RD+D Magazine on Form + Function: Finishing Touches
HBG designers Alexandra Milkovich, IIDA, NCIDQ, and Landon Shockey, NCIDQ, ASID, were quoted in the November/December 2023 issue of RD+D Magazine.
Many design details throughout a space help establish a brand’s identity. “Details add authenticity, meaning and humanity to an environment, sometimes in a subliminal way to evoke any number of emotional responses,” says Alexandra Milkovich, associate and senior interior designer, HBG Design. The effect could evoke authenticity, liveliness or serenity, a sense of seriousness or whimsy, a farm-to-table theme or urbane sophistication — you name it.
At the OAK Room and Bar at the Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs, Ark., the vibe is refinement within a specific time — the early 1900s. Antique-inspired globe pendant lights, sculptures of jockeys on horses, historical photos of the track, and custom furnishings featuring high-quality fabrics support “an air of private club nostalgia,” says Landon Shockey, senior interior designer, HBG Design.
The OAK Room’s artisanal pottery elevates all menu selections. The venue’s wide-ranging menu, including a few traditionally down-home Southern dishes, get ritzy presentations on the dinnerware. “The plating coordinates well with the uniquely crafted menu selections,” Shockey says.
Read the November/December issue of RD+D.
Four Winds South Bend: Casino Foodservice
From Foodservice Equipment & Supplies Magazine
By Donna Boss
December 01, 2023
The owners of Four Winds Casino wanted to expand its gaming to accommodate more guests at peak times. Casino leadership also wanted guests to have a multiday experience that included staying at the hotel and visiting the restaurants and spa. In addition, a conference center was added to accommodate businesses and groups to host meetings and other events.
Four Winds Casino South Bend opened on Jan. 16, 2018. In 2022, the casino expanded to 98,000 square feet, and at the same time the gaming floor included 1,900 slot machines. On March 1, 2023, the hotel, outdoor pool, Cedar Spa, Edgewater Café, and Ribbon Town Conference and Event Center opened.
“The external and internal property design integrates tribal cultural references and symbolism with contemporary details to achieve the elegant lodge style now synonymous with the Four Winds brand,” says Paul Bell, AIA, principal/project manager, HBG Design, Memphis, Tenn.
Situated on the third floor, the Edgewater Café serves as the hotel’s main restaurant and provides food and beverages for the adjacent outdoor rooftop pool area.
“Natural light streams through clerestory windows and a retractable glass partition wall that connects to the pool atmosphere,” Bell says.
Glass-enclosed fireplaces extend from the glass partition wall into large skylights, providing guests with views of the towering hotel above and a vertical ribbon light show in the evening.
“The restaurant mingles a multicolored textural tile accent wall, stone, and wood detailing into the warm contemporary palette,” says Joseph La Vallee, lead interior designer, HBG.
One main challenge the Edgewater Café project team faced was fitting the kitchen below a hotel tower that required many structural columns for support. “Therefore, we aligned the traffic aisles for the servers and chefs with space between the columns,” says Trish Jass, senior operations project manager, Rippe Associates, Minneapolis.
“We also made use of some oddly spaced areas for the dish room and storage areas,” says Mike Wrase, senior project manager, Rippe Associates. “Another challenge, the exhaust hood in low ceilings, was addressed by installing an exhaust hood that is shallower and deeper than it would have been with higher ceilings.”
After menu items arrive at the hotel/event center dock, staff bring them through the back of the house to elevators and up to the third-floor kitchen, which contains a walk-in cooler, a walk-in freezer and dry storage. Storage areas reside at the back of the kitchen, so the food can flow forward toward the customers.
Staff take trash and materials that can be recycled from the third floor down the back-of-the-house elevators to the dock.
Caption by Hyatt Wins 2023 Fay Jones Alumni Design Citation Award
HBG Design is pleased to announce that the Caption by Hyatt Beale Street in Memphis, TN, is the recipient of the Citation Award for Historic Preservation / Interior Design from the 2023 Fay Jones Alumni Design Awards competition.
The 136-room Caption by Hyatt Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee marries the 144-year old facade of the Wm. C. Ellis & Sons Machine Shop with a contemporary hotel design. The structure attempts to elevate the awareness of the Machine Shop facade to the status of artifact, in which the highly detailed ornamentation and lost construction technique, original to the year 1878, can be observed and appreciated by both the project's guests and the urban visitor.
