AI startup DeepSeek disrupts Silicon Valley, Dezeen survey paints a bleak picture of the architecture and design industry, and hotel executives embrace cautious optimism in 2025. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday.
Could AI startup DeepSeek revolutionize travel tech?
Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock
DeepSeek, a new generative AI model from China, is disrupting Silicon Valley’s AI dominance, with potential implications for the travel industry, writes Skift. The startup claims its tech rivals that of competitors OpenAI and Google. What’s more, DeepSeek said it accomplished this at only a fraction of the cost. This announcement led to a drop in AI stock prices, with Nvidia losing $589 billion in market cap and Nasdaq falling 3.1 percent. For travel companies, cheaper AI could be a gamechanger. Last week, OpenAI announced partnerships with Booking Holdings, Tripadvisor, and Uber, but high AI development costs have hindered travel companies from fully embracing the technology. If DeepSeek delivers on its cost-efficiency claims, it could accelerate AI adoption across the industry, making advanced AI tools available to both large and small players alike
ALIS recap: Hotel industry optimistic for 2025
A panel at ALIS featuring Jeff Higley, the BHN Group by Northstar (moderator); Geoff Ballotti, Wyndham; Paul Daly, Hyatt; Amanda Hite, CoStar Group; Gary Mendell, Shatterproof; and Julienne Smith, IHG; photo by the BHN Group
The U.S. hotel industry enters 2025 with cautious optimism as executives gathered at the Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) in Los Angeles this week, writes CoStar in its day 1 and day 2 recaps of the event. Industry leaders highlighted opportunities—such as potential corporate tax cuts, regulatory easing, and a narrowing bid-ask gap—that could drive hotel transactions and investment growth. However, challenges remain, including rising costs, a tight labor market, and reduced pricing power. Hoteliers are also monitoring the impact of stricter immigration policies, which could disrupt staffing and supply chains. The second day of ALIS was defined by the expectation for a better year. Hoteliers said there is more certainty on the path forward both for the industry and the economy. The conference also dove into key topics like AI and how it will transform hotel operations, potentially replacing roles like concierge and sales.
Architect Marina Tabassum to design this year’s Serpentine Pavilion
Serpentine 2025 Pavilion A Capsule in Time, designed by Marina Tabassum Architects (MTA); rendering courtesy of MTA and Serpentine
Marking its 25th anniversary, the Serpentine Pavilion Commission has announced that Bangladeshi architect Marina Tabassum and her firm Marina Tabassum Architects (MTA) will design the 2025 Serpentine Pavilion, titled A Capsule in Time. Set to open June 6th at Serpentine South, the pavilion will explore the relationship between permanence and impermanence, drawing inspiration from Bengali architecture and Shamiyana tents. The pavilion will feature four wooden capsule forms with translucent façades that filter light. A central kinetic element allows one capsule to move and connect, transforming the space dynamically. The structure will also bring the park inside the pavilion with a mature tree at its center, fostering a connection between architecture and the environment.
Survey reveals discontent in the architecture and design industry
AI generated image, courtesy of Adobe Stock
A recent survey by Dezeen on people’s experiences working in the architecture and design sector paints a bleak picture of the industry, revealing widespread dissatisfaction with many professionals feeling that the current work culture is flawed and untenable. With more than 450 responses across 64 countries, key concerns highlighted include long working hours, low pay, and a nonexistent work-life balance. The survey also spotlighted systemic issues such as a lack of diversity and inclusion, with some professionals feeling marginalized or undervalued within their organizations. “The industry is operating on a culture of exploitation,” an architectural assistant at a large architecture firm in the UK said in the survey. “I have a genuine passion for architectural design and innovation, but this is difficult to hold onto when I can barely afford to live, despite this job taking over my life.”
Deadline approaching for HD Awards submissions!
Designed by GOA and WJ Studio, the Boatyard Hotel in Suzhou, China, winner in the Small Hotel category; photo by Xi Zhang
The deadline for the 21st annual HD Awards in projects and products is fast approaching. Don’t miss your chance to be recognized in more than 40 categories. Submissions are due Monday, February 10th. Submit here! And in case you missed it: Get to know the two judging panels who will decide the winners and finalists of the annual awards. Nominations are also open for the HDAC Awards of Excellence and the ISHP Vendor Quality Award. All honorees will be featured in the May/June 2025 issue of Hospitality Design magazine and celebrated at an event on May 6th, held in conjunction with HD Expo + Conference, at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Check back soon for more information on the HD/West Elm Student Product Competition.
