Hospitality Daily Podcast Inside Gensler's 2025 Design Forecast for Hospitality - Lori Mukoyama
Jan 24, 2025
Lori Mukoyama, Global Hospitality Leader and Design Director at Gensler, explores the future of hospitality design. She discusses how hotels are evolving into community hubs that enhance guest experiences through storytelling and innovative design. The transformation of spaces like the VOCO in Chicago highlights the importance of human-centered design. Additionally, Lori emphasizes the role of immersive environments, cultural integration, and how staff can serve as design ambassadors to connect guests with the unique narratives of each space.
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From Retail to Hospitality
- Lori Mukoyama's design journey began with a love for retail, driven by her interest in customer experiences.
- This passion naturally transitioned into hospitality, recognizing the similar guest focus in both sectors.
Experiences Over Things
- Gensler's 2025 Design Forecast research reveals that people prioritize experiences over material goods.
- Younger generations are especially willing to spend more on experiences, emphasizing the need for hotels to be destinations, not just places to sleep.
The Rara Room Experience
- The Rara Room at Phoenix Sun Stadium demonstrates experiential design through a curated journey.
- From a unique entry to a gem-filled dining room and a playful candy shop exit, the design transforms a simple dinner into a memorable event.