Born in the Kalahari Desert of South Africa, Jacu Strauss’ early years were marked by his imagination—crafting dollhouses from wine boxes and drawing urban streetscapes in the dirt. With limited access to TV or the internet, he turned to encyclopedias and magazines to fuel an inner world that laid the foundation for his future.

At 18, he left for London on what was meant to be a brief gap year. It quickly turned into a journey through banking, architecture studies in New Zealand, and ultimately, back to the UK. His career took a turn when he joined Tom Dixon, where he helped dream up the transformative Sea Containers hotel.

That philosophy continues to anchor his work as creative director at Lore Group, where he oversees a diverse portfolio of hotels. From the charming Pulitzer Amsterdam to the intimate sophistication of the Lyle in Washington, DC, Strauss designs with both whimsy and purpose—always seeking to humanize spaces through material, form, and story.

This podcast is sponsored by StyleNations. For more information, go to stylenations.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

As founder of his eponymous New York firm, visionary architect Morris Adjmi's work is deeply rooted in a respect for heritage while embracing innovation. With a career shaped by early experiences working alongside Pritzker Prize-winning architect Aldo Rossi, Adjmi developed a distinct approach that balances modern aesthetics anchored in a deep understanding of architectural and cultural history.

His projects, spanning adaptive reuse to new construction, reflect a meticulous attention to detail. Take the recently opened Forth Atlanta, which is revitalizing the Georgia city’s Old Fourth Ward with Adjmi’s signature refined yet curated style.

Adjmi’s forthcoming projects—including the renovation of the Swan Hotel at Disney World in Orlando, Florida and the Four Seasons Hotel Charleston in South Carolina—maintain a dialogue between past and future to honor each city’s identity while reimagining its possibilities.

This episode is brought to you by American Leather. For more information, go to americanleather.com.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

From her childhood in Larchmont, New York to leading a renowned wellness company, Cathy O'Brien’s wide-ranging career spans the music industry as well as the beauty and wellness sectors, where she helped rethink brand strategies at luxury companies like Jo Malone.

Driven by her vision for holistic wellness and inspired by her own health challenges, O'Brien came to Naturopathica in 2022 with the goal of revolutionizing the way people approach self-care. Recognizing the powerful connection between nature, science, and wellbeing, she sought to create products and experiences that were both effective and innovative.

Under her leadership, the company has become a pioneer in natural health, offering therapeutic solutions that emphasize balance, sustainability, and the importance of nurturing the mind, body, and spirit. Through Naturopathica, O'Brien continues to redefine what it means to live a truly healthy and harmonious life.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

When Jason Brown and Brad Guidi joined forces to create hospitality real estate private equity firm Blue Flag Capital, they weren’t just building hotels—they were crafting experiences rooted in storytelling, design, and a sense of place.

Their journey began with a bold vision on Nantucket and has since expanded to destinations from Martha’s Vineyard to Jackson Hole.

With a philosophy of hospitality as theater, Blue Flag Capital, with Brown and Guidi at the helm, continues to redefine hospitality, one immersive stay at a time.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

Growing up in Brooklyn, lifelong friends Matthew Sears and Darius Davie started their entrepreneurial journey thanks to a shared passion for design, grooming, and community. Enter Groom Guy, their take on a luxury salon concept that blends wellness with hospitality.

Davie, a former hairstylist, envisioned Groom Guy as a resource hub for men’s self care, while Sears—who has a background in finance—helped shape that vision into a thriving business.

In 2020, the duo launched the inaugural Groom Guy inside Yours Truly DC, with locations in the PGA National Resort in Florida and Salamander DC to follow. Designed as a self-care sanctuary, the intimate barbershop prioritizes thoughtful design, sensory details, and an elevated approach to grooming, elevating the barbershop into an essential hospitality experience.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

A driving force behind the evolution of Las Vegas dining scene and beyond, Elizabeth Blau began her F&B journey under the legendary Sirio Maccioni at Le Cirque in New York.

That foundation propelled her to Las Vegas in the late ‘90s, where she played a crucial role in transforming the city into a culinary powerhouse.

Today, as founder and CEO of Blau Associates, she continues to shape the future of hospitality alongside her husband, chef Kim Canteenwalla, blending her passion for design with culinary excellence.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

Icelandic hotelier Sigurlaug Sverrisdóttir has built a reputation for her innovative approach to creating immersive guest experiences.

Growing up in a small town near Reykjavik, she developed a deep connection to Iceland’s rugged natural beauty, a bond that would later shape her career.

After nearly two decades with Icelandic Airline, Sigurlaug returned to Iceland in 2013, where she transformed a former geothermal power plant staff building into the ION Adventure Hotel—a boutique property that blends with the surrounding volcanic landscape.

Her collection of properties, including a second hotel in Reykjavik, embodies her dedication to connecting guests with Iceland’s vibrant culture and authentic spirit.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.

From working in a butcher shop as a child to immersing himself in the world of art and architecture, Vincent Celano’s upbringing in Brooklyn, New York instilled in him a love of storytelling and a deep appreciation for the power of design.

After graduating from Pratt Institute, he cut his teeth at design giants like Rockwell Group, Jeffrey Beers International, and ICRAVE, where he honed his craft in experiential and hospitality design.

In 2005, he founded Celano Design Studio, a multidisciplinary firm dedicated to creating dynamic, guest-centered environments. Today, the studio has expanded to include furniture and industrial design, reflecting Celano’s unwavering commitment to human-centered experiences.

Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.