Exclusive: Sripriya Reddy on Sustainable & Smart Hospitality Design

Exclusive: Sripriya Reddy on Sustainable & Smart Hospitality Design

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 8, 2025

Great hospitality design is more than just aesthetics—it’s about creating spaces that enhance the guest experience while staying true to a brand’s identity. Sripriya Reddy, Principal Architect at Sripriya Reddy Studios, has been shaping hospitality interiors with a strong focus on sustainability, comfort, and innovation.

“As an interior designer, I aim to craft spaces that not only look beautiful but also improve guest well-being. Functionality, brand personality, and eco-conscious design are at the heart of my projects,” she shares. With a growing emphasis on sustainability, she ensures her designs incorporate eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient lighting, and sustainable furniture that minimize waste without compromising luxury.

Sustainability Meets Style: A Game-Changer in Hospitality

Sustainability is no longer a trend—it’s a necessity. Sripriya Reddy Studios has been making deliberate strides in integrating eco-conscious elements into hospitality projects.

“In a recent project, we used recycled wood for furniture, which not only added a rustic charm but also significantly reduced our environmental footprint,” she explains. This approach allowed for reduced material waste while maintaining the high-end appeal that guests expect.

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Guest well-being was another priority. By designing spaces with ample natural light, better ventilation, and open layouts, she created an airy, refreshing ambiance that enhances both comfort and air quality. “A well-lit, well-ventilated space is not just visually appealing—it directly impacts guest experience and wellness,” she adds.

To further lower energy consumption, Sripriya integrated energy-efficient lighting solutions throughout her projects, helping hotels reduce operational costs while maintaining a sustainable footprint.

Innovation & Smart Hospitality Design

Technology is reshaping the hospitality industry, and Sripriya has been at the forefront of integrating smart solutions into design.

“In one of our latest projects, we incorporated smart lighting and automated climate control to enhance guest convenience while improving energy efficiency,” she shares. These innovations allow hotels to optimize energy use, create personalized guest experiences, and streamline operations—all while maintaining sustainability goals.

Women in Design: Breaking Barriers & Leading the Future

The rise of women-led design firms is reshaping the industry, creating a more diverse and inclusive environment. Sripriya notes that increasing support for women entrepreneurs—through funding, business resources, and networking opportunities—has allowed more women to carve their own paths.

“The industry is seeing more women take leadership roles, start their own firms, and work on high-profile projects. This shift is making workplaces more inclusive and fostering a culture of creativity and collaboration,” she explains.

Future Trends: The Rise of Adaptive Hospitality Spaces

As hospitality spaces become more compact and multi-functional, flexibility in design is becoming crucial. Sripriya highlights the growing trend of modular and pop-up restaurant spaces, which allow brands to experiment with new concepts without committing to permanent structures.

“In one of our recent projects, we designed a pop-up restaurant—a dynamic space that could be easily assembled and disassembled. These spaces offer hotels and restaurants a cost-effective way to test new cuisines and concepts while keeping up with changing customer preferences,” she shares.

This trend is expected to gain momentum as the industry looks for more adaptive, experience-driven solutions that cater to evolving guest expectations.

A Message for Women’s Day

On International Women’s Day, Sripriya encourages women to push boundaries and continue shaping the future of the industry.

“We must celebrate all the women transforming hospitality with creativity, vision, and passion. This is a time to reflect on how far we’ve come—and how much further we can go in creating a truly equal and inclusive industry.”

With sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity leading the way, the future of hospitality design looks more promising than ever.


DoubleTree by Hilton Pune–Chinchwad Appoints Kritika Arora as HR Manager

DoubleTree by Hilton Pune–Chinchwad Appoints Kritika Arora as HR Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 20, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Pune - Chinchwad has appointed Kritika Arora as its new human resources manager, marking a return to the hotel where she previously contributed as training executive and assistant manager, HR & Training. With over a decade of experience spanning leading hospitality brands including Hyatt, IHG, Oberoi, and Pride, Arora brings extensive expertise in building strong organisational cultures, fostering employee engagement, and driving talent development.

Before her appointment, Arora served as learning manager at Hyatt, Ahmedabad, where she led talent and training initiatives that enhanced both organisational performance and employee satisfaction. She holds an MBA in Human Resources from Pune University and has undertaken certifications in leadership, train-the-trainer, POSH, and quality assurance.

Commenting on the appointment, Khizer Khan, Hotel Manager at DoubleTree by Hilton Pune - Chinchwad, said:

“We are thrilled to welcome Kritika back to the DoubleTree family. Her proven expertise in HR, coupled with her passion for fostering inclusive and high-performing teams, will play a pivotal role in strengthening our people-first culture.”

