Audio Links:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPX
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id157359638
Matthew Boone is head of hospitality at Ryder Levitt Bucknell (RLB), bringing 20+ years of architecture, construction and project management experience to some of the industry's most complex hotel developments. Trained as an architect, his work includes San Francisco's Huntington Hotel, a project that landed in Architectural Digest. He now leads RLB's hospitality growth across North America, pairing design instinct with financial discipline.
Takeaways:
Think about what people need before they know they need it. Hospitality is a mindset, not a job title, and it should shape every interaction, from a boardroom to a job site.
When you’re weighing design against budget, remember ROI decisions happen behind the walls too. Mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades often eat the budget before a single finish gets chosen.
Ask for real numbers up front. Hiding a budget to protect creativity rarely works, it usually just wastes weeks redesigning to hit a number that could have been clear from day one.
Guests rarely complain about design, they complain about systems. Prioritize hot water, Wi-Fi and room temperature if you actually want to move the guest experience needle.
Trust your team and stay in your lane. The strongest projects happen when everyone respects each other’s expertise instead of micromanaging outside their own scope.
Reach out to Dan on LinkedIn or hit reply on the Substack to share what you’re working on.
"Hospitality is thinking about what people need, what people want, before they even know they need it." - Matthew Boone
Impact estimates vary by project. For the most up-to-date figures, please refer to the transcript
Connect with Matthew:
Guest’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mboonebayarea/
Guests Website: https://www.rlb.com/americas/
🏨✨ Defining Hospitality is Sponsored by BERMANFALK
Check out their impact page! 🌍🌱 https://www.bermanfalk.com/impact/