Scott Stefanc, VP operations and director strategic partnerships, SKS Studio Landscape 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 in June, Stefanc talked about AI, sustainability and how a boutique firm can build relationships with suppliers.
1. What are you most excited about for your company in 2025 (and beyond)?
SKS Studio is a 'boutique' design firm finding itself on a growth trajectory. In 2025 we will have increased our team by 30-50 percent. I am personally looking to expanding our geographical market outside of our key Caribbean and GCC regions.
2. What are some of the biggest design-related changes you’ve seen in the hotel industry over the past year?
Logistics continues to be a challenge; sourcing product that fits within the client's program. Being that our work is principally international, we are always struggling to find the right product for the project's location.
3. How has your business adjusted to these changes?
We are constantly looking for new product and materials available locally [for] projects. If we can integrate these locally sourced materials into our designs, it makes for an easier design process while also keeping costs manageable.
4. How are you incorporating new technology, especially AI, into your business?
Artificial Intelligence has come a long way in the last year. And it will go even further. We are continuing to explore different methods for integration of AI in our day-to-day lives. This includes using AI in our generative process, exploring remote sites and researching concepts.
5. What steps are you taking to improve sustainability in the industry?
Sustainability is a core component of our design process. We look to maximize sourcing products locally or regionally to reduce the carbon footprint of a project. We also take time to select materials and products best suited to the site. Durable, long-lasting components reduce costs over the entire lifetime of the project by minimizing the need to replace and/or reducing operational maintenance.
6. What are some trends you think will have staying power beyond 2025?
Differentiation
7. What is the value of meeting hospitality suppliers one-on-one?
By having a personal connection with suppliers, we are able to have greater confidence in the product. Website bots and ambiguous customer service representatives do not know you nor your needs. Having a one-to-one connection allows us to have a relationship we know can be counted on when the proverbial #### hits the fan.
8. What do you hope to accomplish at Hotec this year?
I really desire to make connections and establish relationships that we can leverage over the long term.
Hotec Design will take place June 16-18 at the Fairmont Scottsdale (Ariz.) Princess. Applications are open for buyers and suppliers.