Our guest this week is a designer who believes that the best results come from challenging the norm. With over 20 years in the industry, he knows what makes and breaks a project. Joining the show is Chief Brand and Design Officer at Design Environments, Ben Nicholas!

Ben sits down with Host Dan Ryan for a conversation on the importance of building human connections in all elements of the industry. Ben shares how his route as a paperboy inspired his love for hospitality, his philosophy of creating designs that foster genuine and effortless hospitality experiences, and the importance of challenging the norm.

Takeaways: 

• Hospitality is about creating connections and ensuring that people feel a sense of belonging and being part of something. It extends beyond physical spaces like hotels and can be experienced in restaurants, bars, and everyday life.
• Being open to unexpected opportunities and taking leaps of faith can lead to amazing experiences and personal growth. Embracing naivety and excitement allows us to create unique and memorable journeys in life.
• Maintaining meaningful connections and cherishing the time spent together are valuable lessons. Prioritizing relationships and seizing opportunities can lead to personal and professional growth.
• Working on projects globally brings challenges that require adaptability and quick learning, such as understanding different markets' expectations and keeping teams motivated to deliver great design.
• The future is full of exciting opportunities and possibilities, especially when it comes to establishing and growing a service design team. Embracing the potential and putting in the necessary work can lead to exciting outcomes and personal fulfillment.
• The most cherished memories from working on projects are not about the physical outcomes, but rather the people and experiences that were shared. These memories serve as a reminder of the joy and bonds formed during the collaborative process.
• In design and project planning, having a well-defined process and being open to exploration are crucial. Renovation presents greater challenges than new builds, requiring creativity to enhance the space within constraints.

Quote of the Show:

•  “I like the term tour guide. I don't like the word boss.” - Ben Nicholas

Links:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben_tcbn/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-nicholas-id/ 
• Website: https://www.designenvironments.com/ 

Shout Outs:

• 04:10 - Iowa State:https://www.iastate.edu/ 
• 04:41 - The Gettys Group Companies: https://www.gettys.com/ 
• 05:32 - Agatha Christie
• 05:35 - Thomas Mann
• 11:54 - Ali Bacon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alibacon/ 
• 31:07 - Katy Daly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katy-daly-0bb40579/ 
• 31:29 - Elvis
• 38:48 - Mongoose: https://www.mongoose.com/ 
• 38:51 - Huffy: https://www.huffy.com/ 
• 38:57 - Stranger Things: https://www.netflix.com/title/80057281 
• 39:41 - Magnum PI
• 39:48 - Golden Girls
• 41:29 - Bea Arthur
• 45:36 - Oreos: https://www.oreo.com/ 
• 48:24 - Madonna
• 48:25 - Dick Tracy
• 48:53 - Warren Beatty
• 49:14 - Regent Beverly Wilshire: https://www.fourseasons.com/beverlywilshire/ 

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