Crafting Hospitality: Nicholas Nicola on Vision and Execution (Ep. 9)

Elevating Spaces: Inside Mitchell Black’s Design Journey (Ep. 13)

Welcome to Elevate Hotel Design! In this episode, host Lorraine Francis of Cadiz Collaboration dives into the vibrant world of surf design with Lynai Jones, the creative force behind Mitchell Black, known for its bespoke wall coverings and design-forward products. Discover how Lynai's unique blend of classic techniques and modern vision has made Mitchell Black a go-to brand for those looking to infuse spaces with personality and story. Learn about the brand’s evolution from stationery to large-scale art and wallpaper, and how their customization options are enhancing boutique hotels and luxury residences. Join us for an exclusive tour of their creative space in Ravenswood, Chicago, and gain insights on the magic behind their bold designs. Don’t miss out—subscribe to Elevate Hotel Design on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.00:00 Introduction to Elevate Hotel Design Podcast00:06 Meet Lynai Jones: Creative Director of Mitchell Black01:46 The Journey of Mitchell Black04:16 From Finance to Design: Lynai's Career Shift07:09 Manufacturing in Chicago: Challenges and Choices17:08 Exploring the Art Department22:36 Custom Colorations and Cost Considerations23:10 Modern Botanical Designs25:34 Inspiration and Research27:08 Collaborations and Custom Projects29:03 Material Bank and Sampling31:15 New Collections and Designs39:16 Lightning Round and Final Thoughts

The Vibrant Palette: Exploring Fearless Design with Amanda Malson (Ep. 12)

In this episode of Elevate Hotel Design, host Lorraine Francis of Cadiz Collaboration dives into the role of color in hospitality design with guest Amanda Malson, founder and principal of Common Standard. Amanda discusses her journey in design, the influence of her creative upbringing, and how she fearlessly uses color to provoke emotion and enhance guest experiences. Listen to Amanda’s insights on transformative colors, maintaining brand integrity, and the vibrant community that supports her vision. 00:00 Introduction to Elevate Hotel Design Podcast 00:14 Meet Amanda Malson: The Colorist at Heart 02:18 Amanda’s Journey into Design 04:00 The Influence of Color in Amanda’s Life 09:08 Color in Hospitality Design 13:51 Teaching Color Theory 17:12 The Power of Color in Branding 21:23 Balancing Risk and Timeless Design 23:42 Rediscovering Inspiration in Mexico City 24:16 Sources of Artistic Inspiration 24:25 The Influence of Portuguese Tiles 25:07 The Power of Social Media in Design 26:11 Exploring Vintage Design 27:00 The Importance of Community in Vintage Design 28:24 Memories and Stories in Design 30:07 Lightning Round: Design Essentials 30:56 Conclusion and Farewell

Mastering Millwork: Inside the Craft and Culture of Taber Company (Ep. 11)

Welcome to Elevate Hotel Design, the podcast where Lorraine Francis delves into the artistry and strategy behind today’s hospitality spaces. In this special episode, broadcasting from the stunning showroom of Taber Company in Irvine, we explore the craftsmanship and innovation of Brian Taber, founder and principal of Taber Company. With over two decades of experience, Brian has led his company to blend old-world craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, serving luxury hospitality, retail, and residential projects across Southern California. Join us as Brian discusses the essence of building a brand, shares his insights on successful project partnerships, and takes us on an exclusive tour of the factory, showcasing the intricate process of architectural woodwork and the importance of teamwork and quality. This episode is a deep dive into the world of custom millwork and is filled with inspiring stories and valuable industry insights. 00:00 Introduction to Elevate Hotel Design Podcast 00:18 Meet Brian Taber of Taber Company 01:22 The Craftsmanship Behind Taber Company 01:57 Building Relationships in the Industry 04:16 Early Days and Evolution of Taber Company 06:03 Challenges and Solutions in Millwork Projects 10:16 Exploring Taber Company’s Showroom 13:47 Core Values and Family Involvement 18:34 Showroom Tour and Design Details 21:09 Discussing Stone Work and Subcontracting 21:57 Exploring the Lounge and Surf Event Sponsorship 22:52 Touring the Project Management and Engineering Areas23:18 Employee Longevity and Company Culture 24:55 Factory Operations and Efficiency 25:48 Sustainability and Waste Management 26:33 Cabinet Production Process 29:34 Upholstery and Craftsmanship 30:39 Mockups and Custom Projects 35:07 Break Room and Employee Care 37:30 Concluding the Tour and Final Thoughts

The Evolution of Creo Hospitality with Amit Patel (Ep. 10)

In this episode of Elevate Hotel Design, host Lorraine Francis of Cadiz Collaboration interviews Amit Patel, Project Director at Creo Hospitality. Amit shares his journey from biochemistry to hospitality, his pivotal role at Creo, and how the firm manages procurement, logistics, and installation for some of the most thoughtfully designed hotels in the country. The conversation covers the complexities of hotel development, the importance of strong vendor relationships, and the future of hospitality design in a post-COVID world. They also discuss AI’s role in procurement and the significance of detailed communication across teams. Tune in for in-depth insights on bringing hotel projects to life. 00:00 Introduction to Elevate Hotel Design Podcast 01:04 Meet Amit Patel: From Biochemistry to Hospitality 02:02 The Origin and Growth of Creo Hospitality 04:34 Understanding Procurement in Hospitality 06:56 Challenges and Strategies in Hotel Design 08:48 Navigating the Complexities of Procurement 11:42 Adapting to Industry Changes and Innovations 18:05 Managing Logistics and Warehousing 20:53 Procurement Challenges in Hospitality 21:38 Cost-Saving Strategies in Hotel Projects 22:16 Value Engineering and Client Communication 24:30 Project Management Success Stories 29:43 Favorite Hotels and Tools of the Trade 35:42 Future Aspirations and Industry Trends 38:35 Conclusion and Farewell

Crafting Hospitality: Nicholas Nicola on Vision and Execution (Ep. 9)

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