Food service design is more than just kitchens—it’s about user experience, efficiency, and innovation.

In this episode, I’m joined by Ryan Mikita, principal and partner at Ricca Design Studios, to explore the intersection of hospitality, kitchen design, and holistic consulting. Ryan shares his unexpected journey from aspiring actor to leading food service design consultant, offering insights into how thoughtful planning, collaboration, and industry trends are shaping the future of hospitality spaces.

We dive into the evolving role of open kitchens, how automation and innovative equipment are revolutionizing restaurant efficiency, and why commercial laundry and waste management play a crucial role in a well-rounded design approach. Ryan also opens up about the importance of personal connections, work-life balance, and staying grounded in a fast-paced industry.

Your space should work for you, not against you. Whether you’re designing a restaurant, healthcare facility, or commercial space, the right approach to food service design can enhance both operations and guest experience.

Website: https://www.ricca.com/

Ryan Mikita | LinkedIn

Email: rmikita@ricca.com

About Ryan Mikita:

Ryan got his start in foodservice like many do, he started out as a server in a bustling New York City restaurant in Times Square. Since that time, Ryan has gone from working in operations to planning and designing for complex construction projects for clients in New York City and all over the world.

A creative problem solver at his roots, Ryan attended the University of Hartford’s Hartt School where he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Following nearly a decade of working in and around New York City’s finest establishments, Ryan stepped into a design role at Patina Restaurant Group. In this role, Ryan managed the design & construction process for nearly every single PRG construction project—design-build, phased construction, renovations, and routine maintenance.

Ryan was often responsible for defining the initial scope of projects, fielding/evaluating vendor proposals, and ultimately managing each project from the beginning all the way through to construction, permitting, and close-out. He was also typically the central point-of-contact for the project team—designers, engineers, contractors/vendors, landlords, the health department and government agencies, all in addition to internal stakeholders and executives.

Ryan joined Ricca Design Studios in 2018 and leads Ricca’s New York City studio from Pittsburgh. He brings operational expertise, creative solutions and detail-oriented project management to all projects—those in New York City, the rest of the US, or across International waters.

I want to hear from you! My ‘Ask a Designer’ Hotline is open. Have a question about food service design, kitchen efficiency, or creating intentional hospitality spaces? Leave me a voice message, and I might feature your question in an upcoming episode.

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Spring is a season of renewal, a time to clear out the old and welcome in fresh energy. But with Mercury and Venus in retrograde, things might feel a little off—communication may be misaligned, decision-making could feel clouded, and relationships, both personal and professional, might be under review.

In this episode, I’m sharing ten powerful spring cleaning rituals designed to help you reset your space, realign your energy, and make the most of this potent time. Whether you’re looking to declutter your physical environment, set clearer intentions, or create a more energetically aligned business, these simple yet effective steps will help you feel more grounded, clear, and in flow.

• How the Mercury and Venus retrogrades are influencing your space, mindset, and energy right now
• Why decluttering and deep cleaning can create immediate shifts in your productivity and well-being
• How to use sound, scent, and natural elements to elevate the energy in your home or business
• A simple practice to set intentions daily and keep your space aligned with your goals

Your space holds energy. When you clear it with intention, you make room for more clarity, creativity, and aligned opportunities. Let’s embrace this season of renewal together.

I want to hear from you. My ‘Ask a Designer’ Hotline is now open! If you have a design dilemma or need advice on creating a high-vibe space, leave me a voice message, and I might feature it in an upcoming episode.

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• If you try one of these spring cleaning rituals, let me know how it goes! Share your experience and tag me so I can celebrate with you.
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What does it take to create a space that truly supports transformation and well-being? In this episode, I sit down with Tonia to talk about the power of intentional environments, the energy behind movement, and the role of community in building a wellness-centered business.

Tonia shares her journey from corporate life to the wellness world and how she manifested her new Pilates studio by trusting the process—even when the next steps weren’t clear. She brings a unique perspective to movement and energy, blending Pilates with sound healing, breathwork, and intentional design to create an elevated experience for her clients.

This conversation is for you if you’re:

• Curious about how space and energy impact wellness and creativity
• Navigating a career shift into something more aligned
• Interested in manifestation and taking bold steps forward
• Looking for ways to integrate breathwork, sound healing, and movement into your daily life

We also explore the importance of building community, personalizing the wellness experience, and simply asking for what you want—because you never know what opportunities might unfold when you do.

How to connect with Tonia:

embodiedstudio.ai / instagram.com/tonia_shump

I’d love to hear from you! My ‘Ask a Designer’ Hotline is open, and I’m taking your questions about designing an intentional space, creating a high-vibe business, or aligning your environment with your goals. Leave me a voice message, and I might feature it in an upcoming episode.

Speakpipe Link Here: https://speakpipe.com/HHD

• Share this episode with someone who would love this conversation
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• If you found value in today’s episode, leave a review—your support helps the show grow!

• Book your Free 20-Minute Design Audit.
• Learn more about my design services.
• Submit your design question via SpeakPipe.
• Follow me on Instagram.
• Visit my website.