A Journey Upriver: The Rain Rock Experience
HBG’s Design of the New Rain Rock Casino Hotel is Rooted in Land and Culture
A Story Written in the Landscape
Within the mountains of Yreka, California, the Karuk Tribe’s Rain Rock Resort Hotel rises from the rugged beauty of the Siskiyou landscape. Designed by HBG Design and opened May/June 2025, the 78,995-square-foot casino and hotel expansion tells a story rooted in land, culture, and connection.
Inspired by the HBG team's “Journey Upriver” concept, the design carries guests along a path shaped by the Klamath River itself—flowing through valleys and forests, into lakes and up toward the mountains—where each bend reveals a new experience and every space reflects the enduring spirit of the Karuk people.
At HBG Design, we believe architecture should tell the story of place. For Rain Rock, that story unfolds in four archetypes drawn from the natural world - the Bountiful Forest, the Winding River, the Majestic Mountains, and the Tranquil Lake.
“As designers, our goal was to craft an experience rooted in the spirit of the Siskiyou landscape and the cultural narrative of the Karuk Tribe,” reflects Joe Baruffaldi, AIA, Principal & Project Manager at HBG Design. “Every design move—from the arrangement of cottages to the choice of an earthy palette—was about strengthening that sense of place and community.”
The journey flows to the Tribal Council Boardroom and semi-private terrace. From there, it flows across the serene pool deck and anchors the private outdoor cottages as sanctuaries of reflection.
Each environment becomes a passage in the guest’s journey, moving them as naturally as the river shapes the land.
The expansion introduces 72 guestrooms and eight boutique cottages, balancing luxury with intimacy.
Spa-inspired baths, custom finishes, curated art, and warm natural palettes anchor the interiors in their Siskiyou setting. Together, fire pits and the poolside garden extend the story outdoors.
Materiality grounds the project in authenticity. Stone, wood, and metal echo the surrounding terrain. In harmony, fluid patterns and tactile textiles weave the natural story indoors. Public spaces gather around a glowing hearth, an anchor of warmth and welcome.
Beyond its restorative comforts, Rain Rock is growing as a regional entertainment destination. The expansion infuses new energy with 175 gaming positions across the 20,000-square-foot floor. It transforms the sports bar and unveils a banquet hall where gatherings and celebrations take root.
The Rain Rock Casino Resort Hotel is an invitation to journey. It invites guests to escape into the Siskiyous and follow the metaphorical river from vibrant spaces to sanctuaries. Along its flow, guests discover the enduring bond between design, nature, and community.
Exploring Inspiration Through Travel
Paul Patterson’s 2025 GOH Journey
At HBG Design, we believe that creativity thrives on new perspectives. That’s why our GOH Travel Scholarship exists: to give our designers the opportunity to explore the world, discover new ideas, and bring those lessons back to enrich our work and our clients’ experiences.
This year, we’re proud to feature the 2025 GOH Travel Winner, Paul Patterson, who serves as a graphic designer in HBG’s marketing department. Paul’s journey through Iceland and Norway became a study in contrasts—light and dark, ancient and modern, fire and ice. His presentation video captures the wonder, inspiration, and design insights he gained along the way.
“Travel far and wide and you shall possess the secrets of man.” – Old Norse Proverb
Why Iceland and Norway?
For Paul, the landscapes of Iceland and Norway held a lifelong fascination. Iceland, the “land of fire and ice,” first captured his imagination as a child when he and his sister created a play-dough map of its volcanoes for a school project. Norway’s inspiration built slowly—through Viking sagas, Norse mythology, art history, and the striking beauty of fjords.
Both countries embody what inspires Paul most:
- Dramatic natural beauty
- Deep cultural and historical roots
- Unique art and architecture
- Communities shaped by their environment
By visiting Iceland in winter and Norway in summer, Paul set out to explore extremes—darkness and endless light, remoteness and urban vibrancy, ancient traditions and modern design.
