The Community Behind Hospitality: More Than Meets the Eye
At Barker/Nestor, we’ve had the privilege of designing spaces that bring people together—and that work wouldn’t be possible without the incredible community in the hospitality industry. From the visible faces greeting guests at the door to the behind-the-scenes players coordinating logistics and construction, the hospitality world is powered by collaboration.
This community is vast, interconnected, and constantly in motion. Let’s explore who makes it all happen:
The Frontline: Owners, Staff & Investors
Every hospitality project begins with a vision. Restaurant owners, hotel developers, and food hall operators bring these concepts to life—backed by partners, investors, and stakeholders who share that vision.
Then comes the heartbeat of every establishment: the staff. Chefs, servers, bartenders, hosts, and baristas are not just employees—they’re the daily ambassadors of hospitality. Their hard work and personality define the guest experience.
The Builders of the Brand: Architects, Designers & Consultants
Behind every inviting space is a team of architects and interior designers like us. At Barker/Nestor, we collaborate with clients to translate their ideas into functional, inspiring environments.
We also work closely with:
- Lighting designers to set the tone
- Operations Managers to ensure a tight-run ship
- Branding experts to align visual identity with the physical space
Execution Crew: Vendors, Fabricators & Contractors
No concept becomes reality without the boots-on-the-ground team:
- General contractors and construction crews build out the space with precision.
- Millworkers and fabricators craft custom furniture, casework, and finishes.
- Vendors source everything from upholstery to plumbing fixtures, ensuring availability and quality.
These experts turn our renderings and drawings into spaces guests can walk through.
The Hospitality Ecosystem
Don’t forget the supporting players:
- Permitting consultants who navigate city regulations
- Kitchen equipment suppliers who ensure chefs are fully outfitted
- AV integrators and tech partners who manage POS systems, sound, and lighting
This ecosystem is deeply collaborative, and every role plays a part in bringing spaces to life.
The Takeaway: Hospitality is a Team Sport
In every project we take on, we’re reminded that good design alone doesn’t make a great experience—it’s the people. We’re proud to be one part of a much larger community working together to create places where guests feel welcomed, inspired, and at home.