ELEVATE: Hotel Design

Cadiz Collaboration
  • 5.0 (3)
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Embark on a journey into the realm of hotel design with Cadiz Collaboration. Join us as we delve into the latest trends, sustainable practices, material innovations, and the art of design in both architecture and interior spaces. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and immerse yourself in the soul of hospitality aesthetics. Witness the artistry that effortlessly turns spaces into timeless, unforgettable experiences.

  1. 12/14/2025

    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

    44 min

  2. 12/01/2025

    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 Podcast00:14 Meet Amanda Malson: The Colorist at Heart02:18 Amanda’s Journey into Design04:00 The Influence of Color in Amanda’s Life09:08 Color in Hospitality Design13:51 Teaching Color Theory17:12 The Power of Color in Branding21:23 Balancing Risk and Timeless Design23:42 Rediscovering Inspiration in Mexico City24:16 Sources of Artistic Inspiration24:25 The Influence of Portuguese Tiles25:07 The Power of Social Media in Design26:11 Exploring Vintage Design27:00 The Importance of Community in Vintage Design28:24 Memories and Stories in Design30:07 Lightning Round: Design Essentials30:56 Conclusion and Farewell

    31 min

  3. 10/13/2025

    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

    38 min

  4. 09/08/2025

    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 Podcast01:04 Meet Amit Patel: From Biochemistry to Hospitality02:02 The Origin and Growth of Creo Hospitality04:34 Understanding Procurement in Hospitality06:56 Challenges and Strategies in Hotel Design08:48 Navigating the Complexities of Procurement11:42 Adapting to Industry Changes and Innovations18:05 Managing Logistics and Warehousing20:53 Procurement Challenges in Hospitality21:38 Cost-Saving Strategies in Hotel Projects22:16 Value Engineering and Client Communication24:30 Project Management Success Stories29:43 Favorite Hotels and Tools of the Trade35:42 Future Aspirations and Industry Trends38:35 Conclusion and Farewell

    39 min

  5. 08/13/2025

    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

    37 min

  6. 01/21/2025

    Elevating Wellness: The Future of Water in Hospitality Design (Ep.8)

    In this episode of ELEVATE: Hotel Design, host Lorraine Francis from Cadiz Collaboration discusses the critical importance of water quality in hospitality design with Mike Sale, Director of Home Water Systems at Delta Faucet. With over 70 years in the industry, Delta Faucet has pioneered transformative water interactions across homes and hotels. Mike shares their innovative solutions addressing water quality and sustainability, and enhancing guest experiences. Explore topics like reverse osmosis, water tasting, and the impact of high-quality water systems on wellness. Don't miss this deep dive into the future of hospitality design and how Delta is making a difference in sustainability and wellness. 00:00 Introduction to Elevate Hotel Design Podcast 00:17 Guest Introduction: Mike Sale from Delta Faucet 00:48 Delta's Innovations in Water Quality and Sustainability 01:23 Personal Experiences and Water Quality Concerns 03:43 Consumer Trust and Water Quality Issues 04:53 The Science and Future of Water Treatment 06:33 Water Quality in Daily Life and Hospitality 11:25 Reverse Osmosis and Technological Advances 18:31 Becoming a Certified Water Sommelier 21:26 Water Tasting and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) 24:12 Exploring Bottled Water Preferences 24:45 Understanding Natural vs. Commercial Bottled Water 25:13 The Popularity of Fiji Water 25:59 Tasting Icelandic Water 27:12 The Queen's Water: Hilden 28:34 Gerolsteiner: A High TDS Favorite 29:44 Three Bays: An Australian Marvel 32:09 Vichy Catalan: The Bold Spanish Water 36:41 The Future of Water Filtration Systems 42:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    44 min

  7. 12/05/2024

    Hospitality Asset Management Unveiled: A Conversation with Rich Levins (Ep. 7)

    In this episode of ‘Elevate Hotel Design,’ host Lorraine Francis from Cadiz Collaboration welcomes Rich Levins, Senior Vice President at Fulcrum Hospitality. Rich provides a deep dive into the intricacies of hospitality asset management and development. They discuss significant transformation projects like the conversion of Cambria hotels in Sonoma and Napa into Hilton Tapestry hotels. Rich shares his personal journey from aspiring chef to hospitality expert, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, relationships, and strategic planning in the industry. Additionally, they explore upcoming trends, challenges, and the critical role of thoughtful design and management in elevating the hospitality experience. Tune in to gain valuable insights and hear inspiring stories from the world of hotel design and management.00:00 Welcome to Elevate Hotel Design00:13 Introducing Rich Levins from Fulcrum Hospitality01:22 Rich Levins’ Journey into Hospitality03:26 Starting at Fulcrum Hospitality06:12 Role of an Asset Manager08:06 Partnership with Ohana Real Estate Investors09:50 Transforming Cambria Hotels into Hilton Tapestry19:27 Design and Development Trends in Hospitality21:46 New Construction Challenges in Aruba28:03 The Allure of Aruba: A Year-Round Destination28:38 Development Challenges and Opportunities31:04 The Importance of Collaboration in Hospitality34:16 Navigating Project Hurdles and Success Stories38:10 Current Market Challenges and Financing45:17 Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Hoteliers49:54 Balancing Personal and Professional Life52:46 Conclusion and Future Insights

    53 min

  8. 10/26/2024

    Transforming Design: Farshid Tafazzoli on Material Bank’s Growth and Disruption (Ep. 6)

    Join host Lorraine Francis in this episode of ELEVATE: Hotel Design as she delves into the transformative journey of Material Bank with co-founder Farshid Tafazzoli. Discover how Material Bank is revolutionizing the material sourcing process for designers, architects, and vendors through its tech-driven platforms, global expansion, and commitment to sustainability. Learn about their seamless ordering system, extensive data-driven insights, and innovative tools like digital mood boards and centralized sample operations. This episode highlights Material Bank’s role in modernizing the design industry, tackling industry pain points, and offering tailored growth strategies. Tune in to explore the future of design sourcing, the company’s strategic initiatives, and how they’re making the process faster, more efficient, and eco-friendly. 00:00 Welcome to Elevate Hotel Design 00:15 Meet Farshd Tafazzoli from Material Bank 01:10 Farshid’s Journey to Material Bank 03:45 The Role and Evolution of Material Bank 04:47 How Material Bank Works 10:45 Global Expansion and Challenges 15:07 Innovations and Future Plans 25:22 The Popularity of Branded M&Ms 26:08 Leveraging Data for Design Trends 29:41 Supporting Small and Medium Brands 35:46 Sustainability Initiatives 40:25 Innovative Tools for Designers 43:54 Future Outlook and Industry Innovations 48:55 Closing Remarks and Reflections

    52 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Embark on a journey into the realm of hotel design with Cadiz Collaboration. Join us as we delve into the latest trends, sustainable practices, material innovations, and the art of design in both architecture and interior spaces. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and immerse yourself in the soul of hospitality aesthetics. Witness the artistry that effortlessly turns spaces into timeless, unforgettable experiences.

Information

  • Creator
    Cadiz Collaboration
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Cadiz Collaboration
  • Show Website
    ELEVATE: Hotel Design