How do you design hospitality spaces that truly stand out? And why is sameness the enemy of great experiences?
In this episode of Hospitality Huddles, Scot Turner is joined by Jake Rynar, Co-Founder of No Wall Studio, to explore how brand, design, and community building intersect to create spaces people love. From experiential master planning to micro-niche concepts and residency programmes, Jake shares how to make sameness extinct in hospitality and beyond.
Expect insights on:
- Why most spaces feel generic — and how to break the pattern- Designing hospitality like a consumer product, not just an asset- The convergence of F&B, retail, and community in urban planning- Low-barrier entry points that connect locals with hotels- How residency models and brand collaborations are reshaping F&B- Why guest journeys should be designed before and after the stay
Chapters:
00:00 – Introducing Jake Rynar & No Wall Studio
02:27 – What it means to “make sameness extinct”
05:42 – Urban planning and the shift toward experiential communities
07:39 – Post-Covid convergence: work, social, and lifestyle spaces
11:01 – Designing ground-floor F&B with positioning in mind
14:31 – Immersive brand storytelling and wayfinding
19:33 – Why planning must start early in development
20:08 – Building community through permeable design
23:17 – Case studies: Shoreditch, Mayfair & Austin
26:01 – Low-barrier entry points: coffee as a gateway
27:50 – Projects that became cultural entryways
31:28 – Emerging trends: brand mash-ups, residencies & F&B+
35:28 – The rise of micro-niche concepts
38:04 – Why guest loyalty depends on differentiated experiences
41:15 – Designing for the full user journey
43:06 – Final reflections