Courtesy of Caye B.
Name: Caye B.
Position: Interior Design Manager
Hotel: Marriott HQ in Bethesda, MD
Dream destination: Oman and Barcelona
Can you imagine what it is like to design the embassies and consulates of the US abroad? That’s what Caye did while working for the U.S. Department of State — one of the exploratory stops on her career path before it eventually led her to Marriott. As exciting as that job sounds, she knew from the start of her interior design career that she really wanted to work in hospitality.
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In the summer of 2023 Caye started her Marriott journey as a Senior Interior Designer working on both renovation and new build projects. Now, as an Interior Design Manager, her focus is on new build properties within the Distinctive Select Brands, which include AC Hotels by Marriott, Aloft, Element, and Moxy.
“Our job is to ensure the design stays true to the brand standards—not only aesthetically, but with an eye toward providing the best possible guest experience and the greatest value for owners,” she says.
Courtesy of Caye B.
When it comes to designing for the different Marriott brands, Caye says there’s one in particular that she finds more of a creative challenge than the rest… Moxy!
“I once referred to Moxy as our most exciting, but challenging, brand. Designing a Moxy requires throwing out the rulebook most designers are accustomed to while adhering to an unconventional, and infinitely malleable, set of standards,” she says. “Moxy asks that every design element is deeply considered and wildly creative, and then begs you to push it one step further. It’s exhilarating, but never easy.”
Learn more about her fascinating role and journey in her own words below.
What is the most exciting thing you’ve been able to do at Marriott so far?
In my brief time at Marriott, the headquarters building itself has been one of the most impressive parts of my experience—it’s chock full of flexible spaces for collaboration, focused work, and places to take a break and socialize with colleagues. There are also spaces explicitly dedicated to experimental exploration and innovation, and it’s been exciting to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the newest ideas, materials, and technologies being tested [in this building].
Courtesy of Caye B.
Speaking of testing, how do you gather guest feedback? How do you know what’s working and how does that impact your design philosophy?
The team is constantly identifying creative solutions for public spaces and guest rooms to cultivate a better overall experience, and feedback allows us to continue to iterate and evolve. Marriott employs various metrics and tools that give the guest a voice while holding its properties accountable. This data informs our design-making processes, which follow a five-finger approach: cost, time/schedule, guest experience, brand equity, and safety. Regardless of which objective is the primary driver at any given time, the number one tenet impressed upon us is “people first.”
Courtesy of Caye B.
What was your Marriott interview process like, and any tips for candidates who want a role like yours?
My interviews followed the STAR methodology, meaning responses are meant to describe a Situation, Task, Action, and Result. While it can be difficult to prepare for this type of interview, it sheds light on a candidate’s values, strengths, behaviors, and motivations, rather than being confined to a cursory overview of resume and portfolio. I spent the first half of 2023 reflecting deeply on my professional past, self-evaluating and closely analyzing what worked and what didn’t. The resulting clarity better prepared me to be intentional and honest about what I bring to the table as an employee and what I expect from an employer in return. Thankfully, Marriott was very open to facilitating the interview process as a two-way street, and that allowed me to do my due diligence on the role and the company and feel confident that it was a mutually good fit.
Courtesy of Caye B.
How would you describe Marriott’s culture?
Diligent, results-driven and solutions-oriented; inclusive; and fun! What would a hospitality environment be without fun?
How has Marriott supported your growth and given you the opportunity to try new things?
My colleagues have been incredibly welcoming and supportive. They’ve taught me the ropes while also encouraging me to find my own way and style of working. I’ve been exposed to a lot in a brief time, and I look forward to building confidence and competence as I strive to be the best possible support agent for owners and designers and the best advocate for our brands.
Courtesy of Caye B.
Favorite part of working at Marriott?
Everyone I’ve met has a genuine, vested interest in making things better. Whether it’s supporting the company’s sustainability goals or finding ways to make it easier to collaborate, there’s always something percolating in the interest of improving operations and refining our impact.
Courtesy of Caye B.
How have you used the Marriott Explore Rate?
I’ve only been at the company for a short time and have not yet had the opportunity to use the Marriott Explore Rate, but I hope to one day use it to reach my dream travel destinations! I’ve been very fortunate to travel extensively as an adult, but my family didn’t have the resources to travel much when I was growing up, so I’d also love to leverage the Marriott travel discounts to help them check off some of their bucket list destinations.
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