Defining Hospitality

If you’ve ever gazed across the New York City skyline, you’ve likely admired the work of this week’s guest. His work has defined modern luxury apartments. Please welcome to the show, Chief Design Officer at Extell, Roy Kim!

Roy sits down with Dan to explore his journey in the world of hospitality, and how Extell is leading the world of development. Roy also shares why service outweighs design, the importance of considering the view in the design process, and how to build a team of experts. 

Takeaways: 

• Hospitality has two components, spatial and service. In many cases, the service aspect outweighs design. The way you treat and take care of guests will stay with them longer than the design choices. 
• When choosing amenities for a project, you need to consider two different types. First are common amenities missing from the area, and second are unique amenities that will help draw people to the building. 
• When laying out a building, consider the sequences of spaces that a guest will experience. The flow that a guest takes will combine with the fit and finish to create an overall feeling of a quality space. 
• When designing the layout of a building it’s important to consider the view from each room. Often overlooked in the design process, the view plays a large part in how a resident feels about their apartment. 
• While having consistent room layouts makes operations easier, you may end up with small gaps. Assessing the layouts more individually allows you to maximize your square footage
• A design team does not need to be large to be successful. To maximize the potency of your team, ensure that each employee is an expert. Additionally, all your decision makers need to actually be making decisions. 

Quote of the Show:

• “Without the service there really is no hospitality.” - Roy Kim

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roy-kim-894b284/ 
• Website: https://extell.com/ 

Shout Outs:

• 02:07 - One Manhattan Square: https://onemanhattansquare.com/ 
• 03:45 - Ananda: https://www.anandaspa.com/ 
• 04:32 - Macklemore: https://macklemore.com/ 
• 08:44 - Michael Lindenbaum: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindenbaummichael/ 
• 09:52 - The Alden at 225 Central Park West
• 09:57 - Roman and Williams: https://www.romanandwilliams.com/ 
• 10:44 - Gary Barnett
• 11:46 - Meyer Davis: https://www.meyerdavis.com/ 
• 11:50 - Gray Davis
• 11:51 - Will Meyer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-meyer-7685677/ 
• 14:40 - Park Hyatt NYC: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/new-york/park-hyatt-new-york/nycph 
• 14:44 - Hyatt Times Square: https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-centric/nycts-hyatt-centric-times-square 
• 15:09 - One57: https://one57.com/ 
• 15:38 - La Palestra: https://www.lapalestra.com/index.php 
• 31:20 - Rockwell: https://www.rockwellgroup.com/ 
• 34:07 - The Orion: https://www.theorion42condo.com/ 
• 48:07 - University of British Columbia: https://www.ubc.ca/
• 49:28 - Patricia & John Patkau https://www.patkau.ca/ 

Ways to Tune In: 

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPX
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1s
• Amazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

Joining the podcast this week is the force behind some of IHG’s most dynamic brands. She’s a hospitality veteran who works to create seamless end-to-end guest experiences. Meet Karen Gilbride, Vice President of Avid Hotels, Atwell Suites, and Garner Hotels at IHG. 

Karen joins Host Dan Ryan to explore IHG’s newest brand Garner, and the design philosophy behind it. Additionally, Karen shares the power that mentorship programs can have, the nuances of designing for staff and employees, and how to build a brand. 

Takeaways: 

• Hospitality is the feeling you get when you visit someone's house and feel welcomed and cared for. Everyday the hospitality industry works to make you feel like you’re visiting a close friend when you stop by a hotel.
• While new construction suits a lot of owners, there is a need to provide owners with a conversion pathway as well. By taking existing properties, owners can update old buildings and save on cost
• When designing a hotel room, starting with foam core helps you get an initial feel for the size and shape of the room. Once you have that established, consider where the furniture goes, and how the guests will flow through the room. 
• When building a brand you have two customers to think about. First is the guest who may check in on a given night, the second is the owner. If you can’t get an owner to invest in the brand, there won’t be a hotel for a guest to check in to. 
• When picking furniture for a hotel, it’s important to not only consider the guest, but the hotel staff who have to interact with it as well. If a side table looks nice, but is too heavy to move, it quickly becomes an obstacle to clean around. 
• Any guest experience is about attention to details and understanding what your standards are. If you’re only going to do 5 main things, understand what they are, and execute them to perfection.
• Having a strong foundation of people is crucial for any business, but doubly so in hospitality. Through mentoring programs, new and rising talent can be recognized, and given the resources they need to flourish. 

