HBG's Ross Burch on the 2026 HD Summit, San Diego
HBG’s Dallas office Interior Design Studio Manager, Ross Burch, was excited to attend the HD Summit 2026 in San Diego on March 11-13, joining hospitality leaders for educational sessions, networking, and conversations focused on the future of hotel and resort design.
Set within the beautifully restored Hotel del Coronado, the 2026 HD Summit gathered hospitality leaders, designers, and innovators for several days of inspiration along the San Diego coast. The iconic resort offered a setting that perfectly reflected the summit’s theme of honoring history while shaping the future of hospitality design.
Highlights included powerful insights from Treger Strasberg, founder of Humble Design, whose work demonstrates the profound social impact design can have, along with candid leadership perspectives from Emmy Award winning Producer, Lindsay Shookus. The summit concluded with an unforgettable live performance by artist David Garibaldi, blending art, energy, and storytelling into a powerful closing moment.
Together, the speakers and setting created a memorable experience that celebrated creativity, community, and the evolving role of hospitality design.
Thank you so much to Alissa Ponchione, and the entire HD Team that tirelessly worked to make this conference so intentional and impactful!
Ross Burch
HBG Design Dallas Office Interior Design Studio Leader
HBG Design Earns Top Honors at ASID Excellence in Design Awards
HBG Design is proud to announce that three projects from the expansion of Gun Lake Casino Resort were recognized at the ASID Excellence in Design Awards 2026, hosted by the South Central Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers.
The annual competition celebrates outstanding interior design across residential and commercial sectors, honoring projects that demonstrate exceptional creativity, innovation, and impact.
HBG Design’s work received two Gold Awards, one Silver Award, and the competition’s highest commercial design honor — the Ovation Award — recognizing the firm’s continued leadership in hospitality and resort design.
Gold Award & Ovation Award: MnoYé Spa
MnoYé Spa, located within Gun Lake Casino Resort, received Gold in Commercial Design and was further recognized with the competition’s Ovation Award for Best Overall Commercial Design.
Inspired by the restorative power of nature and the spirit of MnoYé—the Potawatomi expression for “living well”—MnoYé Spa is conceived as a tranquil counterpoint to the energy of this resort expansion. Rooted in Michigan’s landscape and the client’s deep connection to the Great Lakes watershed, the design interprets water, land, and light through a contemporary biophilic lens. Warm woods, dimensional stone, bronze-toned metals, and river-inspired hues of aqua and earth brown create a grounded, sensory-rich environment. Subtle waveforms, layered sediment motifs, and sculpted geometries reference flow and continuity without literal symbolism. From arrival to treatment, the spa unfolds as a holistic wellness journey—quiet, immersive, and deeply connected to place—where materiality, light, and water support restoration and balance.
The spa’s thoughtful integration of cultural storytelling and contemporary wellness design creates a memorable guest experience that stood out among all commercial submissions in this year’s competition.
Gold Award: Gun Lake Casino Resort Hotel
The Gun Lake Casino Resort Hotel received Gold in Hospitality Design, recognizing the interiors of the new hotel tower that anchors the resort’s transformation into a premier Midwest destination.
The Gun Lake Resort hotel and spa were designed as a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in Western Michigan, guided by biophilic principles, residential comfort, and a deeply choreographed guest journey. The 15-story tower blends nature-inspired materiality, intuitive technology, and refined craftsmanship to create an emotionally resonant experience from arrival to penthouse. Three atmospheric design concepts—Dappled Light, Serene, and Radiance—draw inspiration from the skies, water, and landscapes of the region, shaping distinct moments throughout the property. Public spaces emphasize decompression and connection to nature, while guestrooms prioritize warmth, livability, and calm. At every scale, the design balances performance and elegance, delivering a sophisticated resort experience that feels rooted in place, culturally respectful, and unmistakably contemporary.
Silver Award: Wawyé Oasis
Completing the recognition for the resort expansion, Wawyé Oasis received Silver in Commercial Design. This dynamic pool and recreation venue creates a vibrant indoor resort environment designed for year-round enjoyment.