Observing Through the Lens of Design
As both a graphic designer and storyteller, Paul approached the trip with a keen eye for comparison and visual narrative. He describes design as “the balancing of likenesses and differences,” and travel, in many ways, mirrors this principle.
- Light and Dark: In Iceland, he witnessed how people embraced long, dim winters with resilience. In Norway, he saw cities come alive under endless daylight, where nature dictated the rhythm of life.
- Cities and Culture: Reykjavík felt intimate and proud, steeped in mythology and national identity. Oslo, more international and layered with European influence, blended classical and contemporary.
- Rural Spirit: Across both landscapes, he found rugged individualism—people living close to nature, working with what the land allowed, and creating beauty out of function.
- Nature’s Impact: Iceland’s otherworldly volcanic terrain and Norway’s fairy-tale fjords revealed the power of place to shape art, architecture, and human life.
Lessons Learned
Paul’s reflections reveal how deeply travel can inform design thinking and creative work:
- Planning is Designing: Just like in design projects, his trips required research, strategy, and flexibility.
- Collaboration Matters: Advice from friends, coworkers, and locals enriched his experience, reminding him that combined perspectives lead to better outcomes.
- Design From What’s Around You: Iceland, in particular, showed him how nature, history, and mythology seamlessly influence design—a principle he sees echoed in HBG’s work with tribal clients.
- Purpose is Key: From the National Gallery in Norway to rural architecture, he observed how meaning and function strengthen design’s impact over time.
- Multi-Use Design Inspires: The Oslo Opera House wasn’t just a performance venue—it was also an art space, a public plaza, and a viewpoint. This flexibility sparked ideas for creating designs that move fluidly across platforms and purposes.
- Marketing Lessons: Iceland’s ability to highlight and promote its best features—from landscapes to woolcraft—offered insights into storytelling and branding—something Paul sees as central to his role on HBG’s marketing team.
The Takeaway
Paul’s GOH Travel experience affirms what we believe at HBG: that the best design comes from observing, listening, and learning. Just as Iceland and Norway reflect their environments, our work is enriched when we draw inspiration from culture, history, and place.
“If you know the way broadly, you will see it in all things.” – Miyamoto Musashi
🎥 Watch Paul’s full presentation video here:
Designing Nature-Inspired Luxury at Gun Lake Resort
Designing Nature-Inspired Luxury at Gun Lake Resort
Gun Lake Resort’s new hotel tower is more than an expansion—it’s a transformational destination for West Michigan and the greater Midwest. Rising prominently above Highway 131, the 15-story tower positions the resort as a premier super-regional draw for guests traveling from Chicago, Detroit, and beyond. With its blend of high-end accommodations, world-class amenities, and the one-of-a-kind Wawyé Oasis tropical atrium, the resort elevates the standard of hospitality in the region, offering guests an experience that rivals the nation’s top luxury destinations.
A Grounded Arrival: Biophilic Hospitality
The best hospitality spaces don’t just provide a service—they create experiences that linger long after checkout. At the new Gun Lake Resort Hotel Tower, HBG Design has reimagined the guest journey by blending biophilic principles with elevated luxury, crafting interiors that connect guests to nature while surrounding them with comfort and sophistication.
The interior concept was shaped by the natural rhythms and beauty of the region—dynamic summer sunsets, dappled light filtering through the trees, and serene views of Gun Lake. These elements became the design DNA for the tower’s interiors, translated into atmospheres of Dappled Light, Serene, and Radiance.
The journey begins in the soaring double-height lobby, where guests are welcomed by a vibrant living green wall—a vertical garden that breathes life into the reception experience. Expansive glazing frames the lush Wawyé Oasis atrium, filling the space with natural light and views of greenery. Together, these layered strategies set a calming tone, grounding guests the moment they arrive.
Material selections extend this connection to place: warm wood, natural stone, and metals that mirror Michigan’s rugged beauty. Radial ceiling treatments echo organic patterns, while daylighting establishes rhythm and flow. For HBG, biophilic hospitality design isn’t a trend—it’s a philosophy of guest wellbeing, ensuring each space resonates with a sense of balance and belonging.
Serene Wellness and Retreat
Below, the MnoYé Spa embraces Serene. Inspired by the soft glow of Gun Lake sunsets, its palettes of warm stone, tranquil colors, and layered textures create a restorative retreat. Flowing water features, hydrotherapy pools, and customizable lighting reinforce the sensory calm, allowing guests to feel both nurtured and renewed.
Guestrooms extend this atmosphere of serenity. Broad glass openings frame the surrounding landscape, while natural woods and layered fabrics echo the colors and textures of Michigan’s seasons. Here, biophilic design ensures that the restorative qualities of nature are never out of reach, even in the most private spaces.
The Pinnacle of Luxury: The Ogema Suite
At the summit, the Ogema Suite redefines modern luxury. Spanning more than 3,000 square feet across two levels, the suite delivers architectural drama with its soaring two-story glass wall framing panoramic views of the Michigan landscape. A sculptural floating stair, bespoke railings, and curated art add layers of sophistication, while fireplaces and a full-service bar create opportunities for both retreat and gathering.
Technology enhances this indulgence with seamless personalization—integrated automation of lighting, drapery, and climate, plus radiant floor heating for comfort in Michigan winters. Every detail, from crafted finishes to immersive views, reinforces the suite as the pinnacle of hospitality design.
Redefining Regional Hospitality
At Gun Lake Resort, luxury and biophilia converge. Rooted in the landscapes and skies of Michigan, the interiors balance restorative, nature-inspired design with the drama of high-end hospitality, giving guests spaces that are both grounding and unforgettable. From dappled light in the lobby, to sunset-inspired spa palettes, to the radiant vistas of the Ogema Suite, HBG Design has crafted an immersive experience that elevates regional hospitality and sets a new benchmark for connection, comfort, and design excellence.
HBG Design’s 2025 Summer Internship Experience
At HBG Design, we believe in giving the next generation of designers hands-on opportunities that mirror the real-world challenges our teams face every day. Each semester, our internship experience allows students to dive into a hospitality project simulation that takes them through every step of the design process—from early concept to design development—culminating in a final presentation to our staff. 
This summer, eight talented interns joined us across our Memphis, San Diego, and Dallas offices, representing architecture and interior design programs from universities nationwide. Together, they collaborated on a dynamic venue concept inspired by one of HBG Design’s real-world client projects: a rooftop dining destination.
The Project: From Concept to Reality
As part of their design exploration, the interns conducted population studies to understand the surrounding market. Their research revealed a strong demand for diverse dining options, particularly among a growing Asian population in the area. Leaning into this insight, the group developed an Asian-inspired restaurant concept with a Southern flair, drawing inspiration from the elegant Lotus Flower. 
Working as a fully integrated team, the interns advanced the project from conceptual design to the design development (DD) phase, experiencing firsthand the cross-disciplinary and cross-office collaboration that defines HBG Design. Guided by our senior architects and interior designers, they gained invaluable mentorship on how to build cohesive project packages, coordinate across disciplines, and bring a unified design vision to life.
A Standout Cohort
This summer’s intern class was one of the strongest we’ve welcomed to date, bringing energy, creativity, and fresh perspectives into our studios.
- Kyle – Design Intern, The NewSchool of Architecture and Design, San Diego
- Elyce – Interior Design Intern, Louisiana State University
- Ashley – Interior Design Intern, Mississippi State University
- Thien – Design Intern, The University of Tennessee
- Annette – Interior Design Intern, San Diego State University
- Bella – Interior Design Intern, The Design Institute of San Diego
- Ruut – Design Intern, The University of Memphis
- Lily – Design Intern, University of Arkansas
Building the Future Together
Our internship program reflects HBG Design’s commitment to fostering collaboration, mentorship, and design excellence. By working side-by-side with our professional teams, these interns experienced the pace, rigor, and creativity of a top hospitality and entertainment design firm.
We’re incredibly proud of their final presentation and can’t wait to see the impact they’ll make in the industry as they continue their careers.
