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.

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

• Let’s Continue the Conversation: Share your biggest takeaway and tag me—I’d love to hear how this episode resonated with you.
• Subscribe so you never miss an episode on holistic hospitality and intentional design.
• Leave a review—your feedback supports the...

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.

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

• 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.
• Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes designed to help you create intentional, high-vibe spaces.
• If you found this helpful, leave a review—your support means the world and helps others find the show.

• 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.

In this episode, Rachel discusses how to organize hospitality design ideas using Pinterest. She explains the benefits of creating a Pinterest business account and optimizing your profile. Rachel provides step-by-step instructions on creating a project and organizing it into sections. She suggests sections such as ideal customer, brand features, overall mood and vibe, etc... Rachel also shares tips on pinning high-quality images, pinning from the original source, collaborating with team members, and using the comments and notes section in Pinterest. She concludes by mentioning her interior design firm, Tiger Veil, which offers full-service interior design for hospitality business owners.

00:00 Introduction to Organizing Hospitality Design Ideas with Pinterest

01:20 Creating a Pinterest Business Account and Optimizing Your Profile

03:36 Organizing Your Project into Sections for Easy Access

06:01 Tips for Pinning High-Quality Images and Descriptions

09:13 Collaborating with Team Members on Pinterest

11:02 Consider Hiring Tiger Veil for Full-Service Interior Design

Are you a bar, restaurant, or hotel owner looking to elevate your space or planning to open a new one? Connect with Rachel for professional interior design services. Transform your venue into an inviting and inspiring environment that attracts your ideal customers and enhances their experience. Reach out to Rachel [here] to get started.

Rachel@tigerveil.com

619.277.2721

Instagram: @tigerveil

I’m excited to kick off the Holistic Hospitality Design Podcast with an overview of who this podcast is for and why I decided to create it. I also share with you a little of my personal story so you can understand where I’m coming from and get to know who I am as a designer. 

I can’t wait to go on this new journey with you to create elevated and mindful spaces for your clients and customers. Please let me know what questions you have for me and how I can best support you with this podcast!

Connect with Rachel Larraine

Website: Tigerveil.com

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/rachellarraine

Interior Design Services:

https://www.tigerveil.com/

Summary

In this episode, Rachel discusses astrology and using the cosmic forecast in businesses. She focuses on cancer season, the summer solstice, and a double full moon in Capricorn. Cancer season is a time for nourishment and self-care, while the summer solstice is a potent portal for reflection. The full moon in Capricorn highlights success and responsibilities, providing an opportunity to let go of old beliefs and redefine what success means. Rachel suggests journaling prompts and rituals to work with this energy. She also emphasizes the importance of reevaluating systems and structures in business.

Takeaways

• Cancer season is a time for nourishment, self-care, and going with the flow.
• The summer solstice is a potent time for reflection on the past and future.
• The full moon in Capricorn highlights success and responsibilities, providing an opportunity to let go of old beliefs.
• Redefine what success means to you and focus on what truly nourishes you.
• Reevaluate systems and structures in your business to make your life easier and seek assistance when needed.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Astrology and Cosmic Forecast

01:29 Cancer Season and Nourishment

05:44 Letting Go and Redefining Success

06:43 Nourishing Yourself and Your Business

08:03 Reevaluating Systems and Structures

Are you a bar, restaurant, or hotel owner looking to elevate your space or planning to open a new one? Connect with Rachel for professional interior design services. Transform your venue into an inviting and inspiring environment that attracts your ideal customers and enhances their experience. Reach out to Rachel [here] to get started.

Rachel@tigerveil.com

619.277.2721

Instagram: @tigerveil

Connect with Giulia:

• www.apartastrology.com
• Instagram.com/ap.art.as

Giulia Martello, Italian Artist and Astrologer

🎙️ Guest: Ianne Celeste Rivera, Embodiment Composer

🌌 Cosmic Focus: Jupiter in Gemini

🌟 Episode Highlights:

• Join us as we journey into the cosmic wonders of Jupiter in Gemini with our guest, Ianne Celeste Rivera.
• Ianne shares her unique approach to sound healing and embodiment, drawing from 14 years of scientific research and 7 years in the healing arts.
• Dive into a transformative sound ritual designed to help you align with the energy of Jupiter in Gemini, unlocking doors to curiosity, exploration, and growth.
• Discover how embracing the energy of Jupiter in Gemini can support your journey towards holistic well-being and fulfillment in your life and business.

🔊 About Our Guest:

Ianne Celeste Rivera is an Embodiment Composer known for creating space for deep exploration of innate pleasure. With a background in scientific research and extensive experience in the healing arts, Ianne offers a unique blend of sound healing and embodiment practices to support self-love, joy, and emotional well-being. Through her work, she invites individuals to embrace pleasure as their birthright and thrive from the wisdom of their own bodies.

🔗 Connect with Ianne:

• IG:  instagram.com/one_thread_rituals
• Websites:  https://theonethread.com, https://worldpleasureday.com
• Podcast:  Pleasure Revolution
• June 9th Eventbrite:  https://rb.gy/fk2ofb

🎉 Thank You for Listening!

Thank you for joining us on this cosmic journey! Don't forget to subscribe to the Holistic Hospitality Podcast for more inspiring episodes and transformative rituals. Stay tuned for our next exploration into the wonders of holistic well-being and conscious living.

Interested in our Interior Design Services? Contact us at Rachel@Tigerveil.com

Tigerveil.com

In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with astrologer Giulia Martello, an Italian artist and astrologer to delve into the exciting energy shift as Jupiter enters Gemini. This transit promises to open up possibilities in the most intriguing ways, bringing fresh opportunities and dynamic changes. Join us as we explore what this year has in store for you under Jupiter's influence in Gemini.

Connect with Giulia:

• www.apartastrology.com
• Instagram.com/ap.art.as

Giulia Martello, Italian Artist and Astrologer

Who is Giulia?

