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September 30, 2025 47 mins

From brand standards and PIPs to boutique independence, designer Tonya Almallah Schmitt shares how to deliver ROI without losing soul—plus why scent, sound, and “memory points” matter more than spec sheets.

What you’ll learn:

  • Career leap: How Tonya turned a downturn layoff into an entrepreneurial studio.
  • ROI-first design: Balancing brand standards with owner realities; value engineering without cheapening the experience.
  • Independent vs. branded: The freedom and friction of boutique projects—and how to keep choices focused with story and budget.
  • Culture as a design brief: Translating local rhythms (NYC pace vs. South Florida ease) into materials, layout, and guest flow.
  • Multi-sensory wins: Why scent, sound, and texture amplify design—and how casinos and lobby programs prove it.
  • Trends from Paris (Maison & Objet): Cobalt blues, playful “cosmic” motifs, bold/whimsical forms, and what’s next for product design.
  • Owner playbook: Asking “cost per key,” aligning timelines, and avoiding PIP traps with smart alternatives the brand will accept.

If you lead hotel projects or love the business of hospitality, subscribe for weekly episodes. Share this with a designer, owner, or asset manager who needs an ROI-first perspective.

Check-In with Bryan blends leadership lessons with real hospitality stories—hosted by Bryan Fish (CEO, Reliance Hospitality) with Executive Producer Tyler Alexander.

#HospitalityDesign #HotelROI #BoutiqueHotels #BrandStandards #ValueEngineering

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