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.
Hyatt Recognizes the Hyatt Centric Beale Street with The Best New Property Award
See full list of honorees on Travel Daily News
CHICAGO – Hyatt Hotels Corporation awarded 32 owners, operators and developers at its 2021 America Owners Conference, held at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa in Huntington Beach, California.
“At Hyatt, we remain focused on our growth and we are both intentional and thoughtful about where we want the Hyatt flag raised. Our brand growth and success are a testament to our fellow owners, operators and developers, and we are immensely proud of the many longstanding relationships that we have throughout our industry, as well as new ones that we continuously cultivate,” said Jim Chu, Executive Vice President, Global Franchising and Development, Hyatt. “Leading with our purpose of care, we remain empathetic to the challenges that our owners and operators have experienced in recent months and we are truly appreciative of their commitment to maintaining and growing Hyatt’s brand portfolio. We are privileged to work with industry-leading owners, operators and developers and congratulate all of our award recipients.”
The Best New Property award recognizes notable full service and select service hotel openings:
Full Service
- Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis (Carlisle Corporation, LLC.): “One Beale,” a transformative five-acre multi-phased development, is the site of the beautiful Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis. As the first Hyatt Centric hotel in Memphis, the 227-room hotel offers a central location and Beale Street address, steps from the culture, food and nightlife that makes Downtown Memphis an iconic destination. Carlisle Corporation, LLC is also developing Caption by Hyatt Memphis, which is currently under construction within the One Beale development.
- Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana and Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana (Playa Hotels & Resorts): In 2013, Hyatt entered into an agreement with Playa Hotels & Resorts for the development of the Hyatt Zilara and Hyatt Ziva all-inclusive brands in Latin America and the Caribbean. Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana and Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana together comprise a 3,000-acre luxury master-planned community within Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, offering more than 1,300 feet of beachfront on Juanillo Beach. Built by Playa Hotels & Resorts from the ground up, the combined 750-room Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana and Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana have a multitude of dining venues and leisure activities for families and adults, receiving numerous accolades as one of the best new all-inclusive resorts in the region.
- The Seabird, a Destination by Hyatt hotel, and Mission Pacific, a JdV by Hyatt hotel (SD Malkin): The Seabird and Mission Pacific are both beautifully programmed and designed – unique in their interpretation of the spirit and vibe of Southern California. They have been transformational in the impact that they have had on the local Oceanside community and there is no doubt that these two properties will be treasured by visitors and locals for many years to come.
- Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas (JMI Realty): Alila Marea Beach Resort is the third Alila hotel to open in the Americas. Situated along coastal bluffs with panoramic views overlooking Grandview and South Ponto Beaches, this luxury oceanfront resort in Encinitas, Calif. is distinguished by an innovative eco-design, a passionate commitment to sustainability and specially curated activities designed to immerse guests in nature, culture, and community, making it an outstanding representation of the Alila brand in North America.
- Thompson San Antonio (DC Partners): Located steps from the celebrated River Walk in San Antonio’s dynamic and evolving Arts District, the new Thompson San Antonio and The Arts Residences is a stunning addition to the River City. In February 2021, Houston-based DC Partners completed development of this landmark mixed-use project, which is a sophisticated modern-day interpretation of the rich history of this beloved Texas city. The hotel’s diverse and dynamic collection of culinary and bar venues span indoor and outdoor spaces and are sure to become a hub of activity for its guests and Arts District neighbors.
Caption by Hyatt Memphis on Top Hotel News 2022 Hotlist
2022 Hotlist: HBG Design's Caption by Hyatt Memphis Named One of Hyatt Hotels Corporation’s top three openings
The Unbound Collection, Caption by Hyatt and Hyatt Centric are all eagerly awaiting the arrival of eye-catching schemes next year, each of which draw on their surroundings for inspiration.
Caption by Hyatt Memphis
Currently under construction and expected to open in the second quarter of 2022, this new Caption by Hyatt hotel in Tennessee will encourage guests to embrace self-expression in a space focusing on experience and connection.
Hyatt is creating this 140-key property, which will be located at One Beale Street and integrated into the historic main building of Wm C Ellis & Sons Ironworks and Machine Shop, in partnership with Carlisle, while HBG Design is the architect and interior designer.
Caption by Hyatt Memphis will be located partly inside this heritage building and partly in a new guestroom tower, providing views of the Mississippi River and the city’s skyline.
Visitors will be encouraged to relax in the hotel’s multifunctional lounge space, Talk Shop, complete with original features, an expansive patio and a double-height beer garden with open firepits.
The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, Fuji Speedway, Japan
Hyatt Hotels Corporation is to provide a luxury hotel experience at Japan’s historic racing circuit, Fuji Speedway, after entering into a management agreement with an affiliate of Toyota Group for a proposed 120-key property.
Scheduled to open in Q3 2022, the under-construction newbuild scheme represents The Unbound Collection’s debut in Japan.
Amenities at The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, Fuji Speedway are to include multiple fine-dining restaurants, bars, a spa and natural onsen, a fitness centre and indoor pool, a banquet room and conference space.
Drawing on its setting, the property will also boast a car museum, showcasing rare vehicles and the racing circuit’s extraordinary history.
Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
The 150-key Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu, which is being developed by Hap Seng Consolidated Berhad, will welcome guests to the heart of the city in a location that provides easy access to the commercial district, retail areas and countless restaurants, along with local attractions such as the Jesselton Point pier.
The architectural and interior design for this property is being led by Kengo Kuma & Associates, with inspiration taken from the lush green hills and blue ocean that characterise the area.
Notable amenities here are to include an all-day restaurant and lounge, a rooftop pool and bar, a fitness centre and 1,900 sq ft of meeting space.
