Jacki Arena, owner and principal of Jacki Arena Interiors, 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, Arena talked about biophilic design, new projects, wellness and how hotel design is evolving to meet new needs.
1. What are you most excited about for your company in 2025 (and beyond)?
JAI is going back to CALA. We are getting back to the Caribbean & Latin America with a Tempo by Hilton new build in Condado San Juan Puerto Rico that we are very excited about.
2. What are some of the biggest design-related changes you’ve seen in the hotel industry over the past year?
Over the past year, we've seen a dramatic shift in hotel design from safe, neutral textures and gray-dominated palettes to bold, bright, and highly saturated patterns layered with rich detail. Brown has made a strong comeback as the leading neutral, replacing the cooler tones of previous years. This transition reflects a broader movement from safe and subdued to daring and expressive. Additionally, there’s been a strong emphasis on wellness-driven design, with earth tones playing a key role in creating a more grounded and restorative atmosphere.
3. How has your business adjusted to these changes?
We’ve embraced this shift by thoughtfully integrating bold, saturated hues and layered textures into our designs while maintaining the balance and sophistication that hospitality spaces require. We've moved away from the cooler gray palettes of the past, incorporating rich browns and earth tones to create warm, inviting environments that feel both contemporary and timeless. Additionally, with the industry’s growing emphasis on wellness, we’ve been intentional about incorporating biophilic elements, organic materials, and nature-inspired color schemes to enhance the guest experience. Our approach ensures that while our designs are bold and expressive, they also promote a sense of comfort, relaxation, and well-being—aligning with the evolving expectations of both hotel brands and guests.
4. How are you incorporating new technology, especially AI, into your business?
We’re leveraging AI to streamline our workflow by reducing redundancies and automating time-consuming tasks, allowing our team to focus on what truly sets us apart—our creativity and design expertise. By integrating AI into processes like material selection, data organization, and project documentation, we’re freeing up valuable time to refine our concepts and craft more thoughtful, impactful designs. This efficiency not only enhances our ability to deliver innovative solutions but also enables us to dedicate more attention to client needs, ensuring a more personalized and strategic design approach. By embracing AI as a tool to support rather than replace creativity, we’re able to produce exceptional design solutions in less time—ultimately adding greater value to our clients and projects.
5. What steps are you taking to improve sustainability in the industry?
Sustainability is a key consideration in our design approach, and we are continuously taking steps to minimize environmental impact while maintaining high-quality hospitality interiors. Some of the ways we’re improving sustainability include:
- Mindful material selection—We prioritize sourcing eco-friendly, responsibly manufactured materials, such as recycled content, low-VOC finishes, FSC-certified woods, and sustainable textiles.
- Durability and longevity—By specifying high-quality, long-lasting materials and furnishings, we help reduce waste and extend the lifecycle of hotel interiors, minimizing the need for frequent replacements.
- Supply-chain awareness—We are more intentional about working with vendors who prioritize ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices, reducing carbon footprints and supporting responsible production.
- Wellness-centered design—Incorporating biophilic elements, natural lighting, and energy-efficient systems enhances the guest experience.
6. What are some trends you think will have staying power beyond 2025?
Beyond 2025, several key design trends in hospitality are poised to have lasting impact as they align with broader cultural shifts and evolving guest expectations.
Some of the trends we believe will endure include:
- Warm, earthy neutrals and layered textures
- Biophilic and wellness-driven design
- Elevated, residential-inspired comfort
- Thoughtful sustainable
- Adaptive and multi-use spaces
- Art-driven story telling
- Tech-enhanced hospitality
7. What is the biggest challenge you have overcome over the past year? How did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge we faced over the past year was navigating back-to-back hurricanes, which temporarily halted projects in our area. As a Tampa-based firm, we’ve been deeply invested in local new builds and renovations, making it even more important to support our community and clients during this time. We overcame this by staying connected—prioritizing strong relationships with clients, vendors, and industry partners to find solutions and keep projects moving. By remaining flexible, refining our processes, and focusing on the needs of those we serve, we are helping our community rebuild and emerge even more resilient.
8. What is the value of meeting hospitality suppliers one-on-one?
Meeting hospitality suppliers one-on-one strengthens relationships, builds trust, and fosters better collaboration. Since hospitality is a relationship-driven industry, these connections lead to stronger partnerships and more successful outcomes.
9. What do you hope to accomplish at Hotec this year?
My goal is to strengthen relationships, discover innovative solutions, and explore new opportunities that align with JAI’s vision. I want to connect with suppliers one-on-one to find materials and products that enhance our designs while improving efficiency and sustainability. Beyond sourcing, I hope to gain fresh insights into industry trends, learn from fellow professionals, and engage in meaningful conversations that drive creative, strategic growth. Most importantly, I want to deepen connections with partners who share our commitment to impactful, relationship-driven design.
Hotec Design will take place June 16-18 at the Fairmont Scottsdale (Ariz.) Princess. Applications are open for buyers and suppliers.