From Vision to Destination: Carnie Armenian's Design Playbook

Behind every unforgettable restaurant is a vision and someone who knows how to bring it to life. Meet Carnie Armenian, Design Director at Kelly Architects. In this episode, we explore the art and strategy behind designing some of the most beautiful upscale restaurants and hospitality spaces. From creating environments that elevate the guest experience to balancing aesthetics, functionality, and brand identity, Carnie shares what it really takes to transform an idea into a destination. As a young Armenian woman in architecture, Carnie has helped bring to life renowned projects including Gravitas, TATEL, Gucci, Bacio di Latte, and many more. She also shares how Kelly Architects has distinguished itself through a boutique, hands-on approach, where relationships, trust, and referrals have become the firm's most powerful form of marketing. Whether you're passionate about design, hospitality, entrepreneurship, or building a luxury brand, this conversation offers a fascinating look inside the world of architecture—and the people shaping the spaces we love most.