Quote of the Show:

• “I realized that it really is about high attention to detail and standards, being clear about what the standards are, training people against it, and then executing.” - Karen Gilbride

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-gilbride-379b976/ 
• Website: https://www.ihg.com/garner-hotels/hotels/us/en/reservation 
• Website: https://www.ihg.com/hotels/us/en/reservation 

Shout Outs:

• 6:37 - Intercontinental Park Lane London: https://parklane.intercontinental.com/ 
• 7:20 - Scott Norwood
• 7:28 - New York Giants: https://www.giants.com/ 
• 9:58 - Candlewood Suites: https://www.ihg.com/candlewood/hotels/us/en/reservation 
• 16:48 - Kimpton Hotels: https://www.kimptonhotels.com/
• 31:59 - Cornell: https://www.cornell.edu/ 
• 36:22 - Crowne Plaza: https://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/reservation 
• 37:22 - Fordham University: https://www.fordham.edu/ 
• 57:00 - Holiday Inn: https://www.holidayinn.com/ 
• 1:01:00 - Statler Hotel: https://statlerhotel.cornell.edu/ 

Ways to Tune In: 

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPX
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1s
• Amazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

Joining the show this week are Co-Founders with a focus on bringing experiential and sustainable accommodations to the outdoors. Please welcome to the show, Co-Founders of Castle Peak Holdings, and Co-Founders of Trailborn, Michael Weiss and Ben Weinberg!

Mike, Ben, and Dan sit down to discuss the story behind Trailborn, and the importance of authenticity. Mike and Ben share the need to stay vertically integrated, the ways to cut through the fog, and how to make your hotels feel like a part of the natural landscape. 

Takeaways: 

• The hospitality business is the memory making business. Every experience should be focused on authentically creating memories that guests will take with them for the rest of their lives. 
• Hospitality is about making people feel effortlessly taken care of. Through an understanding of who the guest is, you can prepare for their needs, ensuring a feeling of magic when the guest arrives. 
• When your backdrop is the Rockies or Arches National Parks, your hotels should feel like a part of the landscape. Working with local design firms to imbue the aesthetic of the area into the hotel creates a unique experience for your guests tied to that location. 
• Designing thoughtfully and beautifully revolves around meeting the needs and wants of a guest. While this may not be the strictly most profitable strategy, having rounded amenities creates guests that want to come back. 
• Fog in business is unavoidable. Rather than getting lost, you need to provide clarity. Assess the problem, have the right tools and processes in place, and work towards a concrete solution, even if it takes time. 
• When managing a hotel, instilling trust is the most important thing you can do. Your guests need to trust that you will deliver on what you promised and your team needs to trust that you will maintain your vision. 
• Vertical integration in this market is essential to operation. By owning all operations, it allows you to align the guest experience with what you promise, and it holds you accountable by removing any potential blame of 3rd parties. 

Quote of the Show:

• “When we think about design, it's not just the physical design of the space, it's the design of the entire experience.” - Mike
• “Self awareness and humility is critical to winning in hospitality.” - Ben

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikedweiss/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-weinberg-29644156/  
• Company website: https://www.staytrailborn.com/  
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staytrailborn/  

Shout Outs:

• 7:34 - Goldman Sachs: https://www.goldmansachs.com/ 
• 9:06 - Estes Park: https://www.visitestespark.com/ 
• 9:09 - Rocky Mountain National Park: https://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm 
• 12:48 - Theodore Roosevelt
• 13:48 - Ken Burns: https://kenburns.com/ 
• 20:07 - Colorado Cherry Company: https://www.coloradocherrycompany.com/ 
• 20:13 - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/ 
• 33:23 - Warren Buffett
• 44:13 - Deutsche Bank: https://www.db.com/ 
• 44:37 - ALIS: https://www.burba.com/ALIS 

Ways to Tune In: 

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPX
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1s
• Amazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

This week’s guest specializes in working with local governments to help bring projects to completion. With over 30 years of experience, he knows how to help cities and counties develop crucial assets. Welcome to the show, Chief Development Officer and Head of Design and Construction at Garfield Public/ Private, Steve Galbreath!

