The first few months of 2025 have been a whirling dervish—not just in terms of our professional activities but also the political, economic, and societal dynamics that continue to influence much of that daily churn. Never fear; I won’t add to the constant noise that we are all exposed to. Instead, I’m going to invite you to come in, breathe, and settle yourself for a spell with our hospitality-themed issue. There. That’s better, isn’t it?
I expect that moment of mindful release and escape is what people in the hospitality business attempt to cultivate with each new gathering place. It’s not first and foremost about what patrons expect in return for a price, but rather creating an exceptional experience that encourages them to live in that moment.
For example, Amelia Gene’s restaurant in Memphis transports patrons to a tastefully appointed tavern with varied dining zones and an industrial-chic aesthetic reflecting the building’s past life as an ironworks (p. 32). As designer Elizabeth McCabe Hughes noted, in this adaptive reuse project, every aesthetic reference and salvaged detail complements rather than competing in order to create an immersive atmosphere for guests.
On an entirely different design trajectory is the HALL Park Hotel—part of a newer mixed-use development (p. 36). Here, guests walk in from the Texas heat and are immediately welcomed to a cool, calm, and comforting oasis grounded to its Southwestern locale. A biophilic connection is intentional throughout the hotel, from its open interior spaces that utilize natural stone floors and warm wood trims to muted desert tones for furnishings and accents. Allison Brooks of B2 Design Co said it best: “Everything is very purposeful” to deliver seamless transitions through curved shapes, smooth edges, and soft textures for a cordial and elegant ambience that never feels overdone.
If what you’re seeking is something unexpected, you can’t miss our “On The Map” projects that explode off the page with personality (p. 16). While chief content director Robert Nieminen’s got his eye on the mid-century modern motifs at the Thompson Palm Springs Hotel, Serendipity 3 Times Square’s pop-art design “on steroids” (designer Wid Chapman’s words!) captured my 80s-girl heart with its joyful colors and shimmering exuberance. The cover detail depicts the playful essence of the iconic restaurant.
Whether they’re designed for an intimate meal and conversation, a buzzy group social, or a relaxing stay, we all want spaces that feel welcoming, engaging, and intentional. Certainly that’s the point of placemaking, but we hope you feel that way about i+s as well.
You are always welcome here.