The Wawyé Oasis was conceived as a transformative interior environment that reimagines the Midwest resort experience. Designed as a year-round tropical atrium, the space seamlessly shifts between serene daytime retreat and high-energy entertainment venue. A six-story glass enclosure floods the interior with natural light while maintaining a controlled, resort-like climate regardless of season. Interior design reinforces this dual identity through flexible zoning, adaptable furnishings, and a material palette inspired by tropical landscapes—terra cotta, aqua, teal, woven textures, and organic forms. Pools, cabanas, and lounges radiate around a central stage, maintaining visual connectivity while supporting varied guest experiences. Acoustic treatments, dynamic lighting, and integrated infrastructure allow the Oasis to effortlessly transition from leisure to spectacle, creating a landmark destination that blends relaxation, performance, and architectural innovation.
Collaborative Project Partners
HBG Design recognizes the many talented consultants and partners who contributed to the success of these projects at Gun Lake Casino Resort.
Project Consultants:
-
Structural Engineering: Chavez-Grieves Engineers
-
MEP Engineering: EXP Engineering
-
Civil Engineering: ROWE Professional Services Company
-
Acoustical Engineering: Salter
-
Food Service Design: FSA-Fred Schmid Associates
-
Spa Consultant: Arch Amenities Group / WTS International
-
Vertical Transportation: Lerch Bates
-
Building Envelope: Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates
-
Graphics & Signage: DesignYS
-
Aquatic Consultant: Martin Aquatic
Celebrating Design Excellence
Recognition from the American Society of Interior Designers highlights HBG Design’s commitment to creating hospitality environments that are both visually compelling and operationally successful. From guest rooms and wellness spaces to immersive resort amenities, the firm’s multidisciplinary teams collaborate to design experiences that connect people, place, and culture.
These awards underscore the impact of thoughtful design in shaping destination resorts—and the power of collaboration between HBG Design, our clients, and the talented teams who bring these environments to life.
HBG Design Named a 2026 Top Workplace
HBG Design is proud to announce that we have been named a 2026 Top Workplace by The Commercial Appeal, marking the 12th consecutive year our firm has received this distinguished honor in the Memphis metro area.
The award is especially meaningful because it is based entirely on employee feedback gathered through a confidential, third-party survey administered by Energage. The survey measures key components of the employee experience, including feeling Respected & Supported, Enabled to Grow, and Empowered to Execute — benchmarks that reflect the strength of our culture from the inside out.
As Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage, shared:
“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees. That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”
Where We Shined in 2026
In this year’s firm-wide survey, HBG saw its three largest increases in engagement scores in:
- Employee well-being
- Meaningfulness of work
- Work-life balance
These gains reflect a focused and intentional effort to strengthen our internal culture — ensuring that as our portfolio of transformative hospitality and gaming projects grows, so does the experience of the people designing them.
A Culture Built with Intention
“Being recognized in the top tier of workplaces in Memphis is right where we want to be — where everything we do internally communicates the HBG experience: meaningful work on projects that create impact, work that aligns with our employees’ values, providing an enriching employee experience that prioritizes well-being, inclusiveness, and engagement, and creating a place where the work-life and home-life of our employees generate the kind of balance that energizes and galvanizes every single day,” said Nathan Peak, HBG Design's President.
What Our Team Says
The true measure of a Top Workplace is the voice of its people. This year’s survey responses reflect a culture defined by growth, trust, and innovation:
- “It’s a forward-thinking company.”
- “HBG excels in pairing employees’ passions with their strengths, enabling us to craft a career uniquely tailored to our gifts.”
- “We are a growing and dynamic firm that is achieving a lot of success.”
- “I appreciate the design innovation within projects and the trust and responsibility awarded to employees.”
- “What makes us such a great firm is the dedication to professional growth of staff and genuine commitment to work-life balance.”
- “Leadership is listening to our employees’ concerns and focusing on solutions.”
- “Culture is a priority. There is great collaboration and trust across team members. I feel empowered and fully engaged.”
Designing Impact — Inside and Out
For HBG Design, workplace culture is not separate from design excellence — it fuels it. The same intentionality we bring to shaping immersive hospitality and gaming destinations is applied internally to building a workplace where people thrive.
Twelve years as a Top Workplace is more than a milestone. It’s a reflection of who we are — and a commitment to continuing to evolve, listen, and lead with purpose.
We are grateful to our team for making HBG Design a place where great design — and great careers — are built.
HBG Design’s Kalyn Johnson Named Among 2026 Emerging Leaders of Gaming
See article in Global Gaming Business Magazine
HBG Design proudly celebrates Kalyn Johnson, Associate and Lead Interior Designer, for being named to the 2026 Emerging Leaders of Gaming 40 Under 40, an honor recognizing the industry’s brightest rising talent shaping the future of gaming and hospitality.
Kalyn’s decade-long journey at HBG Design is a story of creativity, precision, and leadership. Starting as an intern in 2014, she quickly rose through the ranks—earning recognition for her ability to merge conceptual artistry with technical excellence to create immersive resort environments across the U.S.
Designing Experiences that Resonate
From luxury hotel towers to high-energy entertainment venues, Kalyn’s work exemplifies HBG’s mission to design experiences that delight and inspire. Her recent projects include the $300 million expansion of Michigan’s Gun Lake Casino Resort, transforming it into a four-diamond destination anchored by a 252-key hotel tower and the striking two-story Ogema Suite. Kalyn also helped energize the property’s gaming floor through the Social Bar & Lounge, a vibrant hub for social connection and entertainment.
At WinStar World Casino in Oklahoma, she brought new life to the F&B outlets supporting the Lucas Oil Live event center, and at Four Winds Casino South Bend in Indiana, she crafted a culturally resonant arrival experience that celebrates community and place.
Rooted in Curiosity and Collaboration
Kalyn approaches every project through the lens of the guest journey—imagining how visitors move, feel, and connect throughout their stay.
“Curiosity really drives me,” she shares. “I love listening to clients and hearing directly from their guests, because that feedback helps shape stronger, more thoughtful design solutions.”
That empathy extends to her collaborative process. “True success comes from the collective effort of design leaders, design teams, and clients,” she says. “If a design direction isn’t resonating, it’s an opportunity to listen more deeply and guide the team toward solutions that align with the client’s vision.”
Currently, Kalyn is leading the interior design for the $405 million Ho-Chunk Beloit Casino Resort in Wisconsin, slated to open in 2026—her most ambitious project yet. Partnering with local operators and consultants, she is helping to ensure that every detail feels authentically rooted in Wisconsin’s culture and community.
Mentorship and Leadership
Beyond her design talent, Kalyn is a natural mentor. She credits HBG Principal Deidre Brady and Interior Design Leader Emily Marshall for shaping her approach to leadership, problem-solving, and narrative-driven design.
“I’m energized by the opportunity to grow into a hospitality design role that balances creativity, strategy, and mentorship at a higher level,” she says.
A True Design ‘Unicorn’
A True Design ‘Unicorn’At HBG Design, we’ve long recognized Kalyn’s rare blend of imagination, insight, and empathy—qualities that truly make her, as Global Gaming Business Magazine describes, “a design unicorn.”
Her recognition among the 2026 Emerging Leaders of Gaming 40 Under 40 is not just a personal achievement, but a reflection of the innovation, collaboration, and heart that drive HBG Design’s culture forward.
Congratulations, Kalyn—your leadership and creativity continue to inspire us all.
San Diego Studio Named One of the Best Places to Work
HBG Design is proud to announce that our San Diego studio has once again been recognized among the Best Places to Work in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal, earning 21st place in the Medium-Sized Firm category at this year’s awards program. This achievement marks the third time our San Diego office has received this distinction, reinforcing our commitment to building a workplace where people thrive.
Celebrating Culture and Collaboration
The Best Places to Work awards highlight organizations that excel in creating supportive, engaging, and high-performing environments. For our San Diego team, survey results reflected:
-
88% agreement on overall workplace satisfaction
-
95% feeling supported by managers
-
Strong appreciation for our creative projects, high-quality work, and flexible work options
Employees consistently describe the studio as collaborative, communicative, and fun—values that define our culture and drive our success. The absence of ego and the emphasis on shared achievement are core strengths that continue to inspire both our people and our projects.
A Shared Success
We couldn’t be prouder of our San Diego team’s passion, purpose, and dedication. Their energy fuels our design excellence and makes our studio an environment where innovation and connection flourish.
Join Our Team
At HBG Design, we’re always looking for creative, driven professionals who want to be part of a culture where people and ideas thrive. Explore our open positions and discover why we’re one of the Best Places to Work.
👉 Explore Careers at HBG Design
Award-Winning Collaboration
HBG Design Wins Bronze Award for Collaboration in Design
HBG Design is honored to announce that we have been awarded the Bronze Award for Collaboration in Design by the ASID South Central Chapter, which represents Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana.
This recognition highlights the exceptional partnership between HBG Design and Schumacher Hospitality, a leading purveyor of fabrics and wallcoverings, on a current boutique resort project in development.
A True Collaboration
Over the course of a year, our interiors team worked side-by-side with Schumacher Hospitality to design custom wallcoverings and fabrics that bring artistry, craft, and durability to this boutique hospitality environment. The design vision draws inspiration from the area’s industrial heritage and surrounding woodland landscapes, blending the strength of forged steel and precision detailing with the warmth, texture, and flow of the forest.
Design Highlights
Through close collaboration, Schumacher’s iconic residential patterns were reimagined and transformed into hospitality-grade finishes—tailored in color, scale, and performance to suit the resort’s high-traffic spaces.
- Verdure: A reinterpretation of Verdure Tapestry fabric into a custom vinyl wallcovering for the lobby living room.
- Larissa: Scaled and adapted into Type II vinyl for dramatic impact on the lobby bar nook ceiling.
- Zenada: Customized with a fresh color palette for the bar nook bookcase wall.
- Public Restrooms: Vibrant vinyl wallcoverings designed in new project-specific colorways.
- Elevator Lobbies: A striking “zebra” pattern reimagined as an abstract feather motif.
- Featherfest: Saturated feather-pattern wallcoverings for the suite powder room.
- Zambezi Velvet: Digitally printed fabric in a custom colorway for the rooftop restaurant.
Why It Matters
This award celebrates the power of collaboration in design. By uniting HBG’s hospitality expertise with Schumacher’s craftsmanship, the team created one-of-a-kind finishes that capture the spirit of place while meeting the demands of modern hospitality design.
Congratulations to our HBG team and our partners at Schumacher Hospitality for this exciting recognition!
Top Hospitality Design Firm: HBG Design #2 in 2025
At HBG Design, our passion for hospitality design continues to shape the future of resort and hotel experiences across the country. We’re thrilled to announce that Hotel Business magazine has ranked HBG Design #2 on its 2025 list of Top Architects & Designers—marking our sixth consecutive year among the top
five hospitality design firms in the nation.
This continued recognition underscores our position as a top hospitality design firm known for vision, creativity, and technical excellence. At HBG Design, our integrated architecture and interior design teams work in close collaboration to create immersive, memorable environments that resonate deeply with guests and elevate our clients’ brands.
Milestone Openings in 2025
This year marks an exciting chapter for our hospitality studio as we celebrate the completion of three signature casino resort hotel projects:
- Gun Lake Casino Resort in Wayland, Michigan – A bold expansion of this established property, the new hotel and spa experience delivers upscale comfort and signature design tailored to the Gun Lake brand.
- Golden Mesa Casino Hotel in Guymon, Oklahoma – This project introduces new overnight accommodations and hospitality offerings to an area rich in culture and gaming excitement.
- Rain Rock Casino Hotel in Yreka, California – Nestled at the base of the Siskiyou Mountains, this new hotel brings boutique luxury and elevated guest amenities to the region’s premier gaming destination.
These milestone openings showcase the creative and operational strength of our team, and reflect the level of quality that defines HBG Design’s work as a leading hospitality design firm.
A Legacy of Experience and Innovation
Over the past two decades, HBG Design has planned and designed more than 35,000 hotel and resort rooms across the United States, ranging from boutique and lifestyle hotels to large-scale integrated resort destinations. These include three-, four-, and five-star luxury properties that combine impactful design with operational insight.
Our longstanding reputation as a top hospitality architecture and interior design firm is built on our ability to create environments that are both strategically sound and emotionally engaging. We anticipate shifting traveler preferences and deliver solutions that exceed expectations for both owners and guests.
Designing What’s Next
As we look ahead, our team continues to focus on delivering bold architecture and interior design solutions that reflect a strong sense of place and story. Every project is a reflection of our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and excellence in hospitality design.
We are proud to be recognized once again as one of the top hospitality design firms in the country. Thank you to Hotel Business for this national recognition, and congratulations to our team members, clients, and creative partners who continue to drive our success forward.
The best is yet to come.
Nathan Peak Named to GGB’s 25 People to Watch in 2025
HBG Design’s President Honored for Shaping the Future of Gaming and Entertainment Design
At HBG Design, we’re thrilled to celebrate our President, Nathan Peak, AIA, LEED GA, for being featured in Global Gaming Business (GGB) Magazine’s prestigious "25 People to Watch in 2025" list. This annual recognition highlights individuals who are shaping the future of the gaming industry through innovation, leadership, and impactful contributions.
Nathan’s journey at HBG Design exemplifies dedication and growth. Starting with two internships in the late 1990s and early 2000s, he has spent the past 23 years shaping our firm and the broader gaming and entertainment design landscape. Since becoming President in 2022, Nathan has guided HBG Design through a transformative period of strategic growth and regional expansion.
Driving Growth and Innovation
Under Nathan’s leadership, HBG Design has doubled the size of its San Diego office and solidified its presence in Dallas with the appointment of a new location leader, Ray Mabry. These expansions are part of a cohesive strategy to enhance client service and project execution across the Midwest and West Coast—regions that account for the majority of the firm’s client base.
Nathan is also spearheading efforts to expand HBG’s capabilities, ensuring the firm delivers exceptional quality on projects of all scales. This includes creative approaches to design and construction, such as cost-effective framing methods that maximize client ROI while maintaining a premium guest experience.
Beyond project delivery, HBG Design is investing in master planning and land-use planning services, positioning the firm to provide value at the earliest stages of project development. From environmental impact studies to visioning long-term investment opportunities, Nathan and his team are focused on helping clients realize their goals from the ground up.
A Vision for 2025 and Beyond
Looking to the year ahead, Nathan is particularly excited about HBG Design’s involvement in landmark projects like the Gun Lake Casino expansion in Michigan. The centerpiece of this project, the Wawyé Oasis, exemplifies innovation, transforming from a resort pool by day to a performance complex by night within a six-story glass-enclosed structure. 
Nathan also recognizes the importance of evolving gaming floor designs to enhance customer experiences. His vision incorporates streamlined layouts for improved flow and wayfinding, while integrating sportsbooks with other entertainment amenities—a trend that blurs traditional boundaries and creates immersive environments.
Recognizing Leadership in Gaming Design
Nathan’s inclusion in GGB’s "25 People to Watch in 2025" underscores his significant contributions to gaming and entertainment design and his forward-thinking leadership at HBG Design.
As Roger Gros, GGB Publisher, notes, “As usual, our 25 People to Watch reflect the best the industry has to offer. Every one of our choices [this year] has made an impact on the industry already, and we feel the sky’s the limit to what they’ll achieve next.”
For more updates on Nathan Peak and HBG Design’s innovative projects, follow us on social media or explore our website.
HBG Design’s Interiors Team Recognized as a 2024 NEWH Top ID
We are excited to announce that HBG Design’s Interior Design Team has been recognized as a 2024 Top ID by the NEWH Midsouth Chapter! This prestigious honor celebrates firms that showcase design excellence in the hospitality industry while supporting NEWH’s mission of scholarship, education, and the advancement of the hospitality design community.