Steve joins Host Dan Ryan to discuss the ways a hotel can impact a local community. Steve shares why a hotel serves more than just its guests, the methods to use a hotel to benefit small businesses, and the nuances of working with city governments. 

Takeaways: 

• At its core, hospitality is about making spaces for people. However, it doesn’t revolve around just the customer. Hospitality needs to focus on the whole community, the city, and the workers. 
• Before putting in a new hotel, it’s important to have a thorough plan based on market research. If there are other hotels in the area, it’s crucial to understand how your project will intertwine with what is currently in place.  
• For many counties, a well thought out hotel can be a major tourist attraction. To pull off a project successfully requires an intimate understanding of the town’s needs, and a connection to key players in the hospitality industry. 
• When working with local governments on a project, contract lengths are often longer than a given official holds office. Maintaining a good relationship as positions change hands is crucial to the success of a project. 
• The job of a hotel is not just to house guests, but to prop up other businesses as well. As travelers come in, they will visit bars and restaurants downtown. Planning location accordingly helps weave the hotel into the fabric of the city. 
• A great way to get a hotel's profitability up and running is to start booking businesses at a local convention center as soon as you start breaking ground. By starting early, you ensure the hotel doesn’t sit underutilized for the first few months. 
• An exciting aspect of the hospitality industry is to see staff grow and evolve within the industries. Most brands want to grow their talent and it’s common for a bartender or room manager to become a GM 10 years down the line. 

Quote of the Show:

• “We're not in the business of convincing people to do these projects. We're in the business of helping them do it when they've got the resolve to do it.” - Steve Galbreath

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephengalbreath/ 
• Website: https://garfieldpublicprivate.com/ 

Shout Outs:

• 4:48 - Abilene DoubleTree: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/abidtdt-doubletree-abilene-downtown-convention-center/ 
• 4:54 - Weston Irving: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/daliw-the-westin-irving-convention-center-at-las-colinas/overview/ 
• 4:57 - Hyatt Regency Conroe: https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-US/iahrc-hyatt-regency-conroe 
• 5:00 - Hyatt Regency Baytown: https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/iahrb-hyatt-regency-baytown-houston 
• 8:10 - RTKL: https://www.callisonrtkl.com/ 
• 8:12 - Sheraton San Juan: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sjusi-sheraton-puerto-rico-resort-and-casino/overview/ 
• 8:19 - Jerry Faley
• 8:30 - The Diplomat Fort Lauderdale: https://www.diplomatresort.com/ 
• 9:45 - Carl Long: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-long-pmi/ 
• 10:52 - Overton Lubbock: https://www.overtonhotel.com/ 
• 10:55 - Texas Tech University: https://www.ttu.edu/ 
• 17:27 - ExxonMobil: https://www.exxon.com/en 
• 17:28 - Chevron: https://www.chevron.com/sustainability 
• 21:02 - Abilene Convention Center Hotel Corporation
• 28:10 - Perini Ranch: https://www.periniranch.com/ 
• 34:00 - Jefferson City, MO: https://www.jeffersoncitymo.gov/ 
• 34:41 - Robert Hanna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-hanna-536a192/ 
• 53:53 - Toyota Music Factory: https://www.toyotamusicfactory.com/ 
• 1:01:34 - Conrad Hilton
• 1:03:23 - Buddy Holly Hall: https://www.buddyhollyhall.com/ 

Ways to Tune In: 

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPX
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1s
• Amazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

Joining the show this week is a partner who enjoys helping people disrupt the hospitality space, and who has represented billions of dollars in acquisitions. Please welcome to the show, Partner and Co-Leader of the Hospitality Industry Team at Baker Hostetler, Jeff Diener!

Jeff sits down with Dan Ryan to discuss the role of a partner in the hospitality industry. Jeff shares tips for partners who are looking to emulate his skills in the industry, the importance of spending time with your clients to learn about them, and what the future holds for property investments. 

