Design sits at the heart of how hospitality spaces are experienced, remembered, and sustained.

In this Minisode Monday of The Blueprint, Will Dowling explores how design is shaping the future of European hospitality. He discusses the rise of ultra luxury travel, the move toward resort style experiences in urban centers, and how sustainability and housing pressures are influencing how hotels are designed and developed across Europe.

Perfect for anyone interested in hospitality design, sustainable tourism, and the evolving relationship between luxury travel and local communities.

Cultural authenticity cannot be an afterthought.

This essential dialogue examines what it truly means to design hospitality spaces rooted in Native American identity—through tradition, lived experience, and forward-thinking innovation. Centered on Indigenous voices, this conversation reframes culture not as a visual reference or design trend, but as a living, evolving narrative shaped by community, place, and purpose.

Bringing together three Indigenous leaders from architecture, design, and project management, the panel explores the role of materials, symbolism, and storytelling, while confronting the risks of appropriation and the critical need for Indigenous leadership on Native projects.

Through candid insight and real-world perspective, this episode challenges conventional design frameworks and offers a more respectful, informed approach to hospitality development—one that honors culture, responsibility, and long-term impact.

Hospitality is where comfort, innovation, and human connection create unforgettable guest experiences.

In this episode, Ludovica Rocchi, Brand Director of R Collection Hotels Group, shares how luxury hotels in Europe are using design, technology, and leadership to elevate guest experience. She discusses motivating staff, adapting to change, and creating stays that leave lasting impressions.

Perfect for anyone interested in hotel innovation, hospitality leadership, and guest-focused excellence.

Recognition was not guaranteed—but impact was inevitable.

This episode brings into focus the often-overlooked legacies of female designers whose vision, leadership, and business acumen quietly shaped the foundations of interior design and architecture. Working beyond the spotlight of their time, these trailblazers challenged convention, built influence, and created pathways for innovation that continue to resonate today.

Through reflection and historical context, we examine how their work reshaped professional practice and why their contributions remain deeply relevant. A century later, their stories remind us that progress is rarely singular—and that lasting change is often built by those history nearly forgot.

Leadership is more than strategy, it’s about empathy, learning, and connection.

In this episode of Behind the Standard, Gilda Perez-Alvarado, Chief Strategy Officer at Accor and CEO of Orient Express, shares how mentorship and real-world lessons shaped her approach. She talks about leading with purpose, collaborating across cultures, and using curiosity, adaptability, and humor to succeed.

This conversation is packed with practical insights for anyone navigating leadership, growth, and change in hospitality.

Sustainability is no longer optional. It guides every choice, design, and decision across the entire system.

In this session, we explore how manufacturers, designers, and brands or owners can come together to create impact far beyond what any one of them could achieve alone.

Through practical insights and real-world examples, we uncover how aligned practices shape Human Health, Climate Health, and Social Equity, turning materials, spaces, and communities into powerful catalysts for change.

Bringing into focus the unseen connections that drive meaningful progress.

In this episode of The Briefing, hospitality leader Melissa Messmer shares a global perspective on how inclusive design, sustainability, and guest wellbeing are shaping luxury hotels across the UK, Europe, and beyond. Drawing from her experience with IHG, Starwood, Accor, and Marriott, Melissa explores how lighting innovation and neurodiversity friendly design are redefining the modern guest experience. She also discusses navigating diverse cultural and architectural landscapes and why creativity, curiosity, and problem solving remain essential for hospitality designers and leaders.

Accessibility is no longer optional; it is a critical foundation of thoughtful design.

In this episode, our panel dives into the real-world mobility challenges guests encounter throughout hotel spaces, from arrival to room experience and shared amenities.

Through candid discussion and practical insight, they explore how ADA-informed design choices can remove barriers, enhance comfort, and create environments that work seamlessly for all guests.

Highlighting how inclusive design is not only the right thing to do, but also a powerful driver of guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and long-term success in hospitality.

Bring nature into your spaces and discover how biophilic design can transform the way we live and work.

This session explores how incorporating natural elements like light, greenery, fresh air, texture, and sound can enhance well-being, boost creativity, and improve focus and productivity in homes, offices, and public spaces.

Learn how thoughtful, intentional design goes beyond aesthetics. Ordinary environments can be turned into life-affirming, accessible, and high-performing spaces. It is about creating places where people can thrive, connect with nature, and enjoy meaningful experiences every day.

What does it take to make spaces truly accessible?

Hear directly from people with disabilities as they share their experiences and the challenges they face every day.

Get to learn practical ways to meet ADA standards while creating spaces that actually work for everyone. See how thoughtful, creative design can improve accessibility and enhance the experience for all guests.

Leave inspired to approach accessibility not just as a rule, but as a way to build welcoming, engaging spaces where everyone feels valued.