About the NEWH TopID Award
The TopID Award is an exclusive recognition given by NEWH chapters and regional boards to firms that demonstrate innovative design, leadership, and meaningful contributions to the hospitality industry. This honor reflects not only our team’s creative design achievements but also our continued involvement and commitment to the NEWH mission.
“HBG Design is honored to be recognized again as a Top ID by the NEWH Mid-South Chapter. The HBG interior design team is passionate about creating transformative hospitality design experiences. We greatly appreciate this acknowledgement of our achievements by the NEWH organization.” Emily Marshall, Interior Design Director, HBG Design
A Four-Time Honoree
This year marks the fourth consecutive year that HBG Design has been recognized as a Top ID by NEWH Midsouth—an achievement that underscores the dedication, talent, and expertise of our incredible Interior Design Team. Through award-winning projects across the hospitality sector, our designers continue to deliver distinctive and engaging guest experiences that set new standards in the industry.
Supporting the Future of Hospitality Design
At HBG Design, we are proud to align with NEWH’s mission to support the next generation of hospitality design professionals. Through active engagement, mentorship, and sponsorship, our team remains dedicated to fostering education and opportunities for emerging talent in the field.
Honoring Our Interior Design Team
This recognition is a testament to the passion, creativity, and hard work of our Interior Design Team. Their innovative approach to hospitality spaces—from luxury hotels to immersive resort experiences—reflects HBG Design’s commitment to delivering transformative environments that elevate the guest experience.
Thank you to NEWH Midsouth for this incredible honor, and congratulations to our talented Interior Design Team for this well-deserved recognition!
Caption by Hyatt Wins AIA Memphis Merit Award
Caption by Hyatt Wins AIA Memphis Merit Award for Excellence in Design
HBG Design is proud to announce that Caption by Hyatt has received a 2024 Merit Award for New Construction from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Memphis Chapter. The award was presented on November 16, 2024, at the AIA Memphis Annual Awards Gala, held at Collage Dance in Memphis.
The project, located in the heart of Memphis, was recognized for its innovative design approach, successfully merging contemporary architecture with the neighborhood’s historic fabric. The jury, comprised of distinguished design professionals from AIA Arizona, praised the project for its thoughtful revitalization of the existing streetscape, balancing modern construction with historic preservation.
Jury Comments:
"This project successfully revitalizes a historic facade by thoughtfully layering new construction with the existing structure. The reuse of the original mechanics shop, combined with a setback modern addition, preserves the street's human scale and creates unique urban spaces, including a charming semi-outdoor courtyard. The well-scaled brickwork provides a welcome departure from typical contemporary hotel aesthetics, resulting in a balanced and authentic character."
Designing an Authentic Urban Experience
Caption by Hyatt
is a one-of-a-kind hospitality experience that prioritizes connection—both to the surrounding community and to its guests. The design integrates the adaptive reuse of an early 20th-century mechanics shop with a sleek, modern addition, creating a dynamic blend of old and new. By preserving the original building’s scale and materiality, the design pays homage to Memphis’ industrial heritage while introducing a contemporary, vibrant hotel concept.
Central to the project is the thoughtfully designed courtyard, a semi-outdoor space that fosters interaction and serves as a gathering hub. The brickwork, carefully detailed to reflect the surrounding context, adds to the hotel’s approachable and timeless aesthetic.
A Testament to Excellence
The AIA Memphis Merit Award celebrates projects that demonstrate design excellence, innovation, and a meaningful contribution to the built environment. HBG Design is honored to have been recognized for Caption by Hyatt and is proud of
the impact this project has made in the Memphis community.
We extend our gratitude to AIA Memphis and the jury panel for this incredible recognition and to our clients and partners who helped bring this vision to life.
About HBG Design HBG Design is a nationally recognized architecture and interior design firm specializing in creating transformative hospitality, entertainment, and mixed-use spaces. With a focus on design excellence and innovation, we strive to bring meaningful connections to life through inspired architecture.