Interior Design Is Strategy. Here’s How We Prove It—Start to Finish.

Drake+Khan Design
Jun 30
2 min read

Let’s cut to it: Design IS NOT decoration. It’s strategy.

In the world of hospitality, where every square foot needs to perform — for the brand, the budget, the ops team, and the guest — designers are in the trenches solving business problems, not just mood-boarding dreams.

At Drake Khan Design, we’ve made it our mission to show that great design starts long before materials are selected — and doesn’t end when the drawings are issued.

Here’s how we prove it, start to finish:

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1. We Begin with the "Brand"—But Don’t Stop There

Design isn’t about matching brand standards—it’s about translating brand energy into a physical experience. Whether it’s Hyatt Place, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, or something totally independent, we build spaces that feel like the brand, not just look like it.

We ask:

What does “upscale select service” feel like to a jet-lagged business traveler?

What emotional tone should the lobby set at check-in? That’s where we start.

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2. We Plan the Flow Like We’re Guests Ourselves

Before we think "palette," we think "path."

We revise floorplans. We challenge circulation. We rearrange furniture zones. Why? Because a guest walking into a cluttered or awkward layout doesn’t care how pretty the sconces are.

We look at how people move — and design spaces that feel intuitive, calming, and clear.

IStock Photos

3. 🤝We Design with Ops in the Room (Metaphorically or Literally)

Hospitality doesn’t run on aesthetics alone.

From casegoods to corridor lighting, everything we select has to work for the people managing the property. Can it be cleaned fast? Does it stand up to wear? Does it align with ADA and fire code? Is it accessible, repairable, reorderable?

Good design supports great operations—and we’re always designing with that in mind.

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4. We Stretch Budgets Without Shrinking Vision

You want ROI? You need a design team that understands FF&E costs as deeply as they understand layout and lighting.

We work closely with procurement teams to value engineer without stripping the soul from the space. Because budget-conscious and bold aren’t mutually exclusive.

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5. 🛠️ We Stay In It During Construction—Not Just the Presentation

Design isn’t done at the concept stage. We’re deep into the Construction Administration phase, answering RFIs, solving field issues, and making real-time adjustments as surprises pop up (and they always do).

The reality? Our “CA” hours always get blown past—and for good reason. We’re not phoning it in. We’re on it, from drywall to final install.

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6. We End with the Guest Experience—Because That’s the Point

Every choice we make comes down to this: How does the space make someone feel?

Design strategy means we don’t just deliver beautiful rooms. We deliver connection. Ease. Delight. Comfort. Design that doesn’t just look good—but works hard for the people in it.