipped his toes into film production on the side.

In 2006, he launched SBE—Sammy Boy Entertainment, a callback to a childhood nickname. After a series of successful nightclub venues, the first SLS hotel in Beverly Hills opened, a testament to his vision of blending F&B and nightlife into a cohesive luxury-meets-lifestyle experience.

As the SBE brand grew, so did Nazarian’s ambitions. In 2020, he sold the company to Accor, and this January, he announced HQ Projects, a strategic partnership with Wyndham that provides hotel owners with the freedom to craft their own hospitality stories.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-15274382 Tue, 18 Jun 2024 22:00:00 -0400 5055 2 134 full true David Barry, Urby David Barry, Urby New Jersey native David Barry studied law before getting into real estate development alongside his brother, focusing on redeveloping shipyards and truckyards. When the W brand was being developed in Hoboken, New Jersey, Barry entered the hospitality side of the real estate business. Today, he counts Chiltern Firehouse in London, New York's Chelsea Hotel, and Caldera House in Jackson Hole, Wyoming on his client list.

Barry has always been a curious person and interested in exploring new frontiers, which led him to founding Urby in 2012, the hospitality-inspired urban housing concept centered on modern design, high-end amenities, affordable pricing, and programming.

Simplicity is key to the success of Urby, which is currently found in six locations with four more on the boards in Philadelphia; Washington, DC; Wynwood, Florida; and Journal Square, New Jersey.

As he looks ahead, Barry says his greatest lesson learned is to not get caught up in the noise and chatter of the present moment but to think longterm and plan accordingly.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> New Jersey native David Barry studied law before getting into real estate development alongside his brother, focusing on redeveloping shipyards and truckyards. When the W brand was being developed in Hoboken, New Jersey, Barry entered the hospitality side of the real estate business. Today, he counts Chiltern Firehouse in London, New York's Chelsea Hotel, and Caldera House in Jackson Hole, Wyoming on his client list.

Barry has always been a curious person and interested in exploring new frontiers, which led him to founding Urby in 2012, the hospitality-inspired urban housing concept centered on modern design, high-end amenities, affordable pricing, and programming.

Simplicity is key to the success of Urby, which is currently found in six locations with four more on the boards in Philadelphia; Washington, DC; Wynwood, Florida; and Journal Square, New Jersey.

As he looks ahead, Barry says his greatest lesson learned is to not get caught up in the noise and chatter of the present moment but to think longterm and plan accordingly.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-15198186 Wed, 05 Jun 2024 10:00:00 -0400 3748 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, business owners, residential development, urban living, urby, david barry 2 133 full true Mary Celeste Beall, Blackberry Farm Mary Celeste Beall, Blackberry Farm Located in the Great Smoky Mountains in Walland, Tennessee, the 68-room Blackberry Farm is a verdant escape known for its food, wine, and Southern hospitality. The small inn was originally purchased by Samuel E. Beall III (known as Sandy), founder of the Ruby Tuesday chain, and his wife, Kreis, in 1976. After adding land and more buildings, it blossomed into the exclusive property it is today.

In 1998, Sandy's son and Mary Celeste's husband, Sam, took it over, transforming it into a culinary powerhouse and must-visit getaway tucked away in East Tennessee.

After Sam's unexpected passing in 2016, Mary Celeste became proprietor while raising her five children. Mary Celeste, who has a degree in accounting, didn't shy away from the challenge. In fact, she credits the power of believing in herself for ushering the resort into its next—and most exciting—era yet.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Located in the Great Smoky Mountains in Walland, Tennessee, the 68-room Blackberry Farm is a verdant escape known for its food, wine, and Southern hospitality. The small inn was originally purchased by Samuel E. Beall III (known as Sandy), founder of the Ruby Tuesday chain, and his wife, Kreis, in 1976. After adding land and more buildings, it blossomed into the exclusive property it is today.

In 1998, Sandy's son and Mary Celeste's husband, Sam, took it over, transforming it into a culinary powerhouse and must-visit getaway tucked away in East Tennessee.

After Sam's unexpected passing in 2016, Mary Celeste became proprietor while raising her five children. Mary Celeste, who has a degree in accounting, didn't shy away from the challenge. In fact, she credits the power of believing in herself for ushering the resort into its next—and most exciting—era yet.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-15116144 Wed, 22 May 2024 10:00:00 -0400 3597 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, business owners, hotelier, blackberry farm, mary celeste beall 2 132 full false Gulla Jónsdóttir, Atelier Gulla Jónsdóttir Gulla Jónsdóttir, Atelier Gulla Jónsdóttir Known for her sensual, dynamic designs that integrate with their surroundings, the Iceland-born, West Hollywood, California-based Gulla Jónsdóttir creates unique spatial experiences that exist at the intersection of organic beauty and function.

Since 2009 when she launched her firm Atelier Gulla Jónsdóttir, she has spearheaded projects including China’s Macau Roosevelt hotel and the renovation of Hollywood’s Chinese Theater. With the Sandbourne Santa Monica in California and 1 Hotel Crete in Greece on the boards, Jónsdóttir continues to immerse guests in their surroundings with an approach centered on  all five senses.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Known for her sensual, dynamic designs that integrate with their surroundings, the Iceland-born, West Hollywood, California-based Gulla Jónsdóttir creates unique spatial experiences that exist at the intersection of organic beauty and function.

Since 2009 when she launched her firm Atelier Gulla Jónsdóttir, she has spearheaded projects including China’s Macau Roosevelt hotel and the renovation of Hollywood’s Chinese Theater. With the Sandbourne Santa Monica in California and 1 Hotel Crete in Greece on the boards, Jónsdóttir continues to immerse guests in their surroundings with an approach centered on  all five senses.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-15034033 Wed, 08 May 2024 11:00:00 -0400 2253 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, business owners, gulla jonsdottir, california design, hotels, restaurant design 2 131 full false Alejandro Bataller, SHA Wellness Alejandro Bataller, SHA Wellness A diagnosis of colon cancer led Alejandro Bataller’s father Alfredo Bataller to launch the SHA Wellness Clinic in Alicante, Spain 15 years ago. Today, the family-run business has established itself as of one of the leading wellness resorts in the world. A recently opened outpost in Costa Mujeres, Mexico designed by local firms Sordo Madaleno and Alejandro Escudero (a forthcoming  property set on a 25-acre island on the coastline between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is on the boards) continues the company's goal to transform people’s health and wellbeing through innovative, cutting-edge practices wrapped in a hospitality-focused luxury experience. Additionally, the company's real estate development arm, AB Living Group, is working with Marriott to develop branded residences and resort projects in Mexico under the SHA Wellness brand. “For us, this is much more than a business, it's a mission,” says Alejandro.

This episode is brought to you by American Leather. For more information, go to americanleather.com.


Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> A diagnosis of colon cancer led Alejandro Bataller’s father Alfredo Bataller to launch the SHA Wellness Clinic in Alicante, Spain 15 years ago. Today, the family-run business has established itself as of one of the leading wellness resorts in the world. A recently opened outpost in Costa Mujeres, Mexico designed by local firms Sordo Madaleno and Alejandro Escudero (a forthcoming  property set on a 25-acre island on the coastline between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is on the boards) continues the company's goal to transform people’s health and wellbeing through innovative, cutting-edge practices wrapped in a hospitality-focused luxury experience. Additionally, the company's real estate development arm, AB Living Group, is working with Marriott to develop branded residences and resort projects in Mexico under the SHA Wellness brand. “For us, this is much more than a business, it's a mission,” says Alejandro.

This episode is brought to you by American Leather. For more information, go to americanleather.com.


Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-14948964 Wed, 24 Apr 2024 10:00:00 -0400 3544 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, wellness, SHA wellness, wellbeing, 2 130 full true Mario Tricoci, Aparium Hotel Group Mario Tricoci, Aparium Hotel Group Growing up in the Chicago suburbs, Mario Tricoci got the entrepreneurial bug at an early age, watching his parents revolutionize the salon world and invent the day spa concept. He saw what they created and wanted to emulate it, but with his own spin. When he opened the Simeone Deary Design Group-crafted Elysian hotel in Chicago in 2009, it changed the hospitality landscape as a refined luxury hotel that put community first and offered approachable service. The project was short-lived (they sold it in 2011), but Tricoci was just getting started, launching Aparium Hotel Group in 2012. Today, the hotel owner and operator counts 11 properties in its portfolio, with four more slated to open this year. Here, the CEO and founder shares how his philosophy of finding the right partner, place, and product has led to Aparium’s decade-plus of success.

This episode is brought to you by American Leather. For more information, go to americanleather.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Growing up in the Chicago suburbs, Mario Tricoci got the entrepreneurial bug at an early age, watching his parents revolutionize the salon world and invent the day spa concept. He saw what they created and wanted to emulate it, but with his own spin. When he opened the Simeone Deary Design Group-crafted Elysian hotel in Chicago in 2009, it changed the hospitality landscape as a refined luxury hotel that put community first and offered approachable service. The project was short-lived (they sold it in 2011), but Tricoci was just getting started, launching Aparium Hotel Group in 2012. Today, the hotel owner and operator counts 11 properties in its portfolio, with four more slated to open this year. Here, the CEO and founder shares how his philosophy of finding the right partner, place, and product has led to Aparium’s decade-plus of success.

This episode is brought to you by American Leather. For more information, go to americanleather.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-14864926 Wed, 10 Apr 2024 11:00:00 -0400 3940 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, interior design, hospitality design, hotels, aparium hotel group, lifestyle hotels, populus, westland, hotel heron 2 129 full false Leslie Kale, Adam Goldstein, and Christian Schulz, Studio Collective Leslie Kale, Adam Goldstein, and Christian Schulz, Studio Collective Studio Collective partners Leslie Kale, Adam Goldstein, and Christian Schulz founded their firm during the Great Recession. Though they started out to make ends meet, they soon found successful with cocktail lounge the Spare Room at the Hollywood Roosevelt before diving into hotels with the Landsby in Sylvan, California. Today, the trio leads a 20-person team, where they’ve expanded their portfolio with notable projects like the Hotel Figueroa in downtown Los Angeles, Proper Hotels' spinoff brand Hotel June on LA’s Westside, and recently, Ferraro’s Bar & Restaurant at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. With more than two decades of experience, the Venice, California-based design firm has learned how to let the client and project dictate where things are headed. “You have to trust that it will still be great,” says Schulz.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Studio Collective partners Leslie Kale, Adam Goldstein, and Christian Schulz founded their firm during the Great Recession. Though they started out to make ends meet, they soon found successful with cocktail lounge the Spare Room at the Hollywood Roosevelt before diving into hotels with the Landsby in Sylvan, California. Today, the trio leads a 20-person team, where they’ve expanded their portfolio with notable projects like the Hotel Figueroa in downtown Los Angeles, Proper Hotels' spinoff brand Hotel June on LA’s Westside, and recently, Ferraro’s Bar & Restaurant at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. With more than two decades of experience, the Venice, California-based design firm has learned how to let the client and project dictate where things are headed. “You have to trust that it will still be great,” says Schulz.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-14779286 Wed, 27 Mar 2024 10:00:00 -0400 3298 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, interior design, hospitality design, hotels, restaurants 2 128 full false Julien Albertini, Asthetique Julien Albertini, Asthetique Growing up in Brooklyn, New York and then Long Island, Julien Albertini, cofounder of Asthetíque, was influenced by his architect father and his mother, who loved redecorating their home. He studied architecture and then finance, designing small projects around the city until he met his business partner, the Moscow-based designer Alina Pimkina. Their vision and goals aligned, and their design firm, with offices in New York, Miami, and recently Riyadh, has showcased that rich intersection of masculine and feminine in projects for the past seven years, from Café Polet in Moscow to to Kahawa Café in Doha. Albertini shares his journey from architecture and finance student to successful entrepreneur.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Growing up in Brooklyn, New York and then Long Island, Julien Albertini, cofounder of Asthetíque, was influenced by his architect father and his mother, who loved redecorating their home. He studied architecture and then finance, designing small projects around the city until he met his business partner, the Moscow-based designer Alina Pimkina. Their vision and goals aligned, and their design firm, with offices in New York, Miami, and recently Riyadh, has showcased that rich intersection of masculine and feminine in projects for the past seven years, from Café Polet in Moscow to to Kahawa Café in Doha. Albertini shares his journey from architecture and finance student to successful entrepreneur.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-14679041 Tue, 12 Mar 2024 17:00:00 -0400 2677 design, interiors, hospitality, interior design, hospitality design, hotels, restaurants 2 127 full false Asher Warr and Robin Faulkner, Amarla Asher Warr and Robin Faulkner, Amarla Childhood friends Asher Warr and Robin Faulkner, cofounders of Amarla Hotels, launched their first property in Cartagena in 2018. The 17th-century mansion, a former tobacco factory, celebrates the community via authentic experiences—a pillar of the newly founded  brand. Next came Amarla Casco Viejo, the eight-room boutique that is reimagining Panama’s hospitality scene. The British entrepreneurs are rethinking hospitality by creating hotels centered around what they call a heartfelt hospitality approach—one that transcends the property and immerses visitors into the location.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Childhood friends Asher Warr and Robin Faulkner, cofounders of Amarla Hotels, launched their first property in Cartagena in 2018. The 17th-century mansion, a former tobacco factory, celebrates the community via authentic experiences—a pillar of the newly founded  brand. Next came Amarla Casco Viejo, the eight-room boutique that is reimagining Panama’s hospitality scene. The British entrepreneurs are rethinking hospitality by creating hotels centered around what they call a heartfelt hospitality approach—one that transcends the property and immerses visitors into the location.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-14502589 Wed, 14 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0500 3285 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, interior design, hospitality design, hotels, Latin America, South America, Latin America hospitality, Amarla Hotels, Panama hotels, Cartagena hotels 2 126 full false Ross Mollison, Spiegelworld Ross Mollison, Spiegelworld From an early age, the Melbourne-bred, New York-based Ross Mollison had a love for music and live entertainment. This nascent passion led him to launch Spiegelworld in 2005, known for its groundbreaking shows that blend cabaret, the circus, and variety performances.

Under Mollison's leadership, Spiegelworld has become synonymous with cutting-edge, adult-oriented entertainment that pushes the boundaries of traditional theatrical experiences. Indeed, his creativity and vision have played a key role in shaping Spiegelworld's reputation as a trailblazer in the world of live entertainment, spotlighted in the forthcoming DiscoShow and the development of a circus town in Nipton, California, where Mollison and his team dream up their creative, otherworldly endeavors.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> From an early age, the Melbourne-bred, New York-based Ross Mollison had a love for music and live entertainment. This nascent passion led him to launch Spiegelworld in 2005, known for its groundbreaking shows that blend cabaret, the circus, and variety performances.

Under Mollison's leadership, Spiegelworld has become synonymous with cutting-edge, adult-oriented entertainment that pushes the boundaries of traditional theatrical experiences. Indeed, his creativity and vision have played a key role in shaping Spiegelworld's reputation as a trailblazer in the world of live entertainment, spotlighted in the forthcoming DiscoShow and the development of a circus town in Nipton, California, where Mollison and his team dream up their creative, otherworldly endeavors.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-14413921 Wed, 31 Jan 2024 11:00:00 -0500 3237 spiegelworld, ross mollison, circus, nipton, las vegas, atlantic city, casear's palace, live entertainment, live performances, hospitality, design, hotels, restaurants, venue, F&B, entertainment 2 125 full true Carlos M. Martínez Flórez, Gensler Carlos M. Martínez Flórez, Gensler Carlos Martínez Flórez, who left Cuba when he was 3 years old, spent his early years in Puerto Rico, where he developed a passion for reading and storytelling. He struggled in school but was always interested in architecture, which he pursued at the Ohio State University. He cut his teeth with Holabird & Root, the Doblin Group, and Perkins&Will before landing at Gensler in 2001. With more than four decades of industry experience, Martínez Flórez now serves as the co-managing director and design principal at the firm's New York office, where he has become integral in fostering the next generation of design professionals.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Carlos Martínez Flórez, who left Cuba when he was 3 years old, spent his early years in Puerto Rico, where he developed a passion for reading and storytelling. He struggled in school but was always interested in architecture, which he pursued at the Ohio State University. He cut his teeth with Holabird & Root, the Doblin Group, and Perkins&Will before landing at Gensler in 2001. With more than four decades of industry experience, Martínez Flórez now serves as the co-managing director and design principal at the firm's New York office, where he has become integral in fostering the next generation of design professionals.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-14333870 Thu, 18 Jan 2024 11:00:00 -0500 3308 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, interior design, hospitality design, hotels, restaurants, Gensler, office design 2 124 full false Louis Thompson, Nomadic Resorts Louis Thompson, Nomadic Resorts Louis Thompson began his hospitality career working with Six Senses. While there, he learned about the importance of sustainability, innovation, and regeneration. In 2011, after 10 years with the wellness-focused brand, Thompson founded Nomadic Resorts. It was a natural next step for the entrepreneur, who was experimenting with crafting eco-friendly resorts in remote locales. Take the Wild Coast Tented Lodge near the Yala National Park in Sri Lanka. Thompson, who designed the building to blend into its natural surroundings, also trained 80 people from a neighboring fishermen's village to help with the construction. Today, Thompson is again pushing the envelope as he introduces salutogenic architecture to a new audience, where he hopes to influence mental wellbeing through design. Here, he shares his vision for the future of hospitality, including the development of niche experiences that cultivate community.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Louis Thompson began his hospitality career working with Six Senses. While there, he learned about the importance of sustainability, innovation, and regeneration. In 2011, after 10 years with the wellness-focused brand, Thompson founded Nomadic Resorts. It was a natural next step for the entrepreneur, who was experimenting with crafting eco-friendly resorts in remote locales. Take the Wild Coast Tented Lodge near the Yala National Park in Sri Lanka. Thompson, who designed the building to blend into its natural surroundings, also trained 80 people from a neighboring fishermen's village to help with the construction. Today, Thompson is again pushing the envelope as he introduces salutogenic architecture to a new audience, where he hopes to influence mental wellbeing through design. Here, he shares his vision for the future of hospitality, including the development of niche experiences that cultivate community.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-14180443 Wed, 20 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0500 3585 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, business owners, sustainability, eco-friendly design, environmentally friendly design, Nomadic Resorts, resort design, interiors 2 123 full true Iain Watson, David Collins Studio Iain Watson, David Collins Studio Growing up in Scotland, surrounded by Glasgow's vibrant culture and architecture, Iain Watson, CEO of David Collins Studio, found his passion early on. A chance meeting with David Collins changed his life forever. He started working alongside the designer over the summer. Since that pivotal moment, spanning more than three decades, Watson has remained an integral part of the studio's evolution. Together, they carved a niche in the hospitality industry, crafting iconic spaces, including chef Pierre Koffmann's La Tante Claire in Chelsea, Claridge's Bar at the Claridge's Hotel in London, and the Blue Bar in London's Berkeley Hotel. The firm is also one of a handful of designers behind the highly anticipated Fontainebleau Las Vegas, opening this month. After Collins’ death in 2013, Watson took the reins of the company, where he has ushered the studio into a new era while still honoring Collins’ legacy.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Growing up in Scotland, surrounded by Glasgow's vibrant culture and architecture, Iain Watson, CEO of David Collins Studio, found his passion early on. A chance meeting with David Collins changed his life forever. He started working alongside the designer over the summer. Since that pivotal moment, spanning more than three decades, Watson has remained an integral part of the studio's evolution. Together, they carved a niche in the hospitality industry, crafting iconic spaces, including chef Pierre Koffmann's La Tante Claire in Chelsea, Claridge's Bar at the Claridge's Hotel in London, and the Blue Bar in London's Berkeley Hotel. The firm is also one of a handful of designers behind the highly anticipated Fontainebleau Las Vegas, opening this month. After Collins’ death in 2013, Watson took the reins of the company, where he has ushered the studio into a new era while still honoring Collins’ legacy.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-14100197 Wed, 06 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0500 2469 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, business owners, restaurant design, London, David Collins Studio 2 122 full false Maryellis Bunn, Museum of Ice Cream Maryellis Bunn, Museum of Ice Cream Born in Laguna Beach, California, Maryellis Bunn, founder of the Museum of Ice Cream, was influenced by her artist mother, who shaped her creative mindset. Dubbed the Millennial Walt Disney, Bunn launched the original concept for the Museum of Ice Cream as a pop-up in New York in 2016, and has since transformed it into brick-and-mortar experiential spaces that invite people to slide into a pool made of biodegradable sprinkles or enjoy a cocktail at the pretty-in-pink bar. With standalone museums in New York, Chicago, Austin, and Singapore, Bunn continues to evolve the brand’s mission to create spaces that inspire imagination and unite people around something “as simple and beautiful as ice cream,” she says,

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Born in Laguna Beach, California, Maryellis Bunn, founder of the Museum of Ice Cream, was influenced by her artist mother, who shaped her creative mindset. Dubbed the Millennial Walt Disney, Bunn launched the original concept for the Museum of Ice Cream as a pop-up in New York in 2016, and has since transformed it into brick-and-mortar experiential spaces that invite people to slide into a pool made of biodegradable sprinkles or enjoy a cocktail at the pretty-in-pink bar. With standalone museums in New York, Chicago, Austin, and Singapore, Bunn continues to evolve the brand’s mission to create spaces that inspire imagination and unite people around something “as simple and beautiful as ice cream,” she says,

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-14011475 Tue, 21 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0500 2712 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, museum of ice cream, experiential design, experiences, immersive, museums, maryellis bunn 2 121 full false Ken Fulk Ken Fulk Designer Ken Fulk is a renaissance man, avid traveler, and a design dreamer. He’s known for his artistry and creativity, conjuring cinematic experiences that defy expectations. Take his longtime partnership with nightlife empresario David Grutman. Together, they have created the whimsical Goodtime Hotel and the recently opened, equally eclectic and singular, Casadonna, both in Miami. Fulk is also evolving his office, owning and operating some of the restaurants he designs. “There’s no exit strategy here,” he says. “People ask if I’ll ever slow down, and I hope not. We will continue to evolve, grow, and stay curious.”

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Designer Ken Fulk is a renaissance man, avid traveler, and a design dreamer. He’s known for his artistry and creativity, conjuring cinematic experiences that defy expectations. Take his longtime partnership with nightlife empresario David Grutman. Together, they have created the whimsical Goodtime Hotel and the recently opened, equally eclectic and singular, Casadonna, both in Miami. Fulk is also evolving his office, owning and operating some of the restaurants he designs. “There’s no exit strategy here,” he says. “People ask if I’ll ever slow down, and I hope not. We will continue to evolve, grow, and stay curious.”

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-13933875 Wed, 08 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0500 3878 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, business owners, ken fulk, ken fulk design, designer, san francisco design 2 120 full false Andy Goodwin and Tom Parker, Fettle Andy Goodwin and Tom Parker, Fettle Tom Parker and Andy Goodwin founded the London- and Los Angeles-based Fettle in 2013 after a decade of working with some of London’s most notable design firms including United Designers and Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. Launching their own firm was the natural next step for the friends-turned-business partners. “At the time, it was very exciting and it felt like we were on the precipice of something great,” says Parker. Today, their portfolio includes the Hoxton, Portland in Oregon, the Draycott in LA, and the just-opened Georgian, their meticulous revitalization of a grande dame in Santa Monica, California.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Tom Parker and Andy Goodwin founded the London- and Los Angeles-based Fettle in 2013 after a decade of working with some of London’s most notable design firms including United Designers and Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. Launching their own firm was the natural next step for the friends-turned-business partners. “At the time, it was very exciting and it felt like we were on the precipice of something great,” says Parker. Today, their portfolio includes the Hoxton, Portland in Oregon, the Draycott in LA, and the just-opened Georgian, their meticulous revitalization of a grande dame in Santa Monica, California.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-13840561 Tue, 24 Oct 2023 21:00:00 -0400 3421 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, interior design, hospitality design, hotels, restaurants 2 119 full false Tolù Adẹ̀kọ́, Adẹ̀kọ́ & Co Tolù Adẹ̀kọ́, Adẹ̀kọ́ & Co British-Nigerian designer Tolù Adẹ̀kọ́, who founded his London-based Adẹ̀kọ́ & Co in 2014, is known for his compelling design narratives that nod to his childhood in Lagos, Nigeria. He moved to London at the age of 6, and it wasn’t long before Adẹ̀kọ́ started sketching furniture and clothing that caught the eye of his teachers and landed him a slot in a summer product design program led by Terence Conran.  His resumé includes stints with United Design Partnership and David Collins Studio, where he helped design Waldorf Astoria Lusail, Doha’s outpost of Italian restaurant Scarpetta. Today, along with his eight-person team, he is crafting luxe interiors for a forthcoming fleet of cruise ships and designing a scullery inside a London men’s hostel where residents find community in cooking and eating together. 

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> British-Nigerian designer Tolù Adẹ̀kọ́, who founded his London-based Adẹ̀kọ́ & Co in 2014, is known for his compelling design narratives that nod to his childhood in Lagos, Nigeria. He moved to London at the age of 6, and it wasn’t long before Adẹ̀kọ́ started sketching furniture and clothing that caught the eye of his teachers and landed him a slot in a summer product design program led by Terence Conran.  His resumé includes stints with United Design Partnership and David Collins Studio, where he helped design Waldorf Astoria Lusail, Doha’s outpost of Italian restaurant Scarpetta. Today, along with his eight-person team, he is crafting luxe interiors for a forthcoming fleet of cruise ships and designing a scullery inside a London men’s hostel where residents find community in cooking and eating together. 

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-13757723 Wed, 11 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0400 3551 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, business owners, London design, London interior design, 2 118 full false Cobi Levy and Will Makris, Prince Street Hospitality Cobi Levy and Will Makris, Prince Street Hospitality When COVID hit, Lola Taverna in New York’s SoHo neighborhood had only been open for a few months. The world had stopped, and Cobi Levy and Will Makris, the duo behind Prince Street Hospitality, had to pivot. They turned Lola Taverna into a communal gathering spot, offering takeout food with chairs to rent (the money went to first responders). Utilizing the park next door, they served up to 250 people a day. It helped them survive those uncertain pandemic days, and when restaurants were finally able to reopen, Lola Taverna was on everyone’s mind, with a waitlist on the weekends that numbered up to 4,000. Today, their portfolio includes seven restaurants in New York and Miami, with Alba on the boards in Los Angeles, the pair’s first foray to the West Coast.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> When COVID hit, Lola Taverna in New York’s SoHo neighborhood had only been open for a few months. The world had stopped, and Cobi Levy and Will Makris, the duo behind Prince Street Hospitality, had to pivot. They turned Lola Taverna into a communal gathering spot, offering takeout food with chairs to rent (the money went to first responders). Utilizing the park next door, they served up to 250 people a day. It helped them survive those uncertain pandemic days, and when restaurants were finally able to reopen, Lola Taverna was on everyone’s mind, with a waitlist on the weekends that numbered up to 4,000. Today, their portfolio includes seven restaurants in New York and Miami, with Alba on the boards in Los Angeles, the pair’s first foray to the West Coast.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-13674245 Wed, 27 Sep 2023 15:00:00 -0400 3465 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, business owners, food and beverage, New York restaurants, Prince Street Hospitality 2 117 full false Tina Edmundson, Marriott International Tina Edmundson, Marriott International As president of luxury at Marriott International, Tina Edmundson oversees all aspects of Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, BVLGARI Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, EDITION, Luxury Collection, JW Marriott, and W Hotels Worldwide brands. But Edmundson, an industry veteran, first made a significant mark on the company as global brand and marketing officer, leading a portfolio of 30 distinct hotel brands upon the massive merger of Marriott and Starwood Hotels & Resorts. Raised in Mumbai, India, where Edmundson’s parents worked for an airline before her entrepreneurial mother opened a string of beauty salons, Edmundson graduated with a finance degree from the University of Bombay, and then ventured to the U.S. to pursue her MBA in hotel and restaurant administration at the University of Houston’s Conrad N. Hilton college.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> As president of luxury at Marriott International, Tina Edmundson oversees all aspects of Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, BVLGARI Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, EDITION, Luxury Collection, JW Marriott, and W Hotels Worldwide brands. But Edmundson, an industry veteran, first made a significant mark on the company as global brand and marketing officer, leading a portfolio of 30 distinct hotel brands upon the massive merger of Marriott and Starwood Hotels & Resorts. Raised in Mumbai, India, where Edmundson’s parents worked for an airline before her entrepreneurial mother opened a string of beauty salons, Edmundson graduated with a finance degree from the University of Bombay, and then ventured to the U.S. to pursue her MBA in hotel and restaurant administration at the University of Houston’s Conrad N. Hilton college.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-13591522 Thu, 14 Sep 2023 11:00:00 -0400 2861 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, business owners, marriott international, hotel brands 2 116 full false Matt Kliegman, Authentic Hospitality Matt Kliegman, Authentic Hospitality With a roster of venues including New York hotspots Ray’s, Jac’s on Bond, and Georgia Room, the trio behind Authentic Hospitality—Matt Kliegman, Matthew Charles, and Carlos Quirarte—have been reshaping New York’s F&B scene since they opened the Smile In 2009. One of those partners, Kliegman, started his party-planning career back at New York University (NYU) and his résumé speaks for itself. Whether working with Ian Schrager at the Public Hotel or bringing an Old School sophistication to Rock Center with the Pebble Bar, Kliegman says the secret to his success is his team. “Partnerships are like marriages,” he points out, “and it’s important to take the time to pick the right partners.”

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> With a roster of venues including New York hotspots Ray’s, Jac’s on Bond, and Georgia Room, the trio behind Authentic Hospitality—Matt Kliegman, Matthew Charles, and Carlos Quirarte—have been reshaping New York’s F&B scene since they opened the Smile In 2009. One of those partners, Kliegman, started his party-planning career back at New York University (NYU) and his résumé speaks for itself. Whether working with Ian Schrager at the Public Hotel or bringing an Old School sophistication to Rock Center with the Pebble Bar, Kliegman says the secret to his success is his team. “Partnerships are like marriages,” he points out, “and it’s important to take the time to pick the right partners.”

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-13497971 Wed, 30 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0400 2983 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, business owners, F&B, Authentic Hospitality, New York City nightlife, New York City restaurants 2 115 full false Emlyn Brown, Accor Emlyn Brown, Accor With a father in the military, the Paris-based Emlyn Brown attended 13 schools over 18 years. During high school in Munich, he traveled constantly with his family, from Italy to Cyprus and Hong Kong. He graduated from the University of Manchester in the UK with a degree in leisure and sport, and furthered his education in the field by studying sport science and psychology. That led him to his first job with Holmes Place, a health, fitness, and wellness concept, which Brown describes as the Equinox of the '90s. His seven-year journey there took him from the sales floor to eventually becoming the area director for Europe. Today, his résumé is a who’s who of gamechanging wellness brands, including Six Senses, GOCO Hospitality, Resense Spa, and currently Accor, where he serves as the global senior vice president of wellbeing. Here, Brown explains how if wellbeing is done right, it can create a sense of community.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> With a father in the military, the Paris-based Emlyn Brown attended 13 schools over 18 years. During high school in Munich, he traveled constantly with his family, from Italy to Cyprus and Hong Kong. He graduated from the University of Manchester in the UK with a degree in leisure and sport, and furthered his education in the field by studying sport science and psychology. That led him to his first job with Holmes Place, a health, fitness, and wellness concept, which Brown describes as the Equinox of the '90s. His seven-year journey there took him from the sales floor to eventually becoming the area director for Europe. Today, his résumé is a who’s who of gamechanging wellness brands, including Six Senses, GOCO Hospitality, Resense Spa, and currently Accor, where he serves as the global senior vice president of wellbeing. Here, Brown explains how if wellbeing is done right, it can create a sense of community.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-13415884 Wed, 16 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0400 3973 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, business owners, wellness, wellbeing, hotel spas, Accor 2 114 full false Linda Boronkay, Linda Boronkay Design Studio Linda Boronkay, Linda Boronkay Design Studio Born in Budapest, the London-based Linda Boronkay was inspired by her architect father and her journalist mother. Indeed, her interest in design was piqued from an early age with the former model winning Britain’s Best Emerging Interior Designer award during her second year of college. That led to jobs with Martin Brudnizki, Tara Bernerd, and Woods Bagot. From there, she landed at Soho House, where she spent four years as the company’s director of design.  In September 2020, at the height of the pandemic, she launched her own eponymous firm. With a team of 12, her studio has been enlisted to design the Thompson Rome and Sir Prague, adding to her growing portfolio. “I’m in love with the notion of ... giving people an unforgettable experience,” she says. “ I want to give [people] that sense of excitement and fantasy—that primal, intuitive, and visceral feeling that you're about to experience something special. I'm in love with that feeling.”

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Born in Budapest, the London-based Linda Boronkay was inspired by her architect father and her journalist mother. Indeed, her interest in design was piqued from an early age with the former model winning Britain’s Best Emerging Interior Designer award during her second year of college. That led to jobs with Martin Brudnizki, Tara Bernerd, and Woods Bagot. From there, she landed at Soho House, where she spent four years as the company’s director of design.  In September 2020, at the height of the pandemic, she launched her own eponymous firm. With a team of 12, her studio has been enlisted to design the Thompson Rome and Sir Prague, adding to her growing portfolio. “I’m in love with the notion of ... giving people an unforgettable experience,” she says. “ I want to give [people] that sense of excitement and fantasy—that primal, intuitive, and visceral feeling that you're about to experience something special. I'm in love with that feeling.”

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-13337794 Wed, 02 Aug 2023 11:00:00 -0400 3296 2 113 full false Libby Sims Patrick (re-release) Libby Sims Patrick (re-release) In November 2023, Libby Sims Patrick will be inducted into Hospitality Design's Platinum Circle, an honor bestowed on those who have made significant impact and contributions to the hospitality industry. In February of 2022, Sims Patrick joined editor in chief Stacy Shoemaker Rauen for a wide-ranging conversation, where she reflected on her southern upbringing, launching her Atlanta-based firm, and her role as an owner-developer of the River Runner Hotel, slated to open in 2024. 


Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> In November 2023, Libby Sims Patrick will be inducted into Hospitality Design's Platinum Circle, an honor bestowed on those who have made significant impact and contributions to the hospitality industry. In February of 2022, Sims Patrick joined editor in chief Stacy Shoemaker Rauen for a wide-ranging conversation, where she reflected on her southern upbringing, launching her Atlanta-based firm, and her role as an owner-developer of the River Runner Hotel, slated to open in 2024. 


Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-13251130 Wed, 19 Jul 2023 09:00:00 -0400 3291 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, business owners, women business owners 2 112 full false Andrew Fay and Roger Hill, The Gettys Group Andrew Fay and Roger Hill, The Gettys Group Andrew Fay and Roger Hill met at Cornell University and became fast friends bonding over their shared passion for hospitality. In 1988, they took a leap of faith and founded the Gettys Group. It was a big risk at the time, but one that has paid off in the three-plus decades they’ve run the Chicago-based company as COO and CEO, respectively. Their work speaks for itself. Consider the Farnam Hotel’s vibrant interiors, which have reinvigorated Omaha, Nebraska, or the Grand Bohemian Orlando’s lush designs.  Today, the 70-person firm is made up of experts in everything from interiors  and development to branding and procurement. This collaborative spirit has allowed the Gettys Group to offer a truly holistic approach to design, ensuring that each project is as unique and memorable as the next.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Andrew Fay and Roger Hill met at Cornell University and became fast friends bonding over their shared passion for hospitality. In 1988, they took a leap of faith and founded the Gettys Group. It was a big risk at the time, but one that has paid off in the three-plus decades they’ve run the Chicago-based company as COO and CEO, respectively. Their work speaks for itself. Consider the Farnam Hotel’s vibrant interiors, which have reinvigorated Omaha, Nebraska, or the Grand Bohemian Orlando’s lush designs.  Today, the 70-person firm is made up of experts in everything from interiors  and development to branding and procurement. This collaborative spirit has allowed the Gettys Group to offer a truly holistic approach to design, ensuring that each project is as unique and memorable as the next.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-13121433 Tue, 27 Jun 2023 23:00:00 -0400 3465 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, the gettys group, Chicago, hotels, interior design 2 111 full false Malene Djenaba Barnett, Artist and BADG Founder Malene Djenaba Barnett, Artist and BADG Founder For Malene Djenaba Barnett, the common thread of her life's work is her ancestors, whom she pays homage to through her multidisciplinary pursuits. There's Barnett's textiles and ceramics work tied to the Black diaspora, her 2018 founding of the Black Artists + Designers Guild (BADG) to celebrate and support Black creatives, and her current studies as a Fulbright scholar where she is the visiting artist at Edna Manley College in Kingston, Jamaica. 

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> For Malene Djenaba Barnett, the common thread of her life's work is her ancestors, whom she pays homage to through her multidisciplinary pursuits. There's Barnett's textiles and ceramics work tied to the Black diaspora, her 2018 founding of the Black Artists + Designers Guild (BADG) to celebrate and support Black creatives, and her current studies as a Fulbright scholar where she is the visiting artist at Edna Manley College in Kingston, Jamaica. 

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-13033277 Tue, 13 Jun 2023 15:00:00 -0400 2755 full false Noah Tepperberg and Jason Strauss, Tao Group Hospitality Noah Tepperberg and Jason Strauss, Tao Group Hospitality The Co-CEOS of Tao Group Hospitality share the unique distinction of being business partners and best friends. After meeting in high school, Tepperberg and Strauss started throwing parties which quickly evolved into larger events and an exclusive list of clientele. After graduating from college, they founded Strategic Group, opened gamechanging Manhattan nightclub Marquee, and eventually, met Marc Packer and Rich Wolf, founders of Tao restaurant. Soon after, the foursome launched Tao Group Hospitality—and the rest is history. 

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> The Co-CEOS of Tao Group Hospitality share the unique distinction of being business partners and best friends. After meeting in high school, Tepperberg and Strauss started throwing parties which quickly evolved into larger events and an exclusive list of clientele. After graduating from college, they founded Strategic Group, opened gamechanging Manhattan nightclub Marquee, and eventually, met Marc Packer and Rich Wolf, founders of Tao restaurant. Soon after, the foursome launched Tao Group Hospitality—and the rest is history. 

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-12859088 Tue, 16 May 2023 09:00:00 -0400 3046 full false Meghann Day, HBA Meghann Day, HBA After 17 years ascending the ranks of Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), starting out as a designer before eventually becoming a partner, Meghann Day was recently promoted to President of the Americas. Although Day’s career has taken her all over the world and through different roles from designer to principal interior designer to her newly created position, one thing hasn’t changed—her love of hospitality.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> After 17 years ascending the ranks of Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), starting out as a designer before eventually becoming a partner, Meghann Day was recently promoted to President of the Americas. Although Day’s career has taken her all over the world and through different roles from designer to principal interior designer to her newly created position, one thing hasn’t changed—her love of hospitality.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-12771763 Tue, 02 May 2023 17:00:00 -0400 2479 full true Clint Nagata, BLINK Clint Nagata, BLINK Clint Nagata founded BLINK Design Group with the goal to create a firm that would outlast him by placing the emphasis on the brand as a whole—and its work—rather than any one individual. Since 2006, Nagata and his team at BLINK Design Group have been reshaping the modern hospitality landscape together, crafting luxurious oases including Vietnam’s Regent Phu Quoc, Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort, and Six Senses Uluwatu.

This episode is brought to you by American Leather. To learn more, visit www.americanleather.com

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Clint Nagata founded BLINK Design Group with the goal to create a firm that would outlast him by placing the emphasis on the brand as a whole—and its work—rather than any one individual. Since 2006, Nagata and his team at BLINK Design Group have been reshaping the modern hospitality landscape together, crafting luxurious oases including Vietnam’s Regent Phu Quoc, Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort, and Six Senses Uluwatu.

This episode is brought to you by American Leather. To learn more, visit www.americanleather.com

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-12677369 Tue, 18 Apr 2023 16:00:00 -0400 2277 2 7 full false Kevin O'Shea and David Bowd, Salt Hotels Kevin O'Shea and David Bowd, Salt Hotels Partners in love and in life, Kevin O'Shea and David Bowd are the minds behind Salt Hotels. After walking their own paths in hospitality, with O'Shea cutting his teeth at Starwood Hotels and Resorts and Bowd working for hospitality heavyweights Andre Balazs and Ian Schrager, they set out on their own. What started as a small boutique hotel, Salt House Inn in Provincetown, Massachusetts has since grown, with the founders bringing their own brand of hospitality to Miami, New York, L.A., and soon--beyond.  This episode is brought to you by American Leather. 

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Partners in love and in life, Kevin O'Shea and David Bowd are the minds behind Salt Hotels. After walking their own paths in hospitality, with O'Shea cutting his teeth at Starwood Hotels and Resorts and Bowd working for hospitality heavyweights Andre Balazs and Ian Schrager, they set out on their own. What started as a small boutique hotel, Salt House Inn in Provincetown, Massachusetts has since grown, with the founders bringing their own brand of hospitality to Miami, New York, L.A., and soon--beyond.  This episode is brought to you by American Leather. 

