When most people think of hospitality interior designers, they picture someone choosing rugs or coordinating color schemes for guest rooms. However, hospitality interior designers bring far more strategic value to hotel properties than meets the eye. Our expertise goes far beyond selecting furnishings—it’s about creating environments that actually drive business results. When choosing a hotel online, customers rely on pictures to make their decision. If you saw a property that hadn’t been updated in 20 years or didn’t have the amenities that fit your lifestyle, even as simple as USB charging outlets, wouldn’t you think twice?
Breadth of Skills
Interior Designers are no DIY decorators. We are well-educated (most commonly with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree plus certifications like NCIDQ) problem-solvers, project managers, brand strategists, and guest experience experts who can transform how your hotel, restaurant, or resort performs. During my undergraduate training, I learned about spatial planning, color theory, hospitality building codes, and guest flow optimization. I learned how lighting affects guest mood and behavior throughout different times of day, which materials withstand constant use while maintaining their appearance, and how to maximize every square foot of a space. Throughout my experience, I’ve also learned how reupholstering and refinishing surfaces can revitalize a space without having to start over from the beginning, preserving natural beauty and saving costs in the end.
A Return on Investment
One of the biggest reservations I hear from developers is that hiring an interior designer is a luxury expense. But that’s without understanding our unique value. Our relationships alone with hospitality-specific vendors, contractors, and craftspeople result in significant cost savings, faster project timelines, and access to commercial-grade products unavailable to the general market. We also prevent expensive operational mistakes. We know which layouts create bottlenecks during peak service times, which materials require excessive maintenance, and which design trends enhance guest experience versus those that become dated quickly.
Furthermore, we wear multiple hats, serving as specialized project managers, coordinating with contractors familiar with hotel operations, managing deliveries, ensuring compliance with ADA requirements, and troubleshooting issues. We especially understand the unique challenges of operating a business while renovating—from maintaining guest satisfaction during construction to phasing projects to maximize occupancy.
Our Difference
Having your space designed by a professional interior design is an investment that pays dividends. Every space has untapped potential, but recognizing and unlocking it requires true creativity. At AJC Design, our not-so-secret sauce is Creativity is Everything®. We excel at seeing possibilities where others see limitations and can work with budgets of any size. We are proud of our ability to transform an awkward entryway into an inviting lobby, reimagining an iconic hotel, or creating a relaxing space in even the smallest guest bathrooms.
Instead of relying on generic design trends, our approach considers the entire guest journey, from arrival to departure, ensuring each touchpoint reinforces your brand. The result is a property that not only reflects your brand vision but operates seamlessly for both guests and staff. We’d love to hear from you.