Hospitality Unpacked with NEWH

Diversity is not a detail—it’s the experience.This episode explores how cultural identity, lived experience, and inclusive thinking shape truly memorable hospitality environments. Through an engaging conversation with visionary entrepreneurs, we examine how design becomes a storytelling tool—authentically weaving diverse narratives, perspectives, and traditions into spaces that resonate with guests on a deeper level.By centering culture as a source of creativity rather than a constraint, this dialogue highlights how inclusive design choices enhance connection, meaning, and belonging. The result is hospitality that doesn’t just welcome guests—but reflects the richness of who they are and the communities they engage with.

Nature has already solved the problems we’re trying to design around.This episode explores biomimicry—the practice of learning from nature’s time-tested patterns and strategies—and its powerful role in shaping biophilic hospitality design. From coral reefs and sunflower heads to pinecone spirals, we examine how natural systems inform spaces that are not only visually compelling, but deeply restorative and inherently efficient.Through real-world examples, we uncover how nature-driven design can elevate the guest experience, support energy performance, and create environments that feel intuitive and alive. From the fractal rhythm of tree canopies to the passive cooling intelligence of termite mounds, this conversation reveals how the natural world offers both inspiration and instruction.Designed to spark curiosity and participation, this episode invites you to rethink conventional approaches, reconnect with natural intelligence, and rewild the way we design hotels, resorts, and wellness spaces.

Design sits at the heart of how hospitality spaces are experienced, remembered, and sustained.In this Minisode Monday of The Blueprint, Will Dowling explores how design is shaping the future of European hospitality. He discusses the rise of ultra luxury travel, the move toward resort style experiences in urban centers, and how sustainability and housing pressures are influencing how hotels are designed and developed across Europe.Perfect for anyone interested in hospitality design, sustainable tourism, and the evolving relationship between luxury travel and local communities.

Cultural authenticity cannot be an afterthought.This essential dialogue examines what it truly means to design hospitality spaces rooted in Native American identity—through tradition, lived experience, and forward-thinking innovation. Centered on Indigenous voices, this conversation reframes culture not as a visual reference or design trend, but as a living, evolving narrative shaped by community, place, and purpose.Bringing together three Indigenous leaders from architecture, design, and project management, the panel explores the role of materials, symbolism, and storytelling, while confronting the risks of appropriation and the critical need for Indigenous leadership on Native projects.Through candid insight and real-world perspective, this episode challenges conventional design frameworks and offers a more respectful, informed approach to hospitality development—one that honors culture, responsibility, and long-term impact.

Hospitality is where comfort, innovation, and human connection create unforgettable guest experiences.In this episode, Ludovica Rocchi, Brand Director of R Collection Hotels Group, shares how luxury hotels in Europe are using design, technology, and leadership to elevate guest experience. She discusses motivating staff, adapting to change, and creating stays that leave lasting impressions.Perfect for anyone interested in hotel innovation, hospitality leadership, and guest-focused excellence.

Recognition was not guaranteed—but impact was inevitable.This episode brings into focus the often-overlooked legacies of female designers whose vision, leadership, and business acumen quietly shaped the foundations of interior design and architecture. Working beyond the spotlight of their time, these trailblazers challenged convention, built influence, and created pathways for innovation that continue to resonate today.Through reflection and historical context, we examine how their work reshaped professional practice and why their contributions remain deeply relevant. A century later, their stories remind us that progress is rarely singular—and that lasting change is often built by those history nearly forgot.

Leadership is more than strategy, it’s about empathy, learning, and connection.In this episode of Behind the Standard, Gilda Perez-Alvarado, Chief Strategy Officer at Accor and CEO of Orient Express, shares how mentorship and real-world lessons shaped her approach. She talks about leading with purpose, collaborating across cultures, and using curiosity, adaptability, and humor to succeed.This conversation is packed with practical insights for anyone navigating leadership, growth, and change in hospitality.

Sustainability is no longer optional. It guides every choice, design, and decision across the entire system.In this session, we explore how manufacturers, designers, and brands or owners can come together to create impact far beyond what any one of them could achieve alone. Through practical insights and real-world examples, we uncover how aligned practices shape Human Health, Climate Health, and Social Equity, turning materials, spaces, and communities into powerful catalysts for change.Bringing into focus the unseen connections that drive meaningful progress.

In this episode of The Briefing, hospitality leader Melissa Messmer shares a global perspective on how inclusive design, sustainability, and guest wellbeing are shaping luxury hotels across the UK, Europe, and beyond. Drawing from her experience with IHG, Starwood, Accor, and Marriott, Melissa explores how lighting innovation and neurodiversity friendly design are redefining the modern guest experience. She also discusses navigating diverse cultural and architectural landscapes and why creativity, curiosity, and problem solving remain essential for hospitality designers and leaders.

Accessibility is no longer optional; it is a critical foundation of thoughtful design.In this episode, our panel dives into the real-world mobility challenges guests encounter throughout hotel spaces, from arrival to room experience and shared amenities.Through candid discussion and practical insight, they explore how ADA-informed design choices can remove barriers, enhance comfort, and create environments that work seamlessly for all guests.Highlighting how inclusive design is not only the right thing to do, but also a powerful driver of guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and long-term success in hospitality.

Bring nature into your spaces and discover how biophilic design can transform the way we live and work. This session explores how incorporating natural elements like light, greenery, fresh air, texture, and sound can enhance well-being, boost creativity, and improve focus and productivity in homes, offices, and public spaces.Learn how thoughtful, intentional design goes beyond aesthetics. Ordinary environments can be turned into life-affirming, accessible, and high-performing spaces. It is about creating places where people can thrive, connect with nature, and enjoy meaningful experiences every day.

What does it take to make spaces truly accessible?Hear directly from people with disabilities as they share their experiences and the challenges they face every day. Get to learn practical ways to meet ADA standards while creating spaces that actually work for everyone. See how thoughtful, creative design can improve accessibility and enhance the experience for all guests. Leave inspired to approach accessibility not just as a rule, but as a way to build welcoming, engaging spaces where everyone feels valued.

In this Briefing Minisode, hospitality leader Emmanuelle La Valliant shares a grounded, global perspective on how AI and Gen Z expectations are reshaping hotels across Europe and beyond. Drawing from her work with boutique and lifestyle properties in Paris, Emmanuelle explores why speed, transparency, sustainability, and experience-driven design now define relevance in hospitality. The conversation also touches on architectural heritage, cultural respect, and why curiosity and passion remain the most valuable career assets in a rapidly evolving industry.

Hotels and restaurants cycle through furniture at an incredible pace. Pieces meant to last a decade often barely make it five years before being tossed. In this episode, we look at how the industry can rethink that pattern and shift toward circular design that keeps materials in use longer.Our panel digs into the real barriers cost, logistics, changing trends and the pressure to deliver a constant sense of “new.” They draw from hands-on examples, including San Francisco International Airport’s commitment to zero waste, a Grand Hyatt built with circularity in mind, and a Colorado hostel that turned reclaimed materials and custom-built bunk beds into a sustainability win. We also explore innovative materials like recycled plastics, biodegradable textiles, and early-stage alternatives such as mycelium.If you work in design, purchasing, operations, or simply care about building a more sustainable hospitality ecosystem, this conversation will spark ideas and challenge the way you approach specifications and project planning.

In this episode of A Seat at the Table, we sit down with four global voices to explore how NEWH connects people, careers, and companies across borders. Joining him are Chris Tucker, CEO of NEWH, Inc.; Jonathan Young, principal of Jonathan Young Associates and NEWH VP of International Relations for the EU & UK; Boris Gentine, designer and partner at Saguez & Dash; and Pam Neimann, founder of Neimann Design.Together, they unpack how a volunteer-driven network becomes a powerful global engine for opportunity. Boris shares his recent move from Paris to New York and how NEWH turned an intimidating relocation into a soft landing—introducing him to chapters, clients, and friends who helped him quickly find his place in a new market. Pam reflects on taking her entire studio to NEWH Leadership Conferences in Nashville and Paris, and how those experiences deepened her team’s cohesion, exposure to international design thinking, and long-term commitment to the organization.Jonathan offers a vendor’s perspective on NEWH as an “international matchmaker,” helping manufacturers and designers navigate cultural nuances and expand into new regions—from American brands entering Europe to European firms tackling projects in the US and Middle East. Chris rounds out the conversation with real stories of NEWH scholarship winners whose careers have crossed continents, demonstrating how education, mentorship, and internships are evolving as NEWH grows globally.Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of how NEWH’s international chapters, events, and scholarship programs create a truly borderless community—one where students, designers, and manufacturers can belong, be supported, and build meaningful careers anywhere in the world. 

This minisode of A Seat at the Table was recorded live at the 2025 NEWH Leadership Conference in Paris. It captures a candid and thoughtful conversation with Agnès Roquefort, drawing on her insights as a global hospitality leader and her perspective on mentorship, collaboration, and the next generation of talent. The energy of the conference carries straight into the dialogue, offering listeners a quick but meaningful look at the ideas shaping hospitality right now.

What began as a formal match in the NEWH Martha’s Mentors Program grew into something far bigger: confidence built, careers shaped, and a new generation being lifted as they rise. This episode pulls back the curtain on what mentorship really does in our industry.Three leaders sit down to talk about the power of being guided, challenged, and championed: Jeanne Varney, former International President of NEWH; Dana Kelly of Penrose Hospitality Solutions; and Dallas Bentley, NEWH’s VP of Education.It is a candid look at how mentorship becomes momentum. Not through grand gestures, but through consistent connection, perspective, and the kind of support that makes people step into their potential.Growth in hospitality doesn’t happen alone. It happens in community.Learn more about the Martha’s Mentors Program with NEWH: https://newh.org/resources/marthas-mentors/

Design never sleeps—especially when your studios span continents.In this episode of Hospitality Unpacked: The Design, Adele Rankin and Brigitte Bédard of CHIL Interior Design share what it takes to lead hospitality projects that cross time zones, cultures, and expectations. From 24-hour collaboration between Vancouver, Toronto, and Hong Kong to navigating client customs in the Middle East, they unpack the creative thrill (and chaos) of designing on a global stage.Hosted by Matt DeShantz, this conversation explores cultural sensitivity, global sustainability, and the rush of creating spaces that redefine luxury—one timezone at a time.🎙️ Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.Correction Notice: This episode was recorded while Adele Rankin was serving as Principal and Global Design Lead at CHIL Interior Design. Since the time of recording, Adele has moved into her new role as Vice President of Interior Design at Kasian Architecture. We’re thrilled to acknowledge her continued leadership in global hospitality design.

At the NEWH Leadership Conference in Paris, two familiar faces reunited after more than a decade apart — Diana Dobin, Co-CEO of Valley Forge Fabrics, and Will Dowling, Director of Design for Virgin Hotels.What began as a mentorship when Will was a hospitality student has evolved into a story of friendship, growth, and paying it forward. In this heart-warming minisode, they reflect on how one conversation can spark a lifelong connection—and how mentorship continues to shape hospitality’s next generation of leaders.🎙️ Recorded live in Paris during the NEWH Leadership Conference.

Theme: The PeopleEpisode: Scholarship StoriesGuests:Barbara Bischoff – Director of Scholarships, NEWH Inc. | Project Interior Design Associate, RoamValerie Coleman – Vice President of EID, NEWH Inc. | Director of Interior Design Select Brands, Marriott InternationalMichael Quaglia – Communications Chair – Scholarships, NEWH Inc. | Intermediate Interior Designer, ODADescriptionWhat happens when a scholarship becomes more than a cheque? In this episode of Hospitality Unpacked, we sit down with three designers whose careers were transformed by the support, mentorship, and community of NEWH.From changing careers to crossing continents, Barbara Bischoff, Valerie Coleman, and Michael Quaglia share how receiving an NEWH scholarship opened doors far beyond the classroom. Their stories highlight the power of generosity in hospitality—the kind that shapes not only projects, but people.Listeners will hear how each designer discovered their path, built lifelong connections, and turned scholarship opportunities into thriving careers across Marriott International, ODA, and Roam Interiors.Hosted by Matt DeShantz, this conversation brings together three generations of NEWH scholarship recipients whose experiences span design studios, hotel brands, and international chapters.Key Topics• How scholarships validate creative risk and career pivots• The network effect—why NEWH connections outlast graduation• Mentorship and giving back through chapter involvement• Inclusivity and diversity as drivers of design excellence