Defining Hospitality | The Art of Feeling Known - Bruno Viterbo - Defining Hospitality

The Art of Feeling Known - Bruno Viterbo - Defining Hospitality - Episode #209

July 23, 2025 / 01:13:30/E209

Ever wondered how a space can make you feel genuinely cared for? Bruno Viterbo, Vice President of Design at Irvine Company, shares his profound insights into 'the sense of being known' and how it transforms hospitality design at every scale. Bruno shares his extensive experience in the design and real estate industries, including insights from his previous roles at Champalimaud Design and Las Vegas Sands Corp. He reflects on the unique lessons learned from industry legends and how these insights have shaped his approach to creating extraordinary spaces. The episode highlights the significance of partnerships, the role of conviction in leadership, and the challenges and creativity involved in working within regulatory constraints.

Takeaways:

Taking a moment to genuinely connect with people around you can provide opportunities for deeper understanding and relationships. Make an effort to be attentive and engaged in your interactions.
Maintaining a sense of curiosity about other cultures, experiences, and professions can greatly enhance your perspective and creativity. Don’t hesitate to dig deeper and ask questions about the hows and whys of different practices.
Cultivating long-term relationships with colleagues, clients, vendors, and mentors can significantly enhance your professional journey. Trust and mutual respect are foundational to successful collaborations.
Embrace challenges and view constraints as opportunities to innovate. Regulatory and environmental constraints can inspire new levels of creativity and problem-solving.
Always consider the end-user's experience first. This mindset can guide decisions in design, customer service, and overall environment creation, ensuring a more meaningful impact.
During economic downturns or challenging times, focus on maintaining quality, supporting your team, and staying optimistic. Resilience and adaptability can help navigate and thrive in difficult periods.
Learning from experienced professionals can significantly shape your career. Be open to listening and absorbing lessons from mentors and industry veterans.

Quote of the Show:

“I started by thinking that we needed to do a lot, and over time I realized I just need to listen a lot more. Then the doing sort of comes with it.” - Bruno Viterbo

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