As an introduction to the Miami NEWH Regional Tradeshow, Studio IDC Founder and President Stephanie Tyler joined a panel discussion exploring the evolution of hospitality design and the role of legacy, leadership, and family in shaping the industry. The speakers—which included Jessica Baumann-Houmes of Baumann and Associates, Mitch Parker of The Parker Company, Stephanie Pino of Worldwide Draperies, and Joey Roy of LJR Hospitality—were all from multigenerational family-owned and operated businesses, providing a unique perspective on how the hospitality design industry has evolved through the decades. Below are some of the highlights from the panel. 

A Foundation Built on Family and Craft

“I come from three generations of interior designers,” Stephanie shared. Her parents founded Caribbean Producers in 1962, a company that serviced hotels throughout the Caribbean, Central, and South America. “My mother was from Jamaica, and she worked on some of the first Sandals and SuperClubs properties during what I like to call the ‘cowboy days’ of the hospitality industry in that region.”

Stephanie formally entered the design world in the 1970s, joining ASID’s first student chapter in 1975 and passing the NCIDQ exam in 1981—the first year it became a state license in Florida. In 1996, she launched Studio IDC. Today, she leads the firm alongside her children: Todd, Studio IDC’s Creative Director, and Trisha, Studio IDC’s Vice President.

A Legacy of Integrity

Stephanie’s early lessons in business came from her mother. “She took over after my father passed away while I was still in school. She was this petite Jamaican lady, and she rose to the challenge. We’ve always been woman-owned and -operated.” One of her mother’s mantras still lives on: “Just make it look pretty.”

Relationships have always been central to Studio IDC’s ethos. “It used to start with trust—you’d share a meal, a glass of wine, and then talk about the project. I think we’re seeing a return to that.”

Working with Family

“Working with family has its ups and downs,” Stephanie admitted. “My mom used to call me while I was making dinner and say, ‘I want to talk business.’ Now I do the same thing to Trisha.”

Still, she says the rewards far outweigh the challenges. “There’s trust, and there’s the joy of building something together. My two favorite people—I get to work with them every day.”

Leading a Team with Shared Vision

When asked how she navigates differences within her team, Stephanie emphasized communication and perspective. “You might not always agree, and that’s okay. Sometimes, you need to step away and come back with a fresh perspective.”

Each member of the leadership team brings their own strengths: design, operations, and long-term strategy. “Respecting each other’s roles is what keeps it all moving forward.”

Then and Now: The Changing Nature of Design

“When I took the NCIDQ, I was expecting Todd,” Stephanie recalled. “Everything was manual—you had to draw by hand. Now, everything moves faster and is fully digital.”

While the studio is fully immersed in digital tools like Revit and CAD, Stephanie has maintained her own process. “I still ask the team to print it and put it on my desk. That’s how I work best.”

Hospitality Has Evolved—So Have Its Guests

“Hospitality guests today are nothing like they were when I started,” Stephanie said.
“Back then, people were just happy to be in the sun, in a pretty little room. The demographic skewed older. If you were in your 20s or 30s and wanted to travel, you backpacked across Europe or drove a Volkswagen van. Now, a 30-year-old shows up to the islands in a private jet and expects every amenity.”

From blackout shades and outlet placement to curated pillow menus, the expectations have shifted dramatically—and the design has followed suit.

Looking Ahead

Stephanie’s reflections remind us that great design is more than aesthetics—it’s built on trust, legacy, and a deep understanding of how people live, travel, and connect. At Studio IDC, those values continue to shape our approach as we design the next generation of hospitality and residential spaces.

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