Giulia is an Italian artist and astrologer who explores the mysteries of the cosmos to illuminate her clients path with celestial insights and creative tools. "I love a world full of souls who are authentic in their self-expression" she says. 

Why did she choose astrology?

Because she finds it to be a wonderful language that helps us to identify ourselves through macrocosmic symbols reflecting our personal microcosm.

She has always been fascinated by it, since it helps to feel at home in our own body with our unique personality. So Giulia find astrology to be a wonderful TOOL that offers us countless insights to find order, confirmations, and personal recognition in living true to our uniqueness

Don't Miss Out:

• Subscribe to our podcast to stay updated on upcoming episodes.
• Leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode.

Thank You for Listening!

• We appreciate your support and look forward to bringing you more inspiring content. Stay tuned for more cosmic insights and creative inspiration!

In our first Trend Report episode, I’m talking about one of my favorite recent trends: spirit-free offerings. I’m seeing this more and more in the hospitality space, so I’m giving you a quick overview of the biggest benefits of serving these non-alcoholic beverages. If you’re considering adding mocktails as an option for your patrons, this episode will give you several good reasons to start incorporating them now! 

Connect with Rachel Larraine

Website:

https://designcoven.com/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/rachellarraine

Interior Design Services:

https://www.tigerveil.com/

Want more guidance from me? Sign up to appear on the Holistic Hospitality Design Podcast for a design audit. You can book your design audit here: https://calendly.com/rachellarraine/audit.

If you’re thinking about working with an interior designer on your hospitality space, a big factor in your decision is how much it will cost. To help you get a clear picture of what to expect, I’m breaking down how I charge for my interior design services, and why this particular model works well for me and my clients. Every designer is different, but hearing how my pricing model works will help you understand the full scope of work and all that could be included in the costs.

Whether you’re thinking about working with a designer soon or further down the road, my hope is that this episode will give you the knowledge you need to help you make the best choice for you and your business.

Connect with Rachel Larraine

Website:

https://designcoven.com/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/rachellarraine

Interior Design Services:

https://www.tigerveil.com/

Want more guidance from me? Sign up to appear on the Holistic Hospitality Design Podcast for a design audit. You can book your design audit here: https://calendly.com/rachellarraine/audit.

Ready to elevate your hospitality business right now, but not sure how? In this episode, I outline seven easy ways you can enhance the overall experience for your patrons. These tips can be implemented quickly to create a better ambiance in your physical space while also building a much deeper connection between your brand and your customers/clients. Small changes can make a huge difference, so I encourage you to give these a try!

Connect with Rachel Larraine

Website:

https://designcoven.com/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/rachellarraine

Interior Design Services:

https://www.tigerveil.com/

Want more guidance from me? Sign up to appear on the Holistic Hospitality Design Podcast for a design audit. You can book your design audit here: https://calendly.com/rachellarraine/audit.

In the first episode of our new Design Struggle Series, I’m sharing tips to save your hospitality business from design overwhelm. I talk about the root cause of this overwhelm, how it can creep into various aspects of your business, and how working with an interior designer (especially a holistic interior designer) can help you navigate this struggle with much greater ease. And if you’re just getting started or are planning to DIY your design, I have a few questions you can ask yourself that will help set you on the right path.

For those who want more guidance, you can sign up to appear on the Holistic Hospitality Design Podcast for a design audit with me. You can book your design audit here: https://calendly.com/rachellarraine/audit.

Connect with Rachel Larraine

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/tigerveil

Interior Design Services:

https://www.tigerveil.com/

You might be wondering, exactly what is Holistic Interior Design? As this is a new concept for many, I’m giving an overview of it in this episode. I cover the basics of what it is, how it works, and the impact it can have on us and our spaces. I also give an overview of the key principles of Holistic Interior Design and offer specific tips for embracing it in your space right now. I hope this will inspire you to start incorporating elements of Holistic Interior Design today!

Connect with Rachel Larraine Crawford

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/tigerveil

Interior Design Services:

https://www.tigerveil.com/

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:

1. Curious about how space and energy impact wellness and creativity
2. Navigating a career shift into something more aligned
3. Interested in manifestation and taking bold steps forward
4. 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

1. Share this episode with someone who would love this conversation
2. Subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next
3. If you found value in today’s episode, leave a review—your support helps the show grow!

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

Welcome to the Holistic Hospitality Design Podcast! In this short introduction, I share why I created this podcast, who it is meant for, and what you can expect from future episodes. I look forward to helping you along your journey to create a space that speaks to your patrons and provides them with a unique, elevated experience.

Featured

Featured Tarot Deck: The Nomad Tarot

Connect with Rachel Larraine

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/rachellarraine

Interior Design Services:

https://www.tigerveil.com/

Episode 17: Transform Your Space – Interior Design Services for Small Business Owners

Welcome to Episode 17 of the Holistic Hospitality Design Podcast! In this episode, we’re diving into accessible and transformative interior design services tailored for owner-operated small businesses like cafés, restaurants, bars, studios, boutique hotels and wellness centers.

As a professional interior designer, I understand that creating a beautiful and functional space is key to fostering community and supporting your business's success. That’s why I’ve designed a range of services to make professional design support more accessible to you, no matter the size of your project or budget.

• Free 20-Minute Interior Design Audit: Discover how you can get personalized design feedback on your space for free and inspire others in the process by participating in the podcast.
• 2 and 4 Week Designer On-Call Service: Learn how you can receive ongoing virtual support, including an action plan, weekly check-in meetings, and unlimited access to me for guidance as you make design changes.
• VIP 1 or 2 Day In-Person Consultation: Find out how a one- or two-day intensive consultation can result in immediate, tangible improvements to your space, from optimizing layouts to shopping for accessories.
• Bespoke Custom Interior Design Services: Explore a full-service approach to transforming your space from concept to completion, including renderings, specifying finishes, furniture, lighting, and working with contractors.
• Design Q&A via SpeakPipe: Got a design question? Send it in through SpeakPipe, and I’ll play and answer it on the podcast, so others can benefit from the insights too.

