08/07/2026
One of my favorite parts of this profession is mentoring the next generation of designers.
Whether I'm speaking with interns, students, or young professionals, I tend to hear the same questions over and over again...
"What should I be doing now to become a better designer?"
"How can I prepare myself for a career in hospitality design?"
Ultimately, what they're really asking is... "What can I do to stand out?"
Most people expect my answer to be about software... learning AutoCAD, mastering presentations, improving renderings, or selecting finishes.
Those are important skills, but they're only one piece of the puzzle.
The best designers I've met understand people. They understand business. They know how to communicate, solve problems, and think strategically.
They understand psychology, operations, marketing, branding, and hospitality... because great design doesn't exist in a vacuum.
That's the philosophy we're building into our apprenticeship program at VANROOY.
As we begin developing our Academy, one of the first things we've created is a curated reading library for our team. Not because I expect everyone to read every book, but because I believe great designers never stop learning.
To become a great hospitality designer, you have to understand people, business, communication, creativity, psychology, leadership, and hospitality... not just design.
Every book on this list has influenced the way I think, lead, design, or work with clients. Some challenged my perspective. Others changed the way I approach business or relationships. Together, they've helped shape the philosophy behind what Jerry and I have created with VANROOY.
I'm sharing our reading list because I hope it helps another student, intern, or young designer who's wondering where to begin.
I'd love to keep adding to it... what book has had the biggest impact on your career?
📚~ Christine
