Welcome back to another inspiring episode and blog post of Bee-Spoke with Anthony Hellman! In this segment of 'Bee-Spoke with Experts,' host Antonio Hellman sits down with Adriana Pietropaolo, founder and principal designer of Adriana Pietropaolo Design, to explore the art of crafting spaces that tell stories. With over nine years of experience specializing in commercial and hospitality design, Adriana shares her philosophy of creating environments that go beyond aesthetics to connect deeply with their occupants. From designing sensory-rich restaurant spaces to managing stakeholder relationships in corporate projects, Adriana offers invaluable insights into the evolving world of design.
Listen to the episode below or read to catch all the highlights!
A Journey Rooted in Creativity
Adriana’s passion for design began in her teenage years, influenced by her father’s work as a photographer and her fascination with transformation shows on HGTV. She went on to attend interior design school in Toronto, where she explored diverse aspects of design, from residential to corporate and hospitality spaces. Ultimately, it was the challenge and impact of hospitality projects that captured her heart, blending the functional demands of public spaces with the personal touches often seen in residential design.
The Importance of Sensory Experiences
Adriana believes that effective design engages all the senses. While visual aesthetics often take center stage, she highlights how sound, smell, and tactile elements play crucial roles in shaping memorable spaces. For example, entering a hotel lobby or restaurant isn’t just about seeing the decor—it’s about the ambient sounds, inviting scents, and the feelings evoked by the environment.
“Design should touch on all cylinders of the senses while still functioning as it’s supposed to,” Adriana explains.
Narrative-Driven Design
For Adriana, every successful design starts with a story. This narrative-driven approach is particularly vital in restaurant and hospitality design, where the operator or chef’s vision often guides the process. She emphasizes that a strong concept goes beyond a mood board to include the deeper purpose of a space, influencing everything from layout to finishes.
Navigating Challenges and Relationships
Managing client expectations is a core part of Adriana’s process. She notes that research and clear communication are essential for aligning visions, especially when dealing with multiple stakeholders in corporate or condominium projects. While there’s always one dissenting opinion, Adriana believes that trust, built through transparency and active listening, is the key to navigating disagreements and achieving consensus.
She also candidly shares a challenging experience: a hospitality project that stalled due to budget constraints. Despite meticulous planning and transparent communication, the project was put on hold, leaving Adriana frustrated by the client’s lack of follow-up. “It was a shocking moment for me because we had built such a great, trusting relationship,” she reflects.
On the flip side, Adriana recalls a residential project where the client’s heartfelt appreciation made all the challenges worthwhile. By fostering collaboration among trade partners and maintaining open communication, she delivered a space that perfectly reflected the homeowner’s personality. “When they tell me it feels exactly like them, that’s the biggest compliment,” Adriana shares.
Sustainability and Advice for Aspiring Designers
Adriana also discusses the growing emphasis on sustainability in modern design. Incorporating eco-friendly materials and practices not only enhances functionality and aesthetics but also aligns with clients’ values. She sees this trend as a driving force shaping the future of the design industry.
For those entering the field, Adriana offers simple yet powerful advice: embrace kindness and teamwork. “The design process is inherently collaborative,” she notes, stressing the importance of building strong relationships with clients, colleagues, and contractors alike.
Adriana Pietropaolo’s approach to design is a masterclass in combining creativity, strategy, and empathy. Whether it’s crafting immersive restaurant experiences, navigating complex corporate projects, or designing personal residential spaces, her work demonstrates the transformative power of storytelling in design. This episode of Bee-Spoke with Experts is a must-listen for designers, business owners, and anyone intrigued by the profound impact of the spaces we inhabit.
Adriana's Links:
Website: https://www.adrianadesign.ca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrianapiedesign