“Future Unfolding”: HBG Emerging Professionals Reflect on NOMA 2025 Insights
HBG Design’s emerging professionals explore the power of connection, mentorship, and inclusive design at the 2025 NOMA Conference in Kansas City.
HBG Design’s young architectural professionals, Carmen Fluellen and Joshua Yarbrough, recently attended the 2025 National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. This year’s theme, “Future Unfolding,” challenged attendees to reimagine an equitable and inclusive future for the built environment—one rooted in care, collaboration, and community impact.
Designing With, Not For: Building Trust Through Collaboration
Reflecting on the experience, Carmen Fluellen noted that two ideas stood out most:
“The networkability of the conference was incredible—professionals across disciplines and experience levels were genuinely welcoming and curious about each other’s work. And the recurring theme of ‘designing with, not for’ resonated deeply. Speakers emphasized the importance of building trust through hands-on collaboration in planning, programming, and feasibility studies—truly partnering with clients and communities to co-create meaningful solutions.”
Carmen, who has been involved with NOMA since 2015, continues to stay active in the local Memphis chapter and currently serves as Social Media Chair.
“Our next chapter meeting will be held on November 18 at 6:30 p.m. at Aaron Patrick Architects in Clark Tower,” he shared. “It’s open to everyone—designers, students, and anyone interested in building community through design.”
Exploring Ideas and Innovation
Among the conference’s many inspiring sessions, Joshua and Carmen were struck by the variety of topics that bridged design, technology, and social impact.
A highlight for both was the keynote by Dr. Ruha Benjamin, who explored the intersection of artificial intelligence and the human experience in design.
“We often assume technology is in the driver’s seat, but humans are missing,” Benjamin said. “The desire and ideology that we as humans possess is what’s missing behind these newer technologies.”
Her talk urged attendees to question who truly owns the future—and how designers can guide that future with empathy, awareness, and responsibility.
Technology, Creativity, and Sustainability in Tandem
Fluellen was particularly inspired by a hybrid steel-timber gravity structural system that offers lightweight installation and adaptability for future redesigns. He also noted the creative use of color and form as cost-effective ways to elevate design expression—proof that innovation doesn’t always require high budgets.
Meaningful Engagement Beyond the Checklist
Several sessions focused on design equity, cultural storytelling, and authentic community engagement. One takeaway that struck Fluellen was a warning against becoming a “check-the-box architect.”
“Every requirement on a checklist impacts someone’s experience—owners, end users, or the surrounding community. Community engagement isn’t about what we can give to the community, but about understanding what the community feels it’s missing,” he shared. “That connection leads to more inclusive, lasting design outcomes.”
Speakers shared examples of projects that used cultural storytelling to revive neighborhoods, combat gentrification, and increase productivity in educational and workplace settings.
The Power of Representation and Mentorship
The NOMA Conference is one of the most diverse professional events in the design industry, bringing together over 1,500 architects, designers, and 500 students from across the country. Both Carmen and Joshua found that sense of belonging and collaboration especially powerful.
Joshua, who has been involved with NOMA since 2019, previously served as the organization’s Student Liaison for four years and helped restart the NOMAS Student Chapter at the University of Memphis in 2023–2024.
“The conference was amazing,” Joshua said. “If you’re a designer, whether in architecture or interiors, NOMA is something you should consider.”
Carmen echoed the same sentiment:
“It was inspiring to be surrounded by so many voices and perspectives. Mentorship came up often—true mentorship that benefits both mentor and mentee. That’s how our profession continues to grow.”
The Future, Ever Unfolding
When asked what “Future Unfolding” meant to him, Fluellen reflected:
“The future is always unfolding—economically, technologically, professionally. The key is to stay grounded in what makes you ‘you,’ while pushing yourself to evolve and engage where it matters most.”
He left the conference energized by words shared from a speaker that perfectly captured the spirit of the event:
“Don’t just think of those in the room—think of those who are missing, but should be there, or will one day be there.”
Supporting Emerging Talent at HBG
HBG Design proudly supports its emerging professionals through opportunities like NOMA, recognizing the value of continued learning and diverse professional engagement. Carmen’s and Joshua’s participation in the 2025 NOMA Conference reflects HBG’s ongoing investment in developing future leaders—those who bring forward-thinking design, empathy, and inclusivity to every project.
“Attending NOMA reminded me that architecture’s impact reaches far beyond the building—it’s about people, connection, and community,” Carmen said.
For HBG’s next generation of designers, experiences like NOMA are shaping not only their professional growth but also the future of equitable, meaningful design.
HBG Design’s KBCI Volunteer Days: Designing Calming Spaces for Fred Finch Youth & Family Services
Part 2: San Diego Brings Design Thinking to Community Impact
At HBG Design, the Kirk Bobo Creating Impact (KBCI) Grant and Outreach Initiative reflects our firm’s enduring belief that great design extends beyond buildings—it has the power to change lives. Through volunteerism, creativity, and compassion, our teams across the country are working to make meaningful contributions to the communities we serve.
This fall, our San Diego office continued that mission with a hands-on volunteer design challenge benefiting Fred Finch Youth & Family Services, a long-term community partner dedicated to improving the lives of children, adolescents, and families facing complex behavioral and mental health challenges.
Partnering with Purpose: Supporting Fred Finch Youth & Family Services
HBG Design has partnered with Fred Finch since 2019 through our annual HBGives virtual donation drive and previous KBCI volunteer projects. The nonprofit’s San Diego Dual Diagnosis Program, located in Spring Valley, provides a residential treatment environment and specialized non-public school for youth ages 12 to 22 who have both intellectual disabilities and significant mental health needs. 
Their dedicated staff delivers individualized, trauma-informed care that helps youth build stability, independence, and hope for the future.
In 2019, HBG Design completed a master plan for the Dual Diagnosis campus, including the creation of a tranquil outdoor living area designed to offer residents a safe, restorative connection to nature.
This year, Fred Finch invited our San Diego team back—this time to turn their attention indoors.
A Design Challenge for Healing Spaces
The organization asked for HBG’s expertise in updating the interiors of two residential cottages that had experienced years of wear and tear. The request came with a clear but complex goal: to create interiors that feel calming and supportive—not institutional—while adhering to essential safety and durability standards.
“It’s one of those projects where every decision carries deeper meaning,” said one team member. “We wanted to show that healing environments can still feel warm, personal, and dignified.”
Materials had to be resilient, non-breakable, and carefully selected to minimize any potential risks for residents experiencing crisis.
Our San Diego team embraced this as a design challenge and split into two creative groups to develop thoughtful concepts tailored to the unique needs of Fred Finch’s program participants. Each group approached the project from a different angle—balancing empathy, functionality, and safety with inviting design aesthetics.
Designing with Compassion and Creativity
Both design teams presented their ideas directly to the staff at Fred Finch, who were deeply moved by the level of care and consideration behind each concept. The proposed designs incorporated:
- Soothing color palettes inspired by nature, promoting calm and emotional balance.
- Durable, anti-ligature materials chosen for safety and longevity.
- Flexible furnishings designed to adapt to individual needs and reduce environmental stress.
- Artwork and sensory elements that provide positive distractions and visual comfort.
Fred Finch loved the creative solutions and has already begun implementing portions of the HBG proposals, with plans to expand these updates in 2026.
Continuing a Meaningful Partnership
This collaboration represents more than just a volunteer day—it’s an ongoing relationship built on shared values of compassion, respect, and empowerment.
As HBG Design’s San Diego team continues to partner with Fred Finch Youth & Family Services, the goal remains clear: to support spaces that uplift and restore those who need it most.
Through KBCI, our firm honors the legacy of co-founder Kirk Bobo, whose belief in the transformative power of design continues to guide our community engagement today.
Together, we’re using design to make a lasting impact.
HBG Design’s 2025 KBCI Volunteer Days: Beautifying The Pinch District with Memphis City Beautiful
Part 1: Memphis Leads the Way in Community Impact and Urban Renewal
At HBG Design, our commitment to community engagement shines through the Kirk Bobo Creating Impact (KBCI) Grant and Outreach Initiative—an annual program named in honor of co-founder Kirk Bobo. This initiative blends volunteerism, financial support, and design expertise to create lasting positive change in the communities where we live and work.
This year, our Memphis, San Diego, and Dallas offices each teamed up with local nonprofits to make a tangible difference through KBCI Volunteer Days. First up, our Memphis team took to the heart of downtown for a project that brought new life to one of the city’s most visible streets.
On Friday, October 24, our Memphis office partnered with Memphis City Beautiful, the nation’s first and longest-running beautification commission, for a day dedicated to cleaning and greening North Main Street—just steps away from the iconic Memphis Pyramid.
Memphis City Beautiful organized the event alongside their partner organizations, Memphis Native Tree Works and the Memphis Medical District Collaborative, bringing together a coalition of volunteers dedicated to enhancing the downtown environment.
Our HBG Design volunteers rolled up their sleeves to:
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🌿 Replant and refresh large planters lining North Main Street with vibrant new greenery,
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🧹 Clear litter and debris from sidewalks and curbs, and
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✨ Restore curb appeal and pedestrian appeal to one of Memphis’s most historic corridors.
What began as a morning of teamwork quickly transformed into a celebration of collaboration, camaraderie, and civic pride. The group’s efforts created a more inviting experience for residents, visitors, and local businesses along this key downtown thoroughfare.
“It’s amazing to see how a few hours of teamwork and creativity can make such a visible difference,” said one volunteer. “We’re proud to play a small part in keeping Memphis beautiful.”
Working Together for a Greener Memphis
Founded in 1930, Memphis City Beautiful continues to set the national standard for environmental stewardship and community pride. Their mission—to create a cleaner, greener, and more beautiful Memphis—perfectly aligns with HBG Design’s belief in the power of design and service to improve quality of life.
This year’s effort was strengthened through collaboration with Memphis Native Tree Works, an organization that promotes the use of native plants and trees to support sustainable urban ecosystems, and the Memphis Medical District Collaborative, which works to enhance the livability and connectivity of the city’s core neighborhoods.
Together, these groups—and our HBG volunteers—helped re-energize North Main Street through teamwork and shared vision.
Continuing Our Partnership with Memphis City Beautiful
Founded in 1930, Memphis City Beautiful continues to set the standard for environmental stewardship and community pride. Its mission—to create a cleaner, greener, and more beautiful Memphis—aligns perfectly with HBG Design’s belief in the power of design and service to improve quality of life.
This ongoing partnership allows our team to combine hands-on volunteerism with a shared vision for urban renewal and civic responsibility.
Honoring Kirk Bobo’s Legacy
Through each KBCI project, we honor Kirk Bobo’s enduring legacy of giving back. His belief that design should make a positive impact—in the built environment and beyond—continues to inspire how we engage with our communities today.
This year’s North Main Street cleanup not only beautified a key downtown area but also strengthened the bond between our colleagues, our city, and the greater purpose behind our work.
Looking Ahead
With Memphis leading the way, our San Diego and Dallas offices will soon host their own KBCI Volunteer Days, each partnering with local organizations to uplift their surrounding communities. Stay tuned for more stories of service, creativity, and impact as the KBCI initiative continues across the country.
Together, we’re transforming communities—one project, one partnership, and one act of service at a time.
The Future Is Social: Designing the Next Generation of Casino Experiences
Casinos have long been defined by energy, excitement, and entertainment—but today, it’s the experience of that energy that’s evolving. That’s exactly what HBG Design Principal Paul Bell explored during his panel at the 2025 Global Gaming Expo. If you missed the session, here’s a quick recap.
Designing for Connection: The Rise of the Social Casino
Today’s players are looking for more than a place to play—they’re seeking vibe, community, and culture.
Industry data shows that over 80% of Millennials and Gen Z say non-gaming amenities are a major factor in where they choose to visit. And it’s not just about amenities—it’s about the experience they create.
HBG Design’s recent work with leading tribal and commercial resorts reflects these emerging trends, blending hospitality, entertainment, and social design into every guest touchpoint.
- Hangout Destinations: The Heartbeat of the Casino
Modern casino resorts are creating spaces where the main attraction is simply being there.
- At Live! Casino, the central bar acts as a stage—a centerpiece of energy and entertainment, with lighting and music driving a sense of excitement.
- Atlantis Casino’s Moon Bar and Bar Sol offer perfect vantage points for guests who want to be part of the buzz without playing.
- WinStar Casino’s Sessions Lounge captures a timeless social vibe, where the atmosphere itself is the experience.
These spaces thrive on design that promotes interaction, visibility, and inclusivity—places where guests can see and feel the energy of the resort.
- Summer Fun All Year: Water as a Social Magnet
From poolscapes to resort-level amenities, water is the new lifestyle anchor.
