IGA Tradeshow and Conference Recap: HBG Design Shines in San Diego!
What a fantastic week in San Diego at the 2025 Indian Gaming Association Tradeshow and Conference (IGA)! Our team made a bold statement this year, showcasing HBG Design’s thought leadership, immersive exhibit design, and next-level hospitality.
Educational IGA Conference Panel
We kicked things off with a packed house at our educational session, “Scaling Your Casino Operations for Success,” which drew over 75 attendees! The panel was expertly moderated by our very own Danny Valle, Principal, and featured a powerhouse group of speakers:
- Jon Greendeer, President, Ho-Chunk Nation
- Evan Anderson, Director of Preconstruction, Connect Advisors
- Robert Blankmeyer, Operations Manager, PCL Construction Services Inc.
The panel offered incredible insights into the challenges and strategies behind expanding and optimizing casino operations—from capital planning to execution.
A Booth to Remember
We debuted our new interactive tradeshow booth, located right near the entrance—and you couldn’t miss it! A jumbo screen showcased some of our most exciting recent projects, and a touchscreen kiosk gave attendees a deeper dive into HBG’s Event Center Design portfolio, the Gun Lake Casino expansion, Pool and Spa concepts, and our master planning expertise. A big shoutout to Kelly DeVine, Ray Mabry, and Joe Baruffaldi for representing HBG at the booth and connecting with clients and industry partners throughout the show!
Party on the Harbor
Of course, no IGA week would be complete without our legendary industry party, and this year’s event was one for the books! We co-hosted with FS Advisors, Connect Advisors, Western Alliance Bank, Procopio, GMA, and Yates Construction aboard the Adventure Hornblower, a 3-story yacht docked in the beautiful San Diego Harbor. Over 500 guests joined us for cocktails, networking, and stunning sunset views from the open deck. It was truly a night to remember!
From our high-energy panel to our eye-catching booth and unforgettable party, the 2025 IGA Tradeshow was a huge success that continues to position HBG Design as a top firm in Indian Gaming. Big thanks to everyone who helped make this event a standout moment for our team and our brand!
Designing In Cost Efficiencies: From Tribal Government Gaming
GGB's Tribal Government Gaming asked designers how to create efficiencies in casino resort design...
Read Insights from HBG Design President, Nathan Peak
Designing cost efficiencies into the casino resort is a delicate balancing act. While cost control is essential, it should not come at the expense of guest experience. We never want to design all the fun out of an entertainment experience. Yet, rising overall development costs, unpredictable material pricing and ongoing labor shortages have forced tribal resort owners to rethink how they design and operate their properties.
Navigating the Realities of Rising Costs
With costs rising, resort owners must scrutinize every square foot of their development. Nathan Peak, AIA, President and Practice Leader at HBG Design, emphasizes the importance of prioritization:
“To navigate cost challenges effectively,” Peak says, “owners should be strategic in prioritizing front-of-house and back-of-house space essential to the integrity of the guest experience. Striking the right balance is key.”
A Proactive Approach to Design and Planning
Peak emphasizes that decision alignment starting at the project kick-off meeting helps set the stage for success.
“The sooner the project team is on the same page regarding program and cost, the better the outcomes—and the smoother the process."
Similarly, Peak emphasizes the importance of working with management teams to refine the program into a long-term plan:
“By prioritizing phased planning, the first phase maximizes revenue generation while setting the stage for graceful expansion. This approach incrementally manages costs while preserving funds to enhance the hospitality experience."
Designing Out Excess, Designing In Functionality
Right-sizing is just one piece of the puzzle. Thoughtful design can improve efficiency without diminishing guest engagement. Peak points to innovative approaches in guest service areas:
"Superfluous spaces don’t just drive costs up, they create operational inefficiencies. Back-of-house areas such as storage rooms, staff break areas, and service corridors should be designed with operational input to ensure streamlined adjacencies and functionality.”
Front-of-house areas are also evolving. Creative seating arrangements, adaptable F&B service models, and innovative service concepts such as grab-and-go kiosks and automated ordering can help optimize space while maintaining convenience.
“We’ll all get through these challenges, but it will require Owners and architects drilling down and finding the areas that can achieve the biggest return on design,” concludes Peak.
Indian Gaming Asks the Experts: Kelly DeVine
Long-term growth planning helps tribal and financial clients uncover new investment opportunities and highlight the importance of strategic design-thinking from the very start.
“It’s all about planning smarter, thinking long-term, and making well-informed decisions. After all, as the saying goes, it’s easier to erase pencil than concrete.” - Kelly DeVine, Principal, HBG Design
Jan/Feb 2025
- INDIAN GAMING MAGAZINE -
By Kelly DeVine, as seen in Indian Gaming Magazine:
As we look ahead, we’re seeing tribal clients continue to tap into their deep expertise in casino development, expanding into new markets and project types, introducing exciting amenities, and even reimagining what next-gen casinos can be. These ventures reflect the resilience and forward-thinking spirit that have always defined tribal enterprises.
It’s all about planning smarter, thinking long-term, and making well-informed decisions. After all, as the saying goes, it’s easier to erase pencil than concrete.
We’re noticing a big uptick in requests for 20-year master plans. These plans help tribal and financial clients uncover new investment opportunities and highlight the importance of strategic design-thinking from the very start. Casino developments are often decades-long endeavors, involving careful coordination with environmental impact studies, land-use planning, and navigating approvals at multiple levels. Balancing economic factors, competitive dynamics, and community priorities is no small task. Starting early and thinking big—considering everything from market trends to land-into-trust requirements—lays a foundation for adaptable strategies that can evolve with changing conditions.
Another interesting shift we’re seeing is in how casinos are designed and built to meet evolving economic and customer needs. There’s a growing trend toward more open and streamlined gaming floors that maximize flexibility for slot machine placement. Sportsbooks and sports betting are also taking center stage, often integrated with other entertainment features right on the casino floor. This blending of spaces activates the entire area, driving revenue while creating a dynamic, immersive experience for guests.
On the construction side, new methods like cold-form metal framing and stick-built delivery are gaining popularity. They’re cost-effective alternatives to traditional materials like post-tension concrete, allowing operators to get more value without sacrificing quality or style. These innovations are a win-win for owners and guests alike.
Gun Lake Completing $300M Phase 5 Expansion: Indian Gaming Magazine
READ THE FULL ARTICLE AT WWW.INDIANGAMING.COM
WAYLAND, MI – Gun Lake Casino Resort (GLCR) has announced that its long-awaited expansion is now a reality. Guests can enjoy the 16-story hotel featuring 31 suites. The $300 million expansion includes the return of the reimagined Sandhill Café, a full-service spa, and a stylish new lobby bar.
“With Phase 5, we have evolved into a full-service, year-round casino resort, offering amenities and experiences that set a new standard for the Midwest and rival top-tier gaming destinations across the country, said Sal Semola, CEO of Gun Lake Casino Resort. ”
Hotel
The crown jewel of the resort, the Ogema Suite, is a two-story, two-bedroom, two-bathroom penthouse spanning 3,368 sq. ft. The exclusive suite boasts an in-suite elevator, full bar, and panoramic views of West Michigan.
Casino
The casino offers a variety of gaming options, including 2,300 state-of-the-art slot machines and over 50 table games such as blackjack, craps, and roulette. GLCR features a new high-limit table games room and a high-limit slots room, catering to high rollers while complementing the vibrant gaming floor.
Spa
The MnoYé (Mm-NO-Yay) Spa offers a private pool and a serene retreat featuring gooseneck massagers, bubble massage benches, and private treatment rooms with customizable lighting and music. Guests can indulge in six luxurious massage treatment rooms, a full-service nail salon, and a state-of-the-art gym equipped with Peloton bikes, treadmills, and free weights.
Food & Beverage
Gun Lake Casino Resort caters to every palate by providing ample options for dining. The highly anticipated return of Sandhill Café brings a refreshed menu featuring classic comfort foods and all-day breakfast. The Harvest Buffet offers an all-you-can-eat global culinary journey, while the Lucky Dragon noodle bar serves up authentic Vietnamese pho and other Asian delicacies. Shkodé Chophouse delivers flame-grilled steaks and fresh seafood, and CBK offers a self-serve beer wall alongside shareable appetizers and unique entrées. 131 Sportsbar & Lounge offers live music and all the action of live sporting events at 131 Sportsbook, featuring over 1,000 sq. ft. of viewing surface for panoramic views.
Events
Gun Lake Casino Resort also offers an ideal setting for meetings, conventions, weddings, and private events. The versatile meeting and event spaces provide unique options for groups of all sizes.
Set to open in May/June 2025, Wawyé (WAH-Yay) Oasis is a stunning 32,000 sq. ft. glass atrium, offering a tropical paradise kept at a perfect 80 degrees year around. A first-of-its-kind experience in the Midwest, this breathtaking venue will feature live palm trees, private cabanas, and lush tropical flora. Wawyé Oasis will house two distinct pool experiences: a 21+ VIP pool and a family pool, offering something for everyone.
Economic Impact
The three-year construction timeframe to build the hotel, Mnoyé Spa, Wawyé Oasis, the all-new Sandhill Café and lobby area was achieved with the dedication of many valued skilled tradespeople. Phase 5 directly employed 1,160 construction workers, including plumbers, electricians, welders, ironworkers, heavy equipment operators, carpenters, painters, and general laborers.
Gun Lake Casino Resort also employs 1,500 dedicated team members across a wide range of departments, including gaming, hospitality, food and beverage, security, and executive management.
Nathan Peak Named to GGB’s 25 People to Watch in 2025
HBG Design’s President Honored for Shaping the Future of Gaming and Entertainment Design
At HBG Design, we’re thrilled to celebrate our President, Nathan Peak, AIA, LEED GA, for being featured in Global Gaming Business (GGB) Magazine’s prestigious "25 People to Watch in 2025" list. This annual recognition highlights individuals who are shaping the future of the gaming industry through innovation, leadership, and impactful contributions.
Nathan’s journey at HBG Design exemplifies dedication and growth. Starting with two internships in the late 1990s and early 2000s, he has spent the past 23 years shaping our firm and the broader gaming and entertainment design landscape. Since becoming President in 2022, Nathan has guided HBG Design through a transformative period of strategic growth and regional expansion.
Driving Growth and Innovation
Under Nathan’s leadership, HBG Design has doubled the size of its San Diego office and solidified its presence in Dallas with the appointment of a new location leader, Ray Mabry. These expansions are part of a cohesive strategy to enhance client service and project execution across the Midwest and West Coast—regions that account for the majority of the firm’s client base.
Nathan is also spearheading efforts to expand HBG’s capabilities, ensuring the firm delivers exceptional quality on projects of all scales. This includes creative approaches to design and construction, such as cost-effective framing methods that maximize client ROI while maintaining a premium guest experience.
Beyond project delivery, HBG Design is investing in master planning and land-use planning services, positioning the firm to provide value at the earliest stages of project development. From environmental impact studies to visioning long-term investment opportunities, Nathan and his team are focused on helping clients realize their goals from the ground up.
A Vision for 2025 and Beyond
Looking to the year ahead, Nathan is particularly excited about HBG Design’s involvement in landmark projects like the Gun Lake Casino expansion in Michigan. The centerpiece of this project, the Wawyé Oasis, exemplifies innovation, transforming from a resort pool by day to a performance complex by night within a six-story glass-enclosed structure. 
Nathan also recognizes the importance of evolving gaming floor designs to enhance customer experiences. His vision incorporates streamlined layouts for improved flow and wayfinding, while integrating sportsbooks with other entertainment amenities—a trend that blurs traditional boundaries and creates immersive environments.
Recognizing Leadership in Gaming Design
Nathan’s inclusion in GGB’s "25 People to Watch in 2025" underscores his significant contributions to gaming and entertainment design and his forward-thinking leadership at HBG Design.
As Roger Gros, GGB Publisher, notes, “As usual, our 25 People to Watch reflect the best the industry has to offer. Every one of our choices [this year] has made an impact on the industry already, and we feel the sky’s the limit to what they’ll achieve next.”
For more updates on Nathan Peak and HBG Design’s innovative projects, follow us on social media or explore our website.
HBG Design voted a 2024 Top Workplace: Thank You, HBG Team!
We are incredibly proud to announce that HBG Design has been recognized as a 2024 Top Workplace by the Commercial Appeal for the 10th year in a row! This remarkable milestone reflects the dedication and enthusiasm of our team, and we couldn’t be more honored to receive this recognition.
In addition to this decade-long achievement, our San Diego office has been named a Best Place to Work for the second consecutive year. These awards are particularly meaningful because they are based entirely on employee feedback. The most significant aspect of these honors is not the awards themselves but what they represent: a shared commitment to fostering a thriving, inclusive, and inspiring workplace culture.
A Culture That Drives Us Forward
At HBG Design, we believe that people are at the heart of everything we do. This recognition speaks volumes about the strength of our culture, the dedication of our employees, and the visionary leadership that guides
us. It also highlights the bright future we are building together.
Here are some of the 2024 Top Workplace employee survey results that we are especially proud of this year:
- 97% of employees say their managers care about their concerns.
- Based on the Energage survey, HBG Design ranks in the top 20% of national design firms for caring and supportive managers.
- 92% of employees believe their managers and the firm support their professional growth and development. This also places HBG in the top 20% nationally for professional development opportunities within our industry.
- 94% of employees feel enabled to work at their full potential.
- 92% feel appreciated for their work.
These statistics underscore our commitment to empowering every team member to grow, thrive, and achieve their best.
Values That Define Us
This year, we were particularly thrilled to see these additional 2024 Top Workplace survey results:
- 92% of employees recognize HBG Design for its strong values.
- 91% of employees view HBG as an inclusive company.
These qualities are essential to our success and are at the core of how we operate every day. Fostering a Top Workplace environment of inclusion and upholding strong values isn’t just a goal—it’s how we achieve meaningful, impactful results as a firm.
Our Gratitude to the HBG Team
The Top Workplace recognition we’ve received over the years is a testament to YOU—our talented and passionate team. You are the heart of HBG Design, and your feedback drives us to keep improving, innovating, and delivering excellence.
Thank you for making HBG Design a truly exceptional place to work. Together, we will continue building on this legacy, shaping a workplace where everyone can thrive and making an impact across the industry for years to come.
Here’s to you, and here’s to the bright future ahead!
HBG Design Recognized as a 2024 Best Place to Work
HBG Design is proud to announce that it has been named a winner in the San Diego Business Journal’s “Best Places to Work 2024” awards. Being recognized as #14 (mid-size companies) out of hundreds of entries in the highly-competitive program underscores HBG’s commitment to creating a dynamic and supportive workplace culture that fosters innovation, collaboration, and employee satisfaction.
“Our team is the driving force behind our success, and we are dedicated to maintaining an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to achieve their best,” said Nathan Peak, HBG President & Practice Leader.
The San Diego Business Journal’s Best Places to Work awards evaluate companies based on their workplace policies and practices, growth potential and opportunities for employees, corporate culture, benefits and compensation, access to management, and corporate values. This accolade is a testament to HBG’s ongoing efforts to create a thriving workplace where employees are motivated and engaged. The evaluation process was based on an employee survey conducted by Workforce Resource Group, assessing topics like management effectiveness, employee perks, growth opportunities, and overall company culture.
“We are incredibly grateful to our dedicated and energized team,” said Joe Baruffaldi, Orange Group Leader, “their commitment to our shared values is such an important part of what makes HBG Design the kind of company where everyone is excited to contribute and be part of something really special.”
HBG Design Projects Set Industry Standard in Spa/Wellness
We’re excited to announce that two of our standout spa projects, the WinStar Spa at WinStar World Resort & Casino in Thackerville, OK, and the Cedar Spa at Four Winds Casino Hotel & Spa in South Bend, IN, are highlighted in the 4th edition of the Global Wellness Institute’s Guide to Hydrothermal Spa & Wellness Development Standards, setting the industry standard in spa design.
The WinStar Spa is particularly notable for housing the largest hydrotherapy tub/pool in the U.S., exemplifying innovation and HBG’s commitment to wellness-focused design. This recognition by the Global Wellness Institute underscores our role in setting new standards for luxury spa and wellness experiences across the country.
Wellness industry specialist Don Genders, of Design for Leisure, was instrumental in creating this comprehensive guide, which has become a key resource for developers, architects, designers, and builders interested in incorporating hydrothermal wellness elements into their projects. As spa and wellness facilities continue to grow in demand, the updated edition provides essential insights on integrating features such as saunas, steam rooms, and cold plunges into both residential and commercial spaces.
We are proud that HBG Design's work is helping shape the future of wellness design and are thrilled to be included in this global resource, available now for complimentary download. Whether it's the large-scale hydrotherapy features at WinStar or the tranquil luxury of Cedar Spa, our team’s projects continue to define the industry standard for spa and wellness environments.
For more details, download the guide and explore how hydrothermal spa elements can elevate wellness experiences in any space.
HBG Shares Resort Design Expertise on No Vacancy Live!
HBG Design and our spectacular WinStar World Casino Resort project recently took center stage on No Vacancy Live! with hospitality industry experts and personalities, Glenn Haussman and Anthony Melchiorri (host of the Travel Channel’s Hotel Impossible). During the episode, HBG's Rob Jurbergs, AIA, Principal and Senior Architectural Designer, and Ray Mabry, Principal and HBG Dallas Office Leader, revealed fascinating insights into the design and creation of this iconic resort in Thackerville, Oklahoma, just 90 minutes from the booming Dallas-Ft. Worth area. Catch up on all the behind-the-scenes details that make WinStar a must-see destination!
Since 2017, No Vacancy News has been the go-to source for the hotel industry, providing actionable insights, expert interviews, and educational content through its podcasts, videos, and live branded experiences. Hosted by Glenn Haussman, a leading voice in hospitality, No Vacancy Live! has been recognized as the #1 hospitality show by the International Hospitality Institute since the award’s inception. We were honored to join Glenn to share our experiences with the casino resort’s design and our collaboration with the Chickasaw Nation to create a world-class destination.
A Look Inside WinStar
WinStar, one of the most recognized gaming resort destinations in the country, offers an unparalleled guest experience through its luxurious amenities and entertainment spaces. In their podcast interview, Rob Jurbergs, Principal and Architectural Designer at HBG Design, and Ray Mabry, Principal and Dallas Office Leader, highlight the resort’s design evolution and how HBG, with over 45 years of casino resort expertise, established the property's architectural identity.
Key elements of the project include:
- Lucas Oil Live: A 6,500-seat, multi-purpose performance venue for concerts, boxing, MMA events, banquets, and more. The space includes a VIP area with a private lounge, full bar, and kitchen.
- 304-room Hotel: Offering guests a modern and comfortable stay, the hotel's interiors are inspired by natural tones and earthy elements reflective of the Red River region, featuring rich woodsy designs and warm rust orange accents.
- Cascades Pool Area: This signature outdoor area includes multiple pool tiers and food and beverage options, making it a dynamic hub of activity and relaxation. The distinctive sundial-like roof design enhances the ambiance and complements the open, airy environment.
Strategic Location and Market Positioning
Rob and Ray also discussed the importance of WinStar’s location in attracting guests from the growing Dallas-Fort Worth area. Just a short drive from one of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas, WinStar provides a sought-after escape, drawing visitors for its high-quality amenities and entertainment offerings.
One of the venue’s notable successes is the Lucas Oil Live performance venue, which has hosted some of the biggest names in rock and country music. The venue was even nominated for Casino of the Year-Theater by the Academy of Country Music, solidifying WinStar’s position as a premier entertainment destination.
