Ishita Lalan is the Principal Designer at Ishita Interiors and an architect specializing in high performing short term rental and vacation home design. With over five years of experience in the STR space, she has transformed more than 300 properties into visually compelling, revenue driven assets that consistently outperform their markets. Widely recognized in the STR design industry, Ishita is known for her ability to elevate the guest experience while strategically maximizing investor returns. Her projects frequently exceed market rental projections and become some of the most sought after properties in their respective markets. Her approach is rooted in research, market data, and ROI focused design rather than aesthetics alone. In addition to her work as a designer, Ishita is an active real estate investor. Alongside her husband, Harshad Lalan, she owns a $12M short term rental portfolio generating over $1.8M in annual revenue, as well as four boutique hotels. Originally from India, Ishita brings a global design perspective to her work. Outside of business, she is a proud dog mom of two, enjoys traveling, and loves attending live music concerts, all of which continue to influence her creative vision.
WORKSHOP
Design That Books: Creating Spaces Guests Love and That Deliver Maximum ROI
This session explores how strategic, data-driven design transforms short-term rentals into high-performing assets. Learn how to create spaces that elevate the guest experience while maximizing occupancy, ADR, and overall returns—without overspending or sacrificing profitability.
SESSION SUMMARY
In this session, Ishita Lalan will share insights from over 300 STR projects that consistently outperform their markets. You’ll learn how to approach design as an investment strategy, not just an aesthetic exercise. We’ll cover how to use market research and guest psychology to inform design decisions, identify high-impact upgrades that drive bookings and command premium rates, and balance budget with ROI to avoid common pitfalls that drain profitability. Whether you’re working on a value-add renovation or a cosmetic refresh, this session will give you a framework for creating spaces that guests love and that deliver measurable financial results. Perfect for beginner to intermediate hosts and investors looking to make smarter design decisions that directly impact their bottom line.