“Authentic hospitality concepts are more often than not an honest reflection of their heritage, their culture, their people, and the cuisine.”
1. Unique food and service offer
I start by examining the nature of the cuisine, and what the unique food and service offering is. The environment and design must be empathetic to that and become a critical component in aligning the physical elements and defining fast turnover casual dining zones Vs slow dining options and the bar zone offer.
2. Immersion
I always consider how people immerse themselves into a hospitality environment, and how we as designers can aid involvement to create unique innovative dining zones and areas. How people relate to a place and how they act and feel within a space is critical when finalising layout, specifying furnishings and integrating lighting.
3. Engagement
I always delve into the why and what. Why are they here, why will they be back, what’s the hook, what’s the story? We need to engage the customer emotionally and provide the ‘feel good feels’, perhaps a nostalgic throw back, or some theatre to compliment the food offer and to create a lasting memorable impression.
4. Mix of heritage Vs modern
Quite often hospitality design will be a melting pot where tradition meets modern. Where an interior may be for example warm rustic and full of character and it sits against edgy details, contemporary lighting. I see it as layers of generational perspective pleasing to the old and young.
5. Seamless integration of art and brand
When custom designed art, wall paper, brand, signage and graphical elements are integrated to create depth and layers of interest and authenticity. It can be the perfect nod to traditional, heritage, culture and personality, tying the concept together beautifully.