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-12589301 Tue, 04 Apr 2023 17:00:00 -0400 3827 2 6 full true Barbara Parker and Miriam Torres, Parker-Torres Barbara Parker and Miriam Torres, Parker-Torres Barbara Parker and Miriam Torres made their way into design independently but it wasn't long before they decided to go into business together, after a mutual colleague pointed out their complementary talents.  In 2004, they founded their Boston-based firm Parker-Torres Design. Over the past 19 years, Parker and Torres have brought their visionary touches to a slate of renowned properties, including the Ritz-Carlton Marina Del Rey and InterContinental Washington, DC - the Wharf, leading to their induction into Hospitality Design's Platinum Circle hall of fame in 2022. As for what makes their partnership such a success, they credit the passion and dedication they pour into every project. "We're fortunate that we just happen to do what we love to do," Torres says.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Barbara Parker and Miriam Torres made their way into design independently but it wasn't long before they decided to go into business together, after a mutual colleague pointed out their complementary talents.  In 2004, they founded their Boston-based firm Parker-Torres Design. Over the past 19 years, Parker and Torres have brought their visionary touches to a slate of renowned properties, including the Ritz-Carlton Marina Del Rey and InterContinental Washington, DC - the Wharf, leading to their induction into Hospitality Design's Platinum Circle hall of fame in 2022. As for what makes their partnership such a success, they credit the passion and dedication they pour into every project. "We're fortunate that we just happen to do what we love to do," Torres says.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Buzzsprout-12488185 Tue, 21 Mar 2023 16:00:00 -0400 2946 2 5 full true Helen Jorgensen, Host Hotels & Resorts Helen Jorgensen, Host Hotels & Resorts "You [have] to embrace change. Don't doubt it," says Helen Jorgensen, who would certainly know. Her nontraditional journey into the hospitality industry began with  stints in government at the IRS and the NSA before she pivoted to roles at Marriott and Disney. Now, as the vice president of design and procurement at Host Hotels & Resorts, she helps instill a strong sense of place in each property through design while keeping LEED and ESG commitments top of mind. 

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> "You [have] to embrace change. Don't doubt it," says Helen Jorgensen, who would certainly know. Her nontraditional journey into the hospitality industry began with  stints in government at the IRS and the NSA before she pivoted to roles at Marriott and Disney. Now, as the vice president of design and procurement at Host Hotels & Resorts, she helps instill a strong sense of place in each property through design while keeping LEED and ESG commitments top of mind. 

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Buzzsprout-12394531 Tue, 07 Mar 2023 15:00:00 -0500 2109 2 4 full true Mark Zeff, MARKZEFF Mark Zeff, MARKZEFF Designer Mark Zeff's life changed in 1982 after boarding a flight bound for New York City from Australia. What was intended as a short trip soon stretched to three weeks, and before he knew it, New York was home. Spending glamorous nights at Studio 1954 and mingling with iconic creatives Andy Warhol and Anna Wintour, it wasn't long until he founded his namesake interior design and architecture firm MARKZEFF, the force behind Magnolia Bakery, Virgin Nashville, and New Orleans' Kimpton Hotel Fontenot. As Zeff says, "Patience always prevails." 

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Designer Mark Zeff's life changed in 1982 after boarding a flight bound for New York City from Australia. What was intended as a short trip soon stretched to three weeks, and before he knew it, New York was home. Spending glamorous nights at Studio 1954 and mingling with iconic creatives Andy Warhol and Anna Wintour, it wasn't long until he founded his namesake interior design and architecture firm MARKZEFF, the force behind Magnolia Bakery, Virgin Nashville, and New Orleans' Kimpton Hotel Fontenot. As Zeff says, "Patience always prevails." 

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-12205127 Tue, 07 Feb 2023 16:00:00 -0500 2784 2 3 full true Ian Rolston, Decanthropy Ian Rolston, Decanthropy Wanting to combat burnout after stints at several high-profile firms, Barbados-born, Toronto-raised Ian Rolston set out on his own to found Decanthropy.  Rather than bringing just another design studio to market, Rolston was fueled by his desire to remake design for the better.  The "innovation studio", as he calls it embeds equity and inclusivity at every layer from people to processes to projects. As Rolston says,  "We have to understand how other people see the world and through their lenses. And we can only do that be collaborating with people that are different and have different experiences. It's okay as a designer to not have all the answers." 

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Wanting to combat burnout after stints at several high-profile firms, Barbados-born, Toronto-raised Ian Rolston set out on his own to found Decanthropy.  Rather than bringing just another design studio to market, Rolston was fueled by his desire to remake design for the better.  The "innovation studio", as he calls it embeds equity and inclusivity at every layer from people to processes to projects. As Rolston says,  "We have to understand how other people see the world and through their lenses. And we can only do that be collaborating with people that are different and have different experiences. It's okay as a designer to not have all the answers." 

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-12126298 Thu, 26 Jan 2023 16:00:00 -0500 3003 2 2 full true K.J. Hughes, Manifest K.J. Hughes, Manifest Entrepreneur K.J. Hughes has proven himself time and again, first  cutting his teeth as a nightlife promoter before founding a sports and entertainment agency. His latest venture? Manifest, the Snarkitecture-designed, Washington, D.C.-based hybrid concept that spans a barbershop, speakeasy, coffee bar, and retail shop. No matter Hughes' pursuits, there's one constant—his persistence to bringing his dreams to life, despite any challenges that arise.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Entrepreneur K.J. Hughes has proven himself time and again, first  cutting his teeth as a nightlife promoter before founding a sports and entertainment agency. His latest venture? Manifest, the Snarkitecture-designed, Washington, D.C.-based hybrid concept that spans a barbershop, speakeasy, coffee bar, and retail shop. No matter Hughes' pursuits, there's one constant—his persistence to bringing his dreams to life, despite any challenges that arise.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-12024963 Wed, 11 Jan 2023 15:00:00 -0500 4169 2 1 full true Celebrating 100 Episodes Celebrating 100 Episodes In this 100th episode clip show of Hospitality Design's What I've Learned podcast, editor in chief Stacy Shoemaker Rauen reflects on 100 fascinating guests, incredible stories, and thought-provoking lessons learned with past guests including Raul Leal, SH Hotels & Resorts; Brad Wilson, Ace Hotel Group; Venus Williams, V Starr; Ian Schrager, ISC; chef Daniel Boulud, Kia Weatherspoon, Determined by Design, Paula Scher, Pentagram, and more.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> In this 100th episode clip show of Hospitality Design's What I've Learned podcast, editor in chief Stacy Shoemaker Rauen reflects on 100 fascinating guests, incredible stories, and thought-provoking lessons learned with past guests including Raul Leal, SH Hotels & Resorts; Brad Wilson, Ace Hotel Group; Venus Williams, V Starr; Ian Schrager, ISC; chef Daniel Boulud, Kia Weatherspoon, Determined by Design, Paula Scher, Pentagram, and more.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-11911187 Wed, 21 Dec 2022 09:00:00 -0500 3009 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, interior design, hospitality design, hotels, restaurants 1 100 full false Marcus Samuelsson (Re-Release) Marcus Samuelsson (Re-Release) In November, Marcus Samuelsson became the first chef to guest edit Hospitality Design magazine, and to celebrate, we're re-releasing his episode from August 2020.  During the conversation, the prolific chef, restaurateur, and author discussed his career as well as the subject on everyone’s minds at the time—COVID and its impact on the industry.  Since then, Samuelsson has opened Hav and Mar, a fusion of his Ethiopian and Scandinavian roots. The barrier-breaking restaurant is featured in the issue, along with conversations with artists Derrick Adams and Shantell Martin, fashion plates Dapper Dan and Lana Turner, and champions of  Black food, Rasheeda Purdie and KJ Kearney. To read it, visit Hospitality Design.com

 

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> In November, Marcus Samuelsson became the first chef to guest edit Hospitality Design magazine, and to celebrate, we're re-releasing his episode from August 2020.  During the conversation, the prolific chef, restaurateur, and author discussed his career as well as the subject on everyone’s minds at the time—COVID and its impact on the industry.  Since then, Samuelsson has opened Hav and Mar, a fusion of his Ethiopian and Scandinavian roots. The barrier-breaking restaurant is featured in the issue, along with conversations with artists Derrick Adams and Shantell Martin, fashion plates Dapper Dan and Lana Turner, and champions of  Black food, Rasheeda Purdie and KJ Kearney. To read it, visit Hospitality Design.com

 

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-11783298 Tue, 29 Nov 2022 14:00:00 -0500 1679 1 full true Michael Suomi, Suomi Design Works Michael Suomi, Suomi Design Works Michael Suomi's multifaceted career in architecture and interior design has included stints with Jordan Mozer and Associates in Chicago to Stonehill Taylor in New York, where he worked for 15 years before going out on his own with the New York-based Suomi Design Works. His namesake firm's budding portfolio includes the Pelham Hotel in New Orleans and the forthcoming Radical hotel in Asheville, North Carolina, which promises to push boundaries. As Suomi oft-repeats, "If you can dream it, it's possible."

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Michael Suomi's multifaceted career in architecture and interior design has included stints with Jordan Mozer and Associates in Chicago to Stonehill Taylor in New York, where he worked for 15 years before going out on his own with the New York-based Suomi Design Works. His namesake firm's budding portfolio includes the Pelham Hotel in New Orleans and the forthcoming Radical hotel in Asheville, North Carolina, which promises to push boundaries. As Suomi oft-repeats, "If you can dream it, it's possible."

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-11709157 Wed, 16 Nov 2022 15:00:00 -0500 3015 1 99 full false Kellie Sirna, Studio 11 Design Kellie Sirna, Studio 11 Design Born into a family of painters, musicians, and designers for Hallmark, and growing up in the art-centric city of Kansas City, Missouri, creativity was an encompassing part of Kellie Sirna's childhood. After pinpointing her passion for interiors and spending a decade at Duncan Miller, Sirna set out on her own. Her multifaceted firm, Studio 11 Design, which has offices in Austin, Dallas, and New York works with some of the biggest names in the hospitality including IHG, Kimpton, and Omni. Rather than limiting herself to one area, Sirna has grown her firm from solely interiors to branding, and art development and procurement.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Born into a family of painters, musicians, and designers for Hallmark, and growing up in the art-centric city of Kansas City, Missouri, creativity was an encompassing part of Kellie Sirna's childhood. After pinpointing her passion for interiors and spending a decade at Duncan Miller, Sirna set out on her own. Her multifaceted firm, Studio 11 Design, which has offices in Austin, Dallas, and New York works with some of the biggest names in the hospitality including IHG, Kimpton, and Omni. Rather than limiting herself to one area, Sirna has grown her firm from solely interiors to branding, and art development and procurement.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-11567959 Tue, 25 Oct 2022 16:00:00 -0400 2822 1 99 full false Amar Lalvani, Standard International Amar Lalvani, Standard International Amar Lalvani says, “You have to be bold at the right time.” Lalvani exemplifies his own advice with a career that has seen him working with some of the biggest names in hospitality. After studying business, Lalvani cut his teeth at Starwood Capital Group and Blackstone before landing at the Standard. Working alongside the brand's founder, André Balazs, Lalvani helmed its worldwide expansion—creating playful properties paired with creative F&B concepts as seen at the newly opened the Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon, which was designed by the in-house team and Spanish artist and designer Jaime Hayon. Now, as the executive chairman of Standard International and its sister company, Bunkhouse Group, the proven tastemaker has a slew of audacious new projects lined up, including the forthcoming Hotel Genevieve in Louisville, Kentucky.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Amar Lalvani says, “You have to be bold at the right time.” Lalvani exemplifies his own advice with a career that has seen him working with some of the biggest names in hospitality. After studying business, Lalvani cut his teeth at Starwood Capital Group and Blackstone before landing at the Standard. Working alongside the brand's founder, André Balazs, Lalvani helmed its worldwide expansion—creating playful properties paired with creative F&B concepts as seen at the newly opened the Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon, which was designed by the in-house team and Spanish artist and designer Jaime Hayon. Now, as the executive chairman of Standard International and its sister company, Bunkhouse Group, the proven tastemaker has a slew of audacious new projects lined up, including the forthcoming Hotel Genevieve in Louisville, Kentucky.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-11485712 Wed, 12 Oct 2022 11:00:00 -0400 4062 1 98 full true Corinna Kretschmar-Joehnk and Peter Joehnk, JOI Design Corinna Kretschmar-Joehnk and Peter Joehnk, JOI Design Intertwined by their love for design (and each other), Corinna Kretschmar-Joehnk and Peter Joehnk are the minds behind the Hamburg, Germany-based JOI Design. Together, they and their family-like team have designed more than 500 hotel projects around the world including Moxy Hamburg City in Germany and Il Salotto Wines & Resort in Italy.

This episode is brought to you by Craft and Main. For more information, go to craftandmain.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Intertwined by their love for design (and each other), Corinna Kretschmar-Joehnk and Peter Joehnk are the minds behind the Hamburg, Germany-based JOI Design. Together, they and their family-like team have designed more than 500 hotel projects around the world including Moxy Hamburg City in Germany and Il Salotto Wines & Resort in Italy.

This episode is brought to you by Craft and Main. For more information, go to craftandmain.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Buzzsprout-11394174 Tue, 27 Sep 2022 12:00:00 -0400 3291 1 96 full false Victor Body Lawson, Body Lawson Associates Victor Body Lawson, Body Lawson Associates Born in Lagos, Nigeria to a family of entrepreneurs, Victor Body Lawson seemed destined to build something of his own. After moving to the states, he discovered his passion for architecture while studying at Montgomery College, Catholic University, and Columbia University and went on to found his firm Body Lawson Associates. A certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Body Lawson strives to help close inequity gaps in hiring practices and through projects designed to empower communities.

This episode is brought to you by Craft and Main. For more information, go to craftandmain.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Born in Lagos, Nigeria to a family of entrepreneurs, Victor Body Lawson seemed destined to build something of his own. After moving to the states, he discovered his passion for architecture while studying at Montgomery College, Catholic University, and Columbia University and went on to found his firm Body Lawson Associates. A certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Body Lawson strives to help close inequity gaps in hiring practices and through projects designed to empower communities.

This episode is brought to you by Craft and Main. For more information, go to craftandmain.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-11289056 Fri, 09 Sep 2022 09:00:00 -0400 3326 1 95 full false Tristan du Plessis, Tristan du Plessis Studio Tristan du Plessis, Tristan du Plessis Studio Tristan du Plessis’ rise through the ranks of the design world has been meteoric, going from self-taught designer to partner at a firm to founding his namesake studio—all in less than 10 years. The South Africa native’s portfolio, which includes Rome’s Chapter Roma hotel and Gorgeous George in Cape Town, spans the globe.

This episode is brought to you by Craft and Main. For more information, go to craftandmain.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Tristan du Plessis’ rise through the ranks of the design world has been meteoric, going from self-taught designer to partner at a firm to founding his namesake studio—all in less than 10 years. The South Africa native’s portfolio, which includes Rome’s Chapter Roma hotel and Gorgeous George in Cape Town, spans the globe.

This episode is brought to you by Craft and Main. For more information, go to craftandmain.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-11203038 Thu, 25 Aug 2022 12:00:00 -0400 3038 1 94 full true Tina Norden, Conran and Partners Tina Norden, Conran and Partners Tina Norden has built her career at the esteemed Conran and Partners since graduating from University of Westminster, joining the firm in 1997, and becoming a partner in 2016. A quote from founder Terence Conran—which Norden often cites—is “Good design improves people’s lives," a lens that guides her and her team in their work for visionary spaces like the Park Hyatt Auckland and The Peninsula Hong Kong.

This episode is brought to you by Craft and Main. For more information, go to craftandmain.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Tina Norden has built her career at the esteemed Conran and Partners since graduating from University of Westminster, joining the firm in 1997, and becoming a partner in 2016. A quote from founder Terence Conran—which Norden often cites—is “Good design improves people’s lives," a lens that guides her and her team in their work for visionary spaces like the Park Hyatt Auckland and The Peninsula Hong Kong.

This episode is brought to you by Craft and Main. For more information, go to craftandmain.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-11114043 Wed, 10 Aug 2022 10:00:00 -0400 2573 1 93 full true Little Wing Lee, Studio & Projects Little Wing Lee, Studio & Projects After cutting her teeth in the interiors department at SOM and Atelier Ace, Little Wing Lee became part of the Exhibition Design Team for the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC. Now, the designer is busy helming her own firm, Studio & Projects, as well as overseeing Black Folks in Design, which she founded as a network for Black designers across multiple disciplines.

This episode is brought to you by Craft and Main. For more information, go to craftandmain.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> After cutting her teeth in the interiors department at SOM and Atelier Ace, Little Wing Lee became part of the Exhibition Design Team for the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC. Now, the designer is busy helming her own firm, Studio & Projects, as well as overseeing Black Folks in Design, which she founded as a network for Black designers across multiple disciplines.

This episode is brought to you by Craft and Main. For more information, go to craftandmain.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Buzzsprout-11075692 Wed, 03 Aug 2022 11:00:00 -0400 2982 1 92 full true Bill Walshe, Viceroy Hotel Group Bill Walshe, Viceroy Hotel Group Born in Limerick, Ireland, Bill Walshe’s passion for design has taken him all over the world—from Dubai, working for the Jumeirah Group to sunny Los Angeles, California where he serves as the CEO of Viceroy Hotel Group. No matter where he is, Walshe’s approach to hospitality stays the same. As he says: “My fundamental essence of hospitality is very simple. We’re human beings who make other human beings happy.”

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Born in Limerick, Ireland, Bill Walshe’s passion for design has taken him all over the world—from Dubai, working for the Jumeirah Group to sunny Los Angeles, California where he serves as the CEO of Viceroy Hotel Group. No matter where he is, Walshe’s approach to hospitality stays the same. As he says: “My fundamental essence of hospitality is very simple. We’re human beings who make other human beings happy.”