Takeaways: 

• At its core, hospitality is about providing someone with customized service. It involves creating the right combination of satisfaction, comfort, security and enthusiasm for each individual client. 
• Understanding the value of relationships and collaboration in the hospitality industry can lead to more successful outcomes. Embracing a service-oriented mindset is crucial for anyone looking to thrive in the world of hospitality.
• When negotiating deals for smaller clients, you are typically negotiating on their behalf, whereas with large clients you are negotiating with them. Understanding what a brand cares about and how to get them on board are integral skills. 
• One of the most important things you can do with your client is spend time with them in both formal and informal settings. As you spend time together, you better understand what matters to your clients, and can speed up further aspects of the project. 
• Looking towards the future of deals that are yet to come, many owners are buying properties and wanting to make adjustments. When working with owners, understand the story they are trying to convey, to help them make the necessary changes. 
• Investing in real estate requires a shift in mindset post-COVID, where traditional assets like offices and multifamily properties may not always guarantee returns. Diversifying across asset classes can be key to maximizing returns in the current market.
• Embrace market turbulence as an opportunity for growth and value creation when looking at properties. Stay informed, stay prepared, and capitalize on deals to thrive in a dynamic environment.

Quote of the Show:

• “It's getting more and more involved in their business, and that's where the joy is.” - Jeff Diener

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-diener-0132564/ 
• Website: https://www.bakerlaw.com/ 

Shout Outs:

• 3:38 - Cornell: https://www.cornell.edu/ 
• 10:59 - W Union Square: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/nycnu-w-new-york-union-square/experiences/ 
• 11:03 - Marriott: https://www.marriott.com/default.mi 
• 13:11 - ULI European Hospitality Council: https://europe.uli.org/ 
• 20:21 - Hilton: https://www.hilton.com/ 
• 26:46 - Ohana Real Estate Investors: https://ohanare.com/ 
• 26:55 - Peter Fischer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-fischer-438ba97/ 
• 30:42 - Chuck Feeney
• 30:47 - Warren Buffett
• 30:50 - Bill Gates
• 30:53 - Duty Free Shopping: www.dfs.com 
• 30:58 - Atlantic Philanthropies: https://www.atlanticphilanthropies.org/ 
• 31:58 - Bob Goldman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-goldman-13986812/ 
• 33:03 - Homewood Ski Resort: https://www.skihomewood.com/ 
• 35:02 - Apple: https://www.apple.com/ 
• 35:23 - Tiffany’s: https://www.tiffany.com/ 
• 40:03 - ALIS: https://www.burba.com/ALIS 
• 46:32 - The Peninsula Hotels: https://www.peninsula.com/en/default 
• 55:32 - Adam Smith
• 1:02:48 - BakerHostetler: https://www.bakerlaw.com 
• 1:03:08 - Christie Pink: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cpink449/ 
• 1:03:10 - Ritz Carlton: https://www.ritzcarlton.com/ 
• 1:04:08 - Horst Schulze: https://www.linkedin.com/in/horstschulze/ 
• 1:07:08 - Keith Brennan

Ways to Tune In: 

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPX
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1s
• Amazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

Our guest this week is a global design and development leader who excels at hospitality. With over 25 years of experience, he helps developers and owners turn their vision into reality. Joining us is Principal at DW Design Strategy, Dan Welborn!

Dan and Host Dan Ryan chat about his journey into the hospitality industry. Dan dives into what it takes to be a good leader, the importance of aligning decisions with business goals, strategies for getting unstuck, and why as a solo practitioner you’re selling yourself everyday.

Takeaways: 

• Hospitality is about blending all aspects of design into one. You are combining residential, guest rooms, office space, and convention spaces. In hospitality you get to create a building with one unified experience. 
• While planning is critical for any project's success, it doesn’t happen as often as it should. Before implementing a PIP, take time to review and assess if everything is necessary. Having a tight plan to send to designers results in a better finished product. 
• Knowing your goals from both a personal and business perspective will help you make better decisions. When deciding to pursue a project, attend a conference, or shift directions, aligning those decisions with your goals creates better outcomes. 
• As a sole proprietor, you are selling not only your business, but yourself as well. What matters most to clients is how you make them feel, and every interaction you have with your clients is a reflection of the work you do and who you are. 
• Effective leadership in project management requires setting the tone early and ensuring continuous course corrections. It is crucial to actively engage with clients throughout the project and prioritize being present until the very end for a successful outcome.
• When faced with a project deadlock, bringing in a fresh perspective and facilitating group discussions can help in finding innovative solutions. Utilizing visual tools like mind mapping can aid in visual problem-solving and spark creativity among team members.
• The key to successful collaboration is openness and a willingness to explore solutions together, regardless of their size or experience. Embracing constraints and challenges in projects leads to innovative design solutions that wouldn't be possible in ideal scenarios.