Thoughtful Design and Guest Experience
Inspired by the natural beauty of the Red River region, HBG Design’s architectural and interior design teams brought elements of the local landscape into the resort’s design. From the organic shapes and curvilinear forms used in the building’s layout to the earthy color palettes and natural materials, every detail is crafted to create an inviting, comfortable atmosphere.
The V-shaped design of the hotel maximizes guest views while creating a sense of embrace, and the wind-blocking structure enhances comfort in the outdoor areas. The intentional design of the pool area offers guests multiple experiences, from relaxed lounging to lively social spaces, all centered around the beautiful landscape.
Tune in to the No Vacancy News podcast episode with Rob Jurbergs and Ray Mabry to hear more about the incredible design journey behind WinStar World Casino Resort. Learn how strategic design decisions, collaboration, and attention to detail have transformed this resort into a world-class destination.
Eagle Mountain's Successful Year One: Featured in Indian Gaming
Celebrating Eagle Mountain's Successful Year
Click Here to Read the Feature Article in Indian Gaming Magazine's June/July Design/Build Issue
Celebrating its first full year in operation, the Tule River Tribe's relocation of its Eagle Mountain Casino from the original reservation location to a more accessible and visible site in Porterville, California, represents a significant milestone in the tribe’s history. Driven by a blend of strategic, economic, and site motivations, the casino relocation became a transformative initiative that unlocked new opportunities for community growth and market differentiation through cultural integration. Featuring architectural and interior design by HBG Design, the new Eagle Mountain Casino is well-positioned to capture vast market opportunities from local customers and traffic traveling among the region’s major cities.
Drawing from unique regional elements and the tribe’s rich cultural heritage, the design team at HBG Design set out to create an entertainment escape with an authentic sense of character that connects people to place. The new Eagle Mountain Casino provides over 100,000 square feet of amenity features that include 1,750 slots, 20 table games, multiple dining venues including the Ember center bar, the Redwood Taphouse, The River Steakhouse, the Acorn Diner, Yokuts Coffee House, and the Cedar Food Court, as well as a 2,000-seat event center. These amenities not only enhance the casino's entertainment appeal, but also address community wishes, such as meeting a need for a large venue space that could cater to sporting and entertainment events.
Inspired by relaxed lodge aesthetics, the casino’s design expression exudes a sense of comfort, approachability, and hospitality. The tribe’s indigenous homeland is where the Great Sequoia tree grows. The Sequoia’s canopy, trunk, and roots became inspirational elements to link the story of the tribe's culture and heritage to the design aesthetics, from the arrival experience to the art, patterns, and imagery within. Soaring vertical features recall the majesty of the Giant Sequoia and the Golden Eagle. Entry water features and flowing forms recall the winding Tule River and organic curves of nature.
Inside, guests are greeted by a grand redwood carving of the tribal Big Foot pictograph, known as “Big Foot Hairy Man”, symbolizing the tribe's deep-rooted traditions. Carved by Bill Farmer, a Tule River Tribal Member, the material for the Big Foot carving came from a giant Redwood that had fallen across one of the roads on the Tule Reservation.
Historical tribal basket patterns adorn custom pendent light fixtures, ceilings soffits, and custom terrazzo floor medallions, serving as a wayfinding guide toward the entertainment offerings within.
The Flight of the Butterfly and Quail Tufts is a prominent Tule River tribal motif that intertwines through the casino culminating at the Ember Bar ceiling soffit with a silhouette mountain design that mimics the regional landscape. The vertical Ember bar design represents the elements of wood and fire, symbolizing hospitality, a place where the community can gather, relax, and socialize.
The HBG Design team is honored to have worked alongside the Tule River Tribe since 2015 in the design and delivery of the new Eagle Mountain Casino. Throughout the process, Tule River stakeholders immersed HBG designers in tribal culture and heritage research and graciously embraced conceptual storytelling as it extends into the architectural and interior design aesthetic. This personal integration creates a one-of-a-kind, memorable experience for Eagle Mountain Casino guests. #Eagle Mountain's Successful Year One
