Join host Lorraine Francis on Elevate Hotel Design as she dives into a captivating conversation with Nick Nicola, founder of NOA and veteran architect with over 20 years of experience. Explore Nick’s journey from his early days at Gensler to leading high-end resort projects, including his latest venture — the Montage project in the Bahamas. Discover the challenges and intricacies of island development, storytelling in design, and the lessons from building a luxurious yet sustainable paradise. Tune in to learn about Nick’s entrepreneurial spirit, future expansions, and the art of crafting remarkable hospitality experiences.
00:00 Introduction to Elevate Hotel Design
00:17 Meet Nick Nicola: Entrepreneurial Journey
01:04 Starting NOA: From Vision to Reality
04:24 Challenges and Lessons in Entrepreneurship
05:39 Montage Key Project: A Caribbean Adventure
09:50 Logistics and Construction Challenges
14:51 Sustainability and Community Building
17:05 Storytelling and Design Philosophy
17:54 Embracing the Natural Beauty of the Island
18:35 Architectural Scale and Privacy
19:04 Guest Experience and Arrival
21:36 Expansion in the Caribbean Market
24:41 Design Philosophy and Core Values
26:57 Photography as a Creative Outlet
31:18 Advice for Aspiring Designers
32:57 Favorite Hotels and Hospitality Joy
35:55 Conclusion and Future Projects