By Sonja Haviland
From the August 2024 Issue
The hospitality job market has been recovering since the pandemic, according to the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s 2024 State of the Industry Report, and facility managers have a unique role in offsetting staff shortages by improving operational efficiency. They must create environments that are aesthetically pleasing but also functional and efficient. By optimizing layouts, leveraging branding strategies, and enhancing customer and staff experiences, facility managers and designers can help hospitality businesses achieve long-term success.
Optimizing Layouts For Workflow And Guest Experience
One of the primary goals in designing hospitality spaces is to create layouts that enhance the guest experience and staff workflow. There are many ways to achieve a more optimized layout, from lighting and furniture to housekeeping considerations.
By optimizing layouts, leveraging branding strategies, and enhancing customer and staff experiences, facility managers and designers can help hospitality businesses achieve long-term success.
Lighting And Electrical Design
Lighting is crucial for creating a functional and inviting space. It’s important to provide various lighting options, including task, overhead, and ambient lighting. For guests, making it easy to control room lights from the bed without having to get up is a must. One common solution is three way switches that make it possible to turn on and off lights from two separate locations. These can be located at both sides of the bed at the nightstands for ease of access and are fitted with USB and traditional ports, allowing guests to charge their devices conveniently, enhancing their overall experience.
Efficient lighting design also considers the needs of the staff. Proper task lighting in housekeeping closets, maintenance areas, and staff workstations is essential for safety and productivity. Well-lit spaces ensure that staff can perform their duties efficiently, whether they’re housekeeping duties, organizing supplies, or conducting maintenance tasks.
(Photo: Superette Studio / Katie Newburn Photography)
Furniture Layouts
Rooms that serve multiple functions, such as conference rooms or banquet halls, benefit from set furniture layouts. Standardized plans for arranging furniture in a room based on the specific requirements of different events helps to maximize space utilization, guest comfort, and ease of movement. They also consider the needs of the staff, allowing for efficient setup, maintenance, and transition between events. By having predefined layouts, staff can minimize the time and effort required to rearrange furniture, which is particularly beneficial during back-to-back events.
Housekeeping Efficiency
Designing with housekeeping in mind can significantly improve operational efficiency. Proper bed heights can reduce the physical strain on housekeeping staff when changing sheets. Carpet choices should also consider ease of care and vacuuming. Additionally, simplifying bed setups, such as reducing the number of pillows, can save time and effort.
Practical Design Solutions
Several design solutions can be implemented to enhance operational efficiency. Replacing traditional bed skirts with platform beds can reduce housekeeping time and create a cleaner look. Additionally, choosing durable fabrics for high-use areas, such as leather or vinyl for seat cushions, can extend the lifespan of furniture and reduce maintenance efforts.
Balancing Aesthetics And Functionality
Achieving the right balance between aesthetics and functionality is essential in hospitality design. This strategy ensures the space is visually appealing but also practical, efficient, and conducive to positive guest experiences.
Fabric Choices
While light fabrics can be visually appealing, they are often challenging to keep clean. A balanced approach involves using darker fabrics for durability and incorporating lighter design elements, such as walls, ceilings, and bathroom fixtures, to maintain a bright and welcoming atmosphere.
Durable Surfaces
In high-traffic areas, choosing durable surfaces is crucial. For example, solid surface materials like Dekton, a carbon-neutral ultra-compact porcelain surface, offer the look of natural stone while providing durability and ease of maintenance. This balance ensures that spaces remain attractive and functional over time.
Space Utilization
Another key consideration is maximizing space utilization without compromising comfort or ambiance. Creating usable storage is important, as many properties need more storage space. However, it’s essential to avoid open shelving, which can be challenging to keep organized and aesthetically pleasing. Instead, focus on functional storage solutions that meet the needs of both staff and guests.
Flexible Workspaces
Traditional desks in guestrooms are becoming less common, but guests still need a workspace. A practical solution is using a café table with a comfortable lounge chair. This setup provides a versatile area for both working and dining, ensuring guests have a functional and comfortable space.
(Photo: Superette Studio / Katie Newburn Photography)
Collaboration With Stakeholders
Effective collaboration with hotel management and staff is crucial for designing spaces that align with operational needs. Management’s input is invaluable, as they have a deep understanding of how staff and guests use the spaces. Involving them in every design decision helps ensure the spaces are practical and efficient.
Addressing Pain Points
Hotel management can pinpoint specific pain points, allowing designers to develop targeted solutions. For example, one event space’s main kitchen and service door were located in the middle of the room, causing disruptions during presentations. The solution was to create a wall in front of the entrance, which directed the flow of service through designated corridors and provided a beautiful focal point for the room.
Continuous Feedback
Throughout the design process, maintaining open communication with stakeholders helps address any challenges. Continuous feedback ensures that the final design meets the operational needs of the staff while providing a pleasant experience for guests.
Overcoming Design Challenges
Designing for operational efficiency in hospitality can present various challenges. However, creative problem-solving and thoughtful design can overcome these obstacles.
Service Flow
One common challenge is managing service flow in event spaces. By strategically designing entrances and service areas, it’s possible to minimize disruptions and improve the overall guest experience. For example, creating hidden corridors for staff can help maintain a seamless and professional atmosphere during events.
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Durability And Maintenance
Another challenge is selecting materials and furnishings that are both durable and easy to maintain. This requires a careful balance between aesthetics and practicality. Choosing high-quality, durable materials and designing with maintenance in mind makes it possible to create beautiful spaces that stand the test of time.
Adapting To Trends
Hospitality design trends constantly evolve, and staying up-to-date with these changes is essential. Designing for operational efficiency in hospitality goes beyond creating beautiful spaces. It involves strategic planning, thoughtful design choices and effective stakeholder collaboration. By optimizing layouts, choosing durable materials and addressing guest and staff needs, facility managers and designers can create environments that enhance functionality and drive revenue.
Haviland is a Co-Founder and Creative Director of Interiors at Superette Studio, where she has led and managed the design and implementation of numerous hospitality, residential and commercial projects, including the renovation of a 138-room hotel in Lafayette, CA, and the luxury apartment complex Arthaus in Allston, MA.
Do you have a comment? Share your thoughts in the Comments section below, or send an e-mail to the Editor at jen@groupc.com.
