Embark on a journey into the realm of hotel design with Cadiz Collaboration. Join us as we delve into the latest trends, sustainable practices, material innovations, and the art of design in both architecture and interior spaces. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and immerse yourself in the soul of hospitality aesthetics. Witness the artistry that effortlessly turns spaces into timeless, unforgettable experiences.
Welcome to Elevate Hotel Design! In this episode, host Lorraine Francis of Cadiz Collaboration dives into the vibrant world of surf design with Lynai Jones, the creative force behind Mitchell Black, known for its bespoke wall coverings and design-forward products. Discover how Lynai's unique blend of classic techniques and modern vision has made Mitchell Black a go-to brand for those looking to infuse spaces with personality and story. Learn about the brand’s evolution from stationery to large-scale art and wallpaper, and how their customization options are enhancing boutique hotels and luxury residences. Join us for an exclusive tour of their creative space in Ravenswood, Chicago, and gain insights on the magic behind their bold designs. Don’t miss out—subscribe to Elevate Hotel Design on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.00:00 Introduction to Elevate Hotel Design Podcast00:06 Meet Lynai Jones: Creative Director of Mitchell Black01:46 The Journey of Mitchell Black04:16 From Finance to Design: Lynai's Career Shift07:09 Manufacturing in Chicago: Challenges and Choices17:08 Exploring the Art Department22:36 Custom Colorations and Cost Considerations23:10 Modern Botanical Designs25:34 Inspiration and Research27:08 Collaborations and Custom Projects29:03 Material Bank and Sampling31:15 New Collections and Designs39:16 Lightning Round and Final Thoughts
1 Dec 2025TRANSCRIPT
The Vibrant Palette: Exploring Fearless Design with Amanda Malson (Ep. 12)
In this episode of Elevate Hotel Design, host Lorraine Francis of Cadiz Collaboration dives into the role of color in hospitality design with guest Amanda Malson, founder and principal of Common Standard. Amanda discusses her journey in design, the influence of her creative upbringing, and how she fearlessly uses color to provoke emotion and enhance guest experiences. Listen to Amanda’s insights on transformative colors, maintaining brand integrity, and the vibrant community that supports her vision.
00:00 Introduction to Elevate Hotel Design Podcast
00:14 Meet Amanda Malson: The Colorist at Heart
02:18 Amanda’s Journey into Design
04:00 The Influence of Color in Amanda’s Life
09:08 Color in Hospitality Design
13:51 Teaching Color Theory
17:12 The Power of Color in Branding
21:23 Balancing Risk and Timeless Design
23:42 Rediscovering Inspiration in Mexico City
24:16 Sources of Artistic Inspiration
24:25 The Influence of Portuguese Tiles
25:07 The Power of Social Media in Design
26:11 Exploring Vintage Design
27:00 The Importance of Community in Vintage Design
28:24 Memories and Stories in Design
30:07 Lightning Round: Design Essentials
30:56 Conclusion and Farewell
13 Oct 2025TRANSCRIPT
Mastering Millwork: Inside the Craft and Culture of Taber Company (Ep. 11)
Welcome to Elevate Hotel Design, the podcast where Lorraine Francis delves into the artistry and strategy behind today’s hospitality spaces. In this special episode, broadcasting from the stunning showroom of Taber Company in Irvine, we explore the craftsmanship and innovation of Brian Taber, founder and principal of Taber Company. With over two decades of experience, Brian has led his company to blend old-world craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, serving luxury hospitality, retail, and residential projects across Southern California. Join us as Brian discusses the essence of building a brand, shares his insights on successful project partnerships, and takes us on an exclusive tour of the factory, showcasing the intricate process of architectural woodwork and the importance of teamwork and quality. This episode is a deep dive into the world of custom millwork and is filled with inspiring stories and valuable industry insights.
00:00 Introduction to Elevate Hotel Design Podcast
00:18 Meet Brian Taber of Taber Company
01:22 The Craftsmanship Behind Taber Company
01:57 Building Relationships in the Industry
04:16 Early Days and Evolution of Taber Company
06:03 Challenges and Solutions in Millwork Projects
10:16 Exploring Taber Company’s Showroom
13:47 Core Values and Family Involvement
18:34 Showroom Tour and Design Details
21:09 Discussing Stone Work and Subcontracting
21:57 Exploring the Lounge and Surf Event Sponsorship
22:52 Touring the Project Management and Engineering Areas23:18 Employee Longevity and Company Culture
24:55 Factory Operations and Efficiency
25:48 Sustainability and Waste Management
26:33 Cabinet Production Process
29:34 Upholstery and Craftsmanship
30:39 Mockups and Custom Projects
35:07 Break Room and Employee Care
37:30 Concluding the Tour and Final Thoughts
8 Sept 2025
The Evolution of Creo Hospitality with Amit Patel (Ep. 10)
In this episode of Elevate Hotel Design, host Lorraine Francis of Cadiz Collaboration interviews Amit Patel, Project Director at Creo Hospitality. Amit shares his journey from biochemistry to hospitality, his pivotal role at Creo, and how the firm manages procurement, logistics, and installation for some of the most thoughtfully designed hotels in the country. The conversation covers the complexities of hotel development, the importance of strong vendor relationships, and the future of hospitality design in a post-COVID world. They also discuss AI’s role in procurement and the significance of detailed communication across teams. Tune in for in-depth insights on bringing hotel projects to life.
00:00 Introduction to Elevate Hotel Design Podcast
01:04 Meet Amit Patel: From Biochemistry to Hospitality
02:02 The Origin and Growth of Creo Hospitality
04:34 Understanding Procurement in Hospitality
06:56 Challenges and Strategies in Hotel Design
08:48 Navigating the Complexities of Procurement
11:42 Adapting to Industry Changes and Innovations
18:05 Managing Logistics and Warehousing
20:53 Procurement Challenges in Hospitality
21:38 Cost-Saving Strategies in Hotel Projects
22:16 Value Engineering and Client Communication
24:30 Project Management Success Stories
29:43 Favorite Hotels and Tools of the Trade
35:42 Future Aspirations and Industry Trends
38:35 Conclusion and Farewell
13 Aug 2025TRANSCRIPT
Crafting Hospitality: Nicholas Nicola on Vision and Execution (Ep. 9)
Join host Lorraine Francis on Elevate Hotel Design as she dives into a captivating conversation with Nick Nicola, founder of NOA and veteran architect with over 20 years of experience. Explore Nick’s journey from his early days at Gensler to leading high-end resort projects, including his latest venture — the Montage project in the Bahamas. Discover the challenges and intricacies of island development, storytelling in design, and the lessons from building a luxurious yet sustainable paradise. Tune in to learn about Nick’s entrepreneurial spirit, future expansions, and the art of crafting remarkable hospitality experiences.
00:00 Introduction to Elevate Hotel Design
00:17 Meet Nick Nicola: Entrepreneurial Journey
01:04 Starting NOA: From Vision to Reality
04:24 Challenges and Lessons in Entrepreneurship
05:39 Montage Key Project: A Caribbean Adventure
09:50 Logistics and Construction Challenges
14:51 Sustainability and Community Building
17:05 Storytelling and Design Philosophy
17:54 Embracing the Natural Beauty of the Island
18:35 Architectural Scale and Privacy
19:04 Guest Experience and Arrival
21:36 Expansion in the Caribbean Market
24:41 Design Philosophy and Core Values
26:57 Photography as a Creative Outlet
31:18 Advice for Aspiring Designers
32:57 Favorite Hotels and Hospitality Joy
35:55 Conclusion and Future Projects
21 Jan 2025TRANSCRIPT
Elevating Wellness: The Future of Water in Hospitality Design (Ep.8)
In this episode of ELEVATE: Hotel Design, host Lorraine Francis from Cadiz Collaboration discusses the critical importance of water quality in hospitality design with Mike Sale, Director of Home Water Systems at Delta Faucet. With over 70 years in the industry, Delta Faucet has pioneered transformative water interactions across homes and hotels. Mike shares their innovative solutions addressing water quality and sustainability, and enhancing guest experiences. Explore topics like reverse osmosis, water tasting, and the impact of high-quality water systems on wellness. Don't miss this deep dive into the future of hospitality design and how Delta is making a difference in sustainability and wellness.
00:00 Introduction to Elevate Hotel Design Podcast
00:17 Guest Introduction: Mike Sale from Delta Faucet
00:48 Delta's Innovations in Water Quality and Sustainability
01:23 Personal Experiences and Water Quality Concerns
03:43 Consumer Trust and Water Quality Issues
04:53 The Science and Future of Water Treatment
06:33 Water Quality in Daily Life and Hospitality
11:25 Reverse Osmosis and Technological Advances
18:31 Becoming a Certified Water Sommelier
21:26 Water Tasting and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
24:12 Exploring Bottled Water Preferences
24:45 Understanding Natural vs. Commercial Bottled Water
25:13 The Popularity of Fiji Water
25:59 Tasting Icelandic Water
27:12 The Queen's Water: Hilden
28:34 Gerolsteiner: A High TDS Favorite
29:44 Three Bays: An Australian Marvel
32:09 Vichy Catalan: The Bold Spanish Water
36:41 The Future of Water Filtration Systems
42:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
5 Dec 2024TRANSCRIPT
Hospitality Asset Management Unveiled: A Conversation with Rich Levins (Ep. 7)
Lorraine Francis from Cadiz Collaboration and Rich Levins, Senior Vice President at Fulcrum Hospitality, explore the intricacies of hospitality asset management and development, revealing the importance of collaboration and strategic planning in elevating the hospitality experience.
