The Chairish Podcast: Episode Summary Title: Is Hospitality Design Right for You?
Host: Michael Boudreau
Release Date: August 6, 2024

Introduction

In the August 6, 2024 episode of The Chairish Podcast, host Michael Boudreau delves into the dynamic world of hospitality design, exploring its resurgence post-COVID and its viability as an expansion avenue for residential interior designers. As the interior design industry faces rapid transformations in sourcing, trends, marketing, and client interactions, this episode provides invaluable insights for professionals contemplating a shift into the bustling sectors of hospitality and retail design.

Meet the Experts

Boudreau welcomes three esteemed designers who have successfully navigated both residential and hospitality projects:

1. Roger Thomas – An AD100 designer with four decades of experience elevating Las Vegas's aesthetic through his work with Steve Wynn and Wynn Resorts. His designs are renowned for their vibrant colors, grand architectural elements, and eclectic inspirations ranging from mid-century modern to Venetian classicism. [02:00]

2. Poonam Khanna – Founder of Unionworks in New York, Poonam is celebrated for her clean, inviting designs featured in top publications. Her portfolio includes high-profile retail spaces and the recently redesigned historic Maidstone Hotel in East Hampton. [02:40]

3. Chad Dorsey – Based in Dallas, Chad's work is characterized by moody, luxurious interiors with bespoke furniture. His extensive experience includes managing a $2 billion hospitality portfolio, encompassing private clubs, airplane interiors, and major hotel renovations. [03:25]

Transitioning from Residential to Hospitality Design

Boudreau opens the discussion by addressing the common misconception that shifting from residential to hospitality design is straightforward. He questions the scalability and operational differences between the two, setting the stage for his guests to share their experiences.

Roger Thomas on Design Philosophy and Scalability

Roger emphasizes the importance of "thinking like a guest" to create spaces that are both comfortable and emotionally captivating. He highlights the challenge of scaling operations, noting that while residential projects might have a small team, hospitality ventures require significantly larger staffs to handle extensive projects. [04:08]

Poonam Khanna on Adapting Skills for Commercial Projects

Poonam discusses the necessity of enhancing specific skills to meet the fast-paced, goal-oriented nature of commercial work. Unlike residential design, which allows for prolonged contemplation, hospitality projects often demand swift decision-making and execution. She points out that her firm adapts by focusing on branding and creating experiences that resonate emotionally with guests. [05:57]

Chad Dorsey on Balancing Client Needs and Personal Aesthetic

Chad shares his approach to integrating his signature aesthetic with client directives, especially when working with prominent brands like Baccarat. He underscores the importance of maintaining a unique design identity while adhering to the functional and brand-specific requirements of commercial projects. [12:34]

Evolving Trends in Hospitality Design

The panelists explore the shift from uniform, impersonal hotel and restaurant designs to more authentic, regionally inspired spaces.

Roger Thomas on Creating Unique Experiences

Roger reflects on his extensive career, emphasizing the necessity of crafting unique environments tailored to specific locales and client visions. From tropical influences in The Mirage to bespoke elegance in Wynn Las Vegas, he advocates for innovation over replication, stating, "If you don't take risks in hospitality design, why bother?" [13:50]

Poonam Khanna on Personalizing Brand Experiences

Poonam highlights the growing demand for personalized spaces that reflect a brand's identity and connect emotionally with guests. She contrasts this with past hospitality designs that lacked distinctiveness, noting a current preference for spaces that feel like intimate extensions of someone's home. [10:39]

Chad Dorsey on Staying Ahead of Trends

Chad emphasizes the importance of anticipating future trends rather than reacting to current ones. He advises designers to focus on creating timeless yet forward-thinking environments that inspire and rejuvenate guests, ensuring that spaces remain relevant and engaging over time. [32:30]

Practical Considerations in Hospitality Design

The discussion transitions to the practical aspects of designing for high-traffic hospitality environments, focusing on material durability, functionality, and operational efficiency.

Selecting Durable Materials

Roger shares his approach to selecting fabrics and furnishings that withstand constant use without compromising on elegance. By collaborating with textile experts like Rubelli, he was able to develop flame-retardant yet luxurious fabrics suitable for the demanding hospitality environment. [22:22]

Chad concurs, noting the advancements in performance fabrics that offer both durability and aesthetic appeal. He credits technological innovations and a deeper understanding of structural integrity as key factors that have made sumptuous fabrics more accessible for hospitality projects. [25:49]

Functional Design for Efficiency

Both Roger and Poonam discuss the importance of designing spaces that facilitate smooth operations. Roger elaborates on his collaboration with restaurant staff to optimize traffic flow and service efficiency, ensuring that every element—from kitchen layout to seating arrangements—supports seamless guest experiences. [34:55]

Poonam echoes these sentiments, emphasizing the need for flexibility and anticipating various guest movements to maintain both functionality and aesthetic appeal. [36:16]

Engaging Customers in Retail Spaces

The panel addresses the challenge of creating retail environments that entice customers to visit in an era dominated by online shopping.

Creating Memorable Store Experiences

Chad highlights the significance of thoughtful storefront designs that invite curiosity and encourage exploration. By designing spaces that resemble galleries with minimal yet impactful displays, he believes shoppers are more likely to connect emotionally and make purchases. [29:49]

Poonam adds that personal interactions and unique store atmospheres can differentiate physical retail from online experiences, fostering a sense of connection and community that drives customer loyalty. [30:43]

Hiring and Staffing for Hospitality Design

The conversation shifts to the critical role of hiring skilled staff who can manage the intricate demands of hospitality design.

Identifying the Right Talent

Chad admits the difficulty in hiring individuals with the specialized skills required for hospitality projects. He finds success through referrals and fostering relationships within the industry, ensuring that new hires align with the firm's design philosophy and operational needs. [39:12]

Attention to Detail

Roger emphasizes meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of the design supports both aesthetic and functional goals. He advises aspiring hospitality designers to "assume you know nothing" and invest heavily in research and client understanding to excel in this field. [42:26]

Advice for Designers Entering Hospitality

As the episode draws to a close, each expert offers valuable advice for residential designers considering a leap into hospitality.

• Poonam Khanna advises thorough research on the client's brand and vision, emphasizing the importance of respecting and translating the brand's voice into the design. [40:19]

• Chad Dorsey underscores the balance between creativity and functionality, highlighting the need to anticipate guest movements and ensure every design element serves a practical purpose. [41:19]

• Roger Thomas recommends approaching every project with humility and a willingness to learn, stressing the importance of asking extensive questions and maintaining patience throughout the design process. [41:55]

Additionally, Poonam stresses the necessity of precision in commercial work, advocating for meticulous measurements to ensure seamless execution. [42:28]

Conclusion

Michael Boudreau wraps up the episode by thanking the guests and highlighting the profound insights shared on transitioning into hospitality design. The discussion not only demystifies the complexities involved but also inspires designers to pursue their creative visions while maintaining practicality and brand integrity.

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for interior designers contemplating a move into the vibrant and demanding field of hospitality design. With firsthand experiences and expert advice, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, equipping them with the knowledge to make informed decisions about expanding their professional horizons.