Colorado-Real-Estate-Journal_375567

32 / BUILDING DIALOGUE / DECEMBER 2023 ELEMENTS Hospitality The Key to Hospitality Design? Creating an Experience A s the world returns to a new, post-pandemic “normal,” many hotel and restaurant visitors are looking for something different. People are seeking new memories, new experi- ences and new ways to gather. This cre- ates an opportunity for the hospitality industry to redefine the spaces people seek out to gather and connect – and ideally, provides an experience that keeps them coming back for more. Creating an experience is what makes hotels and restaurants stand out among a sea of competitors. Producing an au- thentic hotel or restaurant experience begins with design – starting with ini- tial space planning for level of comfort, acoustic comfort, functionality and other operational considerations. For developers, restaurateurs and other de- sign professionals building new concepts in the hospitality space, there are several themes percolating as we head into 2024 that play on the overarching experience premise. n Focus on flexibility. If we learned one thing from the pandemic, it’s that flexibility is key. For hospitality spaces, especially, it’s important to lean into options that accom- modate flexible rental spaces for private events of all sizes. What does that look like? In hotels, ballrooms and meeting rooms have turned into spaces for dinner or smaller events when needed. In restaurants, there is an increased desire for private dining rooms, so restaurateurs need to incorpo- rate design options to section off parts of a room. This is es- pecially important with an eatertainment concept, where there are generally several ways to section off spaces, but it’s critical to ensure there is also space for everyday pa- trons. When it comes to flexibility, we’re also seeing an in- creased interest in higher finish levels to create a timeless design rather than fad finishes that are semi-permanent or expensive to replace. This creates the flexibility to easily add more unexpected touches and pieces throughout, rath- er than designing an entire space defined by a fleeting style. n The allure of activities. Another way the hospitali- ty sector has transformed is by encouraging togetherness through activities. Now more than ever, people are seek- ing new ways to connect with others when they go out, stemming largely from the lack of opportunities to gather Frank Mataipule Architect, FAM Design Megan Freckelton Interior Designer, FAM Design Touches like feather light fixtures at Three Saints Revival provide a nod to flying, and an organic line pattern on the floor signifies the nonlinear nature of the imagination while dreaming.