26 Oct 2024TRANSCRIPT
Transforming Design: Farshid Tafazzoli on Material Bank’s Growth and Disruption (Ep. 6)
Join host Lorraine Francis in this episode of Elevate Hotel Design as she delves into the transformative journey of Material Bank with co-founder Farshid Tafazzoli. Discover how Material Bank is revolutionizing the material sourcing process for designers, architects, and vendors through its tech-driven platforms, global expansion, and commitment to sustainability. Learn about their seamless ordering system, extensive data-driven insights, and innovative tools like digital mood boards and centralized sample operations. This episode highlights Material Bank’s role in modernizing the design industry, tackling industry pain points, and offering tailored growth strategies. Tune in to explore the future of design sourcing, the company’s strategic initiatives, and how they’re making the process faster, more efficient, and eco-friendly.
00:00 Welcome to Elevate Hotel Design
00:15 Meet Farshd Tafazzoli from Material Banks
01:10 Farshid’s Journey to Material Banks
03:45 The Role and Evolution of Material Banks
04:47 How Material Banks Works
10:45 Global Expansion and Challenges
15:07 Innovations and Future Plans
25:22 The Popularity of Branded M&Ms
26:08 Leveraging Data for Design Trends
29:41 Supporting Small and Medium Brands
35:46 Sustainability Initiatives
40:25 Innovative Tools for Designers
43:54 Future Outlook and Industry Innovations
48:55 Closing Remarks and Reflections
3 Oct 2024TRANSCRIPT
Design Meets Fashion: Exploring Luxury with Brizo at NY Fashion Week
In this special edition of Elevate Hotel Design, we broadcast live from New York City Fashion Week to explore the intersection of fashion and hotel design. We delve into Brizo’s luxury plumbing fixtures, their collaboration with fashion designer Jason Wu, and their focus on advanced water technology and wellness. Join us for insights from Brizo’s key team members, Emily Mueller, Alex Neff, and Celine Garland, as they share their passion for combining form and function. Explore how the latest trends in design and fashion influence the creation of inspiring spaces. Plus, get a sneak peek into Brizo’s innovative products and their vision for the future of sustainable hotel design. Don’t miss out on our behind-the-scenes bonus content and additional insights from Brizo!
00:00 Introduction to Elevate Hotel Design at NYC Fashion Week
00:25 Exploring the Brizo Brand
01:05 Meet the Brizo Team
01:17 The Brizo and Jason Wu Collaboration
02:12 The Origin of Brizo
07:19 Innovations in Water Technology
18:03 Sustainability and Manufacturing Processes
18:55 The Design Process at Brizo
21:28 Understanding Human Conformity in Daily Routines
22:16 The Importance of Observational Research
22:40 Exploring Global Inspirations and Trends
23:50 Encouraging Creative Empowerment and Self-Expression
26:11 Customization and Innovation in Design
28:11 The Rise of Black Onyx and Other Trends
33:11 The Essence of Traditional Design
36:08 Collaborations and Influences in Modern Design
39:39 Conclusion and Future Insights
25 Aug 2024TRANSCRIPT
ELEVATE: Hotel Design with Adam Kubryk (Ep. 4)
Welcome to *ELEVATE: Hotel Design*, your go-to podcast for the latest trends, insights, and innovations in the world of hotel design. Whether you're a hotel owner, developer, or designer, join host Lorraine Francis—an accomplished architect, interior designer, and owner of Cadiz Collaboration—as she delves into transformative design strategies that enhance the guest experience.
In each episode, Lorraine brings you engaging stories from leading industry experts, offering invaluable perspectives that inspire and inform. In today’s episode, we are thrilled to welcome Adam Kubryk, Vice President of Sales at Global Allies and co-founder of Vendor Boot Camp. Adam shares his journey and expertise in hospitality furniture design, discussing how his company revolutionizes hotel interiors with innovative, high-quality solutions. He also introduces Vendor Boot Camp, a platform designed to empower vendors in the competitive hospitality market.
Tune in for a deep dive into the world of hotel design, where creativity meets functionality, and discover how industry leaders like Adam are shaping the future of hospitality.
