Designing at the Edge: Global Lessons in Hospitality from Netflix’s Restaurants on the Edge
Drawing on her global work as a designer on Netflix’s Restaurants on the Edge, Karin Bohn explores how cultural immersion, community engagement, and fearless storytelling can transform struggling food-and-beverage concepts into unforgettable destinations. At a time when hospitality is driven by emotion, authenticity, and experience—not just aesthetics—she reveals how history, craft, and global food culture can be translated into contemporary, commercially successful design. Shaped by her German-Chinese heritage and international perspective, Karin demonstrates how global thinking can be applied powerfully to North American hospitality spaces. Through behind-the-scenes stories and recent real-world projects, attendees will gain practical strategies for creating story-driven environments that balance creativity, sustainability, and business performance—proving that bold design, when rooted in narrative, can truly revive and redefine hospitality.
Speakers
More Information
Related Sessions
The Hotel Pipeline: What’s Being Built, Renovated, and Reimagined Across North America
Where is hotel development headed — and what does it mean for the desi…Where is hotel development headed — and what does it mean for the design community? In this data-rich session, Bruce Ford, SVP and Director of Global Business Development at Lodging Econometrics, unpacks the latest North America hotel development pip…Where is hotel development headed — and what does it mean for the design community? In this data-rich session, Bruce Ford, SVP and Director of Global Business Development at Lodging Econometrics, unpacks the latest North America hotel development pipeline across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, giving an on-the-ground view of where the real opportunity lies. From new construction to announced renovations, brand conversions, and sales transactions, B…Where is hotel development headed — and what does it mean for the design community? In this data-rich session, Bruce Ford, SVP and Director of Global Business Development at Lodging Econometrics, unpacks the latest North America hotel development pipeline across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, giving an on-the-ground view of where the real opportunity lies. From new construction to announced renovations, brand conversions, and sales transactions, Bruce drills into the numbers by market, province, city, franchise company, and brand — while also spotlighting the project types reshaping the industry. With North America's hotel landscape evolving, this session gives you the clearest picture of what's coming — and where to position yourself.Show MoreClick the title to see all detailsShow More
Creating Immersive Dining Experiences
New restaurants and bars deliver more than hospitality. Today, patrons…New restaurants and bars deliver more than hospitality. Today, patrons expect immersive environments that offer moments of surprise and emotional connection. Panelists will discuss how to balance spectacle with authenticity and how operational realit…New restaurants and bars deliver more than hospitality. Today, patrons expect immersive environments that offer moments of surprise and emotional connection. Panelists will discuss how to balance spectacle with authenticity and how operational realities inform design choices. They will also touch on the need to incorporate off-premises and convenience-driven options. The session will offer both big-picture thinking and practical insight into how…New restaurants and bars deliver more than hospitality. Today, patrons expect immersive environments that offer moments of surprise and emotional connection. Panelists will discuss how to balance spectacle with authenticity and how operational realities inform design choices. They will also touch on the need to incorporate off-premises and convenience-driven options. The session will offer both big-picture thinking and practical insight into how experiential restaurant design drives brand engagement and creates a strong ROI.Show MoreClick the title to see all detailsShow More
Carved from Stone: The Story Behind Desert Rock
Desert Rock, the LEED Platinum resort carved into Saudi Arabia’s ancie…Desert Rock, the LEED Platinum resort carved into Saudi Arabia’s ancient Hejaz Mountains, offers a new model for luxury hospitality that aligns environmental performance with exceptional guest experience. This project demonstrates how building with t…Desert Rock, the LEED Platinum resort carved into Saudi Arabia’s ancient Hejaz Mountains, offers a new model for luxury hospitality that aligns environmental performance with exceptional guest experience. This project demonstrates how building with the land rather than on it can enhance hospitality outcomes while improving long-term operational efficiency. In a Fireside Chat led by Founding Principal of Chad Oppenheim of Oppenheim Architecture an…Desert Rock, the LEED Platinum resort carved into Saudi Arabia’s ancient Hejaz Mountains, offers a new model for luxury hospitality that aligns environmental performance with exceptional guest experience. This project demonstrates how building with the land rather than on it can enhance hospitality outcomes while improving long-term operational efficiency. In a Fireside Chat led by Founding Principal of Chad Oppenheim of Oppenheim Architecture and Paolo Ferrari, Founder of Studio Paolo Ferrari, this session examines the design strategies, systems thinking, and decision-making behind creating a high-end destination. It underscores the reciprocal relationship between architecture and interiors in defining the resort’s character and performance, while addressing today’s most pressing challenges of climate, cost, and competition through an environmentally centred approach. Show MoreClick the title to see all detailsShow More
