Tastemaker’s Note → Being part analyst, part strategist - I find it incredibly important to do your research or be next to it. Every few weeks, the people who shape how spaces feel and where capital flows end up in the same cities at the same time. This is one of those weeks. From a design summit in Como to closed-door family office sessions in Newport, the calendar is unusually concentrated right now 👆

I’ve always been fascinated (and honestly, a little frustrated) by unused spaces. Once you start seeing them, you cannot unsee them.

The oversized hotel lobby with nothing but a few scattered sofas. The empty corner of a retail store collecting dust. The gala venue with beautiful architecture but no real moments of discovery.

Even our own homes often have rooms that become storage instead of living spaces. Every square foot has the potential to tell a story, create a memory, generate revenue, or simply make life feel more intentional.

When it doesn't, it often becomes visual clutter instead.

What's interesting is that this way of thinking is transferable across almost every industry. Whether it's a boutique, a restaurant, a resort, an event, or a private residence, the question is always the same: What purpose could this space serve that it's not serving today?

With the growth of more intimately designed travel and smaller spaces for bigger moments, there is a need for spaces with purpose to restore, entertain, work, and connect.

The homes of the future will continue to be beautifully designed but they will contribute to a much richer way of living.

Commercial and residential spaces are borrowing philosophies from each other. Even offices now feature spaces that are truly livable: couches and lounge furniture, cafes with snacks, giving employees a chance to reinvent their in-work-adventure.

Because residential development has always followed a standardization for building, that’s where ROI is especially hidden. Most of these spaces are built for basic needs: an open-plan kitchen, a dining room near the kitchen, several rooms to use as needed, an oversized hallway to hang photos in, etc.

Some of these rooms turn into unused cluttered spaces when they can become something much more extraordinary; A wine room for tastings and entertaining guests, a wellness suite that actively promotes rest and relaxation, an art gallery showcasing curated art pieces, maybe even a meditation room for stress relief, and a children's discovery room, but not filled with just toys….but instead art, nature, books, creative materials, and hands-on experiences that spark curiosity and imagination.

In my work, I've come to see space differently and I’ve learned that its one of the most underutilized business assets. Yes, space.

Years spent in commercially-driven environments taught me how layout, flow, and placement influence not just sales, but behavior. Every square foot can tell a story, and drive commercial performance (or boost engagement in a unique way).

Whether I'm designing a brand experience, curating a luxury retreat, developing a merchandising strategy, or reimagining the flow of a space, I find myself asking the same question: Is this environment reaching its full potential?

My perspective is endlessly challenged in discovering how every interaction contributes to how people feel and what they truly remember.

Today, I look at everything through that lens. I don't just see the space. I see the opportunities waiting to be activated.

I see the 2,000 sq. ft. hotel lobby with way too many coffee tables and sofas. I also see an afternoon tea tasting service generating an extra $750/day in incremental revenue. Do you see it? Across a year’s time, that’s about $270k of potential revenue.

But remember: the ROI is not just monetary. It’s also:

✔ Higher property valuation

✔ Higher rental income

✔ Greater guest satisfaction

✔ Longer stays

✔ Better reviews

✔ More referrals

Purposeful and intentional design becomes commercial “invisible” choreography where designing every square foot is to contribute to both the business and the customer experience.

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Imagination, like flavor, is layered. So, memorable places are simply seasoned with intention…

A bagel with caviar can become a ritual. A hotel’s afternoon tea session can become a memory. The difference is almost always found in the details.

P.S. Like my style (and taste)? Work with me.