EP 473 | How Interior Designers Expand into Hospitality, Hotels & Restaurants with Edith Ponciano

At some point in every design career, curiosity starts to feel like restlessness. You’re capable. Experienced. Successful. And yet—something feels contained. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon sits down with Edith Ponciano to explore what it really takes for interior designers to expand beyond residential work and step into hospitality, hotel, and restaurant design. This isn’t about reinventing yourself. It’s about translating the skills you already have into a new context—one that involves different decision-makers, timelines, language, and expectations. Edith shares practical insight into how hospitality projects operate, why reputation matters more than visibility in commercial work, and how designers can build credibility in unfamiliar environments without overreaching. If you’ve been considering commercial or hospitality design but aren’t sure how to begin, this episode offers clarity on what actually matters—and what doesn’t. What you’ll learn in this episode: - Why knowing who makes decisions on hospitality projects matters more than selecting finishes - How to step into new project types by observing and learning before leading - Why reputation compounds faster than visibility in commercial and hospitality design - How adapting your language for architects, operators, and vendors protects your design intent - Why doubt often signals missing context—not missing talent Ready to build a business that supports your talent? Join us at Business of Design®. https://businessofdesign.com