• 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.

If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love for you to leave a review and share it with fellow small business owners who could benefit from a more intentional approach to design.

Stay intentional, stay inspired, and keep creating magic in your space!

In this episode of the Holistic Hospitality Design Podcast, Rachel Crawford interviews Brian Grover from Fox Point Farms. They discuss Brian's journey from structural engineering to urban design, the founding of Fox Point Farms, and the importance of place making in creating community-focused spaces. The conversation delves into the sustainable practices at Fox Point Farms, including the integration of a brewery and farm-to-table restaurant, and the innovative approaches to waste management and regenerative agriculture. In this conversation, Rachel Crawford discusses the innovative skincare line Heal Botanics, emphasizing the use of farm-sourced ingredients and sustainable practices. She elaborates on the concept of placemaking, detailing how Fox Point Farms was designed to foster community and connection. Rachel shares her journey as an entrepreneur, highlighting the resilience required to navigate challenges and the importance of integrity and transparency in business operations. The discussion underscores the significance of creating spaces that nurture the next generation and the ongoing journey of learning and improvement in sustainable practices.

About Brian: Brian Grover, Founder + Developer

Fox Point Farms | Encinitas, CA

Brian Grover is the visionary force behind Fox Point Farms, San Diego County’s first-of-its-kind “agrihood,” where a coastal regenerative farm serves as the heart of a 21-acre mixed-use residential community. His multi-disciplinary background in real estate, planning, and development has equipped him with the expertise to transform land into sustainable, forward-thinking communities, with Fox Point Farms standing as the pinnacle of his nearly two-decade career.

As the founder and managing partner of Nolen Communities, Grover has consistently championed the integration of environmental stewardship, community connection, and design innovation. His prior experience as Principal at Dudek, where he oversaw entitlement and development projects across California, has honed his ability to create spaces that foster both functionality and a deep sense of place. Now living on-site at Fox Point Farms with his family, Grover continues to guide his vision daily, crafting a resilient, self-sustaining community rooted in hyper-local engagement.

Grover holds a B.S. in Structural Engineering with a minor in Urban Planning from the University of California, San Diego, and a Master’s in Planning and Real Estate Development from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is a certified planner (AICP) and an active member of the American Planning Association, Urban Land Institute, and other professional organizations. He also shares his expertise as a guest lecturer at universities in the San Diego area and serves on various local commissions.

To learn more about Fox Point Farms, visit their Instagram at @foxpointfarms or their website at www.foxpointfarms.com.

***Are you a bar, restaurant, or hotel owner looking to elevate your space or planning to open a new one? Connect with Rachel for professional interior design services. Transform your venue into an inviting and inspiring environment that attracts your ideal customers and enhances their experience. Reach out to Rachel [here] to get started.

Rachel@tigerveil.com

619.277.2721

Instagram: @tigerveil

In this episode of Holistic Hospitality, host Rachel Larraine Crawford uncovers the five hidden costs of skipping an interior designer for your hospitality project. From wasted time and costly mistakes to missed branding opportunities and budget mismanagement, Rachel highlights how professional design services can save you money, stress, and setbacks. She also dives into the critical role designers play in creating compliant, functional spaces that elevate guest experiences. Tune in for insights and inspiration to ensure your hospitality project becomes a memorable, profitable success.

Are you a bar, restaurant, or hotel owner looking to elevate your space or planning to open a new one? Connect with Rachel for professional interior design services. Transform your venue into an inviting and inspiring environment that attracts your ideal customers and enhances their experience. Reach out to Rachel [here] to get started.

Rachel@tigerveil.com

619.277.2721

Instagram: @tigerveil

Daryl Schwartz, founder of Goodbar, shares his journey of creating non-alcoholic bars and the importance of shifting the mindset around money. He emphasizes the value of investments in people and platforms, rather than viewing them as expenses. Daryl discusses the success of Goodbar's event business and the plans for their brick and mortar locations. He highlights the importance of functionality and programming in creating a unique experience for customers. Daryl also reflects on the challenges of leadership and the need to delegate and find the right people. Daryl Schwartz discusses his book collection, his focus on personal development, and his morning routine. He also talks about his approach to running his business and the importance of building partnerships. Schwartz offers advice for new entrepreneurs and emphasizes the need for resilience and consistency.

 www.drinkgoodbar.com

EMAIL: dschwartz@drinkgoodbar.com

IG:@drinkgoodbar

*****

Are you a bar, restaurant, or hotel owner looking to elevate your space or planning to open a new one? Connect with Rachel for professional interior design services. Transform your venue into an inviting and inspiring environment that attracts your ideal customers and enhances their experience. Reach out to Rachel [here] to get started.

Rachel@tigerveil.com

619.277.2721

Instagram: @tigerveil

In this conversation, Rachel and Giulia discuss Virgo season and the eclipse in Pisces. They explore the qualities of Virgo, such as problem-solving, organization, and efficiency. They emphasize the importance of reevaluating and reorganizing during this time, both in personal and business aspects. They also discuss the spiritual aspect of Virgo season and the need to connect with one's soul. The conversation touches on the upcoming eclipse and the energy it brings, encouraging listeners to follow their intuition and be open to change. Overall, the conversation provides insights and guidance for navigating Virgo season and harnessing its energies.

*****

Are you a bar, restaurant, or hotel owner looking to elevate your space or planning to open a new one? Connect with Rachel for professional interior design services. Transform your venue into an inviting and inspiring environment that attracts your ideal customers and enhances their experience. Reach out to Rachel [here] to get started.