Quote of the Show:

• “I love a difficult, highly constrained project and problem to solve.” - Dan Welborn

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwelborn/ 
• Website: https://dwdesignstrategy.com/dw-design-strategy 

Shout Outs:

• 5:32 - Georgia Tech: https://www.gatech.edu/ 
• 7:24 - Gensler: https://www.gensler.com/ 
• 12:35 - Royal Caribbean: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/
• 14:45 - Gettys: https://www.gettys.com/  
• 17:58 - Roger Hill: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerghill/ 
• 22:35 - Art Wilde: https://www.linkedin.com/in/artwilde/ 
• 26:42 - Warren Buffett
• 48:22 - New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/ 
• 52:50 - Thomas Jefferson University: https://www.jefferson.edu/index.html 

Ways to Tune In: 

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPX
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1s
• Amazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

Our guest this week is a designer who treats each project as a chance to innovate. He’s worked across the globe on hotel, restaurant, and office projects. Please welcome to the show, Principal and Studio Leader at Rockwell Group, Brad Zuger!

Host Dan Ryan joins Brad at the Rockwell office in New York to discuss some of the recent projects the firm has been involved in. Brad shares the importance of having passion, the best ways to design with curiosity, and why Rockwell has a strong focus on incorporating wellness into the projects they design. 

Takeaways: 

• Hospitality is about making meaningful connections and indulging in people's curiosity for life. Craft narratives, prompt curiosity, and create spaces that make people want to connect and return.
• Consider how personal narratives can inspire unique experiences and meaningful connections within a space. Understanding the client's vision and creating innovative entry points can lead to transformative dining experiences.
• Design decisions should be made with depth of curiosity, allowing for interpretations that spark conversation and connection with spaces. Embrace layers of discovery in design to create rich and engaging experiences that invite people to return.
• The key to creativity lies in embracing risks and individuality, while finding purpose in meaningful work. Embrace risks, celebrate individuality, and find purpose in your work to make a meaningful impact.
• An often overlooked design element is dynamic change. Through a change in layout and lighting, a space can serve multiple purposes and engage with customers in multiple instances throughout the day. 
• Wellness encompasses more than just physical well-being; it also involves mental revitalization and meaningful connections with others, which are crucial for overall wellness and cognitive health as we age
• To improve engagement and attract people to office spaces, consider redefining shared spaces based on common interests. Emphasize creating a sense of community through innovative design elements and versatile spaces that facilitate connections.

Quote of the Show:

• “How could we think about this whole restaurant experience in a new way?” - Brad Zuger

Links:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bzuger/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-zuger-aia-7151321/ 
• Website: https://www.rockwellgroup.com/ 

Shout Outs:

• 4:21 - USC: https://www.usc.edu/ 
• 4:28 - Howards End
• 5:43 - W Union Square: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/nycnu-w-new-york-union-square/overview/ 
• 5:45 - Seahorse
• 5:53 - Coqodaq: https://www.coqodaq.com/ 
• 7:54 - Simon Kim: https://www.instagram.com/simonkimnyc/?hl=en 
• 8:16 - COTE: https://www.cotekoreansteakhouse.com/ 
• 21:44 - John McDonald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mcdonald-2b22b8151/ 
• 21:48 - Mercer Street Hospitality: https://www.mercerstreethospitality.com/ 
• 21:50 - Lure Fishbar: https://www.lurefishbar.com/ 
• 35:24 - Philip Johnson
• 36:42 - The Olayan Group: https://olayan.com/ 
• 39:56 - Assouline: www.assouline.com 
• 44:38 - Naftali Group: https://naftaligroup.com/ 
• 44:46 - JEM: https://thejem.com/ 
• 48:53 - Miki Naftali: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikinaftali/ 
• 55:24 - Greg Keffer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-keffer-aia-leed-04aa101b/ 
• 1:01:13 - David Rockwell

Ways to Tune In: 

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPX
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1s
• Amazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

Joining the show this week is someone who rejects normality in his pursuit to disrupt the hospitality industry, and who uses hospitality as a tool for preservation. Please welcome to the show, Author of the book “More Escapism”, and Director of Bensley Studios, Bill Bensley!