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-10954905 Wed, 13 Jul 2022 10:00:00 -0400 3030 1 91 full true Kia Weatherspoon, Determined by Design Kia Weatherspoon, Determined by Design A champion of diversity and inclusion, Kia Weatherspoon founded Determined by Design 10 years ago with the belief that everyone deserves well-designed spaces. Together, they’ve created intimate, community-oriented projects including Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books in Philadelphia, and multifamily housing units in Washington, DC, using what Weatherspoon calls Design Equity to create an elevated standard for all, rather than luxury for a select few.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> A champion of diversity and inclusion, Kia Weatherspoon founded Determined by Design 10 years ago with the belief that everyone deserves well-designed spaces. Together, they’ve created intimate, community-oriented projects including Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books in Philadelphia, and multifamily housing units in Washington, DC, using what Weatherspoon calls Design Equity to create an elevated standard for all, rather than luxury for a select few.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-10844519 Thu, 23 Jun 2022 15:00:00 -0400 3208 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, business owners, women business owners, Kia Weatherspoon 1 90 full false Lionel Ohayon, ICRAVE Lionel Ohayon, ICRAVE Lionel Ohayon says "The most important thing you'll ever do is design your own path." Since founding ICRAVE in 2002, Ohayon has taken a transformative approach to design, integrating technology in spaces from hospitals to airports. After 20 years of award-winning work, ICRAVE has joined forces with Futures Intelligence Group and Skilled Creative to create Journey, a futurescaping company to imagine and execute the next generation of hospitality.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Lionel Ohayon says "The most important thing you'll ever do is design your own path." Since founding ICRAVE in 2002, Ohayon has taken a transformative approach to design, integrating technology in spaces from hospitals to airports. After 20 years of award-winning work, ICRAVE has joined forces with Futures Intelligence Group and Skilled Creative to create Journey, a futurescaping company to imagine and execute the next generation of hospitality.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Buzzsprout-10752589 Tue, 07 Jun 2022 13:00:00 -0400 3284 1 89 full false Lisa Simeone and Gina Deary, KTGY Simeone Deary Design Group Lisa Simeone and Gina Deary, KTGY Simeone Deary Design Group Design duo Lisa Simeone and Gina Deary met while working at a firm in Chicago in the 1990s and became fast friends. Realizing they had a similar vision and passion for design, they took a leap of faith founding their own firm Simeone Deary Design Group in 2002. Their thoughtful approach can be seen in projects such as the Detroit Foundation Hotel and Hotel Kansas City—two historic buildings transformed into modern properties while retaining a strong sense of place. Named Hospitality Design magazine's 2022 Design Firm of the Year, these two—now principals of KTGY Simeone Deary Design Group, after a recent merger with the architecture firm—show no signs of slowing down.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Design duo Lisa Simeone and Gina Deary met while working at a firm in Chicago in the 1990s and became fast friends. Realizing they had a similar vision and passion for design, they took a leap of faith founding their own firm Simeone Deary Design Group in 2002. Their thoughtful approach can be seen in projects such as the Detroit Foundation Hotel and Hotel Kansas City—two historic buildings transformed into modern properties while retaining a strong sense of place. Named Hospitality Design magazine's 2022 Design Firm of the Year, these two—now principals of KTGY Simeone Deary Design Group, after a recent merger with the architecture firm—show no signs of slowing down.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Simeone Deary Design Group Buzzsprout-10648579 Wed, 01 Jun 2022 11:00:00 -0400 3386 design, interiors, hospitality, hotel design, business owners, women business owners 1 88 full false Tom Dixon, Tom Dixon Studio Tom Dixon, Tom Dixon Studio From learning how to weld for practical reasons to designing the iconic S-Chair for Cappellini to founding his eponymous label, Tom Dixon took an unconventional path to becoming one of Britain's most renowned designers


Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> From learning how to weld for practical reasons to designing the iconic S-Chair for Cappellini to founding his eponymous label, Tom Dixon took an unconventional path to becoming one of Britain's most renowned designers


Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Buzzsprout-10565310 Wed, 11 May 2022 16:00:00 -0400 3090 1 87 full true Roman Alonso, Commune Design Roman Alonso, Commune Design Before founding Los Angeles-based Commune Design in 2004, Roman Alonso let his curiosity lead the way. Following his affinity for art and design led to experiences working for Hearst magazines, Barney's, renowned fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi, and founding his own publishing company Greybull Press. Informed by his multifaceted career, Commune Design leads residential, commercial, and hospitality projects for clients like Ace Hotel, Opening Ceremony, and Goop.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Before founding Los Angeles-based Commune Design in 2004, Roman Alonso let his curiosity lead the way. Following his affinity for art and design led to experiences working for Hearst magazines, Barney's, renowned fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi, and founding his own publishing company Greybull Press. Informed by his multifaceted career, Commune Design leads residential, commercial, and hospitality projects for clients like Ace Hotel, Opening Ceremony, and Goop.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Buzzsprout-10439602 Fri, 22 Apr 2022 10:00:00 -0400 4847 1 86 full true Susie Ellis, Global Wellness Institute Susie Ellis, Global Wellness Institute Before the term "wellness" became a buzzword and grew into the trillion-dollar industry it is today, Susie Ellis was championing the cause. In 2014, she founded the non-profit organization Global Wellness Institute dedicated to research and educating both public and private sectors about preventative health measures. As Chairman and CEO, Ellis also oversees the organization's annual Global Wellness Summit and Global Wellness Tourism Congress which bring together experts from around the world to share knowledge and influence change. Since the pandemic, Ellis has seen health and wellness brought into the public eye like never before and is happy to continue her groundbreaking work to help change peoples’ lives.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Before the term "wellness" became a buzzword and grew into the trillion-dollar industry it is today, Susie Ellis was championing the cause. In 2014, she founded the non-profit organization Global Wellness Institute dedicated to research and educating both public and private sectors about preventative health measures. As Chairman and CEO, Ellis also oversees the organization's annual Global Wellness Summit and Global Wellness Tourism Congress which bring together experts from around the world to share knowledge and influence change. Since the pandemic, Ellis has seen health and wellness brought into the public eye like never before and is happy to continue her groundbreaking work to help change peoples’ lives.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-10431735 Wed, 13 Apr 2022 12:00:00 -0400 3559 1 85 full false David Galullo, Rapt Studio David Galullo, Rapt Studio David Galullo roots himself in the idea of placemaking and how people use spaces to connect and build communities rather than the utilitarian side of architecture. It is with this lens, Galullo founded his multidisciplinary firm, Rapt Studio, where he has been pushing boundaries for clients from Goop to Google for the last ten years. When approaching projects, Galullo wants his team to question everything, noting that just because something has been designed a certain way for years, doesn't mean it should stay that way. Find out why he says "there is no better time to be a designer than now." 

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> David Galullo roots himself in the idea of placemaking and how people use spaces to connect and build communities rather than the utilitarian side of architecture. It is with this lens, Galullo founded his multidisciplinary firm, Rapt Studio, where he has been pushing boundaries for clients from Goop to Google for the last ten years. When approaching projects, Galullo wants his team to question everything, noting that just because something has been designed a certain way for years, doesn't mean it should stay that way. Find out why he says "there is no better time to be a designer than now." 

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-10296873 Tue, 22 Mar 2022 11:00:00 -0400 3116 1 84 full false Jason Pomeranc, SIXTY Collective Jason Pomeranc, SIXTY Collective Cherishing the creative process, hotelier Jason Pomeranc continues to push it to its limits and redefine the hotel experience. First, in the early 2000s, as a cofounder of the industry-disrupting Thompson Hotels brand before following up his success with SIXTY Collective, the operating company of SIXTY Hotels. Pomeranc is also behind the recently opened, theater-centric Civilian hotel in New York—a natural fit for his design approach which he describes as cinematic. When entering a building for a new project, he likes to envision people in the space and watches it play out like a movie, which he then uses as inspiration.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Cherishing the creative process, hotelier Jason Pomeranc continues to push it to its limits and redefine the hotel experience. First, in the early 2000s, as a cofounder of the industry-disrupting Thompson Hotels brand before following up his success with SIXTY Collective, the operating company of SIXTY Hotels. Pomeranc is also behind the recently opened, theater-centric Civilian hotel in New York—a natural fit for his design approach which he describes as cinematic. When entering a building for a new project, he likes to envision people in the space and watches it play out like a movie, which he then uses as inspiration.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Buzzsprout-10219932 Wed, 09 Mar 2022 16:00:00 -0500 3296 1 83 full false Libby Sims Patrick, Sims Patrick Studio Libby Sims Patrick, Sims Patrick Studio Libby Sims Patrick’s Southern U.S. roots are both the foundation of her upbringing and her approach to design. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Sims Patrick grew up in Decatur, Alabama and graduated from Auburn University before starting her career in Georgia. Reflecting the southern hospitality her mother, a restaurant owner, instilled in her, Sims Patrick says great relationships are as important as great design. Having built her firm, Sims Patrick Studio, through word-of-mouth marketing and referrals, she employs a people-first approach with her clients and team to this day. Since 1999, Sims Patrick has designed a myriad of residential and commercial projects across the U.S., including the historic Battle House Hotel and multiple locations for longtime client Sonesta. Next, she will step into the role of owner-developer with The River Runner Hotel in 2024.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Libby Sims Patrick’s Southern U.S. roots are both the foundation of her upbringing and her approach to design. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Sims Patrick grew up in Decatur, Alabama and graduated from Auburn University before starting her career in Georgia. Reflecting the southern hospitality her mother, a restaurant owner, instilled in her, Sims Patrick says great relationships are as important as great design. Having built her firm, Sims Patrick Studio, through word-of-mouth marketing and referrals, she employs a people-first approach with her clients and team to this day. Since 1999, Sims Patrick has designed a myriad of residential and commercial projects across the U.S., including the historic Battle House Hotel and multiple locations for longtime client Sonesta. Next, she will step into the role of owner-developer with The River Runner Hotel in 2024.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-10123088 Tue, 22 Feb 2022 12:00:00 -0500 3291 1 82 full false Dyonne Fashina, Denizens of Design Dyonne Fashina, Denizens of Design Dyonne Fashina,  founder and principal designer of Toronto-based studio Denizens of Design, takes an empathy-first approach to her work. She designs with sensitivity, compassion, and a sense of cultural awareness. This is evident in projects like the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, where she sourced everything locally, reflecting the gallery’s emphasis on Canadian artists. In 2021, Fashina was honored with HD's inaugural HDAC Awards of Excellence, which recognizes exemplary work in the industry by those working to advance the field through the promotion of diversity, inclusivity, and equity. Indeed, throughout her career, Fashina has always remained true to herself. Trust the process, she says, and you’ll get to where you want to be. 

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Dyonne Fashina,  founder and principal designer of Toronto-based studio Denizens of Design, takes an empathy-first approach to her work. She designs with sensitivity, compassion, and a sense of cultural awareness. This is evident in projects like the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, where she sourced everything locally, reflecting the gallery’s emphasis on Canadian artists. In 2021, Fashina was honored with HD's inaugural HDAC Awards of Excellence, which recognizes exemplary work in the industry by those working to advance the field through the promotion of diversity, inclusivity, and equity. Indeed, throughout her career, Fashina has always remained true to herself. Trust the process, she says, and you’ll get to where you want to be. 

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-10036137 Tue, 08 Feb 2022 11:00:00 -0500 2778 1 81 full false Chad Oppenheim, Oppenheim Architecture + Design Chad Oppenheim, Oppenheim Architecture + Design After graduating from Cornell with a bachelor's of architecture, Chad Oppenheim continued his education by living in Spain, Israel, Italy, and Japan. Once he returned to the United States, he spent five years working at Arquitectonica in Miami before founding Oppenheim Architecture + Design. Informed by his travels and appreciation for nature, his firm specializes in ambitious creations which celebrate the land such as the lush Ayla Golf Academy and Clubhouse in Aqaba, Jordan, or the Desert Rock Resort in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, built into natural rock formations. 

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> After graduating from Cornell with a bachelor's of architecture, Chad Oppenheim continued his education by living in Spain, Israel, Italy, and Japan. Once he returned to the United States, he spent five years working at Arquitectonica in Miami before founding Oppenheim Architecture + Design. Informed by his travels and appreciation for nature, his firm specializes in ambitious creations which celebrate the land such as the lush Ayla Golf Academy and Clubhouse in Aqaba, Jordan, or the Desert Rock Resort in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, built into natural rock formations. 

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-9949670 Tue, 25 Jan 2022 11:00:00 -0500 3259 1 80 full true Erik Nissen Johansen, Stylt Trampoli AB Erik Nissen Johansen, Stylt Trampoli AB Sweden-based, Norway-born designer Erik Nissen Johansen always felt drawn to the creative world. After studying design in Florence, Italy, he went on to found his firm Stylt Trampoli AB, which has been pushing the boundaries of hospitality design worldwide for more than 30 years. Using a film director like creative approach, he often cites, “Never do the film without doing the script first.” When pitching to clients, each project is accompanied by a short, written story, connecting emotion to physical design. A testament to the firm's creatvity, one of his most recent projects is Pater Noster, an 1868 lighthouse off the coast of Sweden he and his team revitalized into a 10-room hotel. 

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Sweden-based, Norway-born designer Erik Nissen Johansen always felt drawn to the creative world. After studying design in Florence, Italy, he went on to found his firm Stylt Trampoli AB, which has been pushing the boundaries of hospitality design worldwide for more than 30 years. Using a film director like creative approach, he often cites, “Never do the film without doing the script first.” When pitching to clients, each project is accompanied by a short, written story, connecting emotion to physical design. A testament to the firm's creatvity, one of his most recent projects is Pater Noster, an 1868 lighthouse off the coast of Sweden he and his team revitalized into a 10-room hotel. 

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-9868694 Tue, 11 Jan 2022 13:00:00 -0500 3702 Design, Interior Design, Sweden, Norway, Hotels, Hotel, Architecture 1 79 full true Ini Archibong Ini Archibong In November, during ICFF and WantedDesign, editor in chief Stacy Shoemaker Rauen sat down with multidisciplinary design Ini Archibong for a candid one-on-one discussion. Archibong's work transcends disciplines: He’s crafted furniture for the likes of Bernhardt Design and Knoll, he’s designed a watch collection for French luxury brand Hermés, conceived the Pavilion of the African Diaspora for the London Design Biennale, and recently landed his first solo gallery exhibition in New York scored with his own music. The conversation dove into Archibong's process, which is centered on storytelling that combines empathy, philosophy, spirituality, and everything in between.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> In November, during ICFF and WantedDesign, editor in chief Stacy Shoemaker Rauen sat down with multidisciplinary design Ini Archibong for a candid one-on-one discussion. Archibong's work transcends disciplines: He’s crafted furniture for the likes of Bernhardt Design and Knoll, he’s designed a watch collection for French luxury brand Hermés, conceived the Pavilion of the African Diaspora for the London Design Biennale, and recently landed his first solo gallery exhibition in New York scored with his own music. The conversation dove into Archibong's process, which is centered on storytelling that combines empathy, philosophy, spirituality, and everything in between.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-9757172 Tue, 21 Dec 2021 09:00:00 -0500 2325 hospitality, design, hospitality design, ini archibong, multidisciplinary design, product design 1 78 full false Tye Farrow, Farrow Partners Tye Farrow, Farrow Partners Tye Farrow is a bit of a philosopher when it comes to design, seeking out projects that inspire hope where the future is unknown. He cut his teeth with renowned German-Canadian architect Eberhard Zeidler before starting Farrow Partners in Toronto in 2004. It’s here that he launched his visionary Cause Health movement, which creates places where people can thrive through an intricate co-creation process. In fact, his firm is working on a slew of audacious projects, including the ambitious Venice Archipelago, which proposes a necklace of new and existing linked islands that promote ecological health in a city that is being devastated by climate change.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Tye Farrow is a bit of a philosopher when it comes to design, seeking out projects that inspire hope where the future is unknown. He cut his teeth with renowned German-Canadian architect Eberhard Zeidler before starting Farrow Partners in Toronto in 2004. It’s here that he launched his visionary Cause Health movement, which creates places where people can thrive through an intricate co-creation process. In fact, his firm is working on a slew of audacious projects, including the ambitious Venice Archipelago, which proposes a necklace of new and existing linked islands that promote ecological health in a city that is being devastated by climate change.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-9690916 Thu, 09 Dec 2021 08:00:00 -0500 2961 hospitality, design, hospitality design, architecture, tye farrow, farrow partners 1 77 full false Tony Chi Tony Chi Born in Taiwan, Tony Chi moved to New York when he was 9 years old, cultivating a global sense about the world that is embedded into everything he touches, including the studio’s work with Rosewood Hotel Group. The firm has had a hand in bringing the brand international recognition, from revitalizing the Carlyle in New York to reimagining a Belle Epoque building in London. Chi compares his role to that of a composer, where he must ensure that every member of his symphony is playing the right notes for a flawless performance.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Born in Taiwan, Tony Chi moved to New York when he was 9 years old, cultivating a global sense about the world that is embedded into everything he touches, including the studio’s work with Rosewood Hotel Group. The firm has had a hand in bringing the brand international recognition, from revitalizing the Carlyle in New York to reimagining a Belle Epoque building in London. Chi compares his role to that of a composer, where he must ensure that every member of his symphony is playing the right notes for a flawless performance.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-9606624 Wed, 24 Nov 2021 09:00:00 -0500 3577 hospitality, design, hospitality design, tony chi, tonychi studio, hotel, hotel design 1 76 full false Lyndon Neri and Rossana Hu, Neri&Hu Design and Research Office Lyndon Neri and Rossana Hu, Neri&Hu Design and Research Office Lyndon Neri and Rossana Hu's  Shanghai-based practice is as prolific as its work is thought-provoking, thanks to the leadership provided by the husband-and-wife duo, who met while they were studying architecture as undergraduates at the University of California, Berkeley. They both cut their teeth with Michael Graves before deciding to go out on their own in 2004 after moving back to Shanghai. One of their early projects was the Waterhouse hotel, which established Neri&Hu as a firm known for a sensitive approach to design. In addition to helming the firm, they both teach at Harvard’s Graduate School of Design as visiting professors. Beyond the iconic buildings they’ve created, the duo sees it as their legacy to give back what they’ve learned to the next generation of designers and architects.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Lyndon Neri and Rossana Hu's  Shanghai-based practice is as prolific as its work is thought-provoking, thanks to the leadership provided by the husband-and-wife duo, who met while they were studying architecture as undergraduates at the University of California, Berkeley. They both cut their teeth with Michael Graves before deciding to go out on their own in 2004 after moving back to Shanghai. One of their early projects was the Waterhouse hotel, which established Neri&Hu as a firm known for a sensitive approach to design. In addition to helming the firm, they both teach at Harvard’s Graduate School of Design as visiting professors. Beyond the iconic buildings they’ve created, the duo sees it as their legacy to give back what they’ve learned to the next generation of designers and architects.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-9531744 Thu, 11 Nov 2021 10:00:00 -0500 3925 hospitality, design, hospitality design, architecture, shanghai design, shanghai, Lyndon Neri, Rossana Hu, Neri&Hu 1 75 full false Kona Gray, EDSA Kona Gray, EDSA EDSA principal Kona Gray says he stumbled upon landscape architecture, and for the past 25 years, he’s been a crucial voice in creating immersive environments for  resorts to senior living facilities and everything in between. One of Gray's initiatives is bringing more people of color into the field, where less than 10 percent of graduating landscape architects are BIPOC. He believes that everyone is meant to have good landscape architecture no matter the cost. It’s a view that fits into his definition of success: being a good, kind person who gives back. “Having a fantastic landscape makes you a better person,” he says. “It’s simple and we overlook it despite walking through it all day. These are things that are integral to human survival.”

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> EDSA principal Kona Gray says he stumbled upon landscape architecture, and for the past 25 years, he’s been a crucial voice in creating immersive environments for  resorts to senior living facilities and everything in between. One of Gray's initiatives is bringing more people of color into the field, where less than 10 percent of graduating landscape architects are BIPOC. He believes that everyone is meant to have good landscape architecture no matter the cost. It’s a view that fits into his definition of success: being a good, kind person who gives back. “Having a fantastic landscape makes you a better person,” he says. “It’s simple and we overlook it despite walking through it all day. These are things that are integral to human survival.”

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-9442715 Wed, 27 Oct 2021 09:00:00 -0400 2889 hospitality, design, hospitality design, kona gray, landscape architecture, design 1 74 full false George Gottl, UXUS George Gottl, UXUS George Gottl is the chief creative officer and cofounder of UXUS, a strategic global design consultancy. But it’s also much more than that. When Gottl and his team are working with a client—whether that’s Sephora, H&M, or IHG—they are cultivating a one-of-a-kind experience. He honed this skill when he worked at Nike, which taught him how to craft ideas and tell a story. In fact, the former fashion designer has a soft spot for retail in particular. He used to own interiors store Relic in Los Angeles. It was a passion project of his that has extended to his work at UXUS. “Retail is a show,” he says, “and I love putting on a show.”

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> George Gottl is the chief creative officer and cofounder of UXUS, a strategic global design consultancy. But it’s also much more than that. When Gottl and his team are working with a client—whether that’s Sephora, H&M, or IHG—they are cultivating a one-of-a-kind experience. He honed this skill when he worked at Nike, which taught him how to craft ideas and tell a story. In fact, the former fashion designer has a soft spot for retail in particular. He used to own interiors store Relic in Los Angeles. It was a passion project of his that has extended to his work at UXUS. “Retail is a show,” he says, “and I love putting on a show.”