Currently under construction, the hotel’s expected to open in the second quarter of 2022.
Learn more about Caption by Hyatt Memphis.
HBG Designers Share Post COVID Design Solutions
https://www.indiangaming.com/magazine/#flipbook-df_6153/33/
See full article in Indian Gaming Magazine
As life starts to return to a new version of normal, our designers are focused on integrating more flexible design sensibilities into public spaces and amenities. As we’ve learned, spaces throughout the casino, hotel and amenities must be able to easily transform and handle fluid situations.
The idea of physical space and user experience are more connected than ever before and that’s especially key in rethinking design as we move forward. We are shaping spaces that are more malleable and can adjust to a host of layout options suitable for induvial privacy, groups, social interaction, and even remote workspace within the leisure setting. Property design must be equipped to flex and adapt to overnight changes in conditions.
We’re working now with several tribes who are renovating underutilized, non-revenue generating areas into spaces that can easily transform into a variety of flexible, revenue-generating uses. Functions can change and adapt to the visitor mix, giving operators the ability to “blur” the purpose of the space, based on the needs of their guests.
Now that individuals have greater flexibility in their ability to work remotely, we’re seeing a significant shift toward longer overnight stays at the casino resorts/hotels. Weekends will extend longer into mid-week, so operators will want to get ahead of meeting the needs of the “blended traveler.” Our clients at Cache Creek Casino Resort outside Sacramento, CA were way ahead of the curve on this trend. In our design, all guestrooms feature round, desk-height tables and chairs that transform from in-room dining to remote workspace instantly. Studios indicate leisure guests are creating the greatest demand for flexible spaces that easily align with their evolving needs.
Connection to nature and wellness, or biophilic design, has garnered more attention as we emerge from the pandemic. We’re hard-wired to react physically and emotionally to nature, and that creates a feeling of health and wellbeing. Biophilic design is central to Cache Creek Casino Resort. The hotel tower and function spaces are sited to amplify the limitless panoramic views over the valley, opening to the outdoors. Inside, a neutral color palette blends with patterns and textures that draw from the region’s landscape and connects guests to the abundant valley that surrounds the resort.
Canopy by Hilton Named a Building Memphis Award Finalist
See full Building Memphis Awards Profile in Memphis Business Journal
The active intersection of Union Avenue and B.B. King Boulevard in downtown Memphis, Tennessee, serves as an important gateway into the urban core and its historic, world-famous attractions, the likes of which include the Beale Street entertainment district, Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous BBQ restaurant, the Peabody Hotel, the Civil Rights Museum and AutoZone Baseball Park. Forming a distinct first impression for visitors, the last parcel of available land at this high-profile entryway to downtown was primed for redevelopment and an infusion of contemporary design to better represent Memphis as it is now.
Opened to guests in November 2020, the new 171,100 square foot Canopy by Hilton hotel, designed by nationally recognized hospitality design firm HBG Design, provides the design aesthetic and atmospheric prominence this marquee corner location has needed for years.
Hilton’s Canopy offers a boutique hotel feel designed to immerse guests in the unique characteristics of host cities and local neighborhood experiences. The Memphis property is the 24th Canopy by Hilton hotel to open in the world. True to its brand promise, the Memphis Canopy brings a fresh urbane flair to its 174 hotel guestrooms and its public spaces including the chic ‘Curfew’ indoor/outdoor restaurant and bar, and energizing, open lobby spaces. 
HBG Design’s Principal Architectural Designer Nathan Peak, AIA, LEED GA, and Lead Architectural Designer, Thor Harland, created a unique dichotomy for the hotel architecture. “The five-story hotel’s blocked geometry elevates over a visually open base level prominently accommodating first floor lobby, restaurant, lounge and bar amenities, while achieving maximum configuration of its guestroom floors,” states Peak.
“Our design solution for the new Memphis Canopy hotel is discerningly rebellious,” says Harland. “The materials, proportions and scale are meant to evoke the characteristics of the existing network of mid-rise masonry architecture in the downtown area, while its dark charcoal gray palette, patterning and simplification of form help to distinguish the building from its context and contemporizes the visual aesthetic of the architecture.”
Simple aluminum framed windows punch with rhythmic patterning on all elevations. Combined with the understated modern facade, these well composed fenestrations balance brick, metal, wood and concrete materiality. Complementary gray metal paneling distinguishes the corner façade immediately fronting the intersection and provides a subdued backdrop for Canopy’s signature orange logo signage. Warm ribbons of vertical light illuminate this hotel massing at night, evoking a modern streetlamp of the neighborhood at its critical gateway, while signaling the feeling of reliability for locals and a sense of home for visitors.
Designers established a sense of transparency through the hotel’s base level using curtainwalls of glass and aluminum along this pedestrian level. Guestrooms wrap around two central lightwells introducing natural light to the core. Glowing light from the lightwells and curtainwalls flow together to permeate this first level, enhancing the dynamic lobby and indoor/outdoor dining experience and connecting the structure directly to the art, history, culture, and distinctly authentic fabric of the city.”
“By elevating the hotel block and removing the traditional thresholds at the first level we redefine how visitors interact with the urban buildings,” adds Harland. “The transparency creates a constant interaction with the hotel’s unique public spaces and the dynamic vibrancy of downtown Memphis’ most significant intersections so that the architecture becomes less about individual expression and more about amplifying the neighborhood experience.
”Angled vertical recesses on the two main exterior elevations figuratively recall the shape of a door left ajar welcoming visitors to experience the stylized, locale-influenced interiors within. Interiors designed by Sawyer + Company were influenced by Memphis culture and history with nods to the area’s iconic music legacy and vibrant riverfront industry.