11 Aug 2024TRANSCRIPT
ELEVATE: Hotel Design with Mitch Zerg (Ep. 3)
Welcome to "ELEVATE Hotel Design", the podcast dedicated to exploring the latest trends, innovations, and insights in the dynamic world of hotel design. Hosted by Lorraine Francis, a seasoned architect and interior designer, and owner of Cadiz Collaboration, each episode dives deep into the art and science of creating transformative spaces that enhance the guest experience.
Whether you're a hotel owner, developer, or designer, Elevate Hotel Design is your go-to source for inspiration and expert knowledge. Lorraine brings you compelling conversations with industry leaders, sharing their stories, strategies, and the secrets behind their success.
In this episode, we are excited to welcome Mitch Zerg, founder of Mitch Zerg and Associates, a leading multi-line representative company known for connecting top-tier furniture and design solutions with the hospitality industry. With over 40 years of experience, Mitch has a wealth of knowledge in selecting the finest furniture and lighting for luxury hotels. Join us as we delve into the nuances of hotel furnishings, the evolution of design, and what it takes to create memorable, world-class hotel experiences.
Tune in to discover the passion and expertise that drive the world of hotel design forward!
26 Mar 2024TRANSCRIPT
ELEVATE: Hotel Design with Adam Marquis (Ep. 2)
Join host Lorraine Francis on "ELEVATE: Hotel Design" with guest Adam Marquis, President of Pacifica Hotels, as they explore the intricate world of hotel design and hospitality. Adam delves into the artistry, innovation, and business strategies behind creating exceptional guest experiences.
In this episode, Lorraine and Adam delve into the dynamic landscape of hotel design, drawing on Marquis's extensive experience in the industry and his role in steering Pacifica Hotels to success. From the importance of cultivating meaningful relationships to the evolution of Pacifica's portfolio, they offer insights into the ever-changing hospitality sector. Adam shares reflections on his family's journey in the business, emphasizing the pivotal role of relationships in driving business growth and sustainability. The discussion extends to Pacifica's evolution, spanning both branded and independent hotels, showcasing the company's adaptability and commitment to enhancing guest experiences.
Listeners will gain valuable insights into Pacifica's approach to brand affiliations, corporate culture, and the significance of team retreats in fostering innovation and collaboration. As they explore future plans for the company, Lorraine and Adam provide a glimpse into the exciting developments shaping the future of hospitality.
Join Elevate: Hotel Design to uncover the secrets behind creating unforgettable hotel experiences and the innovative design strategies shaping the industry's future.
Pacifica Hotels
https://www.pacificahotels.com
Cadiz Collaboration
Website: https://www.cadizcollaboration.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cadizcollaboration/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraine-francis-cadizcollaboration/
Volitionists
Website: https://www.volitionists.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/volitionists/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/volitionists/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/volitionists/)
16 Mar 2024TRANSCRIPT
ELEVATE: Hotel Design with Bill Browning (Ep. 1)
Embark on a journey through sustainable design and biophilic architecture as Lorraine Francis and Bill Browning share their insights in this engaging discussion. Explore the economic and wellness advantages of biophilic design in hospitality, from integrating natural elements like fractal patterns to crafting serene environments affordably. Discover real-life applications in hotels like Citizen M and a recent hotel project in Austin. Learn about evolving trends in biophilic design and wellness, emphasizing the importance of refuge spaces in reducing stress post-pandemic. Delve into the concept of awe and its impact on mental well-being, alongside personal narratives of awe in nature. Explore their favorite biophilic hotels and their plans for future investments in sustainable projects across diverse locations. Subscribe for more enlightening conversations on biophilic design, sustainability, and wellness!
Terrapin
https://www.terrapinbrightgreen.com (https://www.terrapinbrightgreen.com/)
Cadiz Collaboration
Website: https://www.cadizcollaboration.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cadizcollaboration/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraine-francis-cadizcollaboration/
Volitionists
Website: https://www.volitionists.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/volitionists/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/volitionists/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/volitionists/)
Inside a recent episode
The Vibrant Palette: Exploring Fearless Design with Amanda Malson (Ep. 12)
Published 1 Dec 2025 · Transcript excerpt
[…] And it was still like, even though it was like the bright green and the white and the detail, it was still like, it's still sophisticated. I think so many people get color wrong because they don't do it in a sophisticated way. And it's a lot of noise. And I walked in there and I was like, it didn't feel noisy, but it still felt sharp. It felt comfortable. And it's still out of power. I think that goes back to mixing colors at a very young age and understanding what is behind each color and then making sure that each palette has that same undertone. Because I think that sometimes when you mix colors that aren't in that same tone, then that's where it goes badly. […]
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