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> https://hospitalitydesign.com/people/podcasts/ Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-9357056 Tue, 12 Oct 2021 15:00:00 -0400 3022 hospitality, design, hospitality design, george gottl, interior design, uxus 1 73 full false Ed Ng, AB Concept Ed Ng, AB Concept Ed Ng, along with partner Terrance Ngan, founded the Hong Kong-based design firm in 1999. He counts the W Bali, which opened in 2009, as the firm’s big break, putting them on the map of international hospitality. Fast forward to today and the recently opened Argo in the Four Seasons Hong Kong is a full circle moment for Ng, who was born and bred here, and who sees the project as a personal and firm highlight—both as reimagining Hong Kong’s F&B scene and as a nod to the firm’s legacy of crafting design-forward, location-driven spaces that spark curiosity.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Ed Ng, along with partner Terrance Ngan, founded the Hong Kong-based design firm in 1999. He counts the W Bali, which opened in 2009, as the firm’s big break, putting them on the map of international hospitality. Fast forward to today and the recently opened Argo in the Four Seasons Hong Kong is a full circle moment for Ng, who was born and bred here, and who sees the project as a personal and firm highlight—both as reimagining Hong Kong’s F&B scene and as a nod to the firm’s legacy of crafting design-forward, location-driven spaces that spark curiosity.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-9193533 Tue, 14 Sep 2021 12:00:00 -0400 2834 1 72 full false Jennifer Johanson, EDG Jennifer Johanson, EDG We revisit our conversation with president and CEO of EDG Jennifer Johanson, who, later this year, will be inducted into HD's Platinum Circle. Johanson's illustrious career spans decades, including working at John Powers Associates s before joining Eric Engstrom’s firm in 1989 (the firm changed its name to EDG Design in 2007 when Engstrom retired). Today, she runs the company alongside her husband, Patrick O’Hare. Together, they have spearheaded such projects as the Viceroy DC, Lulu’s Lounge, and the Andaz Scottsdale.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> We revisit our conversation with president and CEO of EDG Jennifer Johanson, who, later this year, will be inducted into HD's Platinum Circle. Johanson's illustrious career spans decades, including working at John Powers Associates s before joining Eric Engstrom’s firm in 1989 (the firm changed its name to EDG Design in 2007 when Engstrom retired). Today, she runs the company alongside her husband, Patrick O’Hare. Together, they have spearheaded such projects as the Viceroy DC, Lulu’s Lounge, and the Andaz Scottsdale.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-9117060 Tue, 31 Aug 2021 13:00:00 -0400 3386 1 59 full false Naomi Heaton Naomi Heaton The former advertising executive turned real estate maven, Naomi Heaton recently launched the Other House, a members’ club-meets-longterm rental option for the next generation of travelers. Heaton set out to create a brand that focuses on flexibility and technology, thanks to a proprietary app that invites guests to create their own personalized journey all from their phone. This hospitality model is partially in response to the pandemic as people have become more discerning with how and why they travel. With two properties opening in London in the next two years, Heaton is planning to expand the brand globally, providing residents with a second home as they move from club to club around the world.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> The former advertising executive turned real estate maven, Naomi Heaton recently launched the Other House, a members’ club-meets-longterm rental option for the next generation of travelers. Heaton set out to create a brand that focuses on flexibility and technology, thanks to a proprietary app that invites guests to create their own personalized journey all from their phone. This hospitality model is partially in response to the pandemic as people have become more discerning with how and why they travel. With two properties opening in London in the next two years, Heaton is planning to expand the brand globally, providing residents with a second home as they move from club to club around the world.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-9050002 Wed, 18 Aug 2021 12:00:00 -0400 2545 1 71 full false Anouska Hempel Anouska Hempel Known for blending luxury with individuality, actress-turned-designer Anouska Hempel is a singular talent. The former Bond girl made her mark on the hotel industry in 1978 when she opened the Blakes in London—a new kind of lifestyle hotel that Hempel describes as a home away from home. From the Hempel Hotel in London and the Six Senses Duxton in Singapore, to her latest, the Monsieur George in Paris, Hempel says her designs flourish because of the people who populate the space. It makes sense for someone who says she loves every aspect of the process. “You don't start out making money,” she says, “you start out being the artist with a dream and then go and do it and hope for the best.”

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Known for blending luxury with individuality, actress-turned-designer Anouska Hempel is a singular talent. The former Bond girl made her mark on the hotel industry in 1978 when she opened the Blakes in London—a new kind of lifestyle hotel that Hempel describes as a home away from home. From the Hempel Hotel in London and the Six Senses Duxton in Singapore, to her latest, the Monsieur George in Paris, Hempel says her designs flourish because of the people who populate the space. It makes sense for someone who says she loves every aspect of the process. “You don't start out making money,” she says, “you start out being the artist with a dream and then go and do it and hope for the best.”

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-8962860 Tue, 03 Aug 2021 08:00:00 -0400 1381 hospitality, design, hospitality design, anouska hempel, interior design 1 70 full false Antionette Carroll Antionette Carroll Antionette Carroll, president and CEO of Creative Reaction Lab, founded her St. Louis-based nonprofit after the Ferguson uprisings in 2014. She describes herself as a social entrepreneur; equity designer; and diversity, equity and inclusion specialist, and her mission is more important now than ever. Carroll is building a movement dedicated to highlighting youth-centered Black and Latinx voices in an effort to create actual systemic change. Here, she shares her inspiring journey from doing living room craft hours with her grandmother as a child to losing her 13-year-old brother to gun violence, which led her to conceive Creative Reaction Lab, a creative problem-solving process that gives communities the tools they need to dismantle systemic oppression and create a future of equity for all.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Antionette Carroll, president and CEO of Creative Reaction Lab, founded her St. Louis-based nonprofit after the Ferguson uprisings in 2014. She describes herself as a social entrepreneur; equity designer; and diversity, equity and inclusion specialist, and her mission is more important now than ever. Carroll is building a movement dedicated to highlighting youth-centered Black and Latinx voices in an effort to create actual systemic change. Here, she shares her inspiring journey from doing living room craft hours with her grandmother as a child to losing her 13-year-old brother to gun violence, which led her to conceive Creative Reaction Lab, a creative problem-solving process that gives communities the tools they need to dismantle systemic oppression and create a future of equity for all.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-8897054 Wed, 21 Jul 2021 09:00:00 -0400 2861 1 69 full false Deborah Berke. Deborah Burke & Partners Deborah Berke. Deborah Burke & Partners Queens, New York-born and raised architect Deborah Berke fascination with design started as a teenager while imagining the inside of houses in her neighborhood. She later attended RISD, went back to school to learn about urban planning, and finally got involved with 21c Hotels having never designed a hotel at that point. Today, she manages Deborah Burke & Partners alongside ten other partners, covering everything from universities to high-end residential and hospitality. “One’s life should be the pursuit of the balance between generosity and fulfillment,” says the dean of architecture at Yale. “You’re never going to find the answer, but if you keep looking for it, both you and others will benefit.”

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Queens, New York-born and raised architect Deborah Berke fascination with design started as a teenager while imagining the inside of houses in her neighborhood. She later attended RISD, went back to school to learn about urban planning, and finally got involved with 21c Hotels having never designed a hotel at that point. Today, she manages Deborah Burke & Partners alongside ten other partners, covering everything from universities to high-end residential and hospitality. “One’s life should be the pursuit of the balance between generosity and fulfillment,” says the dean of architecture at Yale. “You’re never going to find the answer, but if you keep looking for it, both you and others will benefit.”

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-8826492 Wed, 07 Jul 2021 12:00:00 -0400 3295 1 68 full false Paula Scher, Pentagram Paula Scher, Pentagram Paula Scher's career is as wide ranging as it is inspirational. The former art student, who pivoted to graphic design, is also a children’s book author; she’s designed album covers for artists like John Prine; she launched her own magazine, Together, with Terry Koppel; and she became the first female partner at New York-based multidisciplinary firm Pentagram. Among her many clients, her indelible work has transformed the Public Theater in New York, where she learned many lessons over the course of the almost 30 year relationship. Though she has sometimes felt like a misfit, she sees that as another way of rebelling against the belief of what she’s supposed to be. From the beginning, she says, “I have tried to defy expectations.”

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Paula Scher's career is as wide ranging as it is inspirational. The former art student, who pivoted to graphic design, is also a children’s book author; she’s designed album covers for artists like John Prine; she launched her own magazine, Together, with Terry Koppel; and she became the first female partner at New York-based multidisciplinary firm Pentagram. Among her many clients, her indelible work has transformed the Public Theater in New York, where she learned many lessons over the course of the almost 30 year relationship. Though she has sometimes felt like a misfit, she sees that as another way of rebelling against the belief of what she’s supposed to be. From the beginning, she says, “I have tried to defy expectations.”

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-8746276 Tue, 22 Jun 2021 15:00:00 -0400 3539 1 67 full false Joe Gebbia, Airbnb Joe Gebbia, Airbnb For this episode, we toe the line of hospitality a bit with a chat with entrepreneur and cofounder of Airbnb Joe Gebbia. There’s no question that what he’s built with partner Brian Chesky has been among the most major paradigm shifts in the travel industry since its inception. Hatching the lucrative idea out of personal necessity in 2007, when he was just in his mid 20s, the start-up has only accelerated and expanded into much more than an online booking service in the years since, and today the brand is, quite literally, a household name. Our conversation with this brilliant mind spans the first idea he ever tried to sell (Hint: it’s a cushion), how he recruited his cofounders at the onset of the Great Recession, his love for air beds, and how Airbnb is evolving to better serve the future. 

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> For this episode, we toe the line of hospitality a bit with a chat with entrepreneur and cofounder of Airbnb Joe Gebbia. There’s no question that what he’s built with partner Brian Chesky has been among the most major paradigm shifts in the travel industry since its inception. Hatching the lucrative idea out of personal necessity in 2007, when he was just in his mid 20s, the start-up has only accelerated and expanded into much more than an online booking service in the years since, and today the brand is, quite literally, a household name. Our conversation with this brilliant mind spans the first idea he ever tried to sell (Hint: it’s a cushion), how he recruited his cofounders at the onset of the Great Recession, his love for air beds, and how Airbnb is evolving to better serve the future. 

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-8669176 Tue, 08 Jun 2021 17:00:00 -0400 2823 1 66 full false Lukas Rungger, noa* Lukas Rungger, noa* Hailing from northern Italy, Network of Architecture, or noa*, cofounder and architect Lukas Rungger cites Roman architecture as a major influence on his career. He started out as a professor in the region before he moved to London and cut his teeth with the likes of Softroom Architects and Matteo Thun. It’s there that he met his business partner Stefan and they started noa* in Italy in 2010. Their approach is collaborative and holistic, melding the interiors with the land and opting quality versus quantity when it comes to the projects they take on. Take the recent GFELL hotel in Italy, which they dub a hotel under a barn, or the Floris Hotel, which integrates itself into the surrounding park. His and his firm’s work and the lessons learned along the way serve as perfect inspirations for today’s world.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hailing from northern Italy, Network of Architecture, or noa*, cofounder and architect Lukas Rungger cites Roman architecture as a major influence on his career. He started out as a professor in the region before he moved to London and cut his teeth with the likes of Softroom Architects and Matteo Thun. It’s there that he met his business partner Stefan and they started noa* in Italy in 2010. Their approach is collaborative and holistic, melding the interiors with the land and opting quality versus quantity when it comes to the projects they take on. Take the recent GFELL hotel in Italy, which they dub a hotel under a barn, or the Floris Hotel, which integrates itself into the surrounding park. His and his firm’s work and the lessons learned along the way serve as perfect inspirations for today’s world.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-8601367 Thu, 27 May 2021 17:00:00 -0400 3380 1 65 full false Keith Menin, Menin Hospitality Keith Menin, Menin Hospitality Cofounder of his namesake development company, Keith Menin has spent his career building an eclectic portfolio in his native Miami with such notable openings as the Sanctuary South Beach, which he conceived when he was only 23 years old. Included in those buzzy projects is the redo of the Shelborne South Beach Hotel, and soon, the 51-story Natiivo Miami. The residential-hospitality-lifestyle hybrid is a nod to the evolving industry, as well as to Menin’s ability to create exciting spaces that respond to how people live, work, and play today.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Cofounder of his namesake development company, Keith Menin has spent his career building an eclectic portfolio in his native Miami with such notable openings as the Sanctuary South Beach, which he conceived when he was only 23 years old. Included in those buzzy projects is the redo of the Shelborne South Beach Hotel, and soon, the 51-story Natiivo Miami. The residential-hospitality-lifestyle hybrid is a nod to the evolving industry, as well as to Menin’s ability to create exciting spaces that respond to how people live, work, and play today.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design Buzzsprout-8496284 Tue, 11 May 2021 07:00:00 -0400 2447 1 64 full false Robin Staten, Tiny Urban Escapes Robin Staten, Tiny Urban Escapes Robin Staten started her career in higher education but pivoted to hospitality in 2018 when she wanted do something that contributed more significantly to the world. Enter Tiny Urban Escapes. Launching in her native Indianapolis, Staten repurposes shipping containers into idyllic getaways that act as a welcome respite from city life. 

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Robin Staten started her career in higher education but pivoted to hospitality in 2018 when she wanted do something that contributed more significantly to the world. Enter Tiny Urban Escapes. Launching in her native Indianapolis, Staten repurposes shipping containers into idyllic getaways that act as a welcome respite from city life. 

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design a5d34091-9c4e-4e8c-a7f9-ad777f87b4e2 Wed, 28 Apr 2021 15:00:00 -0400 3668 design,hotels,hospitalitydesign,hoteldesign,robinstaten,tinyurbanescapes 1 63 full false Marquise Stillwell Marquise Stillwell It seems there’s nothing Marquise Stillwell and his New York design and research firm can’t do. His projects promote inclusion and equity, rethink the norm, and bring people together, seen in forward-thinking concepts for Black Girls Code, the Lowline, and the DC public library. Stillwell is also a film producer and co-founder of Urban Ocean Lab, an organization focused on developing policy solutions for coastal cities. Our conversation spans the different, fascinating facets of his career, and it’s clear Stillwell’s mantra can be boiled down to one succinct remark he made: “Empathy is a muscle. It’s something you have to practice and build every day.”

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> It seems there’s nothing Marquise Stillwell and his New York design and research firm can’t do. His projects promote inclusion and equity, rethink the norm, and bring people together, seen in forward-thinking concepts for Black Girls Code, the Lowline, and the DC public library. Stillwell is also a film producer and co-founder of Urban Ocean Lab, an organization focused on developing policy solutions for coastal cities. Our conversation spans the different, fascinating facets of his career, and it’s clear Stillwell’s mantra can be boiled down to one succinct remark he made: “Empathy is a muscle. It’s something you have to practice and build every day.”

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 2fba253f-c2ad-497b-9cd8-50e2cc468b99 Tue, 13 Apr 2021 12:51:41 -0400 3184 1 62 full false Larry Traxler, Hilton Larry Traxler, Hilton Larry Traxler joined Hilton in 2009 as senior vice president of global design, where he's helped double its portfolio to 6,500 hotels and overseen brand launches and refreshes that have transformed Hilton into a global powerhouse in nearly every segment. Traxler's thoughtful approach to his career and life is what makes him stand out in this industry. “It’s better to be lucky than good,” he says. “If you’re passionate about everything that you do and invest everything you have, opportunities will land in your lap.”

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Larry Traxler joined Hilton in 2009 as senior vice president of global design, where he's helped double its portfolio to 6,500 hotels and overseen brand launches and refreshes that have transformed Hilton into a global powerhouse in nearly every segment. Traxler's thoughtful approach to his career and life is what makes him stand out in this industry. “It’s better to be lucky than good,” he says. “If you’re passionate about everything that you do and invest everything you have, opportunities will land in your lap.”

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design af7b8cf5-8db0-407f-9474-5f0043cfd3d1 Tue, 30 Mar 2021 06:00:00 -0400 4789 hilton,design,hotels,hotel,hospitality,interiordesign,hospitalitydesign 1 61 full false Nicole Hollis, NICOLEHOLLIS Nicole Hollis, NICOLEHOLLIS This week, we spoke with creative director and principal of her own studio Nicole Hollis. A master of both hospitality and residential interiors, the renowned designer got her start in Manhattan studying at FIT before packing everything up and moving to San Francisco without so much as a job offer. It was the right move. She first became part of the team that conceived W hotels, and then cut her teeth with Howard Backen before starting her own firm. Almost two decades later, she is known for her curated black and white spaces that marry architecture and interior design seen in her warm, residentially inspired spin on hotels such as The Candler and El Prado, much of which is captured in her first Monograph, released last year. In this enlightening interview, she discusses what drives and excited her and our changing world.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> This week, we spoke with creative director and principal of her own studio Nicole Hollis. A master of both hospitality and residential interiors, the renowned designer got her start in Manhattan studying at FIT before packing everything up and moving to San Francisco without so much as a job offer. It was the right move. She first became part of the team that conceived W hotels, and then cut her teeth with Howard Backen before starting her own firm. Almost two decades later, she is known for her curated black and white spaces that marry architecture and interior design seen in her warm, residentially inspired spin on hotels such as The Candler and El Prado, much of which is captured in her first Monograph, released last year. In this enlightening interview, she discusses what drives and excited her and our changing world.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 46cbfdd1-c5fa-4491-bcb8-6e6b9ed8084e Tue, 16 Mar 2021 06:00:00 -0400 3378 design,hospitality,interiordesign,hospitalitydesign,nicolehollis 1 60 full false Jennifer Johanson, EDG Design Jennifer Johanson, EDG Design An unabashed free spirit hailing from Texas, president and CEO of EDG Jennifer Johanson walks us through her unplanned entry into the hospitality world, her evolved managing style thanks to COVID, the importance of collaboration, what she loves about restaurants versus hotels, and her secrets to success with an inspiring matter of fact approach. Her illustrious career spanning decades, our conversation spans her search on the San Francisco waterfront for a job to her instant classic the Andaz Scottsdale. Later this year, we also have the honor of inducting Jennifer into HD’s Platinum Circle.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> An unabashed free spirit hailing from Texas, president and CEO of EDG Jennifer Johanson walks us through her unplanned entry into the hospitality world, her evolved managing style thanks to COVID, the importance of collaboration, what she loves about restaurants versus hotels, and her secrets to success with an inspiring matter of fact approach. Her illustrious career spanning decades, our conversation spans her search on the San Francisco waterfront for a job to her instant classic the Andaz Scottsdale. Later this year, we also have the honor of inducting Jennifer into HD’s Platinum Circle.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 38ea485e-79e6-439b-b4cf-f4296566bdc2 Tue, 02 Mar 2021 17:05:18 -0500 3386 design,hotels,hospitality,interiordesign,hospitalitydesign,jenniferjohanson,edgdesign 1 59 full false Kimberly Dowdell, HOK Kimberly Dowdell, HOK Since she was a child growing up in Detroit, Kimberly Dowdell, the former president of NOMA and principal in the Chicago office at HOK, saw how the built environment can improve the quality of urban life, leading her to pursue degrees in both public policy and architecture. This summer, amid Black Lives Matter protests and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, NOMA—with Kimberly at the helm—addressed these twin crises by emphasizing the importance of mentorship, representation, inclusivity, and equity. This shift to advocacy and empowering communities has been a big part of Dowdell's journey, allowing her to tap into a reservoir of resilience, she says, that keeps her fighting for another day to do the work that’s so important.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Since she was a child growing up in Detroit, Kimberly Dowdell, the former president of NOMA and principal in the Chicago office at HOK, saw how the built environment can improve the quality of urban life, leading her to pursue degrees in both public policy and architecture. This summer, amid Black Lives Matter protests and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, NOMA—with Kimberly at the helm—addressed these twin crises by emphasizing the importance of mentorship, representation, inclusivity, and equity. This shift to advocacy and empowering communities has been a big part of Dowdell's journey, allowing her to tap into a reservoir of resilience, she says, that keeps her fighting for another day to do the work that’s so important.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design magazine 88f86e23-e4ff-446d-8002-a58f09c96448 Wed, 17 Feb 2021 11:44:44 -0500 3745 design,architecture,hospitality,hok,hospitalitydesign 1 58 full false Jeffrey Beers Jeffrey Beers Prolific designer and architect Jeffrey Beers grew up traveling the world with his parents, which instilled in him a love of hospitality and design—a skill he honed under a who’s who of mentors, including Dale Chihuly, Oscar Niemeyer, and I.M. Pei. For the self-described rebel entrepreneur, his passion for the industry is as present today as it was more than three decades ago, cementing his legacy as one of the forefathers of hospitality design today.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Prolific designer and architect Jeffrey Beers grew up traveling the world with his parents, which instilled in him a love of hospitality and design—a skill he honed under a who’s who of mentors, including Dale Chihuly, Oscar Niemeyer, and I.M. Pei. For the self-described rebel entrepreneur, his passion for the industry is as present today as it was more than three decades ago, cementing his legacy as one of the forefathers of hospitality design today.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 61f3ed82-778a-4818-b3ac-c891ec9b9c7c Tue, 02 Feb 2021 12:38:14 -0500 3839 design,architect,designer,hospitality,interiors,interiordesign,jeffreybeers 1 57 full false Alex and Carrie Vik, Vik Retreats Alex and Carrie Vik, Vik Retreats On this week’s What I’ve Learned podcast, hoteliers Alex and Carrie Vik of Vik Retreats discuss their properties, primarily found in South America, and sustainably immersing guests into their natural surroundings. In this illuminating conversation, the couple details how they first fell in love with Uruguay on family vacations and holidays before building properties there. They also speak to their passions for wine, art, agriculture, and the little things that make a design work.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> On this week’s What I’ve Learned podcast, hoteliers Alex and Carrie Vik of Vik Retreats discuss their properties, primarily found in South America, and sustainably immersing guests into their natural surroundings. In this illuminating conversation, the couple details how they first fell in love with Uruguay on family vacations and holidays before building properties there. They also speak to their passions for wine, art, agriculture, and the little things that make a design work.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 927fb28f-b619-4971-beda-a8ae2720b063 Wed, 20 Jan 2021 11:00:00 -0500 3520 design,hotels,hospitality,interiordesign,hospitalitydesign,vikretreats 1 56 full false Allen Chan, Matt Davis, Anwar Mekhayech, DesignAgency Allen Chan, Matt Davis, Anwar Mekhayech, DesignAgency Long-time friends and partners at Toronto-based studio DesignAgency, Allen Chan, Matt Davis, and Anwar Mekhayech, discuss their beginnings working in restaurants and designing hotel branding before taking on sizable projects such as The Generator and Momofuku. Our extensive conversation puts their energy and kinship on display as they detail how they came together, their studio’s ethos, and what’s next for hospitality design.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Long-time friends and partners at Toronto-based studio DesignAgency, Allen Chan, Matt Davis, and Anwar Mekhayech, discuss their beginnings working in restaurants and designing hotel branding before taking on sizable projects such as The Generator and Momofuku. Our extensive conversation puts their energy and kinship on display as they detail how they came together, their studio’s ethos, and what’s next for hospitality design.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 897e668e-385e-462f-bb81-b6c6a5948d54 Tue, 05 Jan 2021 06:00:00 -0500 4227 design,hotels,hospitality,interiordesign,hospitalitydesign,designagency 1 55 full false Venus Williams, V Starr Interiors Venus Williams, V Starr Interiors Among her many accomplishments, the tennis superstar has found time to launch her own design firm, V Starr Interiors, as well as start her own fashion brand, EleVen. Unsurprisingly, Williams is driven by a competitive spirit that has made her a noteworthy contender on and off the court.
 
