Hospitality Design: What I've Learned

When you think of the names that have defined the industry, David Rockwell is on the top of that list. Likely, many of your favorite spaces have that signature Rockwell touch. Whether that’s Nobu restaurants in New York, his stage sets for Broadway, or the recently opened Equinox Hotel in Hudson Yards, Rockwell's hallmark—an intersection of theater and hospitality—creates a thrilling choreography that starts at the entrance. “You don't want the set doing the same thing the actors are doing,” he says. Because of this, Rockwell says his success can be credited to taking chances and realizing there is no safe choice when it comes to design.This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

Gary Dollens has been with Hyatt Hotels since 1977, when he took an entry level position with a Hyatt in Oak Brook, Illinois. It sparked his love affair with hotels and Hyatt, specifically, which has lasted to this day. In 2004, he switched from operations to overseeing architecture and design for the brand, while also helping guide Hyatt into an exciting new decade with acquisitions like Two Roads Hospitality. In fact, he shares how saying yes more often than no has been his greatest lesson learned.This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

Blake Danner's gregarious personality served him well, leading to jobs with Ian Schrager, Andrew Zobler, and for the past few months, at Proper Hospitality as chief operating officer. The lifestyle-meets-luxury brand is rapidly expanding with properties in San Francisco, Santa Monica, and Austin, all featuring an eclectic design by Kelly Wearstler. Behind it all is Danner, who says he loves being the producer, orchestrating unforgettable moments leading to his ultimate sign of success: happy guests.This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

Having worked for the likes of Nike, W Hotels, and Ian Schrager, Aaron Richter took a risk when he joined Equinox during a time when the fitness industry lacked design direction. Now, as senior vice president of design, Richter is rewriting the rules of what a guest experience should be. For its brand evolution from fitness clubs to hotels, Equinox calls itself a new kind of luxury, powered by possibilities. When many are trying to figure out the $4.2 trillion wellness industry, Equinox is leading the pack.This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

Designer and architect André Fu made a name for himself a decade ago with the career-making Upper House in his native Hong Kong. It was his first hotel and his big break only a few years after launching his firm AFSO. It embodies the full cinematic experience, which is at the core of all his projects. whether that’s designing pop-ups for brands like Louis Vuitton or crafting sumptuous getaways like the still-to-come Capella Maldives.This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

As a trailblazer in the wellness space, the Irish-born designer first got her start in fashion, but is now known for her zen-like designs for the likes of Six Senses and Miraval that immerse guests in all five senses.This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

The tables are turned on this very special episode of HD's "What I've Learned" podcast. Interviewed by Adam Kubryk of Global Allies, editor in chief and senior vice president of the design group Stacy Shoemaker Rauen talks all things hospitality, from how the industry has evolved in the past two decades to building a community centered on a people-first approach. "It's been a real privilege," she says, "and I can't wait to continue to elevate this industry that is like home [to me]." This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

Always a person who wanted to build things, born entrepreneur Kane Sarhan had many early careers. He started a college gossip magazine, was an assistant to a venture capitalist, and founded the Enstitute, a mentorship program for college-aged students. One of his funders was Barry Sternlicht of Starwood Capital Group. He then joined the iconic hotelier as brand director for the launch of 1 Hotels and Baccarat Hotel. Now, Sarhan is entering the wellness game with membership club the Well in New York, which has the audacious mission to be a one-stop shop for mind, body, and soul connection.  This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

Father-son duo Alan and Michael Fuerstman of Montage and Pendry Hotels, respectively, both caught the hospitality bug early. Alan cut his teeth at the Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona and the Bellagio in Las Vegas before founding Montage Hotels & Resorts in 2002. Michael, for his part, inherited his dad’s love of hospitality. Beginning his career as the coveted pool boy at the Bellagio, he eventually joined the family business in 2009, where he helped create lifestyle brand Pendry—a natural next step for the hotel company that is responsible for reinventing luxury through a forward-thinking lens.This episode is brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.com.Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

The iconic Ian Schrager joined editor in chief Stacy Shoemaker Rauen for a fireside chat during HD's annual Elevate conference held in October in New York. During the hourlong discussion, Schrager was candid about his Studio 54 days and his friendship with longtime business partner Steve Rubell. Always humble, Schrager said he's not afraid to make mistakes and try something else. Whether he's cultivating gamechanging hotels like Morgans or expanding his EDITION and PUBLIC brands, he says it's about pushing experience over the edge.This episode was brought to you by Global Allies. For more information, go to globalallies.comThank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.