Kavitha Iyer
Founder, Principal Design StrategistDesign SAFAR- Hospitality Design & DevelopmentKavitha Iyer is an executive architect, designer, and project strategist who has spent more than 25 years helping the hospitality industry translate design into a business advantage. Her work reflects a belief: design is a disciplined, deliberate pathway to stronger investment outcomes, memorable experiences, and operational success. As founder of Design SAFAR, she offers owners, operators, project managers, and design consultants a concierge approach to design and development. Focused on early phases, when clarity matters most, the advisory aligns brand, guest experience, operations, capital, procurement, and delivery to reduce drift, protect the vision, and build long-term asset value. Kavitha has held executive roles at Choice Hotels, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Marriott International, directing design strategy, brand development, product innovation, sustainability, and technical services across hospitality portfolios. Known for coaching high-performing teams and serving as a trusted liaison to owners, development teams, and consultants, she brings constructive leadership and an integrated approach that supports sound business outcomes. She serves on the boards of Boutique Design and Hotels & Resort Design South and previously co-chaired the AHLA Design & Construction Committee. A recipient of Boutique Design 18 and Women in Hospitality Design honors, she believes travel expands perspective and design transforms that promise into connection, belonging, and lasting value.
The Conversation: The New Design Entrepreneur
In this small-group gathering, Kavitha Iyer, Founder of Design SAFAR & Hospitality Design & Development Strategist, will discuss the underlyin
…In this small-group gathering, Kavitha Iyer, Founder of Design SAFAR & Hospitality Design & Development Strategist, will discuss the underlying challenges and opportunities for design to become a more impactful agent within the hospitality in
…In this small-group gathering, Kavitha Iyer, Founder of Design SAFAR & Hospitality Design & Development Strategist, will discuss the underlying challenges and opportunities for design to become a more impactful agent within the hospitality industry. This candid dialogue will dive deep into how designers are becoming founders, advisors, strategists, and business partners, and what that expanded role means for the future of hospitality desi
…In this small-group gathering, Kavitha Iyer, Founder of Design SAFAR & Hospitality Design & Development Strategist, will discuss the underlying challenges and opportunities for design to become a more impactful agent within the hospitality industry. This candid dialogue will dive deep into how designers are becoming founders, advisors, strategists, and business partners, and what that expanded role means for the future of hospitality design. Drawing from her experience across design, development, and entrepreneurship, Kavitha will share candid perspectives, lessons learned, and provocations for designers looking to expand their role and rethink what design can make possible.
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The Lifestyle Balance: Scaling with Soul
How do the world's leading lifestyle hospitality brands grow without losing what makes them distinctive? From architecture and interiors to materialit
…How do the world's leading lifestyle hospitality brands grow without losing what makes them distinctive? From architecture and interiors to materiality and spatial experiences, this conversation explores the delicate balance between preserving a reco
…How do the world's leading lifestyle hospitality brands grow without losing what makes them distinctive? From architecture and interiors to materiality and spatial experiences, this conversation explores the delicate balance between preserving a recognizable design language and creating experiences that feel individual, authentic and connected to their destinations. Discover how a brand-led design approach can provide a clear creative vision with
…How do the world's leading lifestyle hospitality brands grow without losing what makes them distinctive? From architecture and interiors to materiality and spatial experiences, this conversation explores the delicate balance between preserving a recognizable design language and creating experiences that feel individual, authentic and connected to their destinations. Discover how a brand-led design approach can provide a clear creative vision without prescribing a formula, and why consistency should never mean conformity.
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