Join host Lorraine Francis on Elevate Hotel Design as she dives into a captivating conversation with Nick Nicola, founder of NOA and veteran architect with over 20 years of experience. Explore Nick’s journey from his early days at Gensler to leading high-end resort projects, including his latest venture — the Montage project in the Bahamas. Discover the challenges and intricacies of island development, storytelling in design, and the lessons from building a luxurious yet sustainable paradise. Tune in to learn about Nick’s entrepreneurial spirit, future expansions, and the art of crafting remarkable hospitality experiences.

00:00 Introduction to Elevate Hotel Design
00:17 Meet Nick Nicola: Entrepreneurial Journey
01:04 Starting NOA: From Vision to Reality
04:24 Challenges and Lessons in Entrepreneurship
05:39 Montage Key Project: A Caribbean Adventure
09:50 Logistics and Construction Challenges
14:51 Sustainability and Community Building
17:05 Storytelling and Design Philosophy
17:54 Embracing the Natural Beauty of the Island
18:35 Architectural Scale and Privacy
19:04 Guest Experience and Arrival
21:36 Expansion in the Caribbean Market
24:41 Design Philosophy and Core Values
26:57 Photography as a Creative Outlet
31:18 Advice for Aspiring Designers
32:57 Favorite Hotels and Hospitality Joy
35:55 Conclusion and Future Projects

In this episode of ELEVATE: Hotel Design, host Lorraine Francis from Cadiz Collaboration discusses the critical importance of water quality in hospitality design with Mike Sale, Director of Home Water Systems at Delta Faucet. With over 70 years in the industry, Delta Faucet has pioneered transformative water interactions across homes and hotels. Mike shares their innovative solutions addressing water quality and sustainability, and enhancing guest experiences. Explore topics like reverse osmosis, water tasting, and the impact of high-quality water systems on wellness. Don't miss this deep dive into the future of hospitality design and how Delta is making a difference in sustainability and wellness.

In this episode of ‘Elevate Hotel Design,’ host Lorraine Francis from Cadiz Collaboration welcomes Rich Levins, Senior Vice President at Fulcrum Hospitality. Rich provides a deep dive into the intricacies of hospitality asset management and development. They discuss significant transformation projects like the conversion of Cambria hotels in Sonoma and Napa into Hilton Tapestry hotels. Rich shares his personal journey from aspiring chef to hospitality expert, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, relationships, and strategic planning in the industry. Additionally, they explore upcoming trends, challenges, and the critical role of thoughtful design and management in elevating the hospitality experience. Tune in to gain valuable insights and hear inspiring stories from the world of hotel design and management.

Join host Lorraine Francis in this episode of ELEVATE: Hotel Design as she delves into the transformative journey of Material Bank with co-founder Farshid Tafazzoli. Discover how Material Bank is revolutionizing the material sourcing process for designers, architects, and vendors through its tech-driven platforms, global expansion, and commitment to sustainability. Learn about their seamless ordering system, extensive data-driven insights, and innovative tools like digital mood boards and centralized sample operations. This episode highlights Material Bank’s role in modernizing the design industry, tackling industry pain points, and offering tailored growth strategies. Tune in to explore the future of design sourcing, the company’s strategic initiatives, and how they’re making the process faster, more efficient, and eco-friendly.

00:00 Welcome to Elevate Hotel Design
00:15 Meet Farshd Tafazzoli from Material Bank
01:10 Farshid’s Journey to Material Bank
03:45 The Role and Evolution of Material Bank
04:47 How Material Bank Works
10:45 Global Expansion and Challenges
15:07 Innovations and Future Plans
25:22 The Popularity of Branded M&Ms
26:08 Leveraging Data for Design Trends
29:41 Supporting Small and Medium Brands
35:46 Sustainability Initiatives
40:25 Innovative Tools for Designers
43:54 Future Outlook and Industry Innovations
48:55 Closing Remarks and Reflections

In this special edition of Elevate Hotel Design, we broadcast live from New York City Fashion Week to explore the intersection of fashion and hotel design. We delve into Brizo’s luxury plumbing fixtures, their collaboration with fashion designer Jason Wu, and their focus on advanced water technology and wellness. Join us for insights from Brizo’s key team members, Emily Mueller, Alex Neff, and Celine Garland, as they share their passion for combining form and function. Explore how the latest trends in design and fashion influence the creation of inspiring spaces. Plus, get a sneak peek into Brizo’s innovative products and their vision for the future of sustainable hotel design. Don’t miss out on our behind-the-scenes bonus content and additional insights from Brizo!

