The Realities of Hospitality Interior Design: Insights Shared with LaSalle College Vancouver Students

Recently, our team at Hospitality Designs had the opportunity to speak with students at LaSalle College Vancouver about the realities of working in hospitality interior design. The goal was to share practical insight into what the industry expects and how the next generation designers can prepare for professional practice.

One of the most important topics we discussed was franchised hotels and their design guidelines. Unlike independent properties, franchised hotels operate under detailed brand standards. These guidelines influence layout, materials, lighting, furniture specifications, guest room configurations, and the overall expression of the brand. Designers must follow these guidelines carefully while still creating spaces that feel warm, inviting, and connected to their surroundings. In hospitality design, structure gives creativity direction and purpose.

We also spoke openly about budgets. In school, students are often encouraged to design without financial limitations. They can specify premium materials, custom elements, and ideal finishes without restriction. In professional practice, budget plays a central role in every decision. Clients pays close attention to construction costs, long-term durability, maintenance, and return on investment. Good design is not only visually compelling. It needs to be cost effective and aligned with business goals.

In addition to discussing technical and practical expectations, we shared advice on preparing for interviews. We encouraged students to research firms thoroughly and understand both the work and the culture of the company they are applying to. Reviewing a firm’s portfolio and project types shows initiative, but understanding how a team collaborates and operates is equally important.

The visit concluded with a walk through the new campus. Moving through the studios and shared spaces, it was easy to imagine ideas taking shape. Conversations like this remind us why the connection between education and industry matters. In the classroom, ideas are explored freely. In practice, those ideas must stand up to brand standards, budgets, regulations, and real-world timelines.

We are grateful to LaSalle College Vancouver for the opportunity to be part of that exchange. The future of hospitality design will be shaped by professionals who understand that great spaces are built not only on imagination, but on responsibility. When vision and structure work together, concepts evolve into spaces that truly perform.