 This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Among her many accomplishments, the tennis superstar has found time to launch her own design firm, V Starr Interiors, as well as start her own fashion brand, EleVen. Unsurprisingly, Williams is driven by a competitive spirit that has made her a noteworthy contender on and off the court.
 
 This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 755db814-3069-4af2-9381-637888b8d510 Tue, 22 Dec 2020 06:00:00 -0500 1243 design,hotels,hospitality,interiordesign,hospitalitydesign,venuswilliams,vstarrinteriors 1 8 full false Tara Bernerd, Tara Bernerd & Partners Tara Bernerd, Tara Bernerd & Partners London born and raised designer Tara Bernerd’s sprawling career spans leaving school at age 16, a stint at Vogue magazine, and invaluable industry experience at London firm YOO before setting off to build her own firm. She credits her greatest inspirations and mentors as journalist Jane Mulvagh, design legends John Hitchcox and Philippe Starck, as well as her father, who she says taught her her greatest lesson to date. In our conversation, she details her work with Equinox Hotels, her favorite travel destinations, and dealing with COVID-19.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> London born and raised designer Tara Bernerd’s sprawling career spans leaving school at age 16, a stint at Vogue magazine, and invaluable industry experience at London firm YOO before setting off to build her own firm. She credits her greatest inspirations and mentors as journalist Jane Mulvagh, design legends John Hitchcox and Philippe Starck, as well as her father, who she says taught her her greatest lesson to date. In our conversation, she details her work with Equinox Hotels, her favorite travel destinations, and dealing with COVID-19.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 277bade9-051d-444a-a43c-f3a6a0d05ed2 Tue, 08 Dec 2020 06:00:00 -0500 3028 design,hotels,hospitality,interiordesign,hospitalitydesign,tarabernerd,tarabernerdpartners 1 54 full false Andrew Carmellini Andrew Carmellini Though born in Ohio, award winning chef and restauranteur Andrew Carmellini’s Italian roots have pervaded much of his storied career, which includes New York City mainstays new and old, from Locanda Verde, The Dutch, and Bar Primi to across the East River with Leuca and Westlight in the new William Vale. The James Beard and Michelin star honoree talks through his foundational trips through Italy and France’s respective wine countries, cooking for the Cuomos, the cities that entice him outside the Big Apple, and much, much more.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Though born in Ohio, award winning chef and restauranteur Andrew Carmellini’s Italian roots have pervaded much of his storied career, which includes New York City mainstays new and old, from Locanda Verde, The Dutch, and Bar Primi to across the East River with Leuca and Westlight in the new William Vale. The James Beard and Michelin star honoree talks through his foundational trips through Italy and France’s respective wine countries, cooking for the Cuomos, the cities that entice him outside the Big Apple, and much, much more.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design d2fe291a-060c-411f-850e-c37d5f801336 Tue, 24 Nov 2020 06:00:00 -0500 3171 design,hotels,hospitality,interiordesign,andrewcarmellini,hospitalitydesign 1 53 full false Sheldon Scott, Sheldon Scott Studios Sheldon Scott, Sheldon Scott Studios Sheldon Scott is an artist of many disciplines based in Washington, DC who is bringing attention to the crucial issues of racial inequality and systemic racism through his work. In fact, he was among the inaugural finalists in performance art for the Smithsonian’s 2019 Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition, for which he kneeled on a burlap sack and hulled rice for six days straight as a tribute to his ancestors. Scott started his career in psychology, finding Boys & Girls Club of America before diving into the art world. Today, he is also the director of culture at Eaton DC, entering the hospitality fray with a brand committed to activism and inclusivity. In our fascinating interview, Scott clued us in on what makes his artistic and entrepreneurial mind tick.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Sheldon Scott is an artist of many disciplines based in Washington, DC who is bringing attention to the crucial issues of racial inequality and systemic racism through his work. In fact, he was among the inaugural finalists in performance art for the Smithsonian’s 2019 Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition, for which he kneeled on a burlap sack and hulled rice for six days straight as a tribute to his ancestors. Scott started his career in psychology, finding Boys & Girls Club of America before diving into the art world. Today, he is also the director of culture at Eaton DC, entering the hospitality fray with a brand committed to activism and inclusivity. In our fascinating interview, Scott clued us in on what makes his artistic and entrepreneurial mind tick.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design e455cad3-fefc-48cc-9f34-48dd5ab03afc Tue, 10 Nov 2020 06:00:00 -0500 3577 design,hotels,hospitality,interiordesign,hospitalitydesign,sheldonscott,sheldonscottstudios 1 52 full false Roger Thomas, The Roger Thomas Collection Roger Thomas, The Roger Thomas Collection Industry legend Roger Thomas, the designer behind such iconic Las Vegas mainstays as the Wynn and the Bellagio, details his entire career from first meeting Steve Wynn to taking his work across the globe and starting his own product line. Full of anecdotes from his stories history on the Vegas strip and beyond, the endlessly charming Thomas reflects on his career while offering sage advice for the creatives dreaming up tomorrow's future.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Industry legend Roger Thomas, the designer behind such iconic Las Vegas mainstays as the Wynn and the Bellagio, details his entire career from first meeting Steve Wynn to taking his work across the globe and starting his own product line. Full of anecdotes from his stories history on the Vegas strip and beyond, the endlessly charming Thomas reflects on his career while offering sage advice for the creatives dreaming up tomorrow's future.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design d45d9cdf-dfbd-4cc6-8fea-6ef7d91f1d61 Tue, 27 Oct 2020 06:00:00 -0400 3941 design,hotels,hospitality,interiordesign,hospitalitydesign,rogerthomas,therogerthomascollection 1 51 full false Danish Kurani Danish Kurani Inspiring architect Danish Kurani is not only rethinking the design of our educational institutions, but innovating the entire concept as well. A true disruptor, Danish has a simple mission to build projects with empathy and humanity by abashedly challenging the status quo. Whether he’s spearheading and enriching designs for Google’s Code Next Stem Lab in Oakland, California, Black Girls Code in New York, or the upcoming Riverbend school in India, Danish says he wants to solve society’s greatest problems with socially aware, inclusive, and democratic design solutions. They are using design for good, he says, to build things that make people’s lives better.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Inspiring architect Danish Kurani is not only rethinking the design of our educational institutions, but innovating the entire concept as well. A true disruptor, Danish has a simple mission to build projects with empathy and humanity by abashedly challenging the status quo. Whether he’s spearheading and enriching designs for Google’s Code Next Stem Lab in Oakland, California, Black Girls Code in New York, or the upcoming Riverbend school in India, Danish says he wants to solve society’s greatest problems with socially aware, inclusive, and democratic design solutions. They are using design for good, he says, to build things that make people’s lives better.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 38fd3a51-bc2a-428c-9bb5-bfcbe600dd7a Tue, 13 Oct 2020 06:00:00 -0400 3438 1 50 full false Ian Schrager Ian Schrager In a previously recorded episode, the iconic Ian Schrager joined editor in chief Stacy Shoemaker Rauen for a fireside chat during HD's Elevate conference held in October in New York. During the hourlong discussion, Schrager was candid about his Studio 54 days and his friendship with longtime business partner Steve Rubell. No matter the role, he says he's always striving to push experience over the edge.

This episode was brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> In a previously recorded episode, the iconic Ian Schrager joined editor in chief Stacy Shoemaker Rauen for a fireside chat during HD's Elevate conference held in October in New York. During the hourlong discussion, Schrager was candid about his Studio 54 days and his friendship with longtime business partner Steve Rubell. No matter the role, he says he's always striving to push experience over the edge.

This episode was brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design a0545d5a-4629-4646-a3ec-8424a9bcc31d Tue, 29 Sep 2020 11:00:00 -0400 3541 design,hotels,hospitality,interiordesign,hospitalitydesign,ianschrager 1 29 full false Chef Daniel Boulud Chef Daniel Boulud Chef Daniel Boulud is known for his career-defining time at Le Cirque and the award-winning Daniel. The success of the fine dining institution led to his growing food empire, but Boulud's influence reaches outside of the kitchen. Beyond Michelin Stars and James Beard Awards, he considers cultivating young talent one of his greatest accomplishments. While the industry may have to be reimagined in this new reality, he says, the one thing it won’t lose is its talent, passion, and commitment.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Chef Daniel Boulud is known for his career-defining time at Le Cirque and the award-winning Daniel. The success of the fine dining institution led to his growing food empire, but Boulud's influence reaches outside of the kitchen. Beyond Michelin Stars and James Beard Awards, he considers cultivating young talent one of his greatest accomplishments. While the industry may have to be reimagined in this new reality, he says, the one thing it won’t lose is its talent, passion, and commitment.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 99bce718-575a-4e56-bde1-9032d6a6a44b Tue, 15 Sep 2020 06:00:00 -0400 4582 design,chef,restaurants,hospitality,hospitalitydesign,danielboulud 1 49 full false Joyce Wang, Joyce Wang Studio Joyce Wang, Joyce Wang Studio Hong Kong-based designer and architect Joyce Wang made a name for herself with the career-defining Ammo and Mott 32 restaurants in Hong Kong. She continues to impress with notable launches like the spa and wellness component of the inaugural Equinox Hotel in Hudson Yards New York. The space embodies her skills as a designer: She takes time to understand the context of the project and then, she says, she chips away at it until it reveals something beautiful.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hong Kong-based designer and architect Joyce Wang made a name for herself with the career-defining Ammo and Mott 32 restaurants in Hong Kong. She continues to impress with notable launches like the spa and wellness component of the inaugural Equinox Hotel in Hudson Yards New York. The space embodies her skills as a designer: She takes time to understand the context of the project and then, she says, she chips away at it until it reveals something beautiful.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design c5c65daf-2dd0-448e-af4a-3b157ab892dc Tue, 01 Sep 2020 06:00:00 -0400 3046 1 48 full false Fiona Thompson, Richmond International Fiona Thompson, Richmond International Richmond International's Fiona Thompson started her career at the London-based firm in the 1980s and returned once again in 1992 as Richmond was entering a new chapter. In the last 30 years, Thompson has been integral in helping the firm grow its hospitality practice, designing notable projects like the Langham Chicago and the Four Seasons Budapest. In her tenure, she has taken a design-first perspective in running the company, cultivating young talent and encouraging designers to be open to what’s next.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Richmond International's Fiona Thompson started her career at the London-based firm in the 1980s and returned once again in 1992 as Richmond was entering a new chapter. In the last 30 years, Thompson has been integral in helping the firm grow its hospitality practice, designing notable projects like the Langham Chicago and the Four Seasons Budapest. In her tenure, she has taken a design-first perspective in running the company, cultivating young talent and encouraging designers to be open to what’s next.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 3baaadb9-b772-4d8c-983d-8425a53d3273 Tue, 18 Aug 2020 15:00:00 -0400 2865 design,hotels,hospitality,interiordesign,hospitalitydesign,fionathompson,richmondinternational 1 47 full false Chef Marcus Samuelsson Chef Marcus Samuelsson Not only a prolific chef and restaurateur, Marcus Samuelsson is the author of a number of cookbooks, including The Rise, which celebrates contemporary Black cooking through the lens of the most influential Black chefs in the field. It embodies his mission to reclaim Black culinary traditions while energizing a new generation of chefs. 

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Not only a prolific chef and restaurateur, Marcus Samuelsson is the author of a number of cookbooks, including The Rise, which celebrates contemporary Black cooking through the lens of the most influential Black chefs in the field. It embodies his mission to reclaim Black culinary traditions while energizing a new generation of chefs. 

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design dc0f713a-621c-4a0d-b91c-d9367a4ba7e5 Mon, 03 Aug 2020 06:00:00 -0400 1656 chef,restaurants,hospitalitydesign,marcussamuelsson 1 46 full false Alon Baranowitz and Irene Kronenberg, Baranowitz + Kronenberg Alon Baranowitz and Irene Kronenberg, Baranowitz + Kronenberg Partners in business and life, the Tel Aviv-based Alon Baranowitz and Irene Kronenberg's design philosophy is centered on a deep, contextual, and narrative-driven approach that has helped create lasting partnerships, including with W hotels and hotelier Liran Wizman’s Sircle brand. At the end of the day, they say, a successful project comes down to the people—watching them connect, exchange ideas, and celebrate life together.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Partners in business and life, the Tel Aviv-based Alon Baranowitz and Irene Kronenberg's design philosophy is centered on a deep, contextual, and narrative-driven approach that has helped create lasting partnerships, including with W hotels and hotelier Liran Wizman’s Sircle brand. At the end of the day, they say, a successful project comes down to the people—watching them connect, exchange ideas, and celebrate life together.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design magazine d535d48e-eca5-411b-911e-536dd09a5afc Tue, 21 Jul 2020 06:00:00 -0400 2738 1 45 full false Jim Looney, Looney & Associates Jim Looney, Looney & Associates Jim Looney's journey to founding one of the most prolific hospitality design firms in the industry started with a chance meeting with Trisha Wilson. Six weeks later, he moved to Dallas to work with her. It was a formative time for Looney as he had a front-row seat to see the industry transform into what it is today. In 1995, he launched Looney & Associates, which has offices in Dallas, Chicago, and Hawaii. As the firm celebrates 25 years, Looney reflects on a career that brought him from Memphis to Arkansas and now Dallas.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Jim Looney's journey to founding one of the most prolific hospitality design firms in the industry started with a chance meeting with Trisha Wilson. Six weeks later, he moved to Dallas to work with her. It was a formative time for Looney as he had a front-row seat to see the industry transform into what it is today. In 1995, he launched Looney & Associates, which has offices in Dallas, Chicago, and Hawaii. As the firm celebrates 25 years, Looney reflects on a career that brought him from Memphis to Arkansas and now Dallas.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design a2149b26-a72f-400b-be65-b29d0185f7a2 Tue, 07 Jul 2020 06:00:00 -0400 2744 1 44 full false Rachel Gutter, International Well Building Institute Rachel Gutter, International Well Building Institute Rachel Gutter is a pioneer in the green-building movement. Now, as president of the IWBI, she is implementing standards that embody a holistic wellbeing approach. If we continue to find the intersection of purpose and profit in our own lives, she says, then we will not only be much happier as individuals but the planet and society as a whole will benefit as well.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, visit globalallies.com. 

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Rachel Gutter is a pioneer in the green-building movement. Now, as president of the IWBI, she is implementing standards that embody a holistic wellbeing approach. If we continue to find the intersection of purpose and profit in our own lives, she says, then we will not only be much happier as individuals but the planet and society as a whole will benefit as well.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, visit globalallies.com. 

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 7c2d99d7-69dc-4acc-ace8-703030831f6f Tue, 23 Jun 2020 06:30:00 -0400 4131 wellness,wellbeing,greenbuilding,hospitalitydesign,iwbi,rachelgutter 1 43 full false Neil Jacobs, Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas Neil Jacobs, Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas Jacobs is a pioneer in the wellness movement, making it a hallmark of the brand. He has hired the best and brightest minds—from sleep scientists to wellness experts—to deliver transformative experiences for guests. His story is equally compelling. He speaks six languages, went to college in Paris, studied art history in Florence, and has lived in nearly a dozen countries. It’s a storied career that led him to Four Seasons, Starwood Capital Group, and now Singapore with Six Senses.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Jacobs is a pioneer in the wellness movement, making it a hallmark of the brand. He has hired the best and brightest minds—from sleep scientists to wellness experts—to deliver transformative experiences for guests. His story is equally compelling. He speaks six languages, went to college in Paris, studied art history in Florence, and has lived in nearly a dozen countries. It’s a storied career that led him to Four Seasons, Starwood Capital Group, and now Singapore with Six Senses.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 5ae69a06-a3ab-4413-ae32-7b1ef42e2997 Tue, 09 Jun 2020 14:00:00 -0400 3870 design,hotel,hospitality,hospitalitydesign,hoteldesign,neiljacobs 1 42 full false Chip Conley, Modern Elder Academy Chip Conley, Modern Elder Academy The visionary hotelier founded Joie de Vivre hotels when he was only 26 years old, transforming an inner-city motel in San Francisco into the second largest boutique hotel brand in the world. After 24 years, he sold the company, but it didn’t take long for Airbnb to tap Conley to help turn the travel startup into a powerhouse global hospitality brand in the share economy. His most recent venture, the Modern Elder Academy, is the world’s first midlife wisdom school, complete with a beachfront campus in the heart of Baja California Sur, Mexico

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> The visionary hotelier founded Joie de Vivre hotels when he was only 26 years old, transforming an inner-city motel in San Francisco into the second largest boutique hotel brand in the world. After 24 years, he sold the company, but it didn’t take long for Airbnb to tap Conley to help turn the travel startup into a powerhouse global hospitality brand in the share economy. His most recent venture, the Modern Elder Academy, is the world’s first midlife wisdom school, complete with a beachfront campus in the heart of Baja California Sur, Mexico

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 31051942-210f-4139-8aa3-9b7b9d795527 Tue, 26 May 2020 06:00:00 -0400 3789 1 41 full true Beth Campbell, Wilson Associates Beth Campbell, Wilson Associates When Beth Campbell was 10, she began working at her parents’ restaurants in Pittsburgh and was managing them by the time she was a teenager. That experience solidified her passion for hospitality. As CEO of Wilson Associates, she has cultivated an office environment where learning, education, and emotional intelligence take precedence. Trust the people around you, she says, because you’re not alone.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> When Beth Campbell was 10, she began working at her parents’ restaurants in Pittsburgh and was managing them by the time she was a teenager. That experience solidified her passion for hospitality. As CEO of Wilson Associates, she has cultivated an office environment where learning, education, and emotional intelligence take precedence. Trust the people around you, she says, because you’re not alone.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 7bd00d3e-99f3-43b4-9cfe-02f5c16e6b41 Tue, 12 May 2020 06:00:00 -0400 3229 design,hotel,hospitality,hospitalitydesign,COVID19,bethcampbell,wilsonassociates 1 40 full false Will Meyer and Gray Davis, Meyer Davis Will Meyer and Gray Davis, Meyer Davis Meyer Davis' refined residential style has attracted many hospitality greats, including chef Andrew Carmellini for Locanda Verde, Barry Sternlicht for the 1 Hotel South Beach, and Dana Kalczak of Four Seasons. For the past two decades, the duo has continued to mark their territory with projects that embody their firm's ethos of creating inspirational environments that leave a lasting impression.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Meyer Davis' refined residential style has attracted many hospitality greats, including chef Andrew Carmellini for Locanda Verde, Barry Sternlicht for the 1 Hotel South Beach, and Dana Kalczak of Four Seasons. For the past two decades, the duo has continued to mark their territory with projects that embody their firm's ethos of creating inspirational environments that leave a lasting impression.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 0dfae7cd-e5aa-4865-b08d-1a931e6feeef Tue, 28 Apr 2020 06:00:00 -0400 3085 design,hotels,newyork,hospitality,interiordesign,hospitalitydesign,hoteldesign,restaurantdesign,meyerdavis 1 39 full false Kemper Hyers, Auberge Resorts Collection Kemper Hyers, Auberge Resorts Collection After cutting his teeth styling for retail catalogues and showrooms and working with Martha Stewart, Kemper Hyers' life changed forever when he joined Barry Sternlicht at Starwood, helping to launch such brands as Baccarat and 1 Hotels. Like the rest of the design community, Hyers continues to grapple with today's new normal, but he remains optimistic. The hotel industry will be back, he says, but the trick is to be thoughtful and mindful.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> After cutting his teeth styling for retail catalogues and showrooms and working with Martha Stewart, Kemper Hyers' life changed forever when he joined Barry Sternlicht at Starwood, helping to launch such brands as Baccarat and 1 Hotels. Like the rest of the design community, Hyers continues to grapple with today's new normal, but he remains optimistic. The hotel industry will be back, he says, but the trick is to be thoughtful and mindful.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design e8f577ab-eb43-4932-a23c-0e7f07896ba1 Wed, 15 Apr 2020 08:30:22 -0400 3771 design,hotel,hospitality,auberge,luxuryhotels,kemperhyers 1 38 full false Chip Rogers, AHLA Chip Rogers, AHLA We spoke with Chip Rogers, president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), to understand the state of the hospitality industry amid the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Rogers, the $2 trillion stimulus package recently signed into law by President Trump, is less about stimulus and more about preservation. But he does see some light at the end of the tunnel, and even applauds hoteliers who are allowing their hotels to be used as medical facilities or for quarantine locations during these difficult times.
 
 This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> We spoke with Chip Rogers, president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), to understand the state of the hospitality industry amid the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Rogers, the $2 trillion stimulus package recently signed into law by President Trump, is less about stimulus and more about preservation. But he does see some light at the end of the tunnel, and even applauds hoteliers who are allowing their hotels to be used as medical facilities or for quarantine locations during these difficult times.
 
 This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 3045906e-df8c-45da-9586-d68845275419 Tue, 31 Mar 2020 06:00:00 -0400 1795 design,hotels,hospitality,hotelindustry,chiprogers,ahla 1 37 full false David Rockwell, Rockwell Group David Rockwell, Rockwell Group When you think of the names that have defined the industry, David Rockwell is on the top of that list. Likely, many of your favorite spaces have that signature Rockwell touch. Whether that’s Nobu restaurants in New York, his stage sets for Broadway, or the recently opened Equinox Hotel in Hudson Yards, Rockwell's hallmark—an intersection of theater and hospitality—creates a thrilling choreography that starts at the entrance. “You don't want the set doing the same thing the actors are doing,” he says. Because of this, Rockwell says his success can be credited to taking chances and realizing there is no safe choice when it comes to design.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> When you think of the names that have defined the industry, David Rockwell is on the top of that list. Likely, many of your favorite spaces have that signature Rockwell touch. Whether that’s Nobu restaurants in New York, his stage sets for Broadway, or the recently opened Equinox Hotel in Hudson Yards, Rockwell's hallmark—an intersection of theater and hospitality—creates a thrilling choreography that starts at the entrance. “You don't want the set doing the same thing the actors are doing,” he says. Because of this, Rockwell says his success can be credited to taking chances and realizing there is no safe choice when it comes to design.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design dbba7043-4170-42e7-9780-7125340b24e4 Tue, 17 Mar 2020 06:00:00 -0400 2802 design,hospitality,hospitalitydesign,davidrockwell 1 36 full false Gary Dollens, Hyatt Hotels Gary Dollens, Hyatt Hotels Gary Dollens has been with Hyatt Hotels since 1977, when he took an entry level position with a Hyatt in Oak Brook, Illinois. It sparked his love affair with hotels and Hyatt, specifically, which has lasted to this day. In 2004, he switched from operations to overseeing architecture and design for the brand, while also helping guide Hyatt into an exciting new decade with acquisitions like Two Roads Hospitality. In fact, he shares how saying yes more often than no has been his greatest lesson learned.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Gary Dollens has been with Hyatt Hotels since 1977, when he took an entry level position with a Hyatt in Oak Brook, Illinois. It sparked his love affair with hotels and Hyatt, specifically, which has lasted to this day. In 2004, he switched from operations to overseeing architecture and design for the brand, while also helping guide Hyatt into an exciting new decade with acquisitions like Two Roads Hospitality. In fact, he shares how saying yes more often than no has been his greatest lesson learned.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design ba3cf919-1f9b-44e8-81fc-938f4aa59500 Tue, 03 Mar 2020 06:00:00 -0500 3913 design,hotel,brand,hospitality 1 35 full false Blake Danner, Proper Hospitality Blake Danner, Proper Hospitality Blake Danner's gregarious personality served him well, leading to jobs with Ian Schrager, Andrew Zobler, and for the past few months, at Proper Hospitality as chief operating officer. The lifestyle-meets-luxury brand is rapidly expanding with properties in San Francisco, Santa Monica, and Austin, all featuring an eclectic design by Kelly Wearstler. Behind it all is Danner, who says he loves being the producer, orchestrating unforgettable moments leading to his ultimate sign of success: happy guests.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Blake Danner's gregarious personality served him well, leading to jobs with Ian Schrager, Andrew Zobler, and for the past few months, at Proper Hospitality as chief operating officer. The lifestyle-meets-luxury brand is rapidly expanding with properties in San Francisco, Santa Monica, and Austin, all featuring an eclectic design by Kelly Wearstler. Behind it all is Danner, who says he loves being the producer, orchestrating unforgettable moments leading to his ultimate sign of success: happy guests.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 88fe7c87-2b82-412b-9893-0ae2a490e5d6 Tue, 18 Feb 2020 06:00:00 -0500 2926 design,business,hotels,hotel,proper,hospitality 1 34 full false Aaron Richter, Equinox Brands Aaron Richter, Equinox Brands Having worked for the likes of Nike, W Hotels, and Ian Schrager, Aaron Richter took a risk when he joined Equinox during a time when the fitness industry lacked design direction. Now, as senior vice president of design, Richter is rewriting the rules of what a guest experience should be. For its brand evolution from fitness clubs to hotels, Equinox calls itself a new kind of luxury, powered by possibilities. When many are trying to figure out the $4.2 trillion wellness industry, Equinox is leading the pack.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Having worked for the likes of Nike, W Hotels, and Ian Schrager, Aaron Richter took a risk when he joined Equinox during a time when the fitness industry lacked design direction. Now, as senior vice president of design, Richter is rewriting the rules of what a guest experience should be. For its brand evolution from fitness clubs to hotels, Equinox calls itself a new kind of luxury, powered by possibilities. When many are trying to figure out the $4.2 trillion wellness industry, Equinox is leading the pack.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design b3ac6e0d-d349-41f7-bd34-9f2451722154 Tue, 04 Feb 2020 06:00:00 -0500 2377 design,Aaron,hotels,equinox,hospitality,richter 1 33 full false André Fu, AFSO André Fu, AFSO Designer and architect André Fu made a name for himself a decade ago with the career-making Upper House in his native Hong Kong. It was his first hotel and his big break only a few years after launching his firm AFSO. It embodies the full cinematic experience, which is at the core of all his projects. whether that’s designing pop-ups for brands like Louis Vuitton or crafting sumptuous getaways like the still-to-come Capella Maldives.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Designer and architect André Fu made a name for himself a decade ago with the career-making Upper House in his native Hong Kong. It was his first hotel and his big break only a few years after launching his firm AFSO. It embodies the full cinematic experience, which is at the core of all his projects. whether that’s designing pop-ups for brands like Louis Vuitton or crafting sumptuous getaways like the still-to-come Capella Maldives.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design f5c6ca6e-4d98-457d-b26e-f405a97312b7 Tue, 21 Jan 2020 06:00:00 -0500 1930 design,fu,hotel,andre,hospitality 1 32 full false Clodagh, Clodagh Design Clodagh, Clodagh Design As a trailblazer in the wellness space, the Irish-born designer first got her start in fashion, but is now known for her zen-like designs for the likes of Six Senses and Miraval that immerse guests in all five senses.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> As a trailblazer in the wellness space, the Irish-born designer first got her start in fashion, but is now known for her zen-like designs for the likes of Six Senses and Miraval that immerse guests in all five senses.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 52d65635-1965-44a8-a6eb-4a08b10c13e9 Tue, 07 Jan 2020 06:00:00 -0500 2620 design,hotel,hospitality,clodagh 1 full false Bonus Episode: Stacy Shoemaker Rauen, Hospitality Design Bonus Episode: Stacy Shoemaker Rauen, Hospitality Design The tables are turned on this very special episode of HD's "What I've Learned" podcast. Interviewed by Adam Kubryk of Global Allies, editor in chief and senior vice president of the design group Stacy Shoemaker Rauen talks all things hospitality, from how the industry has evolved in the past two decades to building a community centered on a people-first approach. "It's been a real privilege," she says, "and I can't wait to continue to elevate this industry that is like home [to me]."

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> The tables are turned on this very special episode of HD's "What I've Learned" podcast. Interviewed by Adam Kubryk of Global Allies, editor in chief and senior vice president of the design group Stacy Shoemaker Rauen talks all things hospitality, from how the industry has evolved in the past two decades to building a community centered on a people-first approach. "It's been a real privilege," she says, "and I can't wait to continue to elevate this industry that is like home [to me]."

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 1223939a-8064-4a75-ba2c-4629a7ba04c6 Tue, 24 Dec 2019 06:00:00 -0500 1475 design,hotel,hospitality 1 32 false Kane Sarhan, the Well Kane Sarhan, the Well Always a person who wanted to build things, born entrepreneur Kane Sarhan had many early careers. He started a college gossip magazine, was an assistant to a venture capitalist, and founded the Enstitute, a mentorship program for college-aged students. One of his funders was Barry Sternlicht of Starwood Capital Group. He then joined the iconic hotelier as brand director for the launch of 1 Hotels and Baccarat Hotel. Now, Sarhan is entering the wellness game with membership club the Well in New York, which has the audacious mission to be a one-stop shop for mind, body, and soul connection.
 
 This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Always a person who wanted to build things, born entrepreneur Kane Sarhan had many early careers. He started a college gossip magazine, was an assistant to a venture capitalist, and founded the Enstitute, a mentorship program for college-aged students. One of his funders was Barry Sternlicht of Starwood Capital Group. He then joined the iconic hotelier as brand director for the launch of 1 Hotels and Baccarat Hotel. Now, Sarhan is entering the wellness game with membership club the Well in New York, which has the audacious mission to be a one-stop shop for mind, body, and soul connection.
 
 This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 99624a22-da0e-4eb5-9a24-738f3e4c15d0 Tue, 10 Dec 2019 06:00:00 -0500 3626 The,design,wellness,kane,well,hospitality,sarhan 1 31 full false Michael and Alan Fuerstman, Montage and Pendry Hotels Michael and Alan Fuerstman, Montage and Pendry Hotels Father-son duo Alan and Michael Fuerstman of Montage and Pendry Hotels, respectively, both caught the hospitality bug early. Alan cut his teeth at the Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona and the Bellagio in Las Vegas before founding Montage Hotels & Resorts in 2002. Michael, for his part, inherited his dad’s love of hospitality. Beginning his career as the coveted pool boy at the Bellagio, he eventually joined the family business in 2009, where he helped create lifestyle brand Pendry—a natural next step for the hotel company that is responsible for reinventing luxury through a forward-thinking lens.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Father-son duo Alan and Michael Fuerstman of Montage and Pendry Hotels, respectively, both caught the hospitality bug early. Alan cut his teeth at the Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona and the Bellagio in Las Vegas before founding Montage Hotels & Resorts in 2002. Michael, for his part, inherited his dad’s love of hospitality. Beginning his career as the coveted pool boy at the Bellagio, he eventually joined the family business in 2009, where he helped create lifestyle brand Pendry—a natural next step for the hotel company that is responsible for reinventing luxury through a forward-thinking lens.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 4c67d42f-4614-44ce-b9e1-7a812a32fb9d Tue, 26 Nov 2019 06:53:17 -0500 3639 design,michael,business,hotels,alan,hotel,montage,hospitality,pendry,fuerstman 1 30 full false Ian Schrager Ian Schrager The iconic Ian Schrager joined editor in chief Stacy Shoemaker Rauen for a fireside chat during HD's annual Elevate conference held in October in New York. During the hourlong discussion, Schrager was candid about his Studio 54 days and his friendship with longtime business partner Steve Rubell. Always humble, Schrager said he's not afraid to make mistakes and try something else. Whether he's cultivating gamechanging hotels like Morgans or expanding his EDITION and PUBLIC brands, he says it's about pushing experience over the edge.

This episode was brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> The iconic Ian Schrager joined editor in chief Stacy Shoemaker Rauen for a fireside chat during HD's annual Elevate conference held in October in New York. During the hourlong discussion, Schrager was candid about his Studio 54 days and his friendship with longtime business partner Steve Rubell. Always humble, Schrager said he's not afraid to make mistakes and try something else. Whether he's cultivating gamechanging hotels like Morgans or expanding his EDITION and PUBLIC brands, he says it's about pushing experience over the edge.

This episode was brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design f84245e469d94b22801980858b651e8e Tue, 12 Nov 2019 06:00:00 -0500 3541 1 29 full false Kit Kemp, Firmdale Hotels Kit Kemp, Firmdale Hotels Kit Kemp of Firmdale Hotels has been lauded for her eclectic design style that doesn't shy away from color and pattern. But it's her meticulous attention to detail that has elevated her to icon status. She carefully curates and champions work from venerated and emerging artists and craftspeople alike. No matter how perfect the design, she says, it always comes down to the people who make each hotel come alive.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Kit Kemp of Firmdale Hotels has been lauded for her eclectic design style that doesn't shy away from color and pattern. But it's her meticulous attention to detail that has elevated her to icon status. She carefully curates and champions work from venerated and emerging artists and craftspeople alike. No matter how perfect the design, she says, it always comes down to the people who make each hotel come alive.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 1840fe69243642f4ac20b16199536801 Tue, 29 Oct 2019 06:00:00 -0400 2574 design,kit,hospitality,kemp 1 28 full false Dana Kalczak, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Dana Kalczak, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Born and bred in Toronto, Dana Kalczak has spent the last couple of decades at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts where she's played an integral part in creating a company that doesn't chase trends but deliberately takes the time to research and understand its guest. New hotels in Philadelphia and Montreal showcase the brand's ability to adapt while still being able to create magical, unforgettable moments.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Born and bred in Toronto, Dana Kalczak has spent the last couple of decades at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts where she's played an integral part in creating a company that doesn't chase trends but deliberately takes the time to research and understand its guest. New hotels in Philadelphia and Montreal showcase the brand's ability to adapt while still being able to create magical, unforgettable moments.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 957f32a369da4af09d888dd6b46d2faf Tue, 15 Oct 2019 06:00:00 -0400 2483 design,dana,four,seasons,hospitality,kalczak 1 27 full false Josh Wyatt, CEO, NeueHouse Josh Wyatt, CEO, NeueHouse Josh Wyatt's career has had many iterations, with hospitality being his backbone since he founded Generator Hostels in 2007. The gamechanging brand led to many other opportunities, including at Neuehouse, where he's marrying the best of both worlds in a members' club that celebrates great design in urban settings. He credits his success to surrounding himself with good people who know where the car is going. If you trust them and just get in, he says, good things will happen.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Josh Wyatt's career has had many iterations, with hospitality being his backbone since he founded Generator Hostels in 2007. The gamechanging brand led to many other opportunities, including at Neuehouse, where he's marrying the best of both worlds in a members' club that celebrates great design in urban settings. He credits his success to surrounding himself with good people who know where the car is going. If you trust them and just get in, he says, good things will happen.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 6d177d01d58c4a7daac74931b946cb6a Tue, 01 Oct 2019 06:00:00 -0400 3282 design,josh,hospitality,wyatt,neuehouse 1 26 full false Julie Monk, Director of Hospitality, HOK Julie Monk, Director of Hospitality, HOK Julie Monk grew up in the Midwest but her career has taken her all over the world from Denmark to New York and Hong Kong, where she is now based. The trained architect has worked on projects big and small, but she points to two things that have solidified her passion for the hospitality industry: the merger between BBG-BBGM and HOK and her time living and working in Asia. Both of which transformed her worldview, allowing her to be fully immersed in all facets of design.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Julie Monk grew up in the Midwest but her career has taken her all over the world from Denmark to New York and Hong Kong, where she is now based. The trained architect has worked on projects big and small, but she points to two things that have solidified her passion for the hospitality industry: the merger between BBG-BBGM and HOK and her time living and working in Asia. Both of which transformed her worldview, allowing her to be fully immersed in all facets of design.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 33693a069fe540129ed6a3a7e80863e8 Tue, 17 Sep 2019 06:00:00 -0400 2725 design,monk,julie,hospitality,interiors,hok 1 25 full false Brad Wilson, Ace Hotel Group Brad Wilson, Ace Hotel Group This episode originally aired on December 25th, 2018.
 
Brad Wilson started his career working with his mom to open a series of bakeries throughout Chicago. It was a natural step to go into hotels, helping to launch brands such as W and the gamechanging Ace Hotels. His pragmatic approach to hospitality has evolved into a deep love and understanding for the industry. "I'm sort of a junkie" for it, he says. "I crave it."

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> This episode originally aired on December 25th, 2018.
 
Brad Wilson started his career working with his mom to open a series of bakeries throughout Chicago. It was a natural step to go into hotels, helping to launch brands such as W and the gamechanging Ace Hotels. His pragmatic approach to hospitality has evolved into a deep love and understanding for the industry. "I'm sort of a junkie" for it, he says. "I crave it."

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design magazine fc7ef28f4df24c199ac2df1450df0d9f Tue, 03 Sep 2019 06:00:00 -0400 3245 1 full false Jay Stein, CEO, Dream Hotel Group Jay Stein, CEO, Dream Hotel Group As Dream Hotel Group continues to grow and launch more brands, including Unscripted Hotels and the upcoming 5-Star Chatwal Lodge in the Catskill Mountains, CEO Jay Stein credits a community-oriented approach to Dream's success. In fact, he points to a piece of advice from his father that has become a core value of Dream's philosophy: to show respect to everyone on the team. It's a key tenet that has helped make Dream a lifestyle juggernaut.
 
 This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> As Dream Hotel Group continues to grow and launch more brands, including Unscripted Hotels and the upcoming 5-Star Chatwal Lodge in the Catskill Mountains, CEO Jay Stein credits a community-oriented approach to Dream's success. In fact, he points to a piece of advice from his father that has become a core value of Dream's philosophy: to show respect to everyone on the team. It's a key tenet that has helped make Dream a lifestyle juggernaut.
 
 This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 563cb10608c5441d91d702277c8bf079 Tue, 20 Aug 2019 06:00:00 -0400 2988 1 24 full false Lauren Rottet, Rottet Studio Lauren Rottet, Rottet Studio Growing up, Lauren Rotett always wanted to do something creative and set her sights on architecture school. The Texas native first cut her teeth in corporate design with SOM, eventually going out on her own and landing her first hotel job, the Surrey, on the Upper East Side of New York. With three offices across the U.S., today, Rottet's firm is heralded for melding residentially inspired interiors with dynamic, architecturally driven solutions.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Growing up, Lauren Rotett always wanted to do something creative and set her sights on architecture school. The Texas native first cut her teeth in corporate design with SOM, eventually going out on her own and landing her first hotel job, the Surrey, on the Upper East Side of New York. With three offices across the U.S., today, Rottet's firm is heralded for melding residentially inspired interiors with dynamic, architecturally driven solutions.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design f9d928a7d3bf45a59de16859101739d5 Tue, 06 Aug 2019 06:00:00 -0400 2994 design,studio,hotel,hospitality,rottet 1 23 full false Charlie North, Ennismore Charlie North, Ennismore Ennismore's Charlie North has been leading the hotel developer's interiors practice since 2015, after cutting his teeth with the likes of the late David Collins, Alexander Waterworth, and Martin Brudnizki. Recently named to our 2019 Wave of the Future class, North is behind the Hoxton's growth Stateside, as well as helping to spearhead the redo of the posh Gleneagles in Scotland. With each property, he's creating thoughtful, layered spaces that encourage guests to linger.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Ennismore's Charlie North has been leading the hotel developer's interiors practice since 2015, after cutting his teeth with the likes of the late David Collins, Alexander Waterworth, and Martin Brudnizki. Recently named to our 2019 Wave of the Future class, North is behind the Hoxton's growth Stateside, as well as helping to spearhead the redo of the posh Gleneagles in Scotland. With each property, he's creating thoughtful, layered spaces that encourage guests to linger.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design d9e3a42cfd6b497cbbe4914e1d794134 Tue, 23 Jul 2019 06:00:00 -0400 1703 The,design,north,hotel,charlie,hospitality,hoxton,hdmag 1 22 full false Bobby Berk, Queer Eye Bobby Berk, Queer Eye As one of the Fab Five, Queer Eye's Bobby Berk is a self-made designer whose road to celebrity wasn't easy. He left his small town in Missouri at age 15, couch surfing and sleeping in his car while doing double shifts at Applebee's to make ends meet. A job at Restoration Hardware then Portico led him to start Bobby Berk Home. Now, as a fan favorite on Netflix's hit show, he has no plans of slowing down.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> As one of the Fab Five, Queer Eye's Bobby Berk is a self-made designer whose road to celebrity wasn't easy. He left his small town in Missouri at age 15, couch surfing and sleeping in his car while doing double shifts at Applebee's to make ends meet. A job at Restoration Hardware then Portico led him to start Bobby Berk Home. Now, as a fan favorite on Netflix's hit show, he has no plans of slowing down.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 670501102ee4490c8e0ebf4a995de404 Tue, 09 Jul 2019 06:00:00 -0400 1747 design,queer,eye,bobby,hospitality,berk 1 21 full false Marcus Carey and Damon Lawrence, Homage Hospitality Marcus Carey and Damon Lawrence, Homage Hospitality Hospitality rising stars Marcus Carey and Damon Lawrence are shaking up the hotel industry with Homage Hospitality, one of the first brands catered to the African American traveler by honoring and preserving black culture through design and programming. With one property open in New Orleans and three more on the boards, it seems they're onto something.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality rising stars Marcus Carey and Damon Lawrence are shaking up the hotel industry with Homage Hospitality, one of the first brands catered to the African American traveler by honoring and preserving black culture through design and programming. With one property open in New Orleans and three more on the boards, it seems they're onto something.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design eb45c2271ebc4c718e08a4b2f38c6fb9 Mon, 24 Jun 2019 06:00:00 -0400 3001 1 20 full false Andrew Zobler, founder and CEO, Sydell Group Andrew Zobler, founder and CEO, Sydell Group In May at HD Expo in Las Vegas, editor in chief Stacy Shoemaker Rauen sat down with keynote speaker Andrew Zobler, CEO and founder of the Sydell Group. The hourlong conversation touched on everything from working with Barry Sternlicht to starting the Sydell Group, named for his grandmother and known for its collection of brands, including the NoMad, the Line, and the Freehand. In this rare appearance, he shined a light on the evolution of lifestyle hotels.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> In May at HD Expo in Las Vegas, editor in chief Stacy Shoemaker Rauen sat down with keynote speaker Andrew Zobler, CEO and founder of the Sydell Group. The hourlong conversation touched on everything from working with Barry Sternlicht to starting the Sydell Group, named for his grandmother and known for its collection of brands, including the NoMad, the Line, and the Freehand. In this rare appearance, he shined a light on the evolution of lifestyle hotels.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 91fe32cc2a9a410c8798cfff5e9ccd6e Tue, 11 Jun 2019 06:00:00 -0400 3622 1 19 full false Jonathan Tisch, Loews Hotels Jonathan Tisch, Loews Hotels Jonathan Tisch, CEO and chairman of Loews Hotels, is a lifelong hotelier who jokingly refers to himself as a modern-day Eloise, having lived and worked in hotels all of his life. His properties can be found in immersive destinations that give people many reasons to visit. As he says, the hotel industry is just another arm of the entertainment industry.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Jonathan Tisch, CEO and chairman of Loews Hotels, is a lifelong hotelier who jokingly refers to himself as a modern-day Eloise, having lived and worked in hotels all of his life. His properties can be found in immersive destinations that give people many reasons to visit. As he says, the hotel industry is just another arm of the entertainment industry.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 1a40eff10d2a41319b918ec866206f9d Tue, 28 May 2019 07:36:21 -0400 3685 1 18 full false Christine Gachot, Gachot Christine Gachot, Gachot Christine Gachot credits much of her success with being in the right place at the right time. She worked on memorable projects like Gucci with Bill Sofield and helped André Balazs launch the Standard in New York before founding Gachot with her husband, John, in 2012. Since then, they've helped shape brands like Glossier, Eaton Workshop, and most recently Shinola, which opened its first upscale hotel in Detroit this year.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Christine Gachot credits much of her success with being in the right place at the right time. She worked on memorable projects like Gucci with Bill Sofield and helped André Balazs launch the Standard in New York before founding Gachot with her husband, John, in 2012. Since then, they've helped shape brands like Glossier, Eaton Workshop, and most recently Shinola, which opened its first upscale hotel in Detroit this year.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 9c88a25e08634d6abeaeb250ffd2edee Tue, 14 May 2019 06:00:00 -0400 2673 design,christina,interior,hospitality,shinola,gachot 1 17 full false Steve Wilson, 21c Museum Hotels Steve Wilson, 21c Museum Hotels A profound love of contemporary art as well as a desire to revitalize his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky led Steve Wilson and his wife Laura Lee Brown to create a hotel that showcased art in a museum-like setting. That idea grew into 21c Museum Hotels, which now counts eight properties in the U.S., mostly in rehabbed buildings, with a recent acquisition by Accor set to expand the brand internationally.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> A profound love of contemporary art as well as a desire to revitalize his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky led Steve Wilson and his wife Laura Lee Brown to create a hotel that showcased art in a museum-like setting. That idea grew into 21c Museum Hotels, which now counts eight properties in the U.S., mostly in rehabbed buildings, with a recent acquisition by Accor set to expand the brand internationally.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design a3f1bebfcb754d4cb8b82ffdad68d2e5 Tue, 30 Apr 2019 06:00:00 -0400 2735 steve,Art,design,museum,hotels,hotel,wilson,interior,hospitality,interiors 1 16 full false Will Guidara, Make It Nice Will Guidara, Make It Nice Inspired by his restaurateur father, Will Guidara always knew he wanted to be in the business and open a New York restaurant. That dream soon became a reality. The Danny Meyer alum, along with chef Daniel Humm, took over and reimagined the Michelin-starred Eleven Madison Park and reinvented the hotel restaurant, first with the NoMad New York and since then in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Inspired by his restaurateur father, Will Guidara always knew he wanted to be in the business and open a New York restaurant. That dream soon became a reality. The Danny Meyer alum, along with chef Daniel Humm, took over and reimagined the Michelin-starred Eleven Madison Park and reinvented the hotel restaurant, first with the NoMad New York and since then in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 263f8024620445b088d4e1a98b19e451 Tue, 16 Apr 2019 06:00:00 -0400 3290 new,york,design,park,meyer,hotels,group,will,Nomad,madison,danny,hospitality,eleven,guidara,sydell 1 15 full false Clodagh, founder, Clodagh Design Clodagh, founder, Clodagh Design As a trailblazer in the wellness space, the Irish-born designer first got her start in fashion, but is now known for her zen-like designs for the likes of Six Senses and Miraval that immerse the guests in all five senses.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> As a trailblazer in the wellness space, the Irish-born designer first got her start in fashion, but is now known for her zen-like designs for the likes of Six Senses and Miraval that immerse the guests in all five senses.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 53a7d708cbfb4544a38e10abb39c1235 Tue, 02 Apr 2019 06:00:00 -0400 2620 design,wellness,six,senses,hospitality,clodagh,miraval 1 14 full false Avi Brosh, CEO, Paligroup Avi Brosh, CEO, Paligroup Paligroup's Avi Brosh started his own residential development company at 30. When a client noted that if he added a restaurant and lobby, he'd have the perfect hotel, he decided to try his hand at hospitality, opening his first property in 2008. Since then, he has launched multiple Pali locations throughout LA and is expanding to Miami, Seattle, and San Francisco. His success lies in the fact that he is involved in every aspect of the design, listening to his intuition to create hyperlocal experiences.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Paligroup's Avi Brosh started his own residential development company at 30. When a client noted that if he added a restaurant and lobby, he'd have the perfect hotel, he decided to try his hand at hospitality, opening his first property in 2008. Since then, he has launched multiple Pali locations throughout LA and is expanding to Miami, Seattle, and San Francisco. His success lies in the fact that he is involved in every aspect of the design, listening to his intuition to create hyperlocal experiences.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 3ae57816fb6245958fa27bcaf642a8b7 Tue, 19 Mar 2019 06:00:00 -0400 2968 1 13 full false Preston Pesek, CEO and Cofounder, Spacious Preston Pesek, CEO and Cofounder, Spacious When Pesek noticed that restaurants were missing out on lucrative business during the day, he created Spacious, a technology-meets-hospitality company that turns vacant locations into bustling workspaces. As CEO and founder, Pesek is rethinking how we work today, equating his business more to a coffee shop than a traditional coworking space.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> When Pesek noticed that restaurants were missing out on lucrative business during the day, he created Spacious, a technology-meets-hospitality company that turns vacant locations into bustling workspaces. As CEO and founder, Pesek is rethinking how we work today, equating his business more to a coffee shop than a traditional coworking space.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 8aa3692f8a004109bacbd1ffef1796cd Tue, 05 Mar 2019 06:00:00 -0500 2566 design,what,people,entrepreneurs,preston,hospitality,ive,learned,pesek,spacious 1 12 full false Adam D. Tihany, founder, Tihany Design Adam D. Tihany, founder, Tihany Design Working alongside such revered chefs as Thomas Keller, Daniel Boulud, and Charlie Palmer, Tihany solidified his reputation as the father of restaurant design. "For me, restaurants are portraits of my clients," he says. "They always have been." As he embarks on his 40th year as a designer, one thing remains true: his unwavering commitment to his 15-person team. 

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Working alongside such revered chefs as Thomas Keller, Daniel Boulud, and Charlie Palmer, Tihany solidified his reputation as the father of restaurant design. "For me, restaurants are portraits of my clients," he says. "They always have been." As he embarks on his 40th year as a designer, one thing remains true: his unwavering commitment to his 15-person team. 

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design aa5ba06862e5424296a5fba48595583f Tue, 19 Feb 2019 20:47:13 -0500 4246 design,adam,hotel,hospitality,tihany 1 11 full false Bashar Wali, president, Provenance Hotels Bashar Wali, president, Provenance Hotels Bashar Wali left Syria 30 years ago, and got bit by the hospitality bug while in school. Now he's president of Provenance Hotels with over 14 fiercely independent properties that are full of human connections. He's not in the hotel business, he says, but in the theater business—always striving to create memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Bashar Wali left Syria 30 years ago, and got bit by the hospitality bug while in school. Now he's president of Provenance Hotels with over 14 fiercely independent properties that are full of human connections. He's not in the hotel business, he says, but in the theater business—always striving to create memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 3a6806cf1e7241d6a1610a0882259b5e Tue, 05 Feb 2019 06:00:00 -0500 1984 1 10 full false Marcel Wanders Marcel Wanders Dutch designer Marcel Wanders doesn't always play by the design rules, opting for concepts that are lighthearted and surprising but always timeless. Take his Knotted chair, which put him on the map and transformed the design landscape. Whimsy meets playfulness in everything Wanders' touches, including his latest, the Mondrian Doha, which is a feast for the senses.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Dutch designer Marcel Wanders doesn't always play by the design rules, opting for concepts that are lighthearted and surprising but always timeless. Take his Knotted chair, which put him on the map and transformed the design landscape. Whimsy meets playfulness in everything Wanders' touches, including his latest, the Mondrian Doha, which is a feast for the senses.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design e5254b65c7094a5b859c5cfb06c71bfa Tue, 22 Jan 2019 06:00:00 -0500 2824 design,Product,hotel,products,interior,marcel,hospitality,industrial,interiors,wanders 1 9 full true Venus Williams, founder, V Starr Interiors Venus Williams, founder, V Starr Interiors Among her many accomplishments, the tennis superstar has found time to launch her own design firm, V Starr Interiors, as well as start her own fashion brand, EleVen. Unsurprisingly, Williams is driven by a competitive spirit that has made her a noteworthy contender on and off the court.
 
 This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Among her many accomplishments, the tennis superstar has found time to launch her own design firm, V Starr Interiors, as well as start her own fashion brand, EleVen. Unsurprisingly, Williams is driven by a competitive spirit that has made her a noteworthy contender on and off the court.
 
 This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design f555663d916f4aacbf37e4fd34e1f91b Tue, 08 Jan 2019 06:00:00 -0500 1243 1 8 full false Brad Wilson, president, Ace Hotel Group Brad Wilson, president, Ace Hotel Group Brad Wilson started his career working with his mom to open a series of bakeries throughout Chicago. It was a natural step, then, to go into hotels, helping to launch brands such as W and the gamechanging Ace Hotels. His pragmatic approach to hospitality has evolved into a deep love and understanding for the industry. "I'm sort of a junkie" for it, he says. "I crave it."

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Brad Wilson started his career working with his mom to open a series of bakeries throughout Chicago. It was a natural step, then, to go into hotels, helping to launch brands such as W and the gamechanging Ace Hotels. His pragmatic approach to hospitality has evolved into a deep love and understanding for the industry. "I'm sort of a junkie" for it, he says. "I crave it."

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design dc19459ce1a74b6b9c2170a650b6cb63 Tue, 25 Dec 2018 06:00:00 -0500 3245 design,hotels,group,hotel,ace,brad,wilson,hospitality 1 7 full false Alexandra Champalimaud, founder, Champalimaud Alexandra Champalimaud, founder, Champalimaud Alexandra Champalimaud's owes her storied career to perseverance, gumption, and unwavering self-confidence. She fled Portugal and ended up in Montreal, starting her own design firm with just three people in her apartment. Today, she's responsible for 52 in New York. She credits her success to being tenacious and paying attention to the details.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Alexandra Champalimaud's owes her storied career to perseverance, gumption, and unwavering self-confidence. She fled Portugal and ended up in Montreal, starting her own design firm with just three people in her apartment. Today, she's responsible for 52 in New York. She credits her success to being tenacious and paying attention to the details.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design e630a4794abd421286e23c9be0028501 Tue, 11 Dec 2018 06:00:00 -0500 1981 design,interior,alexandra,hospitality,interiors,champalimaud 1 6 full false Brian Smith, partner, Studio Tack Brian Smith, partner, Studio Tack Since the Brooklyn-based Studio Tack came on the scene six years ago, Brian Smith and his team have become a highly sought-after firm known for imbuing each space with an authentic touch. Perhaps nothing has resonated more with the design world than the firm’s reimagination of the motel. From the Sound View Inn in Greenport, New York to the Anvil Hotel in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Studio Tack has a found a niche that celebrates the great American road trip in a modern, yet nostalgic way.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Since the Brooklyn-based Studio Tack came on the scene six years ago, Brian Smith and his team have become a highly sought-after firm known for imbuing each space with an authentic touch. Perhaps nothing has resonated more with the design world than the firm’s reimagination of the motel. From the Sound View Inn in Greenport, New York to the Anvil Hotel in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Studio Tack has a found a niche that celebrates the great American road trip in a modern, yet nostalgic way.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design cfa95639b35a4ab6bfe1150b53603f15 Tue, 27 Nov 2018 06:00:00 -0500 2553 podcast,design,hotels,studio,hotel,tack,hospitality,motels,interiors 1 5 full false Margaret McMahon, Wimberly Interiors Margaret McMahon, Wimberly Interiors Margaret McMahon has had a storied career, though her path was a bit unconventional. After a summer of windsurfing and smoking pot, McMahon's mother encouraged her to find work at a temp agency. As luck, or fate, would have it, that led her to Trisha Wilson of Wilson Associates, who "saw something in me that I didn't see in myself," says McMahon. After three decades with Wilson, she left to helm Wimberly Interiors, the design arm of architecture firm WATG in New York, which now boasts multiple offices and a vast portfolio of high-end hospitality and residential projects that can be credited to McMahon's passion, savvy, and open-mindedness.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Margaret McMahon has had a storied career, though her path was a bit unconventional. After a summer of windsurfing and smoking pot, McMahon's mother encouraged her to find work at a temp agency. As luck, or fate, would have it, that led her to Trisha Wilson of Wilson Associates, who "saw something in me that I didn't see in myself," says McMahon. After three decades with Wilson, she left to helm Wimberly Interiors, the design arm of architecture firm WATG in New York, which now boasts multiple offices and a vast portfolio of high-end hospitality and residential projects that can be credited to McMahon's passion, savvy, and open-mindedness.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 28d1d527dc7141bf8e9568c865e38170 Tue, 13 Nov 2018 06:00:00 -0500 2851 design,hotels,what,margaret,mcmahon,hospitality,ive,learned 1 4 full false Anda Andrei, president, Anda Andrei Design Anda Andrei, president, Anda Andrei Design Anda Andrei’s design personality is apparent in each of her properties, including her work for the Asbury Park development in New Jersey. She credits her collaborations with Ian Schrager, Philippe Starck, and Herzog & de Meuron for enriching her design sense, ultimately leading her to go out on her own. “I felt like I owed it to myself to give it a try before it's too late.” It wasn’t an easy road for Andrei, who fled her native Romania and landed in New York in 1981 as an asylum-seeking refugee. But thanks to her tenacity, ambition, and confidence, she is one of the most interesting and compelling designers in the industry today.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Anda Andrei’s design personality is apparent in each of her properties, including her work for the Asbury Park development in New Jersey. She credits her collaborations with Ian Schrager, Philippe Starck, and Herzog & de Meuron for enriching her design sense, ultimately leading her to go out on her own. “I felt like I owed it to myself to give it a try before it's too late.” It wasn’t an easy road for Andrei, who fled her native Romania and landed in New York in 1981 as an asylum-seeking refugee. But thanks to her tenacity, ambition, and confidence, she is one of the most interesting and compelling designers in the industry today.

This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 4dad91294bcd465494e4ee906f8cc856 Tue, 30 Oct 2018 06:00:00 -0400 2419 new,york,design,what,ian,designers,hospitality,ive,learned,andrei,schrager,anda 1 3 full false Kevin Boehm, cofounder of Boka Restaurant Group Kevin Boehm, cofounder of Boka Restaurant Group Even before he knew what the word meant, Kevin Boehm knew he wanted to be a restaurateur. Though his journey was unconventional—he dropped out of college and took a chance on Panama City, Florida where he opened his first restaurant—Boehm is now a venerated F&B leader, known for his chef-driven, design-led restaurants in Chicago (the Girl and the Goat, Momotaro, and Swift & Sons, to name a few), all under the Boka Restaurant Group umbrella, the company he founded with partner Rob Katz.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Even before he knew what the word meant, Kevin Boehm knew he wanted to be a restaurateur. Though his journey was unconventional—he dropped out of college and took a chance on Panama City, Florida where he opened his first restaurant—Boehm is now a venerated F&B leader, known for his chef-driven, design-led restaurants in Chicago (the Girl and the Goat, Momotaro, and Swift & Sons, to name a few), all under the Boka Restaurant Group umbrella, the company he founded with partner Rob Katz.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 1cab0be8fa9c475bafbd8d728f0a030c Tue, 16 Oct 2018 00:30:00 -0400 2558 and,The,design,kevin,restaurants,girl,chicago,what,goat,hospitality,ive,learned,boehm,fb,restaurateur 1 2 full false Raul Leal, CEO of Virgin Hotels Raul Leal, CEO of Virgin Hotels As CEO of Virgin Hotels, Raul Leal has taken on the immense task of helping bring Virgin's distinct, cheeky vision to life. The first hotel in Chicago was "a labor of love," he says. He's helmed the company since 2012 (joining in 2010 as president), but the Cuban-born veteran hotelier has long been drawn to lifestyle hotels, starting Tecton's boutique division Desires Hotels before making the switch to work for Richard Branson. For more information and a complete transcript of the interview, go to hospitalitydesign.com/people/podcasts

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> As CEO of Virgin Hotels, Raul Leal has taken on the immense task of helping bring Virgin's distinct, cheeky vision to life. The first hotel in Chicago was "a labor of love," he says. He's helmed the company since 2012 (joining in 2010 as president), but the Cuban-born veteran hotelier has long been drawn to lifestyle hotels, starting Tecton's boutique division Desires Hotels before making the switch to work for Richard Branson. For more information and a complete transcript of the interview, go to hospitalitydesign.com/people/podcasts

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

]]> Hospitality Design 411b2417779e4d71bff8faf073fb74fd Fri, 28 Sep 2018 12:48:55 -0400 2056 podcast,design,interview,virgin,hotels,hotel,what,raul,hospitality,ive,learned,leal 1 1 full false