Bill sits down with Host Dan Ryan for an enlightening conversation on the intersection between hospitality and conservation. Bill shares the importance of understanding the natural site you’re building on, the benefit to training a local talent pool, and how his paintings build houses. Bill also shares some of the work the Shinta Mani Foundation has done including building over 150 houses and 1800 water wells, and funding local conservation projects. 

Takeaways: 

• Hospitality involves sharing the deep knowledge of a place through architecture and design. A good project should always reflect the culture and the environment in which it is based. 
• While much of hospitality is focused on sharing new experiences, it also needs to be focused on protecting the local environments. Through the revenue generated at a hotel, conservation programs should be put in place. 
• Understanding the idiosyncrasies of natural sites is key to successful projects. Embracing and respecting Mother Nature's beauty is crucial in landscape and architectural design.
• Budget is a key component of any project, and when clients come in with big dreams, balancing those two desires can be tricky. To alleviate this, strong communication allows you to educate clients on what can realistically be achieved
• The best way to learn about a site is to physically  spend time there before you start designing. By sketching on site, you get new perspectives and up close details that may not be accounted for on a first pass render. 
• If you are building a hotel in an area with a limited talent pool, training local citizens is a strong strategy. This approach both develops a local workforce for the hotel, and offers local communities the chance to learn new skills and find employment. 

Quote of the Show:

• “Even though I'm a pretty darn good architect, no matter what I put on that site, it's never gonna be as good as what Mother Nature has already given us.” - Bill Bensley

Links:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billbensley/?hl=en 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-bensley-336984b3/ 
• Website: https://www.bensley.com/ 
• Website: https://shintamanifoundation.org/ 
• Book Link: https://thamesandhudson.com/more-escapism-hotels-resorts-and-gardens-around-the-world-by-bill-bensley-9780500024683 

Shout Outs:

• 04:20 - Shinta Mani Wild: https://shintamani.com/wild/ 
• 07:50 - Cal Poly Pomona: https://www.cpp.edu/ 
• 08:05 - Intercontinental Danang: https://www.danang.intercontinental.com/ 
• 08:06 - JW Marriott Phu Quoc: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/pqcjw-jw-marriott-phu-quoc-emerald-bay-resort-and-spa/overview/ 
• 08:08 - Rosewood Luang Prabang: https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/luang-prabang 
• 15:57 - Capella Ubud: https://capellahotels.com/en/capella-ubud 
• 18:31 - Coleman: https://www.coleman.com/ 
• 23:29 - Shinta Mani Mustang: https://shintamani.com/mustang/ 
• 23:58 - Conde Nast: https://www.condenast.com/ 
• 25:27 - Hôtel de la Paix
• 26:40 - Park Hyatt Siem Reap: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/cambodia/park-hyatt-siem-reap/repph 
• 28:58 - MOCA Bangkok: https://mocabangkok.com/about-us/ 
• 31:58 - Shinta Mani Foundation: https://shintamanifoundation.org/ 
• 37:32 - Baker Furniture: https://www.bakerfurniture.com/ 
• 38:04 - Restoration Hardware: https://rh.com/us/en/ 
• 38:18 - Jim Thompson: https://www.jimthompson.com/en 
• 38:39 - High Point Market: https://www.highpointmarket.org/ 
• 44:36 - Jim Thompson House: https://jimthompsonhouse.org/ 

Ways to Tune In: 

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPX
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1s
• Amazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

Joining the show this week is a talented multi-disciplinary designer with over 25 years managing a variety of projects. As a designer, she’s led teams through the full life of a project. Our guest this week is none other than the Managing Director at AvroKO’s Miami Studio, Kimberly Jackson!

