Guiding Strategies for Landing Elite Hospitality Design Projects as an Interior Designer
Breaking into the high-end hospitality design game? Here's a kickass roadmap for you, mate.
Start by welcoming smaller, boutique projects. These can be goldmines for building your portfolio and creating a name for yourself in the niche. Have a gander at concealed gems in your city – spaces that need a jazz up but are somehow overlooked. Reach out to the owners with a thoughtful pitch, stressing how your design could highlight their brand's identity and elevate the guest experience.
Now, let's put on our detective hats. Spend a night (or two) in a luxury hotel or boutique property that gets your motor running. Soak up every last detail, from the lighting to the layout to the art on the walls.Refer to your notes as you ponder what you'd do differently to make it even better, and share that badassery with the world. Use Instagram or your blog to express your ideas, and don't forget to credit the original designer (if they're even worth a damn).
Create a high-end hospitality–specific portfolio showcasing your creativity and understanding of the industry. If you're short on hotel or restaurant projects, don't fret. Use your residential work to show you can design high-traffic spaces that are still visually stunning.
Ready to mingle? Get your ass to industry events like BDNY (Boutique Design New York) or Maison&Objet, where all the bigwigs hang out. Network like a boss, forget about trying to impress everyone with your resume, and focus on having meaningful conversations with people in the industry.
When it comes to hospitality projects, you're going to face different challenges than residential projects. Think about how your designs can handle wear and tear, withstand safety regulations, and reflect the brand's identity.
Now, grab a notebook and have a nosy at some luxury properties. Note what you love and what you'd change. Share your transformed visions with the world and watch as clients come a-knocking.
Oh, and one more thing. Get schooled on design legends like Kelly Wearstler and David Rockwell, and keep an eye out for companies like AvroKO. These folks are killin' it in the luxury design game, and you can learn a thing or two from 'em.
Want in on the action? Stay up to date on the latest trends, fully immerse yourself in the hospitality world, and never stop learning. Before you know it, you'll be knocking down doors at luxury properties pitching your brilliant ideas like the bloody boss you are.
- To enhance your branding and online presence, regularly share your interior design ideas for luxury properties on platforms like Instagram and your blog. Always give credit to original designers if applicable.
- Expand your finance and business knowledge by keeping up with the latest trends in interior design, networking with industry leaders, and learning from design legends such as Kelly Wearstler and David Rockwell.
- As you progress in your career, consider exploring opportunities for growth in marketing, branding, and business development within the hospitality industry, alongside traditional interior design roles.
