VisuArch “Realize” Winner Spotlight: Nathan Blair & Kalyn Johnson Bring a Vision to Life at Gun Lake Casino Resort

At HBG Design, we know that unforgettable design experiences are only made possible through seamless collaboration—and that collaboration begins the moment ideas take shape. That’s the philosophy behind our Design+ team’s annual VisuArch Awards, a firmwide celebration of innovation, creativity, and design storytelling.

Created by the Design+ team, the VisuArch Awards invite all HBG employees—across disciplines and studios—to submit design moments they’re proud of. Whether the work highlights concept development, design visualization, or technical execution, VisuArch is about sharing the “how” behind the “wow” and elevating the creative energy that drives our projects forward.

What is the “Realize” Award?

The “Realize” category of VisuArch celebrates how a compelling design idea is translated into a fully executed element—beautiful, buildable, and true to its original intent. From initial sketches to field coordination, this award recognizes the behind-the-scenes work that ensures the integrity of a design vision through to final installation.

This year’s “Realize” winners, Nathan Blair, Associate and Project Architect from our San Diego studio, and Kalyn Johnson, Associate and Lead Interior Designer from our Memphis studio, were honored for their intricate detailing and seamless coordination on one of the most striking features of the new Gun Lake Casino Resort expansion in Wayland, Michigan: the floating monumental stair inside the luxurious two-story Ogema Suite.

From Vision to Detail: The Floating Staircase

The Ogema Suite at the new Gun Lake Resort is a high-end, two-level hospitality destination, and its floating sculptural staircase serves as both a dramatic focal point and a symbol of luxury design. Nathan and Kalyn’s integrated solution delivered not only visual impact, but also technical precision.

Their detailing brought to life a concept that includes:

  • A concealed steel riser and landing system for a clean, floating appearance
  • Custom-designed railing and refined hardwood finishes
  • Thoughtful integration into the suite’s layout, maintaining a modern, open feel

What appears effortless was the result of intense coordination, precision modeling, and a shared design vision across disciplines.

Why It Matters: The Power of Integrated Collaboration

At HBG Design, we believe our strongest work happens when architecture and interior design collaborate from the very beginning. Our integrated studio model enables this kind of cross-office synergy—and Nathan and Kalyn’s work is a shining example.

Despite working from two different studios—Nathan in San Diego and Kalyn in Memphis—the duo exemplified the HBG culture of open communication, creative trust, and shared ownership. They tackled challenges such as:

  • Aligning aesthetic goals with structural and fabrication constraints
  • Crafting clear, coordinated documentation to guide a complex custom build
  • Preserving the integrity of the design narrative from concept through construction

Their achievement is more than just a beautifully executed staircase. It’s an experience that hotel guests will touch, walk on, and remember—exactly the kind of detail that turns a suite into a signature destination.

Celebrating Our Designers Firmwide

The VisuArch Awards are part of HBG Design’s broader commitment to celebrating the ingenuity and craftsmanship that define our culture. From concept to creation, the awards are an opportunity for team members to share ideas, inspire one another, and highlight the diverse creative talents across our firm.

Congratulations to Nathan Blair and Kalyn Johnson on winning the 2025 VisuArch “Realize” Award—and for bringing to life a bold design statement that reflects the very best of what HBG stands for: innovation, technical excellence, and integrated creativity.

Interested in joining a firm that values creative collaboration from day one?

Explore careers at HBG Design → https://hbg.design/careers/available-positions/