In a candid conversation with Host Dan Ryan, Kimberly shares her insights about her journey in the field of design and hospitality. She sheds light on her practice of incorporating "hospitable thinking" into all of the spaces she designs, highlighting the aspects of security, surprise, significance, and synergy, and emphasizes the role of diversity in the industry.

Takeaways: 

• Hospitality extends beyond mere spaces like hotels and restaurants, and is fundamentally a mindset. It revolves around how we interact with everyone around us, including friends, family, colleagues, bosses, and employees. 
• The concept of hospitable thinking revolves around four key elements: security, surprise, significance, and synergy. It is important to create spaces that make guests feel comfortable, delighted, and important.
• Pushing boundaries and surprising both guests and the ownership team is a key aspect of innovative projects. Incorporating unexpected elements and layering them into the design process will drive innovation and shape future designs.
• Collaboration between the interior design team and the brand bureau is crucial in creating a cohesive narrative and strategy for each design. By combining their expertise, they can develop a unified vision that incorporates both spatial and branding elements.
• When crafting a spatial-heavy brand, it is important to set up a cohesive brand identity across all spaces. If a brand focuses on individuality, it is advisable to create unique and hospitable spaces that complement the brand without overshadowing it.
• The Hospitality Diversity Action Council (HDAC) was formed to create a more diverse hospitality industry at all levels. By embracing diversity, the industry can craft more hospitable spaces where everyone feels comfortable.
• Ensuring security in a space involves more than just the physical layout, such as not placing people in high-traffic areas. It also means creating an environment where all the elements work together seamlessly, providing comfort for everyone involved.

Quote of the Show:

• “What is it about this project that is going to push the boundary a little bit? That's going to surprise the guest?” - Kimberly Jackson

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-jackson-aia-noma-11215a8a/ 
• Website: https://www.avroko.com/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avroko/?hl=en 

Shout Outs:

• 15:50 - Brand Bureau: https://www.brandbureau.com/ 
• 21:32 - Danny Meyer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhmeyer/ 
• 27:56 - Hospitality Diversity Action Council: http://www.wearehdac.org/ 
• 28:35 - Stacy Shoemaker Rauen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-shoemaker-rauen-766b253/ 
• 29:34 - HD Expo: https://hdexpo.hospitalitydesign.com/ 
• 29:35 - BDNY: https://bdny.com/ 
• 37:06 - Saxon and Parole
• 38:02 - Madame Geneva
• 38:05 - Ghost Donkey: https://www.ghostdonkey.com/ 
• 39:20 - MIT: https://www.mit.edu/ 
• 42:18 - William Harris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-harris-901b1b139/ 
• 42:19 - Kristina O'Neal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinao1/ 
• 42:19 - Adam Farmerie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-farmerie-a6a7b5a1/ 
• 42:20 - Greg Bradshaw
• 46:57 - Mike McCall
• 54:05 - Tory Schenkkan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tory-schenkkan-82b39812/ 

Ways to Tune In: 

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPX
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1s
• Amazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

On this episode of Defining Hospitality we’re shining a spotlight on the work of a previous guest and fellow hospitality podcaster. Josiah Mackenzie is the publisher of Hotel Operations, and the host and writer of the Hospitality Daily podcast and blog. We’re excited to share a recent episode from his podcast where he interviewed Chip Conley, Founder and CEO at Modern Elder Academy.

Takeaway: 

• In an environment like AirBNB where there is a lack of real time feedback, exit surveys for guests are important. By collecting this feedback, Chip was able to help hosts improve their offerings to guests. 

Links:

• Hospitality Daily Podcast: https://podcast.hospitalitydaily.com/ 
• Original Episode: https://podcast.hospitalitydaily.com/chip-conley-airbnb/ 
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChipConley 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chipconleysf/ 
• Website: https://chipconley.com/ 
• Book Link: https://chipconley.com/my-books/ 

Shout Outs:

• 04:21 - Brian Chesky: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianchesky/ 
• 09:05 - PEAK: https://a.co/d/0Bw4n9N 

Ways to Tune In: 

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPX
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1s
• Amazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419