Rachel@tigerveil.com

619.277.2721

Instagram: @tigerveil

Connect with Giulia:

• www.apartastrology.com
• Instagram.com/ap.art.as

Giulia Martello, Italian Artist and Astrologer

In this episode, Rachel and astrologer Julia discuss the energy of Leo season and the significance of the retrogrades happening during this time. They explore the themes of passion, authenticity, and self-expression that are associated with Leo. They also discuss the retrogrades of Saturn, Neptune, and Pluto, and how they are influencing our spiritual beliefs and personal growth. Julia provides insights on how to navigate these retrogrades and use them as an opportunity for reflection and reevaluation. Overall, this episode offers guidance on embracing the energy of Leo season and making the most of the retrogrades.

00:00 Introduction to Leo Season and Astrology

06:08 Embracing Passion and Authenticity in Leo Season

14:19 Navigating the Retrogrades: Reflection and Reevaluation

21:53 The Influence of Saturn, Neptune, and Pluto on Spiritual Beliefs

29:47 Using Retrogrades as Opportunities for Personal Growth

36:59 Conclusion and Closing Remarks

*****

Are you a bar, restaurant, or hotel owner looking to elevate your space or planning to open a new one? Connect with Rachel for professional interior design services. Transform your venue into an inviting and inspiring environment that attracts your ideal customers and enhances their experience. Reach out to Rachel [here] to get started.

Rachel@tigerveil.com

619.277.2721

Instagram: @tigerveil

Connect with Giulia:

• www.apartastrology.com
• Instagram.com/ap.art.as

Giulia Martello, Italian Artist and Astrologer

In this episode, Rachel discusses the importance of choosing contract grade furniture for commercial spaces in the hospitality industry. She highlights the differences between contract grade and residential furniture, emphasizing the compliance and safety standards that contract grade furniture must meet. Rachel also emphasizes the durability of contract grade furniture and the cost savings it offers in the long run. She provides resources for finding contract grade furniture and materials and encourages working with an interior designer for access to custom solutions and trade-only showrooms.

Featured in this episode:

• The Importance of Choosing Contract Grade Furniture for Commercial Spaces
• Compliance and Safety Standards for Contract Grade Furniture
• The Durability of Contract Grade Furniture
• Cost Savings and Longevity with Contract Grade Furniture
• Finding Contract Grade Furniture and Materials
• The Benefits of Working with an Interior Designer

Links to contract grade resources available to the public:

• Williams Sonoma Home
• Room and Board
• Arhaus
• Crate & Barrel's Contract Division
• CB2
• Pottery Barn Business
• Restoration Hardware Contract
• West Elm
• Design Within Reach
• Rejuvenation

Are you a bar, restaurant, or hotel owner looking to elevate your space or planning to open a new one? Connect with Rachel for professional interior design services. Transform your venue into an inviting and inspiring environment that attracts your ideal customers and enhances their experience. Reach out to Rachel [here] to get started.

Rachel@tigerveil.com

619.277.2721

Instagram: @tigerveil

Hospitality isn’t just about food and service — it’s about the feeling you create, the stories you tell, and the communities you bring together. In this episode of Hospitality Design Talks, I’m joined by the brilliant and soulful Alex Ott, founder of Chrome City and the force behind The Blank Table.

Alex shares her unexpected journey from bottle service in Chicago to building a boutique creative agency that serves some of the most impactful hospitality brands. Her work goes beyond branding — it’s about creating immersive experiences that leave guests feeling seen, connected, and inspired.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Why storytelling is the secret sauce of standout hospitality brands
• How to craft meaningful guest experiences from concept to execution
• Designing with intention (and why aesthetics alone won’t cut it anymore)
• What every restaurant owner should consider before opening their doors
• Alex’s thoughts on event curation, partnership strategy, and soul-aligned branding
• Plus: The surprising role spirituality and wellness play in her creative process

This episode is a must-listen for:

• Hospitality pros creating new concepts
• Designers and creatives shaping physical experiences
• Anyone building a brand that wants to lead with story, not just style

Connect with Alex:

Website: https://www.alexandriaott.com

Email: aott@chromecitycreative.com

instagram.com/alexvott

Podcast Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/6NizPhB5FLP22OdTX0qEKf?si=c448a091b5d84aab 

Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/@Wildxwisepod

Connect with Rachel:

Rachel@tigerveil.com

tigerveil.com

instagram.com/tigerveil

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

• 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

In this episode of Hospitality Design Talks, designer and host Rachel Larraine Crawford breaks down why hiring an interior designer isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s a core business strategy for hospitality owners. From saving time and avoiding costly mistakes, to translating your brand into a sensory guest experience, Rachel shares the top reasons bringing a designer onto your team can directly impact your revenue, reviews, and repeat guests.

She also pulls back the curtain on one of her recent projects, Aura Gardens, where she designed the brand and the space from the inside out, down to custom watercolor wallpaper and bespoke table colors, all aligned with the guest experience and the owner’s vision.

If you’ve been wondering whether working with a designer is “worth it,” this is your sign.

Links:

Newsletter – Behind the Veil

Secrets, musings, and design magic—straight to your inbox.

Work With Rachel - Design inquiries + consultations: rachel@tigerveil.com

Follow along: @tigerveil

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Today on Hospitality Design Talks, host Rachel Larraine Crawford sits down with Amy Morris of The Morris Project to talk about the real reason most hospitality brands struggle: it’s not a marketing problem — it’s a clarity problem. Amy shares how she helps founders define who they are in one to two sentences (and why every decision — interiors, hiring, menus, and guest touch points — should flow from that).

You’ll hear Amy’s approach to building a brand with the whole team (not just the owner), why consistency is what makes something feel elevated (not price), and the small, often-forgotten details that create big guest “chemistry”—from the host stand to the bathroom to the menu design. Plus, she offers an easy brand clarity audit you can do this week to see if your team is aligned or accidentally creating confusion.

Connect with Amy Morris / The Morris Project:

1. Find Amy on Instagram (The Morris Project)
2. Email: hello@themorrisproject.com
3. Grab Amy’s Brand Guideline Here

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Lighting is doing far more than helping guests see — it’s shaping how long they stay, how comfortable they feel, and how much they spend. In this episode of Hospitality Design Talks, host Rachel Larraine Crawford sits down with Martin Epstein, founder of Tazz Lighting, to unpack how intentional, layered lighting quietly drives guest behavior, brand perception, and business performance.

