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

March 24, 2026

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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

 

DESIGN INTERVENTION

Curiosity isn’t random. It’s information. Listen to it.

 

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

About Edith Ponciano

I’m an interior designer with over 15 years of experience designing hospitality spaces within stadiums, arenas, and training facilities. After spending more than a decade at a global architecture and interiors firm, I founded EP Atelier. I later created Mastering Hospitality Interior Design, a course and mentorship that helps designers expand beyond residential work. My focus is helping designers see new opportunities in an often-overlooked sector of the industry and step into it with confidence

www.epatelier.com

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Legal Disclosure | This podcast is for educational purposes only and provides general business advice for interior designers and design professionals. It is not intended as individual legal, accounting, or professional guidance. Kimberley Seldon and Business of Design® make no guarantees regarding accuracy and are not liable for how information is used. Strategies shared may not apply to every situation—listeners should seek qualified legal, financial, or professional advice before making business decisions. References and resources mentioned may change over time.

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