Welcome to Elevate Hotel Design! In this episode, host Lorraine Francis of Cadiz Collaboration dives into the vibrant world of surf design with Lynai Jones, the creative force behind Mitchell Black, known for its bespoke wall coverings and design-forward products. Discover how Lynai's unique blend of classic techniques and modern vision has made Mitchell Black a go-to brand for those looking to infuse spaces with personality and story. Learn about the brand’s evolution from stationery to large-scale art and wallpaper, and how their customization options are enhancing boutique hotels and luxury residences. Join us for an exclusive tour of their creative space in Ravenswood, Chicago, and gain insights on the magic behind their bold designs. Don’t miss out—subscribe to Elevate Hotel Design on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.00:00 Introduction to Elevate Hotel Design Podcast00:06 Meet Lynai Jones: Creative Director of Mitchell Black01:46 The Journey of Mitchell Black04:16 From Finance to Design: Lynai's Career Shift07:09 Manufacturing in Chicago: Challenges and Choices17:08 Exploring the Art Department22:36 Custom Colorations and Cost Considerations23:10 Modern Botanical Designs25:34 Inspiration and Research27:08 Collaborations and Custom Projects29:03 Material Bank and Sampling31:15 New Collections and Designs39:16 Lightning Round and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Elevate Hotel Design, host Lorraine Francis of Cadiz Collaboration dives into the role of color in hospitality design with guest Amanda Malson, founder and principal of Common Standard. Amanda discusses her journey in design, the influence of her creative upbringing, and how she fearlessly uses color to provoke emotion and enhance guest experiences. Listen to Amanda’s insights on transformative colors, maintaining brand integrity, and the vibrant community that supports her vision.

00:00 Introduction to Elevate Hotel Design Podcast
00:14 Meet Amanda Malson: The Colorist at Heart
02:18 Amanda’s Journey into Design
04:00 The Influence of Color in Amanda’s Life
09:08 Color in Hospitality Design
13:51 Teaching Color Theory
17:12 The Power of Color in Branding
21:23 Balancing Risk and Timeless Design
23:42 Rediscovering Inspiration in Mexico City
24:16 Sources of Artistic Inspiration
24:25 The Influence of Portuguese Tiles
25:07 The Power of Social Media in Design
26:11 Exploring Vintage Design
27:00 The Importance of Community in Vintage Design
28:24 Memories and Stories in Design
30:07 Lightning Round: Design Essentials
30:56 Conclusion and Farewell

Welcome to Elevate Hotel Design, the podcast where Lorraine Francis delves into the artistry and strategy behind today’s hospitality spaces. In this special episode, broadcasting from the stunning showroom of Taber Company in Irvine, we explore the craftsmanship and innovation of Brian Taber, founder and principal of Taber Company. With over two decades of experience, Brian has led his company to blend old-world craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, serving luxury hospitality, retail, and residential projects across Southern California. Join us as Brian discusses the essence of building a brand, shares his insights on successful project partnerships, and takes us on an exclusive tour of the factory, showcasing the intricate process of architectural woodwork and the importance of teamwork and quality. This episode is a deep dive into the world of custom millwork and is filled with inspiring stories and valuable industry insights.

00:00 Introduction to Elevate Hotel Design Podcast

00:18 Meet Brian Taber of Taber Company

01:22 The Craftsmanship Behind Taber Company

01:57 Building Relationships in the Industry

04:16 Early Days and Evolution of Taber Company

06:03 Challenges and Solutions in Millwork Projects

10:16 Exploring Taber Company’s Showroom

13:47 Core Values and Family Involvement

18:34 Showroom Tour and Design Details

21:09 Discussing Stone Work and Subcontracting

21:57 Exploring the Lounge and Surf Event Sponsorship

22:52 Touring the Project Management and Engineering Areas23:18 Employee Longevity and Company Culture

24:55 Factory Operations and Efficiency

25:48 Sustainability and Waste Management

26:33 Cabinet Production Process

29:34 Upholstery and Craftsmanship

30:39 Mockups and Custom Projects

35:07 Break Room and Employee Care

37:30 Concluding the Tour and Final Thoughts