Chris Wood Named an Emerging Leader of Gaming 40 Under 40
Chris Wood, a lead interior designer and key member of HBG Design, has been honored as an Emerging Leader of Gaming in the prestigious 40 Under 40 program. Organized by The Innovation Group and Global Gaming Business magazine, this recognition celebrates outstanding professionals under the age of 40 who have already left a significant mark on the casino gaming sector. Chris Wood's contributions and leadership exemplify the innovation and excellence driving the industry forward, making him a deserving recipient of this esteemed distinction. Click here to see the full list of nominees.
Alexandra Milkovich Named a San Diego Influencer of Design
Our warmest congratulations go out to Alexandra Milkovich, IIDA, NCIDQ, an Associate and Senior Interior Designer at HBG Design San Diego, for her recent recognition as a 2023 Influencer of Architecture and Design by the San Diego Business Journal!
Alexandra Milkovich, IIDA, NCIDQ, is Associate / Senior Interior Designer at HBG Design. An award-winning hospitality and entertainment industry market leader and an enthusiastic member of San Diego’s design community, Alexandra was a 2022 ‘40 Under 40’ Emerging Leader of Gaming and served on the 2023 SpArc thought leader roundtable. Over her 14+-year career, she has crafted an impressive portfolio including Sycuan Casino Resort, Caesars Entertainment, and the Premier Rock & Brews Casino and restaurant.
Spotlight on Alexandra Milkovich: A Rising Star in Interior Design
Alexandra Milkovich, IIDA, NCIDQ, serves as Lead Interior Designer in HBG Design’s San Diego office. HBG Design is a member of the Downtown San Diego Partnership; is the 34th largest architecture and design firm in San Diego; and is the #2 hospitality and entertainment design firm in the U.S.
A Passionate Design Enthusiast
Alexandra Milkovich is not only a talented designer but also a passionate member of San Diego's design community. She's actively engaged in thought leadership, serving on SpArc Interiors' industry roundtable in 2023 and contributing her expertise to the Southern California Chapter of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA).
A Rising Star in Hospitality and Entertainment Design
Alexandra's impressive journey includes being named a '40 Under 40' Emerging Leader of Gaming in 2022 by Global Gaming Business magazine. Her influence extends to high-profile casino and hotel projects, as well as unique food and beverage venues both locally and nationally. Alexandra's dedication to understanding restaurant operations and product design through food blogging sets her apart in the industry.
Designing Experiences Worth Remembering
One of Alexandra's standout accomplishments was leading the interior design of the $226 million transformation of Sycuan Casino Resort in El Cajon, CA, where she brought four-diamond resort elegance to life. Her creativity also shines through at venues like Rank + File, a vintage-industrial craft brew house. Alexandra's expertise has not only elevated gaming establishments but also shaped the brand concepts for the premiere Rock & Brews Casino, Caesars Entertainment properties, and Eagle Mountain Casino, where she integrated cultural elements to create unique and targeted spaces.
Service Beyond Design
Alexandra's commitment extends beyond her design work. She's a sought-after expert, having served on the Practicum Item Writing Committee of the Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ), where she played a pivotal role in shaping the NCIDQ Practicum Exam. She's also been actively involved with the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) in both the Southern California and Dallas Chapters, earning recognition for her groundbreaking designs.
Alexandra Milkovich, IIDA, NCIDQ, is more than a designer; she's a trailblazer and influencer in the world of architecture and design. Her dedication to her craft, commitment to thought leadership, and impressive portfolio make her a well-deserving recipient of the 2023 Influencer of Architecture and Design award from the San Diego Business Journal. Her impact on the industry and community is undeniable, and her future contributions promise to be just as remarkable.
AIA TN Conference 2023: Our Top 5 Moments
1. Excellence Shines at the AIA TN Conference: Showcasing HBG Design's Impact
The recent AIA TN Conference held in our hometown of Memphis was not just an event; it was a testament to the indelible mark that HBG Design continues to leave in our local design community. As the conference unfolded at the Hyatt Centric Beale Street – designed by HBG Design – the resonance of our team's commitment to innovation, diversity, and professional growth reverberated throughout the event.
2. Nurturing Emerging Professionals: A Prestigious Acknowledgment
HBG Design was honored to be recognized as an Emerging Professionals Friendly Firm at the conference. This prestigious award underscores our dedication to creating nurturing environments that foster the growth and development of emerging talents within our industry. As firm believers in the power of mentorship and professional development, we are humbled to receive this recognition.
3. Diverse Voices Resound: Carmen Fluellen Jr. & Jeanne Myers Featured in 'Say it Loud' Exhibition
The "Say it Loud" exhibition celebrates the invaluable contributions of diverse designers, architects, engineers, and planners, amplifying their voices and experiences within the architecture and design fields. HBG Design team members Carmen Fluellen and Jeanne Myers were featured in this year's exhibition.
Carmen Fluellen
Carmen Fluellen's contributions have been pivotal in the development of notable projects such as the new 23-story, 317-room Four Winds South Bend Casino Resort in South Bend, Indiana, and the impressive $44.5 million, 155,600 SF Hyatt Centric in Memphis, Tennessee. His expertise was also key in the master planning of the proposed 85-acre, multi-building BLP Film Studios complex in the Whitehaven area of Memphis, Tennessee. This ambitious project is set to become the second largest African American-owned film studio in the U.S.
Carmen's commitment to excellence extends beyond the project site, as seen through his involvement with the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) Memphis Chapter and his leadership in our Emerging Professionals Studio (EPS) program.
Jeanne Myers
Jeanne's dedication to architecture and design is paralleled by her deep involvement with AIA Tennessee. Serving as the current AIA Tennessee Treasurer since 2020, Jeanne's leadership has played a pivotal role in the organization's success. Her commitment extends to the AIA TN Conference on Architecture Committee, where her innovative ideas have led to the creation of meaningful engagement opportunities for fellow professionals.
An embodiment of mentorship and support, Jeanne champions the achievements of emerging professionals through her leadership in the Newly Licensed Award since 2013. Jeanne's dedication to supporting the growth of young professionals and her commitment to fostering a sense of belonging within the architectural community are truly inspiring. Jeanne's journey also extends beyond her professional involvement to her feature in the "Say it Loud" exhibition.
4. Celebrating Achievement: Ryan Callahan's Architectural License
HBG Design's Ryan Callahan was recognized at this year's conference for achieving his architectural license. The architectural license is not merely a piece of paper; it represents years of hard work, continuous learning, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. It embodies a profound understanding of the built environment and the impact that architecture has on shaping communities and enhancing lives. The HBG Design Emerging Professionals Studio thrives on mentorship, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas, and Ryan’s success is a reflection of these principles in action.
5. Embodied Excellence: The Guest House at Graceland Tour
As the conference unfolded, attendees were offered a unique opportunity to delve into one of HBG Design's remarkable Memphis projects – The Guest House at Graceland. This tour showcased the marriage of design innovation and cultural resonance that defines our work. The Guest House at Graceland exemplifies our commitment to crafting transformative design experiences.
Caption Awarded 'Best in Hospitality' by IIDA TN
HBG Design is excited to share that Caption by Hyatt Beale Street was awarded 'Best in Hospitality' in the 2022 IIDA TN Design Awards. The list of winners were selected by members of the IIDA Tennessee Chapter design community.
https://vimeo.com/754241454
HBG Designer Named an Emerging Leader of Gaming
HBG San Diego Interior Design Leader Alexandra Milkovich has been named a ‘40 Under 40’ Emerging Leader of Gaming. The ELG 40 Under 40 is presented by Global Gaming Business and The Innovation Group, and supported by IAGA and Regulatory Management Counselors.
Creativity through Collaboration
Alexandra Milkovich, Senior Interior Designer, HBG Design
With a master’s in interior architecture and product design, 13 years of diverse interior design experience, and an impressive portfolio of high-profile projects, Alexandra Milkovich has achieved incredible success in her tenure as the senior interior designer at the San Diego office of HBG Design. Her natural leadership abilities, creativity and inquisitiveness have put her on a straight trajectory towards excellence.
Throughout her career, Milkovich has led designs of casino, hotel, and food & beverage venue experiences for gaming and entertainment clientele on the West Coast and nationwide. She was instrumental in creating the initial design concepts for the first-ever Rock and Brews Casino in Oklahoma and led the design of Sycuan’s vintage-industrial inspired Rank + File restaurant and bar during the $220 million expansion and renovation of Sycuan Casino Resort outside San Diego.
Now the lead designer of several casinos, hotel, and food and beverage experiences for HBG Design clients across the country, Milkovich is thankful for the wealth of experience her work has provided her.
“Every project has its own challenges and opportunities,” she says, “and being in the middle of those experiences has directly contributed to my knowledge and growth in the industry.”
With her passion for “creating successful pathways to final interior design solutions,” Milkovich believes that truly thoughtful and impactful interior design is founded on comprehensive research and a strong understanding of the client’s brand, market, and project goals. Having extensively studied restaurant operations and designs, Milkovich describes her approach as promoting “bold design balanced with thoughtful moments where the eye can rest.” She has also pursued her passion for the culinary arts through food blogging that highlights unique dining venue designs and beautiful plating designs.
“Entertainment and hospitality design is an ever-evolving industry,” Milkovich explains. “We are always learning new things no matter how much experience we have under our belts.”
Collaboration and mentorship are also crucial to success in Milkovich’s view, and both have been a large part of her career in the past and moving forward. She lauds her own mentor, previous ELG 40 Under 40 honoree Emily Marshall, as “a hospitality and entertainment design guru who tends to have the answer for everything.” She credits Marshall as a tremendous advocate for her career aspirations with a talent for creative problem-solving and a wealth of design experience.
Now Milkovich herself has become sponsor to her entire interior design team at HBG’s San Diego office, meeting with each team member one-on-one quarterly to help discuss ways to creatively achieve their career goals. She believes these individual meetings are essential to building strong relationships and achieving both individual and company goals.
“I truly love to see people succeed, and I try my best to help them meet their goals in whatever way I can,” she says. “Everyone has good ideas, no matter their level or years with the firm, and we want to give each team member a voice. When people truly feel good about a design or career direction, they make a greater effort to succeed.”
To the up-and-comers in her industry, Milkovich offers this advice: be patient, and really take the time to listen to your colleagues and take advantage of their expertise. “Get comfortable with the uncomfortable,” she advises. “You will never move up in a career without pushing yourself outside your comfort zone.” —Rae Berkley is an analyst with The Innovation Group
Alexandra, along with other honorees, were celebrated at G2E 2022 and are profiled in the October issue of Global Gaming Business magazine.
HBG Designer Honored by Boutique Design Magazine
Boutique Design magazine has announced the 2022 class of the Boutique 18—the rising design stars who are creating some of today’s most thoughtfully designed hospitality venues. The 17th annual group of honorees were chosen based on criteria by the Boutique Design editorial team and were nominated by their industry peers. Congrats to this year’s B18!
Recently named HBG Design Associate, Christopher Wood, IIDA, NCIDQ, was recognized in the 17th annual group of BD18 honorees.
READ CHRIS' FEATURE ARTICLE IN BOUTIQUE DESIGN MAGAZINE HERE
2022 Boutique 18 Interview Questions for Boutique Design Magazine
Christopher Wood, IIDA, NCIDQ
Interior Designer
HBG Design, Memphis Office
- If I weren’t a designer, I’d be…
- I would be a librarian. I love reading; and have always had a fascination with libraries and with the peacefulness I feel in libraries. I especially love those grand old libraries with soaring architecture.
- Top presentation tip?
- Try and insert a bit of your personality into your presentation style. I’ve found it helps make those connections between you and the client stronger as they get to know you, and it creates more open, easier, free flowing project communication.
