Hospitality Design: What I've Learned

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 .

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 .

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 .

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 .

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 .

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 .

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 .

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 .

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 .

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 .

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 .

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 .

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 .

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 .

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 .

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 .

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 .

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 .

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 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 .