Thank you, interns, for an amazing summer—you’ve set the bar high for the future!
To apply for an internship at HBG Design, visit our Careers Page.
Strengthening Your Hotel Brand Through Design
Every Detail, Every Touchpoint: Strengthening Your Hotel Brand Through Design
By HBG Design
In hospitality development, hotel brand alignment is more than meeting design standards—it’s about creating spaces that capture the essence of a brand while elevating its market presence. For over 45 years, HBG Design has been the trusted partner of leading hotel brands, delivering environments that not only meet operational goals but strengthen market position.
Our work spans almost every segment of the hospitality market. We’ve:
- Developed vertical prototypes for Holiday Inn that have shaped the hotel brand’s global identity for decades.
- Helped launch Hilton’s extended-stay Homewood Suites hotel brand, creating its initial design DNA.
- Designed Gaylord Palms and Gaylord Texan Resorts (now part of Marriott), redefining conference resort and destination resort experiences for group and leisure travelers.
- Crafted boutique properties for Canopy by Hilton and Tapestry Collection by Hilton, bringing locally inspired storytelling to life within each hotel brand.
- Delivered brand-aligned refresh designs for IHG flags through comprehensive Property Improvement Plans.
- Enhanced guest experience at luxury resorts nationwide, including high-profile tribal resort developments that have become regional tourism anchors.
Our longevity in the industry isn’t just about years—it’s about consistent delivery, deep market understanding, and the ability to adapt. We’ve navigated multiple hospitality cycles, evolving guest expectations, and shifting operational models—always staying ahead of trends and technology to keep our clients’ properties relevant and profitable.
With offices in Memphis, Dallas, and San Diego, we serve clients nationwide, offering local market insight backed by national expertise. Our collaborative process ensures every project is uniquely tailored to the brand’s DNA and the developer’s business goals, whether designing new builds, refreshing existing assets, or developing scalable prototypes.
In an industry where brand perception is everything, HBG Design has earned the trust of the most recognized names in hospitality—because we understand that great design doesn’t just reflect a brand; it reinforces it at every guest touchpoint.
Choosing a Hospitality Design Partner: 7 Questions to Ask
7 Questions Every Developer Should Ask When Choosing the Right Hospitality Design Partner
By HBG Design
In today’s competitive hospitality market, a hotel or resort’s design is more than a visual statement; it’s a strategic business decision that impacts guest satisfaction, operational performance, and return on investment for years to come.
At HBG Design, with offices in Memphis, Dallas, and San Diego, we’ve partnered with developers nationwide for over 45 years, delivering hotels and resorts that not only look exceptional but also perform at the highest level. Here are seven critical questions every hospitality developer should ask when choosing an architecture and interior design firm—and how HBG answers the call.
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Do they understand my property type and brand standards?
From vertical prototypes for Holiday Inn to flagship resorts for Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott, HBG has deep experience across every hospitality segment. Our designers know how to navigate brand approval processes and ensure your property meets—and exceeds—brand expectations.
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Can they create a design that both ‘wows’ guests and aligns with operational needs?
We blend creativity with operational insight, designing spaces that are as efficient as they are beautiful. Guestrooms, F&B venues, event spaces, spas, and back-of-house areas are all planned with functionality, durability, and long-term maintenance in mind.
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Will they design for strong ROI?
Every design choice we make considers your bottom line—from optimizing revenue-generating spaces to enhancing guest flow. Our projects are strategically designed to attract repeat business and improve operational efficiency, resulting in better performance metrics for owners.
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Do they have a proven, collaborative process?
Our workshop-driven design method engages owners, operators, and brand stakeholders early, accelerating decisions and reducing costly changes later. It’s been so effective that one of the world’s largest and most recognized hospitality brands formally adopted our workshop process into their own internal development standards—bringing HBG’s approach to hundreds of projects across their portfolio.
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Can they deliver on time and within budget?
HBG’s integrated architecture and interior design teams streamline coordination, minimize delays, and maintain budget discipline without compromising quality—key to hitting your opening date and financial targets.
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Are they forward-thinking and trend-aware?
We stay ahead of evolving guest expectations by incorporating wellness, sustainability, technology integration, and regional influences into each project. Our goal: to keep your property competitive for the next decade and beyond.
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Will they be a long-term partner, not just a vendor?
With decades-long relationships in the industry, HBG is more than a service provider—we’re a strategic ally committed to your success from concept to opening, and beyond.
The Bottom Line:
Choosing the right hospitality design partner is more than selecting a talented architect or interior designer; it’s about finding a team that understands your market, your brand, and your business objectives. At HBG Design, we’ve built our reputation on delivering hospitality environments that are guest-focused, brand-aligned, operationally sound, and financially successful.
If you’re ready to transform your next project from vision to value, HBG Design is ready to help you lead the market.
HBGathers Ends Summer in San Diego
At HBG Design, we believe great design begins with great relationships—and that includes the connections we nurture within our own team. This summer, we brought our firm-wide culture of creativity and camaraderie to life with our HBGathers summer event series, celebrating our teams across offices in Memphis, Dallas, and—most recently—San Diego.
Our final event of the season took place at the stunning Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station, a local favorite in San Diego known for its expansive outdoor spaces, lush gardens, and bold craft brews. With its laid-back, inviting atmosphere, the venue perfectly captured the essence of our Southern California studio and the vibrant energy they bring to HBG’s collaborative culture.
A Taste of Southern California
The San Diego team embraced local flavors with a traditional taco bar featuring pollo asada, carnitas, and carne asada, topped off with fresh churros and chocolate sauce for dessert. And in true craft beer fashion, the Hazy IPA was the standout sip of the night.
Playful Energy, Meaningful Connections
The event was more than just great food and brews—it was an opportunity to step away from the workday and engage with teammates and their families. With bocce ball, cornhole, giant Jenga, and Connect 4, the casual outdoor setting sparked plenty of friendly competition, laughter, and storytelling. One of the most memorable parts of the evening? Seeing colleagues' kids jump in to play alongside the adults—a joyful reminder of the family-friendly spirit that drives our workplace culture.
Culture Beyond the Studio
The San Diego HBGathers event capped off a series of unforgettable summer gatherings, following events in Memphis at the iconic Levitt Shell and in Dallas at Chicken N Pickle. While each celebration reflected the personality of its location, all shared one common thread: connection. At HBG, we make space to celebrate our people—not just as designers, architects, and visionaries—but as teammates, friends, and family.
Why It Matters
For our clients and future team members, HBGathers is more than just a summer party series—it’s a reflection of how we work. We foster collaboration and creativity not only within our studios, but across offices and disciplines. These events serve as a powerful reminder of what drives our design process: trust, communication, and a culture that values both professional excellence and personal connection.
As we continue to grow and take on new, exciting projects across the country, we remain grounded in what makes us strong: a connected team fueled by shared experiences and authentic relationships.
We’re already looking forward to the next season of HBGathers. Until then—cheers from San Diego!
Interested in joining a firm that values design, creativity, and connection?
Explore careers at HBG Design → https://hbg.design/careers/available-positions/
VisuArch Spotlight: From Vision to Reality
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/
VisuArch Spotlight: Custom Revit Families Set a New Standard
Celebrating Innovation and Craft: Chris DeVine Wins the 2025 VisuArch “Generate” Award
At HBG Design, creativity isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are. That’s why each year, our Design+ team hosts the VisuArch Awards, a firmwide competition created to celebrate the innovation, artistry, and technical excellence of our designers across all disciplines and studios. The VisuArch Awards spotlight the work that elevates our design process and inspires better outcomes for our clients. This year’s “Generate” category winner, Chris Devine, Senior Associate / Documentation & Specification Leader, exemplifies that spirit through his outstanding entry focused on bringing design intent to life through custom Revit families.
About VisuArch's “Generate” Category
The “Generate” category honors the inventive minds who focus on transforming ideas into executable, buildable reality. From translating sketches into models or refining vision into detailed documentation, this category celebrates the behind-the-scenes expertise that ensures our ideas aren’t just bold—they’re buildable.
Chris Devine’s Winning Entry: Revit Families That Make Design Intent Crystal Clear
As HBG’s Senior Associate / Documentation & Specification Leader, Chris is deeply immersed in the tools and processes that shape how our designs are delivered. His entry tackled a fundamental challenge in the design delivery process: how to visually communicate design intent with greater clarity, precision, and realism—without sacrificing efficiency.
His solution? Developing custom Revit families that balance visual fidelity with technical practicality, allowing teams to showcase high-quality, detailed design elements from day one.
“To sell the design, you must show the design.” – Chris DeVine
Gone are the days of vague placeholders. With Chris’ tools, lighting fixtures, outlets, tile patterns, and vanities are represented exactly as envisioned—enhancing both internal collaboration and client confidence.
What Makes This Work Stand Out
What Makes This Work Stand OutChris’ contributions to our Revit library reflect a deep understanding of both design intent and production realities. His Revit families are:
- Visually accurate, but optimized to avoid heavy file sizes
- Flexible for multi-use across various project types
- Efficiently created, mindful of tight deadlines and billing time
- Thoughtfully modeled, especially when manufacturer data is incomplete
- Strategically detailed, to reflect true lighting, finishes, and fixtures
Why It Matters
Realism isn’t just a design goal—it’s a communication tool. Chris’ work helps our teams:
- Tell clearer visual stories
- Build trust with clients
- Enhance deliverable quality
- Streamline project workflows
His commitment to refining our tools and improving clarity across the board embodies the purpose of the VisuArch “Generate” Award: turning great design intent into tangible, buildable, and beautiful reality.
Join a Culture That Celebrates Innovation
Chris Devine’s recognition reflects the collaborative and forward-thinking culture at HBG Design—where fresh ideas and technical creativity are not only encouraged, but celebrated. Whether you're focused on big-picture vision or the nuts and bolts of project delivery, HBG Design offers a place to thrive and make an impact.
Congratulations again to Chris DeVine, Senior Associate / Documentation & Specification Leader, for setting a new standard in documentation excellence and innovation.
Interested in joining a firm that values design, detail, and innovation?
Explore careers at HBG Design → https://hbg.design/careers/available-positions/
Tribal Casino Expansion Insights from OIGA 2025
By Ray Mabry, AIA | Principal & Dallas Office Leader, HBG Design | Member, Citizen Potawatomi Nation
Couldn’t make it to my session at OIGA 2025? No worries—I’m recapping the key takeaways on tribal casino expansion and smart resort growth strategies right here.
When we talk about tribal casino expansion and resort development, we’re not just talking about new construction—we’re talking about legacy. For tribal nations, each expansion project carries long-term implications, shaping communities and economies for generations. That’s why smart expansion planning must be guided by data, rooted in cultural values, and driven by a clearly defined economic vision.
At HBG Design, we’ve helped tribal clients across the country navigate every stage of the expansion process, from master planning to construction to grand opening. What we’ve learned: successful growth doesn’t happen by accident. Casino expansion takes strategy. It takes discipline. And it requires an aligned, experienced team working from a unified vision.
When it’s time to grow, these are the expansion insights worth keeping close:
✔ Long-term, generational vision
✔ A master plan rooted in feasibility and customer data
✔ Aligned teams from day one
✔ Smart phasing that leverages revenue
✔ Operational continuity during construction
✔ Seamless guest experience
✔ Cohesive brand expression
From “Slot Halls” to Super-Regional Destinations
Across the country, we’re seeing a clear evolution: tribes are transforming compact, gaming-focused venues into full-fledged destination resorts that compete on the national stage. Guests don’t need to fly to Vegas anymore. They’re looking for upscale, high-touch experiences closer to home. That’s a huge opportunity, especially in markets like Dallas/Fort Worth.
WinStar World Casino Resort in Thackerville, Oklahoma, about 90 minutes from the DFW market, is a prime example. What began as tent gaming and a supporting hotel has grown into a 12,000+ machine, multi-hotel, entertainment-packed mega-resort. Every move—whether it was efficiently positioning non-gaming amenities off-trust to maximize the trust footprint or phasing infrastructure upgrades—was driven by long-term planning. And that kind of future-focused thinking continues to pay off.
Learn from the Past. Plan for the Future.
Not every property starts fresh. Many tribal projects come with inherited issues—aging infrastructure, dated additions, and lack of long-term phasing. That’s where we roll up our sleeves. HBG teams help our clients untangle those complexities—from reworking site sequencing, opening sight lines to revenue-generating spaces, and modernizing infrastructure so it supports what’s next.
Expansion is our chance to fix what’s not working and create something that lasts.
A Master Plan Built for the Long Haul
Our approach to master planning is grounded in data and adaptability. We always start with feasibility studies, market demand, and customer trends. It’s how we know what’s viable now, and what will pay off five phases from now.
One of the best examples of strategic planning and phasing is Gun Lake Casino Resort in Michigan. That project didn’t happen all at once. It was phased carefully over time. But the vision was always clear: become a premier resort destination.
That’s how Wawyé Oasis came to life. What started as an Owner concept grew into a fully enclosed, all-season pool and event venue. The HBG team took our experience designing large-scale, climate-controlled atriums like those at Gaylord Texan and Palms Resorts and created something iconic, efficient, and uniquely suited to Gun Lake’s brand.
And because we respected the existing material palette while enhancing it, the old and new spaces now feel completely cohesive. That’s good design, and it keeps working long after the grand opening.
Guests Feel the Disconnect—So Fix It Before They Do
You can have the flashiest new expansion in the world, but if it doesn’t connect with the rest of the property, guests will notice, and not in a good way. Disjointed spaces dilute the brand and disrupt the flow of the experience.
That’s why we never treat expansions like standalone projects. We zoom out and look at the full property story. For many tribal resorts, that means addressing inherited quirks, for example, outdated infrastructure, awkward additions, or site plans that don’t quite add up. We help bring clarity by reworking circulation, upgrading aging systems, and opening up sight lines to showcase the amenities that drive revenue.
We’ll also typically recommend setting aside 5–10% of the FF&E budget to refresh adjacent spaces during expansion. Just a few updates to lighting, finishes, and furnishings can bring everything into harmony. At Gun Lake, this strategy helped us unify the new hotel and entertainment venues with the existing gaming floor, making the whole property feel seamless and elevated.
Align Early. Avoid Surprises. Build Smarter.
But one of the biggest cost drivers I see? Misalignment between stakeholders. If your design, construction, and operations teams aren’t aligned from the beginning, you’re most likely going to hit delays, budget issues, and rework.
Early integration into the process is always a good idea. We build collaborative workflows. We align schedules. And we make sure that all voices and perspectives are at the table from day one. That’s how we keep vision, program, and design intent as the roadmap, timelines on track, and help protect the project’s bottom line—setting the entire project up for smarter, more efficient delivery.
Phase with Purpose. Protect the Guest Experience.
This rule is simple: never let construction get in the way of your guests. If you lose satisfaction and revenue during the build, you’re working against the very success you’re trying to create. Smart phasing keeps the heart of your property beating while setting the stage for what’s next.
Phasing isn’t just a construction strategy, it’s a critical part of protecting your operation and your bottom line. That’s why we develop detailed, team-driven phasing plans to keep key spaces open, maintain guest flow, and ensure revenue keeps rolling in.
The Takeaway: Expansion Is Legacy
There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for expansion design. But when you begin with the right questions—and plan intentionally for where you want to be 10 to 20 years from now—expansion becomes something greater. It becomes transformation.
Because in the end, success isn’t just about what opens tomorrow. It’s about what still delivers value a decade down the line. And that’s the kind of legacy we’re here to create.