Kavitha Iyer is an executive architect, designer, and project strategist who has spent more than 25 years helping the hospitality industry translate design into a business advantage. Her work reflects a belief: design is a disciplined, deliberate pathway to stronger investment outcomes, memorable experiences, and operational success. As founder of Design SAFAR, she offers owners, operators, project managers, and design consultants a concierge approach to design and development. Focused on early phases, when clarity matters most, the advisory aligns brand, guest experience, operations, capital, procurement, and delivery to reduce drift, protect the vision, and build long-term asset value. Kavitha has held executive roles at Choice Hotels, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Marriott International, directing design strategy, brand development, product innovation, sustainability, and technical services across hospitality portfolios. Known for coaching high-performing teams and serving as a trusted liaison to owners, development teams, and consultants, she brings constructive leadership and an integrated approach that supports sound business outcomes. She serves on the boards of Boutique Design and Hotels & Resort Design South and previously co-chaired the AHLA Design & Construction Committee. A recipient of Boutique Design 18 and Women in Hospitality Design honors, she believes travel expands perspective and design transforms that promise into connection, belonging, and lasting value.