With decades of hands-on experience — from electrical contracting to large-scale hospitality projects — Martin shares why lighting should be treated as a strategic system, not an afterthought. Together, they explore how hospitality lighting has evolved from purely aesthetic to deeply experiential, operational, and human-centered.

Whether you’re opening a new restaurant, renovating a hotel, or refining an existing guest experience, this episode offers practical insights into how lighting can become your most powerful (and invisible) team member.

1. Why lighting acts as a “silent host” that influences guest mood, dwell time, and spending
2. The biggest lighting mistakes Martin sees in hospitality spaces — and how to avoid them
3. What “layered lighting” really means, and why even light levels kill atmosphere
4. How warm color temperatures (like 2700K) support comfort, intimacy, and lingering
5. Why lighting controls and scene programming are non-negotiable for hospitality spaces
6. How lighting transitions throughout the day without guests consciously noticing
7. What tunable white and circadian lighting are — and where they truly make sense
8. Why you should never leave lighting decisions solely to an electrician
9. How early collaboration between designers, lighting experts, and contractors saves money and stress
10. Trends shaping hospitality lighting today — from tunable systems to intelligent controls
11. Martin’s advice for owner-operators planning lighting in 2026 and beyond

Thoughtful lighting isn’t about adding more fixtures — it’s about designing comfort, flow, and emotion. When lighting is planned early, layered intentionally, and controlled intelligently, it enhances guest experience, reinforces brand identity, and quietly supports revenue without ever demanding attention.

Martin Epstein ,President & Co-Founder, Tazz Lighting, Inc.

Martin Epstein is the President and co-founder of Tazz Lighting, Inc., a premier San Diego-based lighting

design, distribution, and consultation firm known for delivering innovative and high-quality lighting solutions

for residential, commercial, and architectural projects. With over three decades of experience in the lighting

industry, Martin has built a reputation for excellence rooted in deep technical expertise, thoughtful design

sensibility, and a client-centered approach.

Tazz Lighting has guided projects from concept through completion, partnering with architects, designers,

builders, and homeowners to elevate spaces through carefully curated lighting, advanced control systems, and

energy...

In this episode of Hospitality Design Talks, host Rachel Larraine Crawford sits down with her longtime teacher and mentor, Amanda Sophia, for a conversation that blends feng shui, seasonal wisdom, and conscious business—with a special focus on the “in-between” season we’re in right now (that liminal space between the Year of the Snake and the incoming Fire Horse).

Together, Rachel and Amanda explore how your space—whether it’s your home, studio, restaurant, spa, or retreat property—acts as a living mirror for your energy, your patterns, and your next level. This is a grounded, soulful episode about clearing what’s no longer aligned, choosing collaborations from full-body yes, and setting your business up for expansion without burnout.

Amanda reframes January as a time that often asks us to slow down, reflect, and stop forcing momentum just because the calendar flipped. Instead of hustling, she invites you to tune into nature’s timing—winter as rest, dreaming, integration… the space where clarity actually lands.

Amanda shares a deeper view of feng shui: your home or business isn’t random—it’s often a soul match. You’re drawn to certain spaces because they reflect your energetic blueprint, and they can also support your healing and evolution. Your environment mirrors back what’s happening internally—clutter, broken items, stuck corners, loose handles… all of it carries information.

As we move into a Fire Horse year, the energy shifts toward:

1. expansion, movement, opportunity
2. heart-led leadership (integrity matters more than ever)
3. authentic expression (no watering down your true work)
4. collaboration—but only with full alignment

Amanda also names the shadow side: with fire + speed comes the risk of burnout, scattered energy, and saying yes too quickly. The medicine? Grounding and deep nervous-system support.

Amanda gives clear, beginner-friendly guidance for activating supportive energy in your business this year:

1. Southeast: the most auspicious energy (prosperity, joy, success, “peach blossom” connection energy).
2. Simple activation ideas: a candle ritual, meaningful symbolism of prosperity, or planting something outdoors in the SE area.
3. East: another highly supportive prosperity area.
4. Activation ideas: a salt lamp, fiery-toned crystals, uplifting intention, daily energetic practices in that zone.
5. South: the area to support with metal to help neutralize more challenging energy.
6. Examples: a metal bowl with coins, bronze décor, metal objects...

In this guest episode of Hospitality Design Talks, host Rachel Larraine Crawford sits down with Lindsay Wynn—a San Diego + New York–based creative who’s spent nearly two decades weaving together hospitality, fine art, photography, and brand experience. Lindsay shares how her path (from waiting tables → opening restaurants → working with Jean-Georges → fashion/beauty/alcohol campaigns → building integrated brand activations) shaped the way she approaches hospitality today: not as a “one-and-done” meal, but as a through-line in the human experience, from the moment someone arrives to how they feel when they return home.

Together, Rachel and Lindsay dig into what it really takes to craft experiences that feel intentional, holistic, and human—and why collaboration is one of the most powerful tools hospitality owners have right now. Lindsay breaks down her approach to building “brand universes,” how she helps clients uncover what they actually want (even when it starts as a messy mix of ideas), and why the best spaces aren’t just trendy—they’re rooted in story, materiality, and meaning.

1. Lindsay’s origin story: how art school, fine art, and hospitality operations shaped her creative edge and problem-solving style
2. Why post-COVID hospitality needs more than aesthetics—it needs connection, intimacy, and real emotional resonance
3. What it means to have an integrated approach (brand values, visuals, content, activation) instead of disconnected marketing
4. A standout case study: a month-long sexual health pop-up designed as an educational, inclusive, community-centered resource (built during the Roe v. Wade overturn era)
5. How to present “big” or unconventional creative ideas without shocking clients—meeting people where they are
6. Why collaboration works (and what gets in the way): egos, control, and the fear of doing it differently
7. A concrete collab example: Dow of Clay x The Friendly — ceramics + pizza + wine, an interactive event that lowered the barrier to entry for art through hospitality
8. Lindsay’s take on trends: how to build something memorable without copying the same Pinterest formulas (and yes—why gray floors are a hard no)
9. The power of deep research: Pinterest plus books, libraries, history, and details that create a richer design story
10. Practical encouragement for owner-operators: find your thing, obsess over it, and build your business around what you genuinely love

1. Design + hospitality work best when they’re embodied. A beautiful space still needs warmth, flow, and a sense of belonging.
2. Collaboration is a growth strategy—not just for marketing, but for community, cross-pollination, and richer guest experiences.
3. Your “thing” is your advantage. In a world of fast trends and short attention spans, what’s specific and true about you is what sticks.
4. Depth beats...

Today I’m joined by Owen Curry of Cushman & Wakefield—and y’all, this is the real estate episode I’ve been waiting to record. If you’re an owner-operator with a big vision (restaurant, café, wellness studio, boutique concept) and you’re trying to land the right space—especially in a coastal market—this conversation will save you so much time, money, and stress.

Owen breaks down what’s actually happening in North County coastal commercial real estate (Carlsbad through Del Mar), why “vacancy” isn’t always what it looks like, and what you need to understand before you fall in love with a space. We talk budgets, lease runway, rentable vs. usable square footage, how zoning + parking requirements can make or break a concept (especially wellness), and what makes a Letter of Intent attractive without getting you pushed to the back of the line. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by LoopNet listings, landlord language, or the sheer sticker shock of beach-town pricing—this one is for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

1. Why coastal communities like Encinitas, Leucadia, Cardiff, Solana Beach stay high-demand (and high price per square foot)
2. How “vacant” buildings can be misleading (and why signs can be strategic)
3. The first questions to answer before you tour spaces: budget, runway, and true market rent
4. Why under-market rent can be risky if you don’t have a long-term lease horizon
5. How smaller footprints can be a strategic advantage (overhead + TI math)
6. The zoning + parking issues that quietly derail wellness concepts (and why cities can treat your use differently if you add things like saunas/cold plunge)
7. What to look for to “win” a space: configuration, speed to occupancy, and financial readiness
8. Lease terms operators overlook: rentable vs. usable + load factors (often 10–20%)
9. TI realities: cold shell vs. existing buildout, and when landlords offer free rent in lieu of TI
10. LOI strategy: how to negotiate without burning goodwill (and how it changes when there’s competition)
11. Why you should get a contractor walk-through before submitting an LOI
12. Green flags + red flags on tours (local landlord access, building systems, pride of ownership)
13. A surprisingly helpful tip for LoopNet: who to call first (hint: the associate)

Key Takeaways for Conscious Owner-Operators

1. Location is a design decision—but it’s also a systems decision. Don’t pay “foot traffic rent” if your model is membership-based or appointment-driven.
2. Do not skip zoning + parking due diligence. Especially if your concept blends categories (retail + events + wellness).
3. Fall in love after the numbers work. The shiny object space can come with hidden timeline and permitting costs.

In this solo episode, holistic interior designer and Tiger Veil founder Rachel Larraine Crawford breaks down the holistic hospitality trends that actually matter for 2026.

Instead of chasing another photo moment, Rachel invites owner operators to think about their space as a living system that impacts guest experience, staff wellbeing, and the bottom line.

She walks through emerging bio based materials, regenerative sustainability practices, and wellness focused design moves that you can bring into your restaurant, bar, cafe, hotel, or spa, even if you are working with an existing footprint.

If you want guests to linger longer, leave better reviews, and feel genuinely cared for in your space, this episode will give you practical ideas and questions to bring to your next refresh.

In this episode Rachel covers

1. Why guests are more sensitive than ever to sound, light, and stress and what that means for hospitality spaces
2. How holistic design gives owner operators real leverage without a complete renovation
3. Emerging bio based materials such as mycelium panels, hemp plasters, and cork and how they can transform corridors, bars, and guest rooms
4. Quiet technology inside natural finishes that help regulate temperature, reduce maintenance, and improve acoustics
5. The shift away from bright white interiors into tactile, wood drenched, earth toned spaces that feel like a hug
6. How circular design and planning for disassembly can protect your future self when you rebrand or update your concept
7. Low carbon material choices that still feel luxurious and aligned with your brand story
8. Ways to build sustainability into daily operations such as water rituals, daylight first seating plans, and planted shading
9. The idea of acoustic wellness and silent architecture as business tools that affect dwell time and staff burnout
10. How circadian friendly lighting scenes can support guest comfort from breakfast through last call
11. Biophilic strategies that turn your space into a small ecosystem rather than a plant in the corner
12. Neuro inclusive and sensory aware choices that welcome different nervous systems into your space

Questions to ask about your space

1. How do guests feel in the first thirty seconds from door to host stand
2. What does your restaurant or hotel sound like at peak time
3. Where could one small micro retreat exist for guests or staff
4. Which surfaces do guests touch all day and what story do those materials tell

Simple action steps for owner operators

1. Take a sound walk during peak service and identify three zones that need acoustic...

In the final episode of our Aura Gardens series, I’m joined again by co-owner R.J. Fernandez as we zoom all the way into what Aura feels like from the moment you walk in. We’re talking playlist, glassware, filtered water, lighting, greenery, textures, and the tiny design decisions that create that “vibrant but deeply cozy” energy guests keep describing. R.J. shares how hospitality is the true product (food + beverage are simply the vehicle), why every detail has to answer the question “Will this make the customer feel something?”, and how Aura is intentionally designed to hold community—across demographics, moods, and moments.