- The Cascades Pool Complex at WinStar Casino Resort transforms the property into a true resort destination, inviting guests to extend their stays beyond the gaming floor.
- At Sycuan Casino Resort, family-friendly and adult-only zones, plus a lazy river, create dynamic spaces for day-to-night socializing.
- The Wawyé Oasis at Gun Lake Casino places the poolscape in full view from the casino floor—seamlessly connecting gaming energy with leisure and relaxation.
These amenities capture a “daylife” energy—fun, shareable, and effortlessly social.
- Events as Lifestyle Engines
Events are no longer side attractions; they’re the core of the modern casino identity.
- Gun Lake Casino’s robust entertainment programming offers non-gaming attractions that keep guests coming back again and again.
- WinStar Casino Resort’s Lucas Oil Live has become a regional destination—an immersive, tech-forward performance venue that builds brand recognition and loyalty through memorable, shareable experiences.
These spaces turn entertainment into community, and casinos into hubs of cultural connection.
The Takeaway: Designing for Vibe, Not Just Volume
The future of gaming hospitality is about more than competition—it’s about connection.
Today’s guests want to feel part of something—whether it’s the energy of a live event, the relaxation of a poolside lounge, or the atmosphere of a central bar pulsing with life.
At HBG Design, we’re helping our clients lead this transformation—designing immersive, social, and lifestyle-driven environments that turn casinos into destinations of choice for the next generation of players.
Because the future of gaming isn’t about where you play—it’s about where you belong.
6 Key Insights from the 2025 Lodging Conference
Designing for the Future of Hospitality: Key Insights from the 2025 Lodging Conference
HBG Design’s Interior Design Leaders, Emily Marshall and Ross Burch attended the 2025 Lodging Conference in Phoenix—a dynamic forum exploring the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the hospitality industry today. They returned inspired by the innovative ways developers and designers are elevating guest experiences, meeting evolving expectations, and driving ROI through thoughtful design.
Here are some of the key takeaways from this year’s event:
Authenticity and Personalized Experiences Drive ROI
Panel discussions on boutique and lifestyle hotels highlighted that guests now seek tailored experiences and a sense of authenticity in their stays. Travelers want to feel connected to the local community, culture, and environment. Developers are increasingly partnering with local artists, artisans, and merchants to create bespoke experiences that not only delight guests but also encourage longer stays and higher spend.
Luxury Travel Continues to Grow
Despite broader economic pressures, the luxury market is thriving. Today’s travelers, including younger generations, are prioritizing meaningful experiences over traditional luxury. Wellness-focused resorts, immersive outdoor offerings, and curated F&B experiences are becoming essential elements in driving revenue and loyalty. Highlights include Marriott’s new Outdoor Collection and The Residences, a luxury longevity community emphasizing wellness and discovery.
Renovation and Repositioning as a Strategic Advantage
With new-build opportunities limited in many major cities, developers are increasingly investing in renovations and repositioning existing properties. Thoughtful design that is intentional, market-specific, and experience-driven can elevate a property’s appeal, generate higher returns, and differentiate it from competitors.
Design Challenges and Solutions
The conference highlighted several key challenges for developers: rising construction costs, labor shortages, and inflation. Strategic design choices can mitigate these risks by focusing on efficiency, high-quality materials, and maximizing the guest experience. Intentional, market-responsive design remains the most effective tool to drive revenue and maintain brand relevance.
Outdoor and Wellness-Centric Experiences
Travelers are seeking more than just traditional accommodations—they want wellness, outdoor engagement, and curated lifestyle experiences. Luxury and upper-upscale properties are leading the way, but these elements are becoming relevant across all market tiers. Developers who prioritize these experiences in design can create long-term guest loyalty and profitability.
Insights for Food & Beverage Strategy
F&B offerings are evolving to cater to younger, less alcohol-focused travelers. By creating memorable, high-quality experiences—mocktails, curated menus, and interactive dining—properties can maintain profitability while meeting shifting guest expectations.
Looking Ahead
Asia and the Middle East continue to lead in global development, while luxury, ultra-luxury, and upper-upscale segments see sustained growth. Developers should remain attentive to market shifts, from room demand patterns to broader economic trends, ensuring their designs are not only beautiful but also strategically positioned to thrive.
