Meet Robert Ancill | Consultant and Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Robert Ancill and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Robert, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting The Next Idea Group came from a combination of passion, frustration, and vision. I had worked with various agencies and companies, and while there were talented people and great ideas, I often felt that innovation was stifled by rigid systems, outdated thinking, and restrictions on creativity. I wanted to create something different, a firm that challenged the status quo and approached each project with fresh energy and a global mindset.

My thought process centered on this question: What if we could build a company that fused strategic consulting with bold, boundary-pushing design and design services? I believed there was a gap in the market for a truly integrated, forward-thinking firm that wasn’t afraid to break molds. I also wanted the freedom to work with clients I believed in and shape a culture that valued experimentation, collaboration, and big-picture thinking.

So, it wasn’t just about owning a business, it was about creating a platform where disruptive ideas could flourish and make a real impact.

What should our readers know about your business?
At Thenextideagroup.com, we’ve built a comprehensive design and architectural practice that blends traditional services with cutting-edge technology to surprise and delight our clients. We offer a full suite of services including as-built documentation, drone surveys, factory-direct procurement, and extensive design capabilities.

What sets us apart is our focus on innovation and execution. We specialize in hospitality and franchise rollouts but also proudly serve a wide range of non-hospitality clients including institutions, homeowners, and commercial enterprises.

Like many small businesses, we’ve faced significant challenges; Covid, the Great Recession, and even the Los Angeles fires tested our resilience. Through it all, we stayed focused on our core values: exceptional service, creative solutions, and fair pricing. These principles have not only helped us endure but thrive.

Our journey has been far from easy, but every challenge reinforced the importance of adaptability and staying true to who we are. We want the world to know that The Next Idea Group is committed to building environments that inspire, backed by integrity, innovation, and a passion for design.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: Arrival + Riverside Charm

Stay: Check in at the historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa – iconic architecture, beautiful courtyards, and deep California history.

Explore: Tour the Mission Inn, take a docent-led walk to learn about its art, catacombs, and presidential visits.

Dinner: Duane’s Prime Steaks & Seafood at the Mission Inn – elegant and classic.

Evening: Enjoy cocktails at The Presidential Lounge, steeped in vintage charm.

Day 2: Riverside Arts + Outdoor Vibes

Breakfast: Back to the Grind – great local café with cozy vibes.

Visit: Riverside Art Museum and walk around the Downtown pedestrian mall.

Hike: Catch sunset from Mount Rubidoux – panoramic city and mountain views.

Dinner: Mario’s Place – a local favorite for upscale Italian.

Nightcap: Craft beer at Packinghouse Brewing Company.

Day 3: OC Luxury + Culinary Magic

Morning Drive: Head to Costa Mesa (about 45–60 min).

Lunch: Sidecar Doughnuts and an espresso at Portola Coffee Lab.

Afternoon: Shop or browse art at South Coast Plaza.

Dinner: Knife Pleat – Michelin-starred French fine dining with exquisite presentation and service. A must.

Overnight: Stay at Avenue of the Arts Hotel or Lido House in Newport Beach.

Day 4: Newport Beach + Coastal Day

Brunch: Malibu Farm at Lido Marina Village – oceanfront and organic.

Activity: Rent bikes and cruise the Balboa Peninsula, or go paddleboarding.

Lunch: Grab tacos at Wild Taco or Bear Flag Fish Co..

Relax: Beach afternoon at Crystal Cove State Park.

Dinner: Seafood feast at The Cannery or Bluewater Grill on the water.

Drinks: Rooftop bar at The Mayor’s Table or Topside in Lido House.

Day 5: Laguna Beach Art + Nature

Breakfast: Urth Caffé in Laguna.

Art: Explore Laguna Art Museum and local galleries.

Hike: Quick trail at Top of the World or Heisler Park walk.

Lunch: Nick’s Laguna Beach – great food, people-watching spot.

For Dinner – go to my favorite restaurant, Providence, in Los Angeles

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely — two people stand out for me.

The first is Michael Zur-Spiro. Michael hired me as Operations Director at Aroma Café Group, a startup café brand launched in the early 1990s in London. He came from a background at Boston Consulting Group and was incredibly sharp. Michael taught me invaluable lessons in analytics, branding, and creativity. He always welcomed new ideas and had a real talent for bringing out the best in people.

The second is June Lawlor. June was the Concessions Director at House of Fraser. She led a large department with excellence, empowering her team with autonomy while maintaining a tight structure and consistently surpassing targets. Her leadership was both inspiring and highly effective, and I learned a great deal from her approach.

Website: https://thenextideagroup.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertancill/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TNIdesignLA/

Other: https://www.globalrestaurantconsultant.com