We also look ahead: events that spark real connection, the early success of Friendsgiving + the Chef’s Table vibe, the vision for a full calendar by 2027, and the growing concept of Aura After Dark—private evening events that transform the space once the brunch rush ends. And if you love the behind-the-scenes build energy? R.J. shares his growth philosophy of developing managing partners through ownership, plus a dreamy future bakery + café concept that could become the commissary engine for future Aura locations.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How “guest experience” is built through micro-choices (water, glassware, plating, lighting, texture, sound)
• Why hospitality and emotional resonance come before menu strategy
• How to design a space that feels both energetic and cozy (not one or the other)
• Event formats that gently push connection—without making it awkward (even for introverts)
• A scalable growth model rooted in mentorship + managing partners (not just “more locations”)
• The early blueprint for Aura After Dark + a potential bakery storefront/commissary model

Key Takeaways (the stuff you’ll want to steal for your own concept)

• Ask one guiding question for every decision: “Will this make the guest feel something?”
• Create value in the “small” things: complimentary crisp filtered water, the right rocks glass, consistent warmth from staff.
• Design for multiple emotions: a space can be clean + bright and grounded + comforting if the layers are intentional.
• Community doesn’t happen by accident: events need built-in prompts and structure to make connection easy.
• If you want to scale the energy, build leaders: ownership + mentorship creates aligned operators who protect the vibe.

Follow Aura Gardens in Instagram

Connect with Rachel Larraine Crawford

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Interior Design Services

If you’re building a restaurant, café, retreat space, or any hospitality concept where you want people to feel seen, nourished, and connected, share this episode with a friend (or your business partner 👀). And if you post about it, tag me so I can cheer you on.

Until next time—keep designing spaces with intentional flow, well-being, and conscious business at the center.

Hospitality Design Talks — Aura Garden Series (Part 3) with co-owner R.J. Fernandes

In part three of the Aura Garden series, Rachel sits down with R.J. Fernandez for the hard chapter: when the “planned rebirth” of the family restaurant doesn’t happen, the building sells (December 2023), and R.J. has to grieve what he poured his life into. From there, we follow the pivot—through unemployment, a more grounded season of decision-making, and into an unlikely little 1,800 sq ft former taco spot in a strip center that’s quietly becoming a health-and-wellness hub in North County San Diego.

This episode is a real-time look at what conscious business actually requires: letting go, reading the environment, designing for what’s true now, and building a concept that matches the life you’re living—energy, flow, well-being and all.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

• When the rebrand plan collapses: the Salt & Smoke vision, the heartbreak of the sale, and the emotional aftermath of “another door closed.”
• The in-between season: unemployment, urgency, and the pressure to make a decision without the safety net of the old restaurant.
• The location that wasn’t “the dream”… until it was: why a strip center felt like a compromise—and how the surrounding fitness + wellness neighbors changed the whole story.
• Concept clarity through constraints: why smaller + quick service suddenly made sense (speed + quality, grab-and-go, beer/wine only, no late-night bar life).
• Partnership alignment: how R.J. and Andrew stayed malleable instead of locked into one rigid vision—and why that matters in hospitality.
• The “signs” that sealed the deal: the Jefferson exit connection and the license plate moment that felt like the universe winking.
• Naming Aura Gardens: “aura” as the people-energy of hospitality, “garden” as the metaphor—whole foods for a whole life, and the long game of nurturing team, guests, and community.
• Food philosophy, openly discussed: whole-food prep, local sourcing where possible, and R.J.’s nuanced take on “organic” vs actual quality.

Key Takeaways

• Grief and business decisions can coexist. You can be devastated and still build what’s next—slowly, intentionally.
• Constraints create the concept. Size, neighborhood, licensing, and lifestyle can be your best creative brief.
• Design starts with the feeling. Before finishes and furniture: What do you want people to feel when they walk in? That’s your aura.
• Your concept has to match your life. If you’re building a conscious business, the operations (hours, service style, menu, offerings) must support your well-being—not just your ambition.
• “Garden” is a business model. What you nurture—ingredients, team culture, guest experience—becomes what your brand produces over time.

Reflection Prompt (for owners, retreat hosts, and conscious entrepreneurs)

Take two minutes and write down:

1. What do I want people to feel in my space?
2. What does my business need to look like to support my life right now?
3. That feeling is your version of an aura—and it’s the truest starting point for design.

What’s Next

In the final episode of this series, we talk about what Aura Gardens actually feels like now that the doors are open—design details, playlist, events, and where R.J. and Andrew see the brand growing next.

Connect with Rachel Larraine Crawford

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Instagram

Interior Design Services

In part two of the Aura Gardens series, Rachel continues her conversation with co owner RJ Fernandez and picks up right where the story left off.

If part one was about legacy, family, and the deep roots of a third generation steakhouse, this chapter is about what happens when that legacy starts to feel out of step with the times.

RJ opens up about the slow slide into stagnation at the Murrieta restaurant, the pressure to keep prices low while costs climbed, and what it felt like to watch newer, flashier concepts pull focus while they were still trying to do everything old school and word of mouth.

Then the world shuts down. Covid arrives. And for the first time in decades, the restaurant goes quiet.

In this episode, you will hear about

• The moment RJ realized the family steakhouse was getting left behind by changing guest expectations and social media culture
• How rising food costs made it harder and harder to remain the go to affordable steakhouse in town
• Why the next generation of guests wanted more than a good steak things like experience, spectacle, and Instagram friendly moments
• RJ’s early attempts at his own concept including the Windmill Food Hall project and a quick service concept called Salt and Smoke in Oceanside
• How timing, leases, and a global pandemic turned those dreams into expensive almosts that later revealed themselves as blessings
• What it felt like to lay off an entire team with the hope of bringing them back when indoor dining returned
• The strange relief and spaciousness that arrived when the restaurant paused and why RJ’s mom describes that period as the happiest she had felt in a long time
• RJ’s realization that he had built his entire identity around the restaurant and had almost no life outside of work
• The resentment, grief, and honesty that surfaced as he watched friends live fuller lives while he stayed married to the business
• The two paths his mom ultimately offered
• RJ buys and re-imagines the restaurant, or she sells everything and closes the chapter
• How trying to innovate the legacy brand began to strain his relationship with his mom and long time staff
• The lessons RJ learned from experiments that did not work and how those failures shaped the leader he is now