The Machine Shop facade along Front Street also acts as a passive functional design element, aiding the lower public levels of the project as a shading device, minimizing the impact of the harsh morning sun. Situated behind the facade is an outdoor courtyard space in which guests can understand design relationships between the old and new elements, as the lower level fenestration and elevation heights of the new design are strategically articulated to mimic the historicity of the existing condition.
The public amenities include a coffee and liquor bar, grab and go market, gallery, outdoor urban courtyard, fitness center and meeting spaces. The first level of hotel rooms is elevated to the parapet of the existing Ellis facade, respecting both the historic elevations and allowing guests to peer into and over the facade deeper into the city.
Reflective of the brand’s eclectic contemporary-meets-urban industrial aesthetic, the interior features open light-filled spaces with a strong industrial flare. The property combines a layering of historic structural elements like exposed brick and original wooden beams, vibrant colors, textures, and hand-painted murals that nod to the storied city it calls home.
The heart of Caption by Hyatt Beale Street Memphis is Talk Shop, the brand’s re-imagined arrival experience where guests enjoy a multi-functional welcome area, all-day lounge and workspace, coffee shop, eatery, grab-and-go artisanal market and cocktail bar. Energy reverberates throughout the colorful space, which was designed to encourage social interaction– a place to eat, drink, and connect – inside, and outside at the adjoining beer garden courtyard. Open to the street’s pedestrian walkway, the expansive patio is uniquely housed within the building’s historic façade in a way that allows guests to fully engage with the active downtown neighborhood.
Eclectic personality and industrial-inspired design continue to the guestrooms, which feature re-purposed non-traditional materials, bold colors, contemporary fabric patterns, and quirky Memphis-inspired graphic wallcoverings. Modular closets and work-play lounges with accessible power outlets allow guests to work, eat and relax separately from the sleeping area.
A Solid Decade as a BD+C Hotel Design Powerhouse
HBG Design is honored to share that the firm has once again been ranked among the Top 5 Hotel Design firms in the Nation by Building Design + Construction Magazine’s Giants 400 Survey. This milestone marks a decade of unwavering commitment to excellence, as a Top 10 ranked hotel design giant since 2012. See the full Hotel Giants List.
A Decade of Consistency:
For ten consecutive years, HBG Design has been a force to be reckoned with in BD+C's Hotel Architecture Firms survey. Our consistent presence in the top 10 is a testament to our ability to navigate the evolving landscape of hospitality design trends, client expectations, and industry dynamics while maintaining an unwavering commitment to innovation and quality.
Navigating Change with Precision:
As a BD+C Hotel Design Giant, HBG Design has not merely adapted to change; we've embraced it with precision. Our designs reflect an understanding of the dynamic nature of the industry, ensuring that each project remains not just relevant but a trailblazer in its own right.
Client Trust: The Cornerstone of Our "Design Giants" Status:
At the core of our ‘Design Giants’ status is the trust and satisfaction of our clients. HBG Design’s client-centric approach, a hallmark of our success, ensures that every project is a collaborative journey, resulting in designs that not only meet but exceed expectations.
Team Synergy and Expertise:
The journey to becoming a BD+C Hotel Design Giant is a collective effort, and our talented team at HBG Design stands at the forefront. Architects, designers, and support staff collaborate seamlessly, bringing forth their expertise to craft spaces that tell unique stories and elevate the guest experience.
Looking Forward to the Next Decade:
As we celebrate a decade of excellence at the top of the BD+C Hotel Design Giant charts, HBG Design is geared up for the next chapter. Our commitment to designing experiences remains steadfast, and we look ahead to setting new standards, exploring innovative avenues, and continuing to be a giant in hotel design.
Celebrating 9 Years of Excellence: HBG Design Named Top Workplace
We are thrilled to announce that HBG Design has once again secured its place among Memphis's Top Workplaces, marking an impressive 9-year streak of excellence! This recognition by the Commercial Appeal is a testament to our unwavering commitment to cultivating a workplace that values collaboration, innovation, and the well-being of our incredible team.
A Legacy of Workplace Excellence
For nearly a decade, HBG Design has been honored as a top workplace, a distinction that reflects the dedication and passion of our outstanding team members. This achievement is a source of immense pride for us, and it speaks volumes about the positive and inclusive culture we've worked hard to create.
