What does a hospitality interior designer do?

What is a Hospitality Interior Designer?

Hospitality interior designers specialize in designing spaces within the hospitality industry. Their projects can be wide-ranging, including hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars, cafes, cruise ships, and other hospitality establishments.

The goal of the hospitality interior designer is to create inviting and memorable environments that align with the establishment’s brand, set it apart from its competitors, and meet the requirements of functionality, comfort, and a positive guest or patron experience.

What does a Hospitality Interior Designer do?

Duties and Responsibilities
A thoughtfully designed hospitality venue interior can contribute to increased revenue and profitability. Appealing and functional spaces attract more customers and encourage them to spend more time and money on the premises. These facts are what drive hospitality interior designers. Here are some of their key tasks and responsibilities:

• Concept Development – Working closely with clients to understand their vision and brand identity, the hospitality interior designer develops a unique design concept that sets the tone and theme for the interior space.
• Space Planning – The designer determines the layout and arrangement of furniture, fixtures, and equipment to optimize functionality, flow, staff efficiency, and guest comfort. Space planning also considers factors like accessibility and safety.
• Material and Furniture Selection – The designer chooses appropriate materials, fabrics, finishes, lighting fixtures, furniture, and decorative elements that align with the design concept and meet the practical durability requirements of a high-traffic environment.
• Mood Boards and Presentations – The hospitality interior designer creates visual presentations, mood boards, and 3D renderings to communicate the design concept and ideas effectively to clients and stakeholders.
• Project / Budget Management – It is the responsibility of the designer to ensure that the design plan stays within the client's budget while maintaining the desired quality and aesthetics.
• Collaboration with Stakeholders – Coordinating with architects, contractors, and suppliers, the designer ensures the design is implemented correctly during the construction or renovation phase. With the increasing importance of technology in hospitality and other commercial spaces, this may involve working closely with telecommunication and smart building technology providers.
• Compliance and Codes – Adherence to building codes, safety regulations, and accessibility guidelines is critical to creating a safe and compliant environment for guests and staff.
• Lighting Design – Considering both natural and artificial lighting, the hospitality interior designer strategically plans the lighting scheme to create the desired ambiance and mood within the space.
• Environmental Sustainability – Wherever possible, the designer incorporates eco-friendly and energy-efficient design elements to promote sustainable practices.
• Branding and Identity – Whether the project is a relaxing spa, a vibrant restaurant, or a luxurious hotel, infusing the design with elements that reflect the establishment's brand, culture, and values is the foundation of hospitality interior design. It is key to creating a cohesive and memorable experience for guests.
• User Experience – The hospitality interior designer must also focus on the practical needs and desires of guests to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay or visit.
• Renovation and Refurbishment – Updating and refreshing existing spaces to maintain relevance and appeal to changing trends and guest preferences is yet another aspect of hospitality interior design.
• Post-Occupancy Evaluation – After project completion, the designer conducts evaluations to assess the success of the design in meeting the intended goals, and where needed makes any necessary adjustments.

Types of Hospitality Interior Designers
Now that we have a sense of a day in the life of a general hospitality interior designer, let’s look at some different types of hospitality interior designers, focusing on specific areas or subsectors of the industry:

• Hotel Interior Designer – Specializing in interior spaces for hotels and resorts, these designers focus on designing guest rooms, suites, lobbies, reception areas, and other hotel amenities. Some hospitality interior designers may further specialize in designing high-end and luxurious spaces for upscale, sophisticated properties. Others may choose to concentrate on creating intimate and distinctive atmospheres for boutique hotels.
• Restaurant Interior Designer – Focusing on designing interior spaces for restaurants, cafes, and other dining establishments, these designers consider factors such as seating layout, ambiance, lighting, and décor.
• Bar and Nightclub Interior Designer – Specializing in designing bars, lounges, and nightclubs, these designers often emphasize creating dynamic and inviting social spaces that appeal to specific target audiences and fit the overall theme and atmosphere of the establishment.
• Spa and Wellness Interior Designer – Focusing on creating serene and rejuvenating interior spaces for spas, wellness centers, and fitness facilities, these designers consider the use of calming colors, natural materials, and efficient space planning to enhance relaxation and well-being.
• Cruise Ship Interior Designer – These designers work on designing interior spaces for cruise ships, including cabins, restaurants, entertainment areas, and public spaces. Cruise ship designers must consider the unique challenges of working within the constraints of a ship's structure and space limitations.
• Conference and Event Space Designer – Specializing in designing conference centers, event venues, and meeting spaces within hotels or standalone locations, these designers consider the practical requirements for hosting events while maintaining an elegant and versatile design.
• Retail and Food and Beverage Interior Designer – These designers work on interior spaces for retail outlets and food and beverage establishments, such as cafes, bakeries, and specialty stores.
• Theme Park and Entertainment Interior Designer – Working on interior spaces within theme parks, entertainment venues, and amusement centers, these designers focus on creating immersive environments that enhance the overall entertainment experience for visitors.
• Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Interior Designer – These designers specialize in integrating sustainable design principles and eco-friendly materials into hospitality spaces, promoting environmentally conscious practices within the industry.
• Historic Preservation and Restoration Designer – These specialists focus on restoring and preserving historical or heritage buildings to maintain their architectural significance while adapting the interiors to modern hospitality needs.

It is essential to note that while some designers may specialize in specific sectors, many professionals can work across various types of hospitality projects.

What is the workplace of a Hospitality Interior Designer like?

Hospitality interior designers can work for a variety of organizations and businesses within the hospitality industry. These are among their most common employers:

• Hospitality Design Firms
• Hotel and Resort Chains
• Retail and Restaurant Chains
• Independent Restaurants and Cafes
• Cruise Lines
• Theme Parks and Entertainment Complexes
• Spas and Wellness Centers

Employment opportunities for hospitality interior designers can vary based on location, market demand, and the size and nature of the design industry within a particular region. Additionally, designers may transition between different employers or work on a combination of employed and freelance projects throughout their careers.

Regardless of their place of employment, hospitality interior designers typically work in studios or offices equipped with workstations, design libraries, material samples, drafting tables, and design software tools to support the design process. The designer’s role, of course, almost invariably involves collaborating and meeting with clients, architects, contractors, craftsmen, suppliers, and other project stakeholders.

Hospitality interior designers frequently visit the properties on which they are working. Depending on the scale and location of their projects, they may need to travel to different cities or countries, or they may have the flexibility to work remotely.