This episode is for you if

• You are an owner or operator who feels the old model is not working but you are scared to let go
• You are sitting in the messy middle trying to honor a legacy while knowing something has to change
• You have a family business and feel the tension between generations, vision, and timing
• You are considering rebranding, relocating, or closing a concept and wondering what that would mean for your identity
• You need to hear someone be honest about burnout, duty, and the cost of staying in a business past the point of alignment

Next up in the Aura Gardens series

In part three, we move into the rebirth. RJ and Rachel talk about the heartbreak of losing the Murrieta restaurant, the doors that closed, and how that cleared space for a new vision in Carlsbad with his cousin Andrew.

Make sure you are subscribed so you do not miss the next episode and if you know a hospitality owner who is wrestling with change right now, share this conversation with them.

Follow Aura Gardens in Instagram

Connect with Rachel Larraine

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Interior Design Services

Want more...

In this first episode of the Aura Gardens series, Rachel sits down with co owner RJ Fernandez to trace the roots of his hospitality story all the way back to a family steakhouse in Chino and Temecula.

RJ was literally raised in a restaurant doing homework in booths, falling asleep on stacks of bread in the kitchen, and watching guests become extended family. Along the way, his family walked through profound loss and still chose to keep the doors open and the community fed.

This is not just a restaurant story. It is a story about how hospitality holds people through birthdays, funerals, first dates, and every messy in between.

In this episode, you will hear about

• How RJ’s grandparents and parents built a beloved community steakhouse that became a true neighborhood gathering place
• The origin of Tony's Spunky Steer and how it evolved into RJ Sizzle and Steer in Temecula and Murrieta
• What it was like for RJ’s mom to suddenly be a young widow and single mother while running a busy restaurant
• How staff, regulars, and family rallied around RJ and his mom after his father’s death and other family tragedies
• RJ’s childhood memories of living inside the restaurant world from homework in booths to bussing tables with an apron down to his toes
• The way guests and team members became chosen family across generations
• Why RJ sees hospitality as something far deeper than food and beverage
• How restaurants hold life’s biggest moments from celebrations and proposals to grief filled gatherings after a loss
• RJ’s reflections on service as a way of caring for people and how he discovered his own gift for connection and story
• The influence of his mom’s leadership style and her commitment to caring for staff as her why for staying in the business
• How culinary school gave RJ a new lens on the kitchen while confirming that his truest passion is people and experience

This episode is for you if

• You are an owner operator who wants your restaurant to feel like a true community hub
• You are re thinking what hospitality really means for your concept and your team
• You are a designer or creative who wants to understand the emotional layers inside a legacy restaurant brand
• You are craving a reminder that the spaces you build and run can genuinely change how people move through life events

Next up in the Aura Gardens series

In part two, RJ shares how this legacy collided with burnout, the chaos of the global shutdown, and the choice to step into a new vision with his cousin Andrew that eventually became Aura Gardens.

Follow the show and tap subscribe so you do not miss the next chapter of this story.

Follow Aura Gardens in Instagram

Connect with Rachel Larraine

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Interior Design Services

Want more guidance from me? Sign up to appear on the Holistic Hospitality Design Podcast for a design audit. You can book your design audit here.

In this episode of Hospitality Design Talks, host Rachel Larraine Crawford sits down with abstract artist Lindsey Lyons to explore how art can become a living part of a hospitality experience—not an afterthought.

Lindsey shares her path from early “perfect” art-making to process-driven abstraction shaped by California’s rugged coastlines, volcanic landscapes, and a fascination with deep time. Her work is tactile and intentional—often built with sand, found materials, and embedded remnants that carry subtle histories—inviting guests into a sensory pause in a world dominated by screens.

Together, Rachel and Lindsey discuss how thoughtfully selected art supports flow, strengthens brand story, and creates emotional touchpoints guests remember (and return for). They also unpack common misconceptions around cost and accessibility, and what it can look like to commission original work through a clear, collaborative process—especially when art is considered early alongside lighting and spatial planning.

About Lindsey:

Lindsey Lyons is a Southern California–based artist who divides her time between Los Angeles and the mountains of the Los Padres National Forest. She holds a Master of Fine Arts from California College of the Arts and a Bachelor of Arts from Mount Holyoke College, where she designed a major, Art and Social Change. In addition to her studio practice, Lyons has been deeply engaged in the arts community as an independent curator, educator, and advisory board member for the nonprofit Root Division. She spent many years working in alumni relations and events at California College of the Arts and the San Francisco Art Institute before relocating to Los Angeles in 2016, where she co-founded the Binder of Women art collective with fellow artists and worked in communications at the contemporary international gallery Regen Projects. Lyons has exhibited throughout California, including at Guerrero Gallery, The Pit, Southern Exposure, and the Wattis Institute for Contemporary Arts, among others. Her work has also been shown internationally in Copenhagen, Denmark, and she has completed artist residencies in Iceland, San Francisco, and the Mount Hood backcountry. Originally from Sarasota, Florida, she has a lifelong interest in coastal environments, and her abstract paintings and sculptures are deeply informed by geology, memory, and the varied landscapes of California. Lyons often incorporates sand and found materials into the layers of her work, creating tactile complexity. These textured surfaces respond to shifting light, revealing changes in shadow and depth throughout the day, offering an evolving presence within a space.

Connect with Lindsey:

lindseylyons.com

lindsey@lindseylyons.com

instagram.com/lindseynlyons

instagram.com/lindseylyonsstudio

Connect with Rachel Larraine

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Instagram

Interior Design Services

Want more guidance from me? Sign up to appear on the Holistic Hospitality Design Podcast for a design audit. You can book your design audit here.