Thank You to Our Amazing Team
Our success is a direct result of the hard work and talent that each team member brings to HBG Design. We extend our deepest gratitude to our exceptional employees who contribute their skills, creativity, and enthusiasm every day. Your commitment is the cornerstone of our success, and we are grateful to have such a remarkable team driving our continued growth.
Recognition from the Commercial Appeal
We are honored to receive this recognition from the Commercial Appeal, a respected source for news and insights in our community. Being listed among Memphis's Top Workplaces is not just an accolade for us—it's a celebration of the positive work environment we've collectively built.
A Commitment to Continued Excellence
As we celebrate this milestone, we are more committed than ever to maintaining a workplace that inspires, supports, and empowers our team members. Our journey doesn't end here; it's a continuous pursuit of excellence, growth, and creating a workplace where everyone feels valued.
Join Us in the Celebration
Join us in celebrating this incredible achievement! Follow our journey on social media, and stay tuned for insights into what makes HBG Design a top workplace in Memphis.
Thank you to our dedicated team, the Commercial Appeal, and our community for supporting us on this remarkable journey. Here's to many more years of success, collaboration, and a thriving workplace culture at HBG Design!
Explore the list of Memphis's Top Workplaces on the Commercial Appeal website.
Announcing Our New Senior Associates and Associates!
Announcing our new 2023 staff promotions! HBG Design is proud to announce that seven established HBG employees have been elevated to the positions of Associate and Senior Associate at the firm. This announcement marks another step forward in HBG Design’s strategic plan to grow its next generation of leaders, ensuring our practice's longevity far into the future.
These seven individuals have each demonstrated leadership, not only in their role but, perhaps most importantly --- in the way they create an environment where others in the firm can learn, grow, and contribute great things.
These newly elevated employees foster ingenuity; they listen, teach, and invest in themselves to grow and develop those who work with them. That is the truest mark of a leader – to heed the calling not only to reach for excellence on your own but to have the desire and ability to create opportunities for others to thrive.
Announcing our new Associates:
Thor Harland, AIA, Associate / Lead Architectural Designer
Thor has created a significant impact on the design narrative at HBG Design. Inspired design is at the heart of our purpose; Thor embodies this ethos with a depth that resonates. Thor's distinctive, lyrical approach to design serves as a pivotal force. His work embodies elegance and simplicity; it is fluid and graceful, rich in concept, and steeped in contextual relationships that evoke a sense of place. Thor communicates design by telling visual stories, helping clients embrace the vision behind the design through artfully nuanced drawings and conceptual diagrams. He doesn't merely present design, he encapsulates a thoughtful dialogue that resonates with both architects and clients alike.
Wielding vision, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to advancing HBG’s position as an industry leader, Thor’s passion for design, spanning architecture to interiors, injects a holistic perspective into every project. What distinguishes him most is his ability to navigate beyond design constraints, composing solutions that are not only cost-effective but remain true to the overarching vision. Thor has been promoted to Associate at HBG Design. Congratulations, Thor!
Nathan Blair, AIA, Associate / Lead Architectural Designer
An integral part of our success, Nathan is expanding horizons in our San Diego office. Bringing people together while demonstrating an unwavering passion for design execution are Nathan’s superpowers. He’s helped transcend the miles between teams in different office locations by aligning everyone together and uniting our project teams across the continent.
Under pressure, he's the embodiment of professionalism and leads teams with contagious positivity. His influence doesn't stop at the end of the workday; Nathan represents HBG at local business and design community events participating in after-hours gatherings supporting The Downtown San Diego Partnership and Friends of San Diego Architecture. Nathan has been promoted to Associate at HBG Design. Cheers to Nathan's Achievements!
Tava Frazier, IIDA, NCIDQ, LEED AP, Associate / Interior Designer
Tava Frazier has been promoted to Associate at HBG Design. She’s not only a highly skilled leader, but she has an extraordinary ability to adapt to a variety of project roles and responsibilities quickly. She has a gift to see beyond the strict definition of a project role, and adjust her focus on what the project needs to be successful. One moment, Tava may be an Interior Design Project Architect, who takes the reins and leads as the project manager. Or, her role might be Interior Design Project Manager, who also juggles the responsibilities of a project architