Defining Hospitality | Building Together - Ian Mills and Becca Roderick- Defining Hospitality

Building Together - Ian Mills and Becca Roderick- Defining Hospitality - Episode # 193

March 26, 2025 / 59:53/E193

Today we discuss the intersection of architecture and interior design, finding a common ground for both aspects to complement each other. Ian Mills and Becca Roderick, Executive Directors of Architecture and Interiors, respectively, at Morris Adjmi Architects. They delve into the concept of hospitality, the collaborative process within their firm, and how they align their visions to create contextually relevant and impactful projects. The conversation covers notable projects like the Wythe Hotel and The Forth, emphasizing how thoughtful design can redefine neighborhoods and meet client expectations. They also discuss the emergence of branded residences and the importance of client buy-in and strategic investment in design.

Takeaways:

Encourage regular collaboration and communication between the architecture and interior design teams to align on the project's North Star.
Conduct thorough research on the location, history, and context of the project site to create designs that are both impactful and fitting with the surroundings.
Prioritize elements that make guests feel cared for, regardless of the budget or exclusivity of the experience.
Invest in high-quality design, as it can significantly enhance the financial performance of hospitality projects. Tightly manage budgets to ensure investments are spent judiciously and effectively.
Be prepared for unexpected challenges, especially in adaptive reuse projects. Have mechanisms in place to manage and respond to these surprises.
Keep clients informed and involved throughout the project's lifecycle to ensure continuous alignment and buy-in.

Quote of the Show:

“ We're bringing the same mentality and sort of rigor to every project because we think that every project can change the neighborhood that it's in.” - Ian Mills

“ When you strip everything back and peel things away, hospitality is really about caring for people and fostering community.” - Becca Roderick

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