This week, I’m taking you behind the veil of a real-time project: a 3,000-sq-ft, family-run Brazilian steakhouse in San Diego’s Gaslamp. After smoke and water damage from last year’s fire, the owners asked us to refresh on a very tight budget—without losing legacy. We’re building a nature-forward concept inspired by butterfly wings, jungle softness, and river ripples to attract a younger, social-sharing guest while honoring the founder’s story. You’ll hear how we’re sequencing high-impact moves (starting with “crystal cave” restrooms), reusing what we can (table bases, lighting locations), and designing zones with intentional lighting, textures, and screens to create mystery and flow. If you want to see the visuals, hop on the Behind the Veil newsletter.

What you’ll learn

• How to build a concept from a single heritage artifact (and make it feel intentional, not theme-y).
• Budget-savvy upgrades: large-format tile, prefab counters, selective lacquer, and zone-specific sconces.
• How to handle immovable elements at the entrance (hello, salad/hot bar) with screening and lighting.
• Restroom strategies that elevate guest experience and inclusivity (family-friendly layouts).
• Practical ways to use lighting and soft dividers to create flow, intimacy, and discoverability.

Links

• Listen to the Hospitality Design Talks Podcast
• Join the newsletter: Behind the Veil Secrets, musings, and design magic await in your inbox.
• Work with Rachel: Design inquiries + consultations rachel@tigerveil.com
• Instagram: @tigerveil

Hey everyone—Rachel here with a quick update on the future of this podcast and where I’m currently focusing my creative energy.

I’ve been deep in reflection and realignment—personally, professionally, and creatively. That means this podcast will be taking a pause for the time being as I shift my focus toward new directions that are lighting me up, especially in the hospitality design space.

✨ What’s next?

I’m diving deeper into restaurant and hospitality design and will be focusing my energy on the Hospitality Design Talks podcast.

https://hdt.captivate.fm/listen

I’ve also launched a brand new podcast for ASID San Diego called Interior Design San Diego—a weekly show specifically for interior designers, industry partners, and design professionals. If you're in the field, this is a great space to gain insight on business practices and community happenings.

https://interior-design-sd.captivate.fm/listen

All previous episodes of this podcast will remain available, and I’ll be sharing more exciting updates in the hospitality world soon. Thanks for being here—and for your continued support on this evolving journey.

🖥️ Connect with me:

Instagram: instagram.com/tigerveil

Email: rachel@tigerveil.com

Have you ever noticed how certain seasons make you want to reset — to clear the clutter, reorganize your space, and find a little more flow? That’s not random — that’s Virgo energy at work.

In this episode of the Holistic Interior Design Podcast, Rachel taps into the wisdom of Virgo season — the zodiac’s call to simplify, systemize, and realign your home and life. She even pulls a tarot card, the Wheel of Fortune, to guide us through the shifts and cycles we’re all moving through right now.

Virgo energy is about clarity, rhythm, and release — not perfection. This is your time to:

• Declutter with intention, letting go of items (and energy) that no longer align with you or who you are becoming.
• Reorganize your spaces in ways that truly support your rhythm and well-being
• Create more mental, emotional, and physical spaciousness for what’s next

Think of it as an autumn reset — like spring cleaning, but for the soul. Whether it’s clearing cobwebs in your attic, letting go of clothes you’ll never wear again, or finally cleaning up your digital desktop, Virgo season is your invitation to lighten the load and make room for flow.

So if you’ve been feeling the nudge to get organized, release, and realign with the season — this episode is for you.

Your Turn: Do you have a Virgo season ritual or autumn clearing practice you return to each year? Rachel would love to hear what helps you reset.

✨ Special Invitation: If you’re in San Diego, Rachel is co-hosting a Libra Dinner Gathering on Sunday, September 28th at 5:30 PM in partnership with Alchemy Choose Thy Poison. This intimate evening will weave together astrology, tarot, seasonal foods, and sacred ritual — all centered on Libra’s energy of balance, beauty, and harmony.

Reserve your seat here.

Interested in working with Rachel? Email her to inquire rachel@tigerveil.com