In the exciting world of hotel interior design, adaptability and innovation are essential to stay relevant in an ever-changing market. In the third episode of the podcast Espacios que hablan by U Interior Design, Laura Huerta, Director of U Interior Design, talks to Pablo Gironés, a veteran with over 25 years of experience in industrial design and marketing. Together they explore the evolution of furniture design, the creation of iconic collections and how crises have created unique opportunities for the industry.
Pablo Gironés shares his experience from his first steps in the world of design, where the collaboration with the renowned architect Ramón Esteve and the creation of the contemporary furniture publisher Babia Mobles marked the beginning of a successful career. Through his story, we discover how the idea of merging Gandia Blasco with Bavia came about, giving rise to one of the most emblematic brands in outdoor furniture, which was consolidated by taking advantage of an opportunity in the market that few saw.
One of the keys to success in this sector according to Pablo is the ability to identify market niches that others have not explored, what he describes as ‘blue oceans’. At a time when industrial design was just emerging in Spain, the commitment to outdoor furniture was a risky but visionary decision. The first collections marked a break with the traditional, using unusual materials such as aluminium window structures and polyethylene sheets. Although the market was initially unprepared for these proposals, their contextualisation in settings such as the Ibiza terraces led to their success.
The episode also addresses how economic and health crises have been turning points for the design industry. During the 2008 crisis and more recently with the COVID-19 pandemic, companies that knew how to reinvent themselves and bet on design as a differential value managed not only to survive, but to prosper. In this sense, design becomes a platform for resilience and growth, allowing brands to stand out even in difficult times.
The conversation also delves into how the role of design in the hotel sector has evolved. It is no longer enough to simply offer accommodation; the visual experience and comfort have become crucial. So much so that even mid- and low-end hotels are investing in attractive and comfortable designs, knowing that image is everything in the digital age. Common spaces, such as lobbies, receive special attention, while rooms, while also important, are more budget-controlled.
Success in this sector depends not only on creativity and innovation, but also on strategic resource management and a thorough knowledge of the market. The planning of a collection or interior design project must consider both current and future trends, and be flexible enough to adapt to rapid changes in the market.
If you are passionate about interior design and want to learn more about how these professionals transform spaces and create unique experiences, don’t miss this full episode of Spaces that Speak by U Interior Design. We invite you to watch it here.