Jennifer Bello is an interior designer and certified project manager based in England, with a background in finance. She is the Founder and CEO of Jenni Bello Designs, a high-end design practice specialising in residential and commercial projects.
Her work spans private residences, villas, and commercial spaces across the UK and internationally. Her approach centres on balancing functionality with aesthetics, with a strong emphasis on context, user experience, and the practical realities of how spaces are used. Her design philosophy is rooted in clarity of intent, ensuring the why behind each project is thoughtfully integrated into the design process while remaining true to the client’s vision and environment.
Jennifer Bello
We spoke with Jennifer in early 2026, after she took Hotel Design and Development: Insights from Globally Renowned Properties online.
How would you describe your overall experience in the Hotel Design and Development Online program? Would you recommend it to someone working in hospitality design and development, and if so, why?
My experience of the programme was insightful and well-rounded. I valued it not only from a design perspective, but for the broader understanding it provided of how luxury hotels operate strategically and commercially. The course highlighted practical considerations such as spatial positioning, integration with surrounding neighbourhoods, multi-generational use of spaces, and how hotels under the same brand can adopt different operational and project management approaches depending on context. The case studies offered a realistic view into how world-class hospitality projects are conceived and delivered.
“I would recommend the programme to anyone working in, or looking to break into, hospitality design and development, particularly those interested in luxury hospitality.”
It provides a holistic understanding of real-world hotel projects, prepares participants for both opportunities and challenges on site, and encourages an open-minded approach. The lecturers’ industry experience was a key strength, allowing for thoughtful, practical discussions and meaningful clarity beyond textbook knowledge.
You wrote that the workshop “pulled back the curtain,” helping you understand the why behind hotel design decisions, not just the outcomes. Can you share an example of a design decision you now see differently because of this program?
One area I now approach with greater depth is space planning in relation to environmental context, operational efficiency, and guest flow. The programme reinforced the importance of how a hotel interacts with its surroundings, as well as how strategic planning of entrances, circulation, and spatial relationships supports privacy, crowd control, and day-to-day performance.
“Space planning is now viewed not just as a visual exercise, but as a strategic tool that supports both experience and operations in a considered, discreet way.”
As an interior designer and certified project manager, how do you see this program influencing the way you approach future hospitality or residential projects—whether in your design choices, your process, or how you communicate with clients and project teams?
From a project management perspective, the programme reinforced the importance of understanding team dynamics, cultural contexts, and shared project goals. It highlighted that hospitality projects rarely follow a single textbook approach and that adaptability is essential. The case studies demonstrated how hotels within the same brand can operate very differently across locations, reinforcing the need for tailored approaches. This has strengthened my focus on team alignment, flexibility, and ensuring collective ownership of the project vision.
From a design standpoint, the programme has deepened my focus on the why behind design decisions.
“Rather than simply responding to a design brief, greater emphasis is placed on understanding the true needs of the environment, the client, and the project context ensuring that concept, rationale, and execution are meaningfully aligned.”