Hospitality Design Talks

Rachel Larraine Crawford
  • 5.0 (2)
  • DESIGN
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Hospitality Design Talks is a podcast for owner operators, restaurant owners, retreat hosts, and conscious entrepreneurs in the hospitality world who know that great design is only the beginning. Hosted by Rachel Larraine Crawford, an award winning holistic interior designer and founder of Tiger Veil, this show explores how to design spaces, systems, and experiences that nourish well being for your guests and for the business running behind the scenes. Through solo episodes, Rachel shares grounded, practical design wisdom for creating spaces that feel beautiful, functional, and energetically aligned. You’ll also hear from guest experts in HR, operations, social media, branding, art, and wellness so you are supported on both the guest facing and back of house sides of hospitality. Whether you are running a boutique stay, opening a retreat space, launching a new concept, or curating soulful guest experiences, Hospitality Design Talks is your weekly guide to building spaces and operations that support connection, creativity, and genuine care. ✨ Interested in working together 1:1? Visit tigerveil.com to explore Holistic Interior Design services and connect for a personalized consultation.

  1. 034: Integrating Art Into Your Brand Story w/ Lindsey Lyons

    21H AGO

    034: Integrating Art Into Your Brand Story w/ Lindsey Lyons

    In this episode of Hospitality Design Talks, host Rachel Larraine Crawford sits down with abstract artist Lindsey Lyons to explore how art can become a living part of a hospitality experience—not an afterthought. Lindsey shares her path from early “perfect” art-making to process-driven abstraction shaped by California’s rugged coastlines, volcanic landscapes, and a fascination with deep time. Her work is tactile and intentional—often built with sand, found materials, and embedded remnants that carry subtle histories—inviting guests into a sensory pause in a world dominated by screens. Together, Rachel and Lindsey discuss how thoughtfully selected art supports flow, strengthens brand story, and creates emotional touchpoints guests remember (and return for). They also unpack common misconceptions around cost and accessibility, and what it can look like to commission original work through a clear, collaborative process—especially when art is considered early alongside lighting and spatial planning. About Lindsey: Lindsey Lyons is a Southern California–based artist who divides her time between Los Angeles and the mountains of the Los Padres National Forest. She holds a Master of Fine Arts from California College of the Arts and a Bachelor of Arts from Mount Holyoke College, where she designed a major, Art and Social Change. In addition to her studio practice, Lyons has been deeply engaged in the arts community as an independent curator, educator, and advisory board member for the nonprofit Root Division. She spent many years working in alumni relations and events at California College of the Arts and the San Francisco Art Institute before relocating to Los Angeles in 2016, where she co-founded the Binder of Women art collective with fellow artists and worked in communications at the contemporary international gallery Regen Projects. Lyons has exhibited throughout California, including at Guerrero Gallery, The Pit, Southern Exposure, and the Wattis Institute for Contemporary Arts, among others. Her work has also been shown internationally in Copenhagen, Denmark, and she has completed artist residencies in Iceland, San Francisco, and the Mount Hood backcountry. Originally from Sarasota, Florida, she has a lifelong interest in coastal environments, and her abstract paintings and sculptures are deeply informed by geology, memory, and the varied landscapes of California. Lyons often incorporates sand and found materials into the layers of her work, creating tactile complexity. These textured surfaces respond to shifting light, revealing changes in shadow and depth throughout the day, offering an evolving presence within a space. Connect with Lindsey: lindseylyons.com lindsey@lindseylyons.com instagram.com/lindseynlyons instagram.com/lindseylyonsstudio 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.

