Jarrod Denton, partner at Signum Architecture, is set to attend Hotec Design, an annual conference presented by Questex, the parent company of Hotel Management. At the conference—scheduled this year for June 16-18 at the Fairmont Scottsdale (Ariz.) Princess—buyers meet one-on-one with hospitality-focused suppliers to learn about new products and services and to keep up-to-date on emerging trends.
Ahead of the conference, Denton discussed how sustainability is affecting hotel design, reducing carbon footprints and the value of meeting with hoteliers face to face.
1. What are you most excited about for your company in 2025 (and beyond)?
The hospitality sector for Signum is at an nice inflection point. Within [California's] Napa Valley we have one motel finalized, another project that is under construction, one that will break ground in summer and another working through procurements and the planned development process.
2. What are some of the biggest design-related changes you’ve seen in the hotel industry over the past year?
With the current projects one theme that has developed is the exclusivity of the entry door where only one other guest would be able to be in contact. We are developing room layouts with both front and back windows to allow natural light within both the front and rear of the [room].
Water conservation is always a priority [along with] the removal of tubs.
Lastly, [we are] continuing to provide a sense of place with selection of building materials. [We are using] more CLT, cork facades, materials that create a sense of warmth and discussions of indoor air quality such as the use of Passive House building techniques.
3. How has your business adjusted to these changes?
All of the items mentioned above are a natural fit to our interests as an architectural firm at Signum and it is where our expertise lies.
4. How are you incorporating new technology, especially AI, into your business?
Ongoing discussions of how to properly implement AI into our business.
5. What steps are you taking to improve sustainability in the industry?
Since our firm is in California, the state is primarily focused on the carbon footprint. Selecting carbon-neutral products and adaptive reuse when possible are key. Living Building Challenge, Passive House, reducing weight in buildings, selecting items not on the red list and pushing industry manufactures and letting them know architects are seeking specific solutions are some of our tools.
6. What are some trends you think will have staying power beyond 2025?
Creating meaningful highly local retreats that blend with the natural site.
7. What is the value of meeting hospitality suppliers one-on-one?
Making the personal connections. Often we have a design challenges or come across custom solutions that are not readily available. It has been wonderful in the early stages of design to allow the creativity to flow and find contacts that can make the design come to life.
8. What do you hope to accomplish at Hotec this year?
Discover unique products and make new connections.
Hotec Design will take place June 16-18 at the Fairmont Scottsdale (Ariz.) Princess. Applications are open for buyers and suppliers.