At HBG Design, we partner with hospitality developers to create projects that combine design excellence, market insight, and operational strategy. Whether it’s a boutique lifestyle property, luxury resort, or wellness-focused destination, our approach ensures that every detail contributes to an elevated guest experience—and measurable business results.
Designing for Distinction: VIP Suites that Define the Guest Experience
When it comes to hotel design, no space is more powerful—or more defining—than the VIP suite. These rarefied sanctuaries are not simply accommodations. The casino resort curates these private domains exclusively for its most loyal and high-value guests. Here, privacy, prestige, and personalization become the ultimate amenities.
For properties competing in today’s hospitality market, suites offer more than luxury—they are strategic assets that deliver strong returns. By offering one-of-a-kind, invitation-only spaces that can’t be replicated elsewhere, resorts build loyalty and memorable guest experiences. HBG Design is trusted nationwide to create signature sanctuaries. Each balances bold design statements with the comforts elite guests expect.
The Ogema Suite at Gun Lake Casino Resort
At the heart of Gun Lake Casino Resort’s $300M expansion in Wayland, Michigan, the Ogema Suite crowns the new 252-key hotel tower as its premier two-story penthouse. Meaning “Chief” in the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians’ language, the 3,096-square-foot suite is the pinnacle of prestige within the hospitality setting.
Reserved for the resort’s most important patrons, the suite offers a private elevator and dramatic countryside views. Two-story living spaces, walnut herringbone floors, radiant heating, and a bespoke crystal chandelier heighten the sense of privilege. A sculptural floating stair adds distinction and artistry. With INNCOM smart technology, drapery and lighting respond seamlessly, making the guest experience effortless and striking.
The Ogema Suite is more than a stay—it is a premier environment that symbolizes leadership and luxury, ensuring the property’s best guests are rewarded with an unforgettable experience.
Third-Level VIP Suites at Four Winds South Bend Casino & Hotel
At Four Winds South Bend, the resort elevates privacy to a new dimension. It dedicates the entire third floor to VIP hospitality suites, creating a select tier of accommodations for its best guests.
Designed for private receptions, catered parties, and intimate gatherings, these suites feature tailored aesthetics ranging from lighter, feminine-inspired palettes to darker, masculine tones. Guests enjoy private bars, screened dining nooks, fireplaces, luxurious living and bedrooms, and terraces—some with dedicated whirlpools.
By offering a level reserved only for high-value players and dignitaries, Four Winds guarantees its most loyal guests an experience that feels indulgent, privileged, and deeply personal.
Private Cottages at Rain Rock Casino Resort
At Rain Rock Casino Resort in Northern California’s Siskiyou region, intimacy defines the guest experience. Designers envisioned eight boutique cottage suites as lodge-like retreats for the property’s most valued visitors.
Nestled into landscaped grounds, the cottages embody HBG Design’s “Journey Upriver” narrative. Their power lies in the privacy and retreat they offer. Moreover, warm woods, layered stone, and spa-like interiors connect VIP guests to place, while also granting the privilege of staying apart from the main hotel.
By layering seclusion with cultural storytelling, the cottages ensure Rain Rock’s most valued guests receive a one-of-a-kind hospitality encounter.
Hotel Suites at Golden Mesa Casino
At Golden Mesa Casino Hotel in Guymon, Oklahoma, designers created boutique-inspired suites for the resort’s most discerning guests. These suites balance sophistication with simplicity.
A distinctive wooden portal signals arrival into a premier space. Inside, accent art wallcoverings, oversized pendants, and custom carpeting bring individuality. Clean-lined vanities and refined finish palettes enhance comfort. The spa-inspired shower, with dark mullions and glass, becomes a sophisticated centerpiece.
At Golden Mesa, tailored details deliver a personal, upscale experience that strengthens guest loyalty.
Prestige as the Ultimate Amenity
From Gun Lake’s dramatic penthouse to Four Winds’ dedicated VIP floor, Rain Rock’s private cottages, and Golden Mesa’s boutique suites, HBG Design’s work demonstrates one truth: the best guests deserve the best spaces.
Privacy, prestige, and personalization form the common thread—transforming suites into rewards, retreats, and lasting memories that strengthen loyalty. For casino resorts, these rooms are not just lavish showcases of design—they are strategic investments with measurable returns in guest satisfaction, reputation, and repeat visitation.
For a resort’s most valued guests, the VIP suite remains the ultimate expression of design and devotion.
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.