Executive editor at Hospitality Design magazine; foremost Taylor Swift scholar; basically 🍕 at this point; semicolon fan
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Articles by Alissa Ponchione
HOT STUFF: Watts & Dray Talks Business With Saguez & Dash
How does cash flow in a design business? This is a mystery we’ve been trying to solve since 2021. Lately, we’ve been thinking it’s a special mix of magic spells and marathon meetings with our CFO. Too often we are surprised by something new (to us) in the business of design. It’s not all dishing fresh looks and picking hot colors. These days, cash flow projections, insurance premiums, and contract negotiations fill just as much of our time.
Five on Friday: July 24th, 2026
Behind the scenes of Christopher Nolan’s meticulously crafted film sets, a beloved Houston theater gets a new lease on life, and the stadiums shaping the future of the World Cup come into focus. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday. The architecture of the World Cup SoFi Stadium in California; photo by Nic Lehoux As we celebrate Spain’s victory over Argentina, ArchDaily is glimpsing ahead to what’s in store for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The Cooper Redefines Charleston’s Waterfront
The story of the Cooper—Charleston, South Carolina’s first waterfront resort—changed authors a few times before construction challenges led Ben and Kelly Navarro, owners of Beemok Hospitality Collection, to buy and complete it. The husband-and-wife team behind the city’s acclaimed Sorelle restaurant and the renovation of the iconic Charleston Place sought to rethink a property that was initially slated to be a 4-star hotel.
Five on Friday: June 12th, 2026
Barcelona’s most famous landmark enters its final chapter, New York restaurants face mounting pressures, and an abandoned hospital becomes a canvas for healing. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday. Where do you wanna watch the Knicks? An aerial view of Madison Square Garden in New York; photo courtesy of Adobe Stock Designer Ken Fulk has crafted plenty of swanky arena suites, but even he can’t resist the allure of Knicks fever.
Submit to the 2026 Gold Key Awards!
Boutique Design magazine presents the 46th annual Gold Key Awards for Excellence in Hospitality Design. One of the most prestigious accolades in the hospitality design field, this award recognizes outstanding design from across the globe in 24 categories—from standout hotel spaces spanning all sectors to restaurants, wellness-focused venues, and other hospitality settings.
5 Takeaways From Day Two of HD Expo
Wednesday’s conference sessions delved into how hospitality’s many facets come together to create an unforgettable guest experience From sensory branding to legacy renovations, site-specific wellness, and the rise of private-club thinking, day two of HD Expo explored how hospitality design is becoming more emotional, more contextual, and more operationally precise. 1.
Five on Friday: May 1st, 2026
Nike debuts a design-forward Air Lab in Milan, the ultra-wealthy pull back on art buying, and a sound-healing dome redefines wellness. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday. Nike opens Milan Air Lab Nike Air Lab in Milan; photo courtesy of Nike Amid a flurry of pop-ups and temporary installations for Milan Design Week, Nike planted a permanent flag in the Italian cultural mecca with a new laboratory.
2026 HD/West Elm Student Competition Winner Announced
The winner of the eight annual HD/West Elm Student Product Design Competition is Junghyun Shin of the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, for the design of the Cove lounge chair. The chair balances elegance and comfort through a sculpted walnut frame and a continuous cupped seat-and-back form that creates a seamless, enveloping silhouette.
2026 HD Women in Design Honorees Announced
Hospitality Design has announced the honorees for HD Expo + Conference’s fourth annual Women in Design Awards. Presented during a breakfast session hosted in partnership with NEWH, the award celebrates six influential women who have helped shape the industry.
Deadline Extended! Enter the 22nd Annual HD Awards
Project and product entries are now being accepted for consideration in the 22nd annual HD Awards. Lauded as the most prestigious awards for the hospitality industry, the yearly event recognizes the best and most innovative achievements in design from around the globe, as well as the creative teams behind them. The deadline has been extended to February 17th, 2026. The projects portion now spans 32 categories, with new additions including Amenity Spaces and Members Clubs.
Trendspotting: Social Wellness
In the $6.8 trillion wellness industry, connection is the new currency Words by: Alissa Ponchione • Photos by Fernando Gomes, Ian Patterson, Peter Sherno, and rendering courtesy of Lore In the $6.8 trillion wellness industry, connection is the new currency Words by: Alissa Ponchione • Photos by Fernando Gomes, Ian Patterson, Peter Sherno, and rendering courtesy of Lore The 100-person cedar-lined sauna in the Futurestudio-crafted Othership Williamsburg in New York Today, wellness is as much...
The 50 Best Hotel Openings of 2025
A comprehensive list—carefully curated by the HD editors—of this year’s standout debuts Words by: Stephanie Chen, Alissa Ponchione, and Caitlin St John • Photos courtesy of the respective projects, unless noted A comprehensive list—carefully curated by the HD editors—of this year’s standout debuts Words by: Stephanie Chen, Alissa Ponchione, and Caitlin St John • Photos courtesy of the respective projects, unless noted With 2,595 projects expected to open worldwide by the end of 2025, per...
3 Projects That Signify the Next Frontier of Hospitality
As travelers venture deeper into extremes, designers craft experience-rich environments that go beyond borders Words by: Alissa Ponchione • Photos and renderings courtesy of Snøhetta, Our Habitas, and Journey As travelers venture deeper into extremes, designers craft experience-rich environments that go beyond borders Words by: Alissa Ponchione • Photos and renderings courtesy of Snøhetta, Our Habitas, and Journey A rendering of Not A Hotel Rusutsu in Hokkaido, Japan by Snøhetta From orbiting...
Arquitectonica’s Enduring Imprint on Miami-and the Global Stage
Cofounded by Bernardo Fort-Brescia, the 48-year-old firm continues to shape skylines near and far Words by: Alissa Ponchione Arquitectonica’s Enduring Imprint on Miami—and the Global Stage Cofounded by Bernardo Fort-Brescia, the 48-year-old firm continues to shape skylines near and far Words by: Alissa Ponchione Miami was markedly different in 1975 when Bernardo Fort-Brescia, newly armed with a Master of Architecture degree from Harvard University, first arrived in the city to teach at the...
Noella Nibakuze Reshapes Rwanda’s Design Identity
The architect fuses heritage, sustainability, and community to craft a new built identity for her native country Words by: Alissa Ponchione • Photos by Iwan Baan and courtesy of Mass Design Group Noella Nibakuze Reshapes Rwanda’s Design Identity The architect fuses heritage, sustainability, and community to craft a new built identity for her native country Words by: Alissa Ponchione • Photos by Iwan Baan and courtesy of Mass Design Group Big windows flooded the interiors of Noella Nibakuze’s...
Leigh Nelson Masters the Art of Layered Branding
Through her studio LMNOP, Nelson builds immersive visual identities that balance playfulness and precision Words by: Alissa Ponchione • Photos by Brian W. Ferry + courtesy of LMNOP Leigh Nelson Masters the Art of Layered Branding Through her studio LMNOP, Nelson builds immersive visual identities that balance playfulness and precision Words by: Alissa Ponchione • Photos by Brian W.
Dr. Upali Nanda Creates Spaces That Resonant
The HKS leader harnesses neuroscience, insights, and data to infuse the built environment with purpose Words by: Alissa Ponchione • Photos and renderings by Tom Harris and courtesy of HKS Dr. Upali Nanda Creates Spaces That Resonant The HKS leader harnesses neuroscience, insights, and data to infuse the built environment with purpose Words by: Alissa Ponchione • Photos and renderings by Tom Harris and courtesy of HKS Dr. Upali Nanda has spent more than a decade shaping HKS’ approach to the...
Behind the Design: Belden House & Mews
← Previous Project PROJECTS: Boutique + Lifestyle Hotels + Resorts Champalimaud Design crafts an idyllic 31-key retreat in Litchfield, Connecticut Words by: Alissa Ponchione • Photos by Read McKendree Set on a storied stretch of Litchfield County, Belden House & Mews blends centuries of architectural history into a richly layered design.
Five on Friday: August 15th, 2025
Our weekly roundup of headlines from around the world that are affecting the hospitality industry Words by: Alissa Ponchione Under restaurant in Norway, designed by Snohetta; photo by Lillian Tveit/Alamy Under restaurant in Norway, designed by Snohetta; photo by Lillian Tveit/Alamy Five on Friday: August 15th, 2025 Our weekly roundup of headlines from around the world that are affecting the hospitality industry Words by: Alissa Ponchione JFK’s new terminal to make a museum-quality first...
Deadline Extended! Submit to the 2025 Gold Key Awards
Boutique Design magazine presents the 45th annual Gold Key Awards for Excellence in Hospitality Design. One of the most prestigious accolades in the hospitality design field, this award recognizes outstanding design from across the globe in 24 categories—from standout hotel spaces spanning all sectors to restaurants, wellness-focused venues, and other hospitality settings.
A Soulful Escape in Priorat, Spain
Astet Studio reimagines an 18th-century estate in the Spanish wine region of Priorat Words by: Alissa Ponchione • Photos by Francisco Nogueira Astet Studio reimagines an 18th-century estate in the Spanish wine region of Priorat Words by: Alissa Ponchione • Photos by Francisco Nogueira Updated with fresh paint in terracotta red and ochre hues, a reimagined 500-year-old mansion is now home to Gran Hotel Mas d’en Bruno Winding roads and rolling hills set the stage for the dramatic arrival to the...
Five on Friday: July 18th, 2025
Our weekly roundup of headlines from around the world that are affecting the hospitality industry Words by: Alissa Ponchione Denmark’s Tirpitz Museum, designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG); photo courtesy of BIG Denmark’s Tirpitz Museum, designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG); photo courtesy of BIG Five on Friday: July 18th, 2025 Our weekly roundup of headlines from around the world that are affecting the hospitality industry Words by: Alissa Ponchione Architecture embraces a more regenerative...
Five on Friday: June 13th, 2025
Designer Brandon Blackwood brings bold fashion to the skies, Tadao Ando reveals Naoshima New Museum of Art in Japan, and restaurants are reviving old-school hospitality. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday. American Airlines is elevating its in-flight experience this summer with a limited-edition collection of amenity kits designed by fashion designer Brandon Blackwood, whose statement-making pieces have been worn by stars like Beyoncé and Megan Thee Stallion.
6 American-Made Products
6 American-Made Products 6 American-Made Products Turf’s Carrara acoustic panel, crafted from two felt layers, mimics natural stone with carved cracks and veins. Created using an in-house scripted tool, it can be customized in 32 colors and finishes. Turf’s Carrara acoustic panel, crafted from two felt layers, mimics natural stone with carved cracks and veins. Created using an in-house scripted tool, it can be customized in 32 colors and finishes.
Five on Friday: May 16th, 2025
Disney announces first new park in 15 years, Airbnb bets big on major redesign, and NYCxDesign kicks off with myriad openings, exhibitions, and ICFF. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday. The Walt Disney Company has announced plans for Disneyland Abu Dhabi, its first new theme park in 15 years and its seventh global resort destination, writes CNN.
Five on Friday: May 2nd, 2025
The Met explores the history of Black dandyism, 3D printing proves its value in architecture, and hotels takes cues from art museums. All that and more this week’s Five on Friday. The first Monday in May has become synonymous with the Met Gala, known for its dazzling celebrity fashions, but it also marks the launch of Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, an exhibition put on by the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute that spans 300 years of Black dandyism. Professor Monica L.
Project Breakdown: Cleveland’s Fidelity Hotel
The Ohio city finds its rhythm in a charming 97-key property on Short Vincent Once the heartbeat of Cleveland’s social scene, the Short Vincent area thrived in the 1920s, its streets pulsating with jazz clubs and speakeasies. That vibrancy faded over the decades, but in 2019, a new chapter began when operator New Waterloo, in partnership with owner NuovoRE, acquired the 103-year-old Baker Building with a vision to reignite the downtown thoroughfare’s spirit.
Denver’s Populus Hotel Moves the Needle on Sustainability
Urban Villages raises the bar with an ambitious project designed to shape what’s next ARCHITECTURE Studio Gang INTERIOR DESIGN Wildman Chalmers Design + Fowler OWNERSHIP Urban Villages OPERATOR Aparium Hotel Group PURCHASING RW Purchasing CONSULTANTS Katherine Homes (art), LS Group (lighting), Superbloom (landscape) OPENING DATE October 2024
2025 Development Update: São Paulo
When it comes to hotel growth, São Paulo remains one of South America’s shining stars. In August 2024 alone, São Paulo’s hotels achieved their highest-ever average daily rate (ADR) at $125, up 20 percent year over year, and the second-highest revenue per available room (RevPAR) at $85, a nearly 25 percent jump, according to CoStar. São Paulo was also the primary entry point for foreign visitors, welcoming 2.2 million in 2024, according to tourism data reported by The Rio Times.
Five on Friday: April 11th, 2025
Salone del Mobile and Milan Design Week dazzle with standout collaborations and design debuts, Trump’s tariffs cause tumult in the travel and hotel industries, and the HD Awards to celebrate three at upcoming ceremony in Las Vegas. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday. This week, Milan Design Week 2025 and the 63rd edition of Salone del Mobile have impressed with captivating installations and product launches.
Five on Friday: March 21st, 2025
Parisian brand Printemps opens in New York, Lisa Vanderpump takes on hotels, and a new survey by the AIA highlights AI skepticism. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday. Printemps, the historic Parisian department store, has made its debut in the U.S. with a new store located on the ground floor of a residential skyscraper at One Wall Street in New York.
Five on Friday: February 28th, 2025 | Hospitality Design
The Hyatt family grows with a new upper-midscale brand, resorts celebrate their imperfections, and fatal air accidents are on the rise. All that and more in this week's Five on Friday. Hyatt adds a new upper-midscale hotel brand On the heels of its acquisition of all-inclusive owner and operator Playa Hotels & Resorts, the Hyatt family of brands is growing, writes The Points Guy. Hyatt has announced Hyatt Select, a new upper-midscale, select-service brand launching in the Americas.
The 76 Most-Anticipated Hotel Openings of 2025
The 76 Most-Anticipated Hotel Openings of 2025 The 76 Most-Anticipated Hotel Openings of 2025 Treehouse Hotel Silicon Valley, Sunnyvale, California Following its London location and an upcoming Manchester property, Treehouse Hotels will make its Q1 U.S. debut in Silicon Valley with a design from Brooklyn, New York-based Crème and global firm 10SB. In addition to several repurposed existing structures, a six-story new build was constructed offsite using modular methods.
Five on Friday: January 3rd, 2025
The top design and food trends of 2025, Hyatt is poised for expansion, and the hotel-within-a-hotel concept gains momentum. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday. The hotel-within-a-hotel concept continues to gain momentum.
HD’s Top 3 Podcast Episodes of 2024
Since launching in 2018, Hospitality Design’s What I’ve Learned podcast has been central to uplifting the voices and stories of those in the hospitality industry. 2024 was no different: Listeners from more than 100 countries listened to 24 episodes across 1,240 minutes. This year, those conversations continued to provide a candid look into the people ushering the industry into a new era.
11 Products That Celebrate Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year
11 Products That Celebrate Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year 11 Products That Celebrate Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year Traverso from Guglielmi Rubinetterie Traverso, the latest addition to Guglielmi Rubinetterie, takes cues from the sailing world. With three spout types of available, the brushed copper PVD finish is also available. Traverso from Guglielmi Rubinetterie Traverso, the latest addition to Guglielmi Rubinetterie, takes cues from the sailing world.
Five on Friday: November 22nd, 2024
Spirit Airlines files Chapter 11 bankruptcy, a controversial art piece sells to a crypto bro for $6 million, and Milan is now home to the most expensive shopping street. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday. Spirit Airlines has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after years of financial losses, exacerbated by engine issues, rising competition, and a blocked merger with JetBlue Airways, reports The New York Times.
12 Wellness-Focused Hospitality Concepts To Know
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The now multi-trillion-dollar wellness industry shows no signs of slowing down, and the hospitality industry continues to evolve to align with guests’ shifting desires. According to travel industry site Skift’s State of Travel 2024 report, wellness tourism boasted a growth rate of more than 36 percent from 2020 to 2022. The upward trajectory is set to continue, with projections indicating 16.6 percent growth from 2022 to 2027.
By Alia Akkam Verified, Stephanie Chen Verified, Caitlin St John Verified, Alissa Ponchione Verified
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Hospitality Design Magazine
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Five on Friday: September 27th, 2024
The first-ever Wes Anderson retrospective heads to London’s Design Museum in 2025, Robert De Niro’s billion-dollar Wildflower Studios arrives, and Albania’s capital undergoes a major urban transformation. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday. Tirana, the capital of Albania, is undergoing a major urban transformation that is attracting renowned architects to create new landmarks, writes Archtizer.
Five on Friday: August 23rd, 2024
Instagram tests out new vertical grid option, the lifestyle hotel brand wars intensify, and offices look to luxury hotels to entice people back to work. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday. To bring workers back to the office and redefine post-pandemic workspaces, companies are crafting “work resorts” that rival hotels, writes The New York Times.
The Directors: Dorothée Boissier + Patrick Gilles
After completing her graphic design studies, Paris native Dorothée Boissier embarked on a career at Christian Liaigre, immersing herself in the design of furniture and interiors. While there, she was immediately captivated by her colleague Patrick Gilles. “He was so talented and different; I was fascinated. I knew from the first day that we were going to work together,” recalls Boissier.
Five on Friday: August 9th, 2024
Airbnb broadens its horizons beyond short-term rentals, Pharrell Williams wants the Olympics to bring back arts competitions, and Snoop Dogg launches Gin & Juice canned cocktails. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday. Pharrell Williams is on a mission to revive the long-lost tradition of arts competitions in the Olympics, which has been missing from the Games for nearly 80 years, writes the Associated Press.
Five on Friday: July 5th, 2024
Business travel rebounds, Little Island in New York proves the benefits of public green space, and the starchitect era may be over. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday. Netflix has announced plans to open two permanent immersive entertainment venues, dubbed Netflix House, in 2025, writes Deadline. The initial locations will be in King of Prussia in Pennsylvania and Galleria Dallas, each occupying more than 100,000 square feet previously occupied by department store.
Five on Friday: June 7th, 2024
Hotels are beginning to address the needs of neurodivergent travelers, museums come up with alternative ways to attract visitors, and the NYU Investment Conference wraps up with hoteliers feeling optimistic. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday. Hotels and travel agencies, like Magical Storybook Travel, are working to cater to neurodivergent travelers, writes Bloomberg.
39 Hospitality Design Products That Are Made in America
39 Products Made in America 39 Products Made in America Designed by Sean Knibb for Astek, Flowerboy Toile (shown in Old School) nods to Venice Beach, California and traditional toile prints, with scenes including skateboarders, owls in baseball hats, and a duck with a ball and chain.
Five on Friday: May 10th, 2024
Equinox expands its wellness reach, the Met’s latest exhibition at the Costume Institute immerses museum-goers in nature, and Milan is getting a $55 million thermal park. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday. The first Monday in May has come to symbolize one of fashion’s biggest nights, the annual Met Gala, orchestrated by Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour, who has chaired the gala since 1999.
Five on Friday: April 12th, 2024
The Michelin Guide awards 189 Keys to the top hotels in France, Saudi Arabia forced to downsize expectations for Neom, and a preview of what to expect from this year’s Milan Design Week. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday. Skift reviewed the compensation of seven hotel CEOS for 2023 and found that paydays reached astronomical numbers, with Hilton’s Christopher Nassetta leading the pack with a total compensation of $56.8 million.
Claudia Afshar's Dance Background Informs Her Design Aesthetic
Born in London, Claudia Afshar was a classically trained dancer from the age of 7, training 30 to 40 hours a week at the Tring Park School for the Performing Arts outside the city. At the age of 16, she transferred to the London Studio Centre further honing her skills in dance and performance. “It was very disciplined and extremely creative,” she says.
Five on Friday: March 15th, 2024
Airbnb makes privacy a priority, Las Vegas’ new stadium will resemble an armadillo, and restaurateur Danny Meyer tries his hand at indoor golf. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday. Restaurateur Danny Meyer, known for New York restaurants like Union Square Cafe and burger chain Shake Shack, is betting big on indoor golf.
Five on Friday: February 16th, 2024
Hilton looks to purchase Graduate Hotels, Bjarke Ingels Group is set to transform Manhattan’s East River waterfront, and today is the last day to submit to the HD Awards. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday. Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) unveiled its design for Freedom Plaza, a 4.1-million-square-foot development along Manhattan’s East River waterfront that will aim to function as a net-zero carbon development.
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