00:00 Introduction to Elevate Hotel Design at NYC Fashion Week
00:25 Exploring the Brizo Brand
01:05 Meet the Brizo Team
01:17 The Brizo and Jason Wu Collaboration
02:12 The Origin of Brizo
07:19 Innovations in Water Technology
18:03 Sustainability and Manufacturing Processes
18:55 The Design Process at Brizo
21:28 Understanding Human Conformity in Daily Routines
22:16 The Importance of Observational Research
22:40 Exploring Global Inspirations and Trends
23:50 Encouraging Creative Empowerment and Self-Expression
26:11 Customization and Innovation in Design
28:11 The Rise of Black Onyx and Other Trends
33:11 The Essence of Traditional Design
36:08 Collaborations and Influences in Modern Design
39:39 Conclusion and Future Insights

Welcome to *ELEVATE: Hotel Design*, your go-to podcast for the latest trends, insights, and innovations in the world of hotel design. Whether you're a hotel owner, developer, or designer, join host Lorraine Francis—an accomplished architect, interior designer, and owner of Cadiz Collaboration—as she delves into transformative design strategies that enhance the guest experience.

In each episode, Lorraine brings you engaging stories from leading industry experts, offering invaluable perspectives that inspire and inform. In today’s episode, we are thrilled to welcome Adam Kubryk, Vice President of Sales at Global Allies and co-founder of Vendor Boot Camp. Adam shares his journey and expertise in hospitality furniture design, discussing how his company revolutionizes hotel interiors with innovative, high-quality solutions. He also introduces Vendor Boot Camp, a platform designed to empower vendors in the competitive hospitality market.

Tune in for a deep dive into the world of hotel design, where creativity meets functionality, and discover how industry leaders like Adam are shaping the future of hospitality.

Welcome to "ELEVATE Hotel Design", the podcast dedicated to exploring the latest trends, innovations, and insights in the dynamic world of hotel design. Hosted by Lorraine Francis, a seasoned architect and interior designer, and owner of Cadiz Collaboration, each episode dives deep into the art and science of creating transformative spaces that enhance the guest experience.

Whether you're a hotel owner, developer, or designer, Elevate Hotel Design is your go-to source for inspiration and expert knowledge. Lorraine brings you compelling conversations with industry leaders, sharing their stories, strategies, and the secrets behind their success.

In this episode, we are excited to welcome Mitch Zerg, founder of Mitch Zerg and Associates, a leading multi-line representative company known for connecting top-tier furniture and design solutions with the hospitality industry. With over 40 years of experience, Mitch has a wealth of knowledge in selecting the finest furniture and lighting for luxury hotels. Join us as we delve into the nuances of hotel furnishings, the evolution of design, and what it takes to create memorable, world-class hotel experiences.

Tune in to discover the passion and expertise that drive the world of hotel design forward!

Join host Lorraine Francis on "ELEVATE: Hotel Design" with guest Adam Marquis, President of Pacifica Hotels, as they explore the intricate world of hotel design and hospitality. Adam delves into the artistry, innovation, and business strategies behind creating exceptional guest experiences.

Embark on a journey through sustainable design and biophilic architecture as Lorraine Francis and Bill Browning share their insights in this engaging discussion. Explore the economic and wellness advantages of biophilic design in hospitality, from integrating natural elements like fractal patterns to crafting serene environments affordably. Discover real-life applications in hotels like Citizen M and a recent hotel project in Austin. Learn about evolving trends in biophilic design and wellness, emphasizing the importance of refuge spaces in reducing stress post-pandemic. Delve into the concept of awe and its impact on mental well-being, alongside personal narratives of awe in nature. Explore their favorite biophilic hotels and their plans for future investments in sustainable projects across diverse locations. Subscribe for more enlightening conversations on biophilic design, sustainability, and wellness!
Terrapin 
https://www.terrapinbrightgreen.com
Cadiz Collaboration
Website: https://www.cadizcollaboration.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cadizcollaboration/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraine-francis-cadizcollaboration/
Volitionists
Website: https://www.volitionists.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/volitionists/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/volitionists/