Designing Experience: Exploring Vicarious Hospitality on the DESIGN MUSE Podcast

At BKV Group, we believe the most meaningful hospitality experiences are not simply designed — they are felt. In the latest episode of the DESIGN MUSE Podcast, guests Vito F. Lotta, Founder of LOTTA Strategic Hospitality, and BKV Hospitality Practice Leader, Jon Cakert, dive into the concept of vicarious hospitality — the idea that great design has the power to create emotional connections, shared memories, and lasting impressions well beyond a guest’s stay.

DESIGN MUSE — a podcast co-hosted by BKV’s Director of Interior Design, Melanie Hanna, and industry peer, Bridget Santos — asked Vito and Jon to draw from their own professional journeys and leadership experiences, exploring how empathy, storytelling, and collaboration shape the spaces we create. The conversation highlights how hospitality design today must move beyond aesthetics and efficiency to intentionally design for emotion — crafting environments that resonate with guests on a personal level and invite them into a narrative of place, brand, and experience.

Throughout the episode, the hosts unpack the realities of modern hospitality practice, from navigating complex renovations and balancing ROI with brand identity, to advocating for thoughtful design amid ever-evolving guest expectations. They reflect on the importance of collaboration across disciplines and teams, emphasizing that the strongest hospitality projects are born from shared vision, trust, and a deep understanding of both client goals and guest needs.

At its core, this episode reinforces a fundamental principle that guides our work at BKV Group: hospitality design is about people first — how spaces make them feel, how they connect, and how memories are formed within thoughtfully crafted environments.

We extend our sincere thanks to our episode sponsor, Symmons Industries. A family-owned manufacturer known for quality craftsmanship and innovation, Symmons continues to set the standard in commercial and residential plumbing products. Proudly approved on multiple hotel brand vendor lists, Symmons plays an essential role in supporting the performance and guest experience within hospitality environments nationwide.

We invite you to listen to this episode of the DESIGN MUSE Podcast and join the conversation on how vicarious hospitality is shaping the future of guest-centered design.

Because when design tells a story, experience becomes unforgettable.