- What’s on your boards?
- My boards are composed with a mix of jewel tones that allow for materials like wood and metals to pop. Unique design details are applied to every aspect of the project, from the largest elements down to the smallest, typically unnoticed, spaces. Stunning lighting—the jewelry in each space--is the most fun to select. Unique patterns in wallcovering, fabrics, and tile can become the art in a space, and can be layered into a design in so many ways.
- Trend you’re loving?
- I am loving the more frequent use of bold patterns in spaces. I feel a shift in design now where striking graphics are being infused into areas through all kinds of mediums, fabrics, wallcoverings, even wall décor. The boldness is stimulating to the senses; and I find it invigorating.
- I can’t live without…
- There are a few things, of course, but, day-to-day, coffee is what makes the world go round and allows me to function like a normal human being. Design-wise, I would say shiny or glitzy things. And my penchant for incorporating sparkling elements into all my designs tends to work well in entertainment resort design.
- Most memorable project
- Desert Diamond West Valley Casino outside of Phoenix, Arizona. The complete design was derived from the inspirational concept of ‘The Dynamic Earth’, our team’s unique interpretation of the desert’s abundance. Inside the casino, we translated the desert sky into a concept called ‘The Endless Sky’, which brought the casino floor to life with integrated lighting in the fin-like ceiling elements. It was incredible to see the whole concept come together. Every venue design was tied back into the vivid desert landscape idea. This well-thought-out concept created a tremendously original and immersive customer journey.
- What gets you excited about your job?
- The opportunity to tell a story through design. Concepting is so important and merging our concept with a client’s vision leads to a unique design that always tells a story. And I love being able to witness the excitement of those involved when their concept, many times based on personal storytelling, comes to life.
- Dream project?
- My dream project would be a casino designed in an Art Deco/Great Gatsby style. Talk about a cool experiential design opportunity! If it was done tastefully, not stale or old fashioned, imagine what fun that could be! The intricacy of detailing and lighting, and the ways that scheme could be translated through each food and beverage venue; it would be amazing!
- Favorite design tip or trick?
- My favorite design tip would be to love all your design options. Clients always want to see options, and as designers, we may always have our favorite scheme that we wish the client would gravitate to. I always make sure I like everything I’m presenting. This eliminates fear that the client will select an option that we really wish they would not have chosen.
- Any career advice for up-and-coming designers?
- Don’t be afraid to take chances with your designs. As you start designing project spaces, throw ideas out there into the universe. Not all of them will stick and some may be outright rejected, but there is always one or two that may find a toehold and become the concept that an entire space is built around. Who knows, the client could also accept exactly what you’re proposing and take you by surprise!
To see the full list of honorees, visit Boutique Design.
HBG's Marketing Team Brings Home Three SMPS Awards in 2022
We are excited to share that our marketing team at HBG Design has been recognized among AEC firms across the nation as multi-award winners at the annual 2022 Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) Marketing Communications Awards. HBG Design’s marketing team – Tamara Goff, CPSM, Dana Ramsey, CPSM, Lindsay Gray, and Paul Patterson – brought home THREE SMPS Marketing Communications Awards this year, including:
• Award of Excellence in Advertising
• Award of Excellence in Promotional Campaign – Digital
• Merit Award in Brand Awareness Campaign – Digital
This prestigious awards program recognizes excellence in marketing and communications by professional services firms in the design and building industries.
Congrats team!
HBG Design's 'Women Who Lead' Honored by Memphis Business Journal
See full article in Memphis Business Journal
HBG Design is excited to share that our Chief Operating Officer, Terri Struminger and Director of Marketing and communications, Tamara Goff have been honored by Memphis Business Journal's editorial team as "Women Who Lead". This prestigious recognition highlights accomplishments of women who have broken through the glass ceiling and helped define their businesses, as well as the local marketplace.
Women Who Lead | Architecture: Terri Struminger of HBG
Terri Struminger not only acknowledges the rarity involving her role, but she champions it too. And rightfully so. She’s not an architect, though she’s successfully running the operations of HBG Design. “That’s been a very intentional hallmark of HBG’s organization for the past three decades,” she explained. Struminger leads the fully capable corporate operations team, so their “architects and interior designers are able to do what they love and do best: practice their craft, service our clients, and create exceptional projects.”
Next up on her agenda is leading new strategies and processes that integrate HBG’s core vision into every aspect of their team’s professional and personal development. Another big goal is to deepen employee engagement by rebooting some of the interactive aspects of our culture that have been altered because of the pandemic. “I am passionate about creating a ‘Best Place to Work’ culture at HBG Design,” she added, “and that sense of purpose drives absolutely everything I do.”
“I believe if you can share your organization’s values and priorities effectively, you can drive engagement in your workforce. With that in mind, my team and I set out on a journey to build greater awareness of our strategic vision and goals across the firm. I’m proud of the role I’ve played spearheading the evolution of HBG’s core vision. This has been a multiyear initiative that, so far, has clearly ignited a deeper connection between employees, firm aspirations, and culture.” - Terri Struminger, COO, HBG Design
Women Who Lead | Marketing: Tamara Goff of HBG Design
With more than two decades leading marketing efforts at HBG Design, Tamara Goff has a combination of skill sets that can often defy description. “What I do isn’t conventional. I’m a combination brand alchemist, creative influencer, communication ninja, aspiring novelist, culture curator, head cheerleader, and occasional cat wrangler,” Goff said. “Our CEO also tends to refer to me as ‘part of the conscience of the firm.’” More specifically, Goff is a principal and shareholder at HBG with a focus on influencing creative and strategic outcomes for the architecture firm. She points to the credibility established for her team in the industry, having garnered more than 30 national and international marketing and communication awards. And rebranding the firm to HBG Design in 2016 was a significant centering of the firm on its ‘true north’ and identity.
HBG Design Again Named a Top Workplace by The Commercial Appeal!
See full list of winners posted by The Commercial Appeal
The Commercial Appeal has named HBG Design a Top Workplace for another consecutive year! This honor is very dear to us as it is based on direct feedback from our staff.
Thank you once again to our team for this outstanding recognition!
"This architectural and interior design company pays 100% of professional dues, association membership fees and licensing fees for professionals including architects, interior designers and legal personnel. It also offers a bonus plan based on profit and extraordinary performance."
This is not a complete list of the benefits that the company offers: in most cases, The Commercial Appeal selected only the most unusual benefit from the company's offering.
See past HBG Design 'Top Workplace' honors for HBG Design.
Astral Spa at Oaklawn Honored by Fay Jones Alumni Design Awards
See full list of winners posted by University of Arkansas
The Fay Jones Alumni Design Competition awarded an Honorable Mention to the Astral Spa at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort.
The first new spa built in Hot Springs in more than a century, Astral Spa provides Oaklawn guests with a modern-day 'bathhouse' spa experience.
Designers united modern health and wellness concepts with elements inspired by the city's Bathhouse Row.
Jurors noted, "Gleaming tile, the complex stone textures and subtle lighting strategies contributed to the unique experience in each of the service areas. All the choreographed movements provide both privacy and inform the tempo of the overall guest experience. Well done."
ASTRAL SPA INSPIRATION
Hot Springs, Arkansas, was a favorite getaway for the rich and infamous in the early 1900s. Known as ‘The Spa City', the city was the birthplace of spa resorts in the U.S. Thermal spring waters and Victorian-era Bathhouse Row attracted early visitors. Horse racing at Oaklawn and hidden downtown speakeasies also drew crowds. Visitors still flock to Hot Springs to experience the city's history. Oaklawn Resort is offering modern amenities to complement the area’s entertainment. The Astral Spa is the first full-service spa to be built in 'Spa City' in 100 years. The 8,000 square foot spa provides a relaxed nostalgic ambiance that frames each guest’s spa journey through a complete sensory experience.
Click here to learn more about the Astral Spa at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort.