#LifeAtOlala – Meet Manuela Muñoz, Design Project Manager

Some careers are built step by step. Others evolve alongside the company itself. Manuela’s journey at Olala! reflects growth, adaptability, and the impact that thoughtful design can have on the guest experience. 

In this interview, Manuela shares her path and ambitious vision that shaped her career at Olala!

Tell us about your background and where you’re from.

I grew up in Bogotá, Colombia, where I studied Architecture. Seven years ago, I moved to Spain to pursue a Master’s degree in Architectural Restoration. My original plan was to return home, but one thing led to another, and I found myself diving deep into the interior design scene in Spain. After gaining experience at another firm, the ambition and vision of Olala! caught my eye, and I knew I wanted to be part of it.

What interested you about joining Olala! as an Interior Designer?

What interested me about the role was the 'Olala! Project' itself. I was drawn to the idea of a fast-growing startup that wasn't just building rooms, but creating a recognizable lifestyle brand. I wanted a role that was dynamic and where my designs would directly impact the guest experience on a large scale.

What inspires your approach to interior architecture and design in hospitality spaces?

I’m inspired by the balance between local identity and global comfort. I believe hospitality design should tell the story of the city you’re in, while also providing that intuitive 'home-away-from-home' feeling, through textures, lighting, and smart layouts.

You started as an Interior Designer. Can you tell us what were your main responsibilities and how did they prepare you for your current role?

My growth was a mix of hands-on experience and proactive learning. While I was managing the day-to-day design tasks, I used the company’s tools to complete a Google Project Management certificate. That technical foundation, combined with the reality of site visits, gave me the structure I needed to transition from designing spaces to managing projects.

When did you realize you wanted to continue growing within Olala! ?

After two years as an Interior Designer, I felt a strong drive to contribute more to the company's bigger picture. Olala! was expanding rapidly, and I realized to grow with it, I needed to be resilient and adapt my skills to meet the company's evolving needs.

How has your career evolved since then?

I moved from Interior Designer to Acting Design Project Manager, then to my current role as Design Project Manager, and most recently transitioned from the Interior Design Department to the Construction Department.

Starting in Interior Design allowed me to master the smallest details. Today, my role is much more focused on project oversight and CAPEX control. Moving into Construction means I’m now directly involved in bringing those designs to life. Understanding the 'small' details from my Interior Design days helps me manage the bigger picture in a holistic way, ensuring design and construction are perfectly aligned to deliver a successful project.

For you, what does great design mean in the context of Olala!’s spaces and guest experience?

For me, great design is a perfect harmony of two factors. On one side, it’s the aesthetics, the materials and lighting creating natural comfort. On the other, design must be intuitive and practical. A guest shouldn't have to think about how to use a space; everything they need for a comfortable stay should be exactly where they expect it to be.

What do you enjoy most about the company culture?

Definitely the people. There’s a sense of shared purpose here. It’s a collaborative environment where you feel supported to take ownership of your projects and contribute ideas.

What’s a skill or lesson you’ve developed here that you didn’t expect?

I’ve significantly improved my communication and negotiation skills. In my current role, being able to align different teams and stakeholders is just as important as the architectural plan itself. Learning how to navigate those conversations has been a key part of my growth.

Can you share a moment when you felt especially proud of your work?

I participated in the design and management of the renovation of Hotel Robson, in Spain. This project represented a new challenge, as it involved adapting the technology solutions we typically implement in short-term rentals to the hotel sector. The goal was to create spaces that allowed the hotel to operate in a smart way integrating self check-in desks in the lobby and smart locks in the rooms to enhance both operational efficiency and the guest experience. Seeing the final result and knowing it was the outcome of incredible teamwork was extremely satisfying. It’s a space that truly brings people together.

What advice would you give to someone considering joining Olala!?

Be ready for professional challenges and constant growth. If you're someone who enjoys a fast-paced environment and want to see your ideas become reality, this is the place for you.

What are you looking forward to this year?

I’m really looking forward to mastering my new role within the Construction Department, optimizing processes and ensuring that every new opening is more efficient and impactful than the last.

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Manuela’s journey reflects what truly defines Olala!: growth driven by curiosity, resilience, and a shared ambition to build meaningful spaces. As our projects evolve and expand, it’s this combination along with ownership, and collaboration that allows us to turn ideas into places that truly enhace our guests experiences.

Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Manuela!