DeepSummary
The podcast episode features an interview with Veronica Reid, co-founder and architect of the Carlotta Hotel in Quito, Ecuador. Reid shares the journey of restoring and transforming a historical property owned by her husband's grandmother into an eco-friendly hotel, while navigating the complex process of obtaining approvals and adhering to UNESCO's guidelines for preserving the heritage site.
Reid discusses the challenges and considerations involved in sustainable design, such as minimizing environmental impact, reusing existing materials, incorporating renewable energy sources, and implementing water recycling systems. She emphasizes the importance of transparency in communicating the hotel's sustainability efforts to guests, allowing them to make informed choices and contribute to a lower carbon footprint.
The interview also explores Reid's recent project of developing a small beachfront resort in an effort to share the natural beauty of the Ecuadorian coast while meticulously considering the potential impact on the fragile ecosystem. Reid expresses her hope that the resort will inspire others in the area to adopt sustainable practices and prioritize responsible development.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The restoration of historic properties for sustainable hospitality projects can be a complex process, requiring adherence to strict regulations and guidelines.
- Incorporating sustainable practices, such as reusing existing materials, implementing renewable energy sources, and water recycling systems, can add complexity but is essential for minimizing environmental impact.
- Transparency in communicating sustainability efforts to guests is crucial, as it empowers them to make informed choices and contribute to reducing their carbon footprint.
- The travel industry has a responsibility to educate and inspire travelers to make sustainable choices, ultimately contributing to the preservation of local ecosystems.
- Sustainable development in fragile ecosystems requires meticulous consideration of potential impacts and a commitment to minimizing disturbance.
- Successful sustainable projects can inspire and influence others in the industry to adopt similar practices, leading to a broader positive impact on the environment.
- Continuous improvement and adaptation are necessary to maintain and enhance the sustainability of hospitality projects as technology and practices evolve.
- Striking a balance between sharing natural wonders with travelers and preserving fragile ecosystems is an ongoing challenge that requires careful consideration and responsible decision-making.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “It was complex, and it took roughly four years for us to get everything approved and for us to start construction.“ by Veronica Reid
- “So for us, it was just like natural that we had to include that in the process. And that made it slightly more complicated.“ by Veronica Reid
- “It's just a matter of touching upon all these key features that will make them aware that the impact that they're having is being reduced by being there.“ by Veronica Reid
- “I think that's our duty, actually, since we are in the core of the travel industry, to just provide the travelers with enough information so that they can make informed choices on.“ by Veronica Reid
- “I mean, for me, that would be our biggest success. To actually have people impacted by the way we do things so that they would try to replicate certain things that work and that would allow for our ecosystem to be maintained.“ by Veronica Reid
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Episode Information
Conduit Conversations
Soho.Live Studios
6/9/23
As part of our series The Conduit has teamed up with the brilliant Design Hotels on a series spotlighting some amazing individuals who have created incredible, responsible places to stay around the world. For 30 years Design Hotels has been at the forefront of a movement in travel, by curating a global collection of independent, design-driven hotels that function as social hubs and spaces for purposeful experiences, connection and curiosity.
In this episode we are joined by Veronica Reed, the co-founder and architect behind Carlota hotel in the UNESCO-protected old town of Quito, Ecuador.
Set inside the house where Veronica’s partner was born, Carlota became Ecuador’s first certified B Corporation hotel in October 2019.