    42 min
  2. 033: Building a Brand Guests Remember w/ Amy Morris of The Morris Project

    FEB 10

    033: Building a Brand Guests Remember w/ Amy Morris of The Morris Project

    Today on Hospitality Design Talks, host Rachel Larraine Crawford sits down with Amy Morris of The Morris Project to talk about the real reason most hospitality brands struggle: it’s not a marketing problem — it’s a clarity problem. Amy shares how she helps founders define who they are in one to two sentences (and why every decision — interiors, hiring, menus, and guest touch points — should flow from that). You’ll hear Amy’s approach to building a brand with the whole team (not just the owner), why consistency is what makes something feel elevated (not price), and the small, often-forgotten details that create big guest “chemistry”—from the host stand to the bathroom to the menu design. Plus, she offers an easy brand clarity audit you can do this week to see if your team is aligned or accidentally creating confusion. Connect with Amy Morris / The Morris Project: Find Amy on Instagram (The Morris Project)Email: hello@themorrisproject.comGrab Amy’s Brand Guideline Here Connect with Rachel Larraine Website Instagram Interior Design Services Newsletter Sign Up 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.

    57 min
  3. 032: Can Lighting Make Guests Stay Longer and Spend More w/ Martin Epstein of Tazz Lighting

    FEB 3

    032: Can Lighting Make Guests Stay Longer and Spend More w/ Martin Epstein of Tazz Lighting

    Lighting is doing far more than helping guests see — it’s shaping how long they stay, how comfortable they feel, and how much they spend. In this episode of Hospitality Design Talks, host Rachel Larraine Crawford sits down with Martin Epstein, founder of Tazz Lighting, to unpack how intentional, layered lighting quietly drives guest behavior, brand perception, and business performance. With decades of hands-on experience — from electrical contracting to large-scale hospitality projects — Martin shares why lighting should be treated as a strategic system, not an afterthought. Together, they explore how hospitality lighting has evolved from purely aesthetic to deeply experiential, operational, and human-centered. Whether you’re opening a new restaurant, renovating a hotel, or refining an existing guest experience, this episode offers practical insights into how lighting can become your most powerful (and invisible) team member. In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why lighting acts as a “silent host” that influences guest mood, dwell time, and spendingThe biggest lighting mistakes Martin sees in hospitality spaces — and how to avoid themWhat “layered lighting” really means, and why even light levels kill atmosphereHow warm color temperatures (like 2700K) support comfort, intimacy, and lingeringWhy lighting controls and scene programming are non-negotiable for hospitality spacesHow lighting transitions throughout the day without guests consciously noticingWhat tunable white and circadian lighting are — and where they truly make senseWhy you should never leave lighting decisions solely to an electricianHow early collaboration between designers, lighting experts, and contractors saves money and stressTrends shaping hospitality lighting today — from tunable systems to intelligent controlsMartin’s advice for owner-operators planning lighting in 2026 and beyond Key Takeaway:Thoughtful lighting isn’t about adding more fixtures — it’s about designing comfort, flow, and emotion. When lighting is planned early, layered intentionally, and controlled intelligently, it enhances guest experience, reinforces brand identity, and quietly supports revenue without ever demanding attention. About the Guest:Martin Epstein ,President & Co-Founder, Tazz Lighting, Inc. Martin Epstein is the President and co-founder of Tazz Lighting, Inc., a premier San Diego-based lighting design, distribution, and consultation firm known for delivering innovative and high-quality lighting solutions for residential, commercial, and architectural projects. With over three decades of experience in the lighting industry, Martin has built a reputation for excellence rooted in deep technical expertise, thoughtful design sensibility, and a client-centered approach. Tazz Lighting has guided projects from concept through completion, partnering with architects, designers, builders, and homeowners to elevate spaces through carefully curated lighting, advanced control systems, and energy...

    31 min
  4. 031: Is Your Space Blocking Your Next Level — Feng Shui w/ Amanda Sophia

    JAN 27

    031: Is Your Space Blocking Your Next Level — Feng Shui w/ Amanda Sophia

    In this episode of Hospitality Design Talks, host Rachel Larraine Crawford sits down with her longtime teacher and mentor, Amanda Sophia, for a conversation that blends feng shui, seasonal wisdom, and conscious business—with a special focus on the “in-between” season we’re in right now (that liminal space between the Year of the Snake and the incoming Fire Horse). Together, Rachel and Amanda explore how your space—whether it’s your home, studio, restaurant, spa, or retreat property—acts as a living mirror for your energy, your patterns, and your next level. This is a grounded, soulful episode about clearing what’s no longer aligned, choosing collaborations from full-body yes, and setting your business up for expansion without burnout. What you’ll learn in this episodeThe liminal space isn’t “behind schedule”—it’s sacredAmanda reframes January as a time that often asks us to slow down, reflect, and stop forcing momentum just because the calendar flipped. Instead of hustling, she invites you to tune into nature’s timing—winter as rest, dreaming, integration… the space where clarity actually lands. Feng Shui as a soul mirror (not just aesthetics)Amanda shares a deeper view of feng shui: your home or business isn’t random—it’s often a soul match. You’re drawn to certain spaces because they reflect your energetic blueprint, and they can also support your healing and evolution. Your environment mirrors back what’s happening internally—clutter, broken items, stuck corners, loose handles… all of it carries information. Fire Horse themes for conscious entrepreneurs + owner-operatorsAs we move into a Fire Horse year, the energy shifts toward: expansion, movement, opportunityheart-led leadership (integrity matters more than ever)authentic expression (no watering down your true work)collaboration—but only with full alignment Amanda also names the shadow side: with fire + speed comes the risk of burnout, scattered energy, and saying yes too quickly. The medicine? Grounding and deep nervous-system support. A practical feng shui focus for hospitality spaces (restaurants, spas, hotels)Amanda gives clear, beginner-friendly guidance for activating supportive energy in your business this year: Southeast: the most auspicious energy (prosperity, joy, success, “peach blossom” connection energy). Simple activation ideas: a candle ritual, meaningful symbolism of prosperity, or planting something outdoors in the SE area.East: another highly supportive prosperity area. Activation ideas: a salt lamp, fiery-toned crystals, uplifting intention, daily energetic practices in that zone.South: the area to support with metal to help neutralize more challenging energy. Examples: a metal bowl with coins, bronze décor, metal objects...

    39 min
  5. 030: Building Brand Universes + Collaboration-Driven Hospitality with Lindsay Wynn

    JAN 20

    030: Building Brand Universes + Collaboration-Driven Hospitality with Lindsay Wynn

    In this guest episode of Hospitality Design Talks, host Rachel Larraine Crawford sits down with Lindsay Wynn—a San Diego + New York–based creative who’s spent nearly two decades weaving together hospitality, fine art, photography, and brand experience. Lindsay shares how her path (from waiting tables → opening restaurants → working with Jean-Georges → fashion/beauty/alcohol campaigns → building integrated brand activations) shaped the way she approaches hospitality today: not as a “one-and-done” meal, but as a through-line in the human experience, from the moment someone arrives to how they feel when they return home. Together, Rachel and Lindsay dig into what it really takes to craft experiences that feel intentional, holistic, and human—and why collaboration is one of the most powerful tools hospitality owners have right now. Lindsay breaks down her approach to building “brand universes,” how she helps clients uncover what they actually want (even when it starts as a messy mix of ideas), and why the best spaces aren’t just trendy—they’re rooted in story, materiality, and meaning. What you’ll learn in this episodeLindsay’s origin story: how art school, fine art, and hospitality operations shaped her creative edge and problem-solving styleWhy post-COVID hospitality needs more than aesthetics—it needs connection, intimacy, and real emotional resonanceWhat it means to have an integrated approach (brand values, visuals, content, activation) instead of disconnected marketingA standout case study: a month-long sexual health pop-up designed as an educational, inclusive, community-centered resource (built during the Roe v. Wade overturn era)How to present “big” or unconventional creative ideas without shocking clients—meeting people where they areWhy collaboration works (and what gets in the way): egos, control, and the fear of doing it differentlyA concrete collab example: Dow of Clay x The Friendly — ceramics + pizza + wine, an interactive event that lowered the barrier to entry for art through hospitalityLindsay’s take on trends: how to build something memorable without copying the same Pinterest formulas (and yes—why gray floors are a hard no)The power of deep research: Pinterest plus books, libraries, history, and details that create a richer design storyPractical encouragement for owner-operators: find your thing, obsess over it, and build your business around what you genuinely love Key takeawaysDesign + hospitality work best when they’re embodied. A beautiful space still needs warmth, flow, and a sense of belonging.Collaboration is a growth strategy—not just for marketing, but for community, cross-pollination, and richer guest experiences.Your “thing” is your advantage. In a world of fast trends and short attention spans, what’s specific and true about you is what sticks.Depth beats...

    45 min
  6. 029: Finding the Right Space: Location, Leases, and the Details That Make It Work w/ Owen Curry

    JAN 12

    029: Finding the Right Space: Location, Leases, and the Details That Make It Work w/ Owen Curry

    Today I’m joined by Owen Curry of Cushman & Wakefield—and y’all, this is the real estate episode I’ve been waiting to record. If you’re an owner-operator with a big vision (restaurant, café, wellness studio, boutique concept) and you’re trying to land the right space—especially in a coastal market—this conversation will save you so much time, money, and stress. Owen breaks down what’s actually happening in North County coastal commercial real estate (Carlsbad through Del Mar), why “vacancy” isn’t always what it looks like, and what you need to understand before you fall in love with a space. We talk budgets, lease runway, rentable vs. usable square footage, how zoning + parking requirements can make or break a concept (especially wellness), and what makes a Letter of Intent attractive without getting you pushed to the back of the line. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by LoopNet listings, landlord language, or the sheer sticker shock of beach-town pricing—this one is for you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why coastal communities like Encinitas, Leucadia, Cardiff, Solana Beach stay high-demand (and high price per square foot)How “vacant” buildings can be misleading (and why signs can be strategic)The first questions to answer before you tour spaces: budget, runway, and true market rentWhy under-market rent can be risky if you don’t have a long-term lease horizonHow smaller footprints can be a strategic advantage (overhead + TI math)The zoning + parking issues that quietly derail wellness concepts (and why cities can treat your use differently if you add things like saunas/cold plunge)What to look for to “win” a space: configuration, speed to occupancy, and financial readinessLease terms operators overlook: rentable vs. usable + load factors (often 10–20%)TI realities: cold shell vs. existing buildout, and when landlords offer free rent in lieu of TILOI strategy: how to negotiate without burning goodwill (and how it changes when there’s competition)Why you should get a contractor walk-through before submitting an LOIGreen flags + red flags on tours (local landlord access, building systems, pride of ownership)A surprisingly helpful tip for LoopNet: who to call first (hint: the associate) Key Takeaways for Conscious Owner-Operators Location is a design decision—but it’s also a systems decision. Don’t pay “foot traffic rent” if your model is membership-based or appointment-driven.Do not skip zoning + parking due diligence. Especially if your concept blends categories (retail + events + wellness).Fall in love after the numbers work. The shiny object space can come with hidden timeline and permitting costs.li...

    55 min

  7. JAN 8

    028: Holistic Hospitality Trends For 2026 That Your Guests Will Actually Feel

    In this solo episode, holistic interior designer and Tiger Veil founder Rachel Larraine Crawford breaks down the holistic hospitality trends that actually matter for 2026. Instead of chasing another photo moment, Rachel invites owner operators to think about their space as a living system that impacts guest experience, staff wellbeing, and the bottom line. She walks through emerging bio based materials, regenerative sustainability practices, and wellness focused design moves that you can bring into your restaurant, bar, cafe, hotel, or spa, even if you are working with an existing footprint. If you want guests to linger longer, leave better reviews, and feel genuinely cared for in your space, this episode will give you practical ideas and questions to bring to your next refresh. In this episode Rachel covers Why guests are more sensitive than ever to sound, light, and stress and what that means for hospitality spacesHow holistic design gives owner operators real leverage without a complete renovationEmerging bio based materials such as mycelium panels, hemp plasters, and cork and how they can transform corridors, bars, and guest roomsQuiet technology inside natural finishes that help regulate temperature, reduce maintenance, and improve acousticsThe shift away from bright white interiors into tactile, wood drenched, earth toned spaces that feel like a hugHow circular design and planning for disassembly can protect your future self when you rebrand or update your conceptLow carbon material choices that still feel luxurious and aligned with your brand storyWays to build sustainability into daily operations such as water rituals, daylight first seating plans, and planted shadingThe idea of acoustic wellness and silent architecture as business tools that affect dwell time and staff burnoutHow circadian friendly lighting scenes can support guest comfort from breakfast through last callBiophilic strategies that turn your space into a small ecosystem rather than a plant in the cornerNeuro inclusive and sensory aware choices that welcome different nervous systems into your space Questions to ask about your space How do guests feel in the first thirty seconds from door to host standWhat does your restaurant or hotel sound like at peak timeWhere could one small micro retreat exist for guests or staffWhich surfaces do guests touch all day and what story do those materials tell Simple action steps for owner operators Take a sound walk during peak service and identify three zones that need acoustic...

    15 min

  8. 12/31/2025

    027: How To Build A Restaurant People Are Obsessed With Being In Not Just Eating At

    In the final episode of our Aura Gardens series, I’m joined again by co-owner R.J. Fernandez as we zoom all the way into what Aura feels like from the moment you walk in. We’re talking playlist, glassware, filtered water, lighting, greenery, textures, and the tiny design decisions that create that “vibrant but deeply cozy” energy guests keep describing. R.J. shares how hospitality is the true product (food + beverage are simply the vehicle), why every detail has to answer the question “Will this make the customer feel something?”, and how Aura is intentionally designed to hold community—across demographics, moods, and moments. We also look ahead: events that spark real connection, the early success of Friendsgiving + the Chef’s Table vibe, the vision for a full calendar by 2027, and the growing concept of Aura After Dark—private evening events that transform the space once the brunch rush ends. And if you love the behind-the-scenes build energy? R.J. shares his growth philosophy of developing managing partners through ownership, plus a dreamy future bakery + café concept that could become the commissary engine for future Aura locations. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How “guest experience” is built through micro-choices (water, glassware, plating, lighting, texture, sound)Why hospitality and emotional resonance come before menu strategyHow to design a space that feels both energetic and cozy (not one or the other)Event formats that gently push connection—without making it awkward (even for introverts)A scalable growth model rooted in mentorship + managing partners (not just “more locations”)The early blueprint for Aura After Dark + a potential bakery storefront/commissary model Key Takeaways (the stuff you’ll want to steal for your own concept) Ask one guiding question for every decision: “Will this make the guest feel something?”Create value in the “small” things: complimentary crisp filtered water, the right rocks glass, consistent warmth from staff.Design for multiple emotions: a space can be clean + bright and grounded + comforting if the layers are intentional.Community doesn’t happen by accident: events need built-in prompts and structure to make connection easy.If you want to scale the energy, build leaders: ownership + mentorship creates aligned operators who protect the vibe. Follow Aura Gardens in Instagram Connect with Rachel Larraine Crawford Website Instagram Interior Design Services If you’re building a restaurant, café, retreat space, or any hospitality concept where you want people to feel seen, nourished, and connected, share this episode with a friend (or your business partner 👀). And if you post about it, tag me so I can cheer you on. Until next time—keep designing spaces with intentional flow, well-being, and conscious business at the center.

    19 min
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About

Hospitality Design Talks is a podcast for owner operators, restaurant owners, retreat hosts, and conscious entrepreneurs in the hospitality world who know that great design is only the beginning. Hosted by Rachel Larraine Crawford, an award winning holistic interior designer and founder of Tiger Veil, this show explores how to design spaces, systems, and experiences that nourish well being for your guests and for the business running behind the scenes. Through solo episodes, Rachel shares grounded, practical design wisdom for creating spaces that feel beautiful, functional, and energetically aligned. You’ll also hear from guest experts in HR, operations, social media, branding, art, and wellness so you are supported on both the guest facing and back of house sides of hospitality. Whether you are running a boutique stay, opening a retreat space, launching a new concept, or curating soulful guest experiences, Hospitality Design Talks is your weekly guide to building spaces and operations that support connection, creativity, and genuine care. ✨ Interested in working together 1:1? Visit tigerveil.com to explore Holistic Interior Design services and connect for a personalized consultation.

Information

  • Creator
    Rachel Larraine Crawford
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Rachel Larraine Crawford
  • Show Website
    Hospitality Design Talks