Hospitality Design Talks

In this first episode of the Aura Gardens series, Rachel sits down with co owner RJ Fernandez to trace the roots of his hospitality story all the way back to a family steakhouse in Chino and Temecula.

RJ was literally raised in a restaurant doing homework in booths, falling asleep on stacks of bread in the kitchen, and watching guests become extended family. Along the way, his family walked through profound loss and still chose to keep the doors open and the community fed.

This is not just a restaurant story. It is a story about how hospitality holds people through birthdays, funerals, first dates, and every messy in between.

In this episode, you will hear about

• How RJ’s grandparents and parents built a beloved community steakhouse that became a true neighborhood gathering place
• The origin of Tony's Spunky Steer and how it evolved into RJ Sizzle and Steer in Temecula and Murrieta
• What it was like for RJ’s mom to suddenly be a young widow and single mother while running a busy restaurant
• How staff, regulars, and family rallied around RJ and his mom after his father’s death and other family tragedies
• RJ’s childhood memories of living inside the restaurant world from homework in booths to bussing tables with an apron down to his toes
• The way guests and team members became chosen family across generations
• Why RJ sees hospitality as something far deeper than food and beverage
• How restaurants hold life’s biggest moments from celebrations and proposals to grief filled gatherings after a loss
• RJ’s reflections on service as a way of caring for people and how he discovered his own gift for connection and story
• The influence of his mom’s leadership style and her commitment to caring for staff as her why for staying in the business
• How culinary school gave RJ a new lens on the kitchen while confirming that his truest passion is people and experience

This episode is for you if

• You are an owner operator who wants your restaurant to feel like a true community hub
• You are re thinking what hospitality really means for your concept and your team
• You are a designer or creative who wants to understand the emotional layers inside a legacy restaurant brand
• You are craving a reminder that the spaces you build and run can genuinely change how people move through life events

Next up in the Aura Gardens series

In part two, RJ shares how this legacy collided with burnout, the chaos of the global shutdown, and the choice to step into a new vision with his cousin Andrew that eventually became Aura Gardens.

Follow the show and tap subscribe so you do not miss the next chapter of this story.

Follow Aura Gardens in Instagram

Connect with Rachel Larraine

Website

Instagram

Interior Design Services

Want more guidance from me? Sign up to appear on the Holistic Hospitality Design Podcast for a design audit. You can book your design audit here.

In this episode of Hospitality Design Talks, designer and host Rachel Larraine Crawford breaks down why hiring an interior designer isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s a core business strategy for hospitality owners. From saving time and avoiding costly mistakes, to translating your brand into a sensory guest experience, Rachel shares the top reasons bringing a designer onto your team can directly impact your revenue, reviews, and repeat guests.

She also pulls back the curtain on one of her recent projects, Aura Gardens, where she designed the brand and the space from the inside out, down to custom watercolor wallpaper and bespoke table colors, all aligned with the guest experience and the owner’s vision.

If you’ve been wondering whether working with a designer is “worth it,” this is your sign.

Links:

Newsletter – Behind the Veil

Secrets, musings, and design magic—straight to your inbox.

Work With Rachel - Design inquiries + consultations: [email protected]

Follow along: @tigerveil

I want to hear from you! My ‘Ask a Designer’ Hotline is open. Have a question about food service design, kitchen efficiency, or creating intentional hospitality spaces? Leave me a voice message, and I might feature your question in an upcoming episode.

🎙 Speakpipe Link Here: https://speakpipe.com/HHD

• Let’s Continue the Conversation: Share your biggest takeaway and tag me—I’d love to hear how this episode resonated with you.
• Subscribe so you never miss an episode on holistic hospitality and intentional design.
• Leave a review—your feedback supports the show and helps more people discover it.

This week, I’m taking you behind the veil of a real-time project: a 3,000-sq-ft, family-run Brazilian steakhouse in San Diego’s Gaslamp. After smoke and water damage from last year’s fire, the owners asked us to refresh on a very tight budget—without losing legacy. We’re building a nature-forward concept inspired by butterfly wings, jungle softness, and river ripples to attract a younger, social-sharing guest while honoring the founder’s story. You’ll hear how we’re sequencing high-impact moves (starting with “crystal cave” restrooms), reusing what we can (table bases, lighting locations), and designing zones with intentional lighting, textures, and screens to create mystery and flow. If you want to see the visuals, hop on the Behind the Veil newsletter.

What you’ll learn

• How to build a concept from a single heritage artifact (and make it feel intentional, not theme-y).
• Budget-savvy upgrades: large-format tile, prefab counters, selective lacquer, and zone-specific sconces.
• How to handle immovable elements at the entrance (hello, salad/hot bar) with screening and lighting.
• Restroom strategies that elevate guest experience and inclusivity (family-friendly layouts).
• Practical ways to use lighting and soft dividers to create flow, intimacy, and discoverability.

Links

• Join the newsletter: Behind the Veil Secrets, musings, and design magic await in your inbox.
• Work with Rachel: Design inquiries + consultations [email protected]
• Instagram: @tigerveil

Hospitality isn’t just about food and service — it’s about the feeling you create, the stories you tell, and the communities you bring together. In this episode of Hospitality Design Talks, I’m joined by the brilliant and soulful Alex Ott, founder of Chrome City and the force behind The Blank Table.

Alex shares her unexpected journey from bottle service in Chicago to building a boutique creative agency that serves some of the most impactful hospitality brands. Her work goes beyond branding — it’s about creating immersive experiences that leave guests feeling seen, connected, and inspired.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Why storytelling is the secret sauce of standout hospitality brands
• How to craft meaningful guest experiences from concept to execution
• Designing with intention (and why aesthetics alone won’t cut it anymore)
• What every restaurant owner should consider before opening their doors
• Alex’s thoughts on event curation, partnership strategy, and soul-aligned branding
• Plus: The surprising role spirituality and wellness play in her creative process

This episode is a must-listen for:

• Hospitality pros creating new concepts
• Designers and creatives shaping physical experiences
• Anyone building a brand that wants to lead with story, not just style

Connect with Alex:

Website: https://www.alexandriaott.com

Email: [email protected]

instagram.com/alexvott

Podcast Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/6NizPhB5FLP22OdTX0qEKf?si=c448a091b5d84aab 

Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/@Wildxwisepod

Connect with Rachel:

[email protected]

tigerveil.com

instagram.com/tigerveil

Food service design is more than just kitchens—it’s about user experience, efficiency, and innovation.

In this episode, I’m joined by Ryan Mikita, principal and partner at Ricca Design Studios, to explore the intersection of hospitality, kitchen design, and holistic consulting. Ryan shares his unexpected journey from aspiring actor to leading food service design consultant, offering insights into how thoughtful planning, collaboration, and industry trends are shaping the future of hospitality spaces.

We dive into the evolving role of open kitchens, how automation and innovative equipment are revolutionizing restaurant efficiency, and why commercial laundry and waste management play a crucial role in a well-rounded design approach. Ryan also opens up about the importance of personal connections, work-life balance, and staying grounded in a fast-paced industry.

Your space should work for you, not against you. Whether you’re designing a restaurant, healthcare facility, or commercial space, the right approach to food service design can enhance both operations and guest experience.

Website: https://www.ricca.com/

Ryan Mikita | LinkedIn

Email: [email protected]

About Ryan Mikita:

Ryan got his start in foodservice like many do, he started out as a server in a bustling New York City restaurant in Times Square. Since that time, Ryan has gone from working in operations to planning and designing for complex construction projects for clients in New York City and all over the world.

A creative problem solver at his roots, Ryan attended the University of Hartford’s Hartt School where he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Following nearly a decade of working in and around New York City’s finest establishments, Ryan stepped into a design role at Patina Restaurant Group. In this role, Ryan managed the design & construction process for nearly every single PRG construction project—design-build, phased construction, renovations, and routine maintenance.

Ryan was often responsible for defining the initial scope of projects, fielding/evaluating vendor proposals, and ultimately managing each project from the beginning all the way through to construction, permitting, and close-out. He was also typically the central point-of-contact for the project team—designers, engineers, contractors/vendors, landlords, the health department and government agencies, all in addition to internal stakeholders and executives.

Ryan joined Ricca Design Studios in 2018 and leads Ricca’s New York City studio from Pittsburgh. He brings operational expertise, creative solutions and detail-oriented project management to all projects—those in New York City, the rest of the US, or across International waters.

I want to hear from you! My ‘Ask a Designer’ Hotline is open. Have a question about food service design, kitchen efficiency, or creating intentional hospitality spaces? Leave me a voice message, and I might feature your question in an upcoming episode.

🎙 Speakpipe Link Here: https://speakpipe.com/HHD

• Let’s Continue the Conversation: Share your biggest takeaway and tag me—I’d love to hear how this episode resonated with you.
• Subscribe so you never miss an episode on holistic hospitality and intentional design.
• Leave a review—your feedback supports the show and helps more people discover it.

Spring is a season of renewal, a time to clear out the old and welcome in fresh energy. But with Mercury and Venus in retrograde, things might feel a little off—communication may be misaligned, decision-making could feel clouded, and relationships, both personal and professional, might be under review.

In this episode, I’m sharing ten powerful spring cleaning rituals designed to help you reset your space, realign your energy, and make the most of this potent time. Whether you’re looking to declutter your physical environment, set clearer intentions, or create a more energetically aligned business, these simple yet effective steps will help you feel more grounded, clear, and in flow.

• How the Mercury and Venus retrogrades are influencing your space, mindset, and energy right now
• Why decluttering and deep cleaning can create immediate shifts in your productivity and well-being
• How to use sound, scent, and natural elements to elevate the energy in your home or business
• A simple practice to set intentions daily and keep your space aligned with your goals

Your space holds energy. When you clear it with intention, you make room for more clarity, creativity, and aligned opportunities. Let’s embrace this season of renewal together.

I want to hear from you. My ‘Ask a Designer’ Hotline is now open! If you have a design dilemma or need advice on creating a high-vibe space, leave me a voice message, and I might feature it in an upcoming episode.

Speakpipe Link Here: https://speakpipe.com/HHD

• If you try one of these spring cleaning rituals, let me know how it goes! Share your experience and tag me so I can celebrate with you.
• Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes designed to help you create intentional, high-vibe spaces.
• If you found this helpful, leave a review—your support means the world and helps others find the show.

• Book your Free 20-Minute Design Audit.
• Learn more about my design services.
• Submit your design question via SpeakPipe.
• Follow me on Instagram.
• Visit my website.

What does it take to create a space that truly supports transformation and well-being? In this episode, I sit down with Tonia to talk about the power of intentional environments, the energy behind movement, and the role of community in building a wellness-centered business.

Tonia shares her journey from corporate life to the wellness world and how she manifested her new Pilates studio by trusting the process—even when the next steps weren’t clear. She brings a unique perspective to movement and energy, blending Pilates with sound healing, breathwork, and intentional design to create an elevated experience for her clients.

This conversation is for you if you’re:

1. Curious about how space and energy impact wellness and creativity
2. Navigating a career shift into something more aligned
3. Interested in manifestation and taking bold steps forward
4. Looking for ways to integrate breathwork, sound healing, and movement into your daily life

We also explore the importance of building community, personalizing the wellness experience, and simply asking for what you want—because you never know what opportunities might unfold when you do.

How to connect with Tonia:

embodiedstudio.ai / instagram.com/tonia_shump

I’d love to hear from you! My ‘Ask a Designer’ Hotline is open, and I’m taking your questions about designing an intentional space, creating a high-vibe business, or aligning your environment with your goals. Leave me a voice message, and I might feature it in an upcoming episode.

Speakpipe Link Here: https://speakpipe.com/HHD

1. Share this episode with someone who would love this conversation
2. Subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next
3. If you found value in today’s episode, leave a review—your support helps the show grow!

1. Book your Free 20-Minute Design Audit.
2. Learn more about my design services.
3. Submit your design question via SpeakPipe.
4. Follow me on Instagram.
5. Visit my website.

Episode 17: Transform Your Space – Interior Design Services for Small Business Owners

Welcome to Episode 17 of the Holistic Hospitality Design Podcast! In this episode, we’re diving into accessible and transformative interior design services tailored for owner-operated small businesses like cafés, restaurants, bars, studios, boutique hotels and wellness centers.

As a professional interior designer, I understand that creating a beautiful and functional space is key to fostering community and supporting your business's success. That’s why I’ve designed a range of services to make professional design support more accessible to you, no matter the size of your project or budget.

• Free 20-Minute Interior Design Audit: Discover how you can get personalized design feedback on your space for free and inspire others in the process by participating in the podcast.
• 2 and 4 Week Designer On-Call Service: Learn how you can receive ongoing virtual support, including an action plan, weekly check-in meetings, and unlimited access to me for guidance as you make design changes.
• VIP 1 or 2 Day In-Person Consultation: Find out how a one- or two-day intensive consultation can result in immediate, tangible improvements to your space, from optimizing layouts to shopping for accessories.
• Bespoke Custom Interior Design Services: Explore a full-service approach to transforming your space from concept to completion, including renderings, specifying finishes, furniture, lighting, and working with contractors.
• Design Q&A via SpeakPipe: Got a design question? Send it in through SpeakPipe, and I’ll play and answer it on the podcast, so others can benefit from the insights too.

• Book your Free 20-Minute Design Audit.
• Learn more about my design services.
• Submit your design question via SpeakPipe.
• Follow me on Instagram.
• Visit my website.

If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love for you to leave a review and share it with fellow small business owners who could benefit from a more intentional approach to design.

Stay intentional, stay inspired, and keep creating magic in your space!

In this episode of the Holistic Hospitality Design Podcast, Rachel Crawford interviews Brian Grover from Fox Point Farms. They discuss Brian's journey from structural engineering to urban design, the founding of Fox Point Farms, and the importance of place making in creating community-focused spaces. The conversation delves into the sustainable practices at Fox Point Farms, including the integration of a brewery and farm-to-table restaurant, and the innovative approaches to waste management and regenerative agriculture. In this conversation, Rachel Crawford discusses the innovative skincare line Heal Botanics, emphasizing the use of farm-sourced ingredients and sustainable practices. She elaborates on the concept of placemaking, detailing how Fox Point Farms was designed to foster community and connection. Rachel shares her journey as an entrepreneur, highlighting the resilience required to navigate challenges and the importance of integrity and transparency in business operations. The discussion underscores the significance of creating spaces that nurture the next generation and the ongoing journey of learning and improvement in sustainable practices.

About Brian: Brian Grover, Founder + Developer

Fox Point Farms | Encinitas, CA

Brian Grover is the visionary force behind Fox Point Farms, San Diego County’s first-of-its-kind “agrihood,” where a coastal regenerative farm serves as the heart of a 21-acre mixed-use residential community. His multi-disciplinary background in real estate, planning, and development has equipped him with the expertise to transform land into sustainable, forward-thinking communities, with Fox Point Farms standing as the pinnacle of his nearly two-decade career.

As the founder and managing partner of Nolen Communities, Grover has consistently championed the integration of environmental stewardship, community connection, and design innovation. His prior experience as Principal at Dudek, where he oversaw entitlement and development projects across California, has honed his ability to create spaces that foster both functionality and a deep sense of place. Now living on-site at Fox Point Farms with his family, Grover continues to guide his vision daily, crafting a resilient, self-sustaining community rooted in hyper-local engagement.

Grover holds a B.S. in Structural Engineering with a minor in Urban Planning from the University of California, San Diego, and a Master’s in Planning and Real Estate Development from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is a certified planner (AICP) and an active member of the American Planning Association, Urban Land Institute, and other professional organizations. He also shares his expertise as a guest lecturer at universities in the San Diego area and serves on various local commissions.

To learn more about Fox Point Farms, visit their Instagram at @foxpointfarms or their website at www.foxpointfarms.com.

***Are you a bar, restaurant, or hotel owner looking to elevate your space or planning to open a new one? Connect with Rachel for professional interior design services. Transform your venue into an inviting and inspiring environment that attracts your ideal customers and enhances their experience. Reach out to Rachel [here] to get started.

[email protected]

619.277.2721

Instagram: @tigerveil

In this episode of Holistic Hospitality, host Rachel Larraine Crawford uncovers the five hidden costs of skipping an interior designer for your hospitality project. From wasted time and costly mistakes to missed branding opportunities and budget mismanagement, Rachel highlights how professional design services can save you money, stress, and setbacks. She also dives into the critical role designers play in creating compliant, functional spaces that elevate guest experiences. Tune in for insights and inspiration to ensure your hospitality project becomes a memorable, profitable success.

Are you a bar, restaurant, or hotel owner looking to elevate your space or planning to open a new one? Connect with Rachel for professional interior design services. Transform your venue into an inviting and inspiring environment that attracts your ideal customers and enhances their experience. Reach out to Rachel [here] to get started.

[email protected]

619.277.2721

Instagram: @tigerveil