Reflecting on her new role, Kritika Arora shared:

“I am excited to return to DoubleTree by Hilton Pune–Chinchwad, a place that has been instrumental in shaping my career. I look forward to building on the hotel’s strong values by creating an environment where people thrive, grow, and deliver exceptional guest experiences.”

With Arora at the helm of HR, the hotel is set to reinforce its commitment to a people-first culture, ensuring team growth and an elevated guest experience across all operations.


Global F&B Expert Mariki Sayles Joins JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar as Director of Food & Beverage

Global F&B Expert Mariki Sayles Joins JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar as Director of Food & Beverage

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 18, 2025

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar has announced the appointment of Mariki Sayles as its new Director of Food & Beverage, marking an exciting chapter in the hotel’s culinary evolution. With more than a decade of distinguished international experience spanning India, New York, and beyond, Mariki brings a wealth of expertise and innovation to the role.

An award-winning hospitality professional, Mariki was honoured as Mixologist of the Year by The Times of India and served as a judge at ProWine Mumbai 2024, establishing herself as one of the industry’s most forward-thinking F&B leaders. Her diverse experience includes leading beverage operations for Bastian Hospitality’s iconic venues across India, directing transformative consulting projects nationwide, and contributing to the beverage program at New York’s Michelin-starred Le Bernardin.

Throughout her career, Mariki has been recognised for creating and elevating cutting-edge bar and restaurant concepts that blend operational excellence with creative storytelling, crafting experiences that resonate deeply with guests.

At JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, she will oversee the hotel’s comprehensive food and beverage operations, driving strategy, innovation, and exceptional guest engagement across its acclaimed dining venues, sophisticated banquet facilities, and signature lounges. This appointment underscores the hotel’s dedication to maintaining its leadership position in Mumbai’s luxury hospitality landscape.

Reflecting on her new role, Mariki Sayles shared,

“JW Marriott is synonymous with international standards of excellence, and I am thrilled to contribute to this legacy at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar. My vision is to elevate our food and beverage experiences to not only match global benchmarks but also redefine them for the Mumbai market, curating concepts that are innovative, immersive, and unforgettable.”

With her creative vision, meticulous attention to detail, and strategic insight, Mariki’s leadership is set to enhance JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar’s culinary identity, reaffirming its reputation as the Gateway to Mumbai and a true pioneer of hospitality excellence.


Grand Chennai by GRT Hotels Appoints Vijaya Kumar as General Manager

Grand Chennai by GRT Hotels Appoints Vijaya Kumar as General Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 18, 2025

GRT Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Vijaya Kumar as the General Manager of Grand Chennai by GRT Hotels, the group’s flagship property. With an illustrious career spanning over three decades, Kumar brings a wealth of expertise in operations, culinary innovation, and sustainable hospitality practices.

Kumar’s promotion to General Manager marks a significant internal advancement within GRT Hotels & Resorts. He previously served as Cluster Director of Food & Beverage, leading operations across Radisson franchise GRT hotels, and has contributed 17 years of dedicated service to the group across multiple properties. His experience also includes tenures with renowned brands such as Taj, ITC, and SRM Hotels.

Passionate about community impact, Kumar has spearheaded initiatives like Chef Amudhupadai, a program to feed underprivileged children, collaborated with local farmers for organic produce, introduced Braille menus and allergen-friendly dining, and trained differently-abled individuals in hospitality and bakery sectors.

Commenting on the appointment, Vikram Cotah, CEO, GRT Hotels & Resorts, said:

“We are delighted to appoint Mr. Vijaya Kumar as General Manager of Grand Chennai by GRT Hotels. His journey reflects our commitment to nurturing talent from within. Beginning his career as a professional chef, he combines culinary creativity with operational insight, equipping him with a deep understanding of guest experience and hospitality operations. Under his stewardship, Grand Chennai will continue to set new benchmarks in guest satisfaction and brand excellence.”

Speaking about his new role, Vijaya Kumar added:

“It is a privilege to lead Grand Chennai by GRT Hotels, the flagship property of a brand that has set benchmarks in Indian hospitality for nearly three decades. My focus will be on crafting meaningful guest experiences, championing sustainability, and creating a destination that truly reflects the essence of GRT Hotels. Together with my team, I look forward to carrying this tradition forward while setting new standards for excellence.”

Kumar holds a diploma in hotel management from IHM Chennai, alongside multiple postgraduate degrees including an MBA in Human Resources, MA in Public Administration, and a Master’s in Tourism Management. He is also certified in ISO 22000, AHLA programs, and is an accredited trainer and auditor.

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