5 design experts share the challenges facing the hospitality sector

Shoptalk is our roundup where we ask current questions from industry insiders to gain insight into the design zeitgeist. This time we asked project leaders from HBA International, CHIL Interior Design, Hart Howerton, TVS and The Gettys Group Companies, respected firms from across the United States and Canada: What are the current issues surrounding hospitality practice?

Take note of these practical issues in the hospitality industry

An era of economic uncertainty

“We are going through an era of economic uncertainty. Customer fees have remained stable or even decreased. At the same time, we struggle with tight project implementation deadlines, often inconsistent with our clients’ financial forecasts. Despite the use of technological tools to manage furniture, fixtures and equipment, the human element still introduces a significant margin of error into our data. —Mrinal Suri, HBA International

Mrinal Suri. Photography: David T. Lees/The Studio Deux.

The impact of rising product costs

Paul Morissette. Photos courtesy of CHIL Interior Design.

“Longer delivery times and rising costs for all products, as well as fluctuations in the economy leading to changes in currency conversions.” —Paul Morissette, CHIL interior design

Get to know the latest projects and trends in the hotel and catering industry

Difficult lead times

“Domestic production of materials and products continues to be a challenge in some areas, disrupting order lead times and project schedules. Overall, financing is currently a major problem. —Barbara Best-Santos, Hart Howerton

Portrait of Barbara-Best Santos — Barbara-Best Santos. Photos courtesy of Hart Howerton.

Looking at artificial intelligence and technological advancements

Portrait of Nicole Smith — Nicole Smith. Photos courtesy of TVS.

“We hope that AI will help improve design elements that are duplicative or repetitive, such as hotels or residential properties.” —Nicole Smith, TVS

An evolving culture of hospitality

“One of the biggest practical problems in the hotel industry is the evolution and improvement of culture. The pandemic has changed the way we work, where we work, how often we travel and many of the expectations we place on the company, our clients and our team. As we refine what that is, we reconsider every aspect of working with us (as a client and team member) at every stage of the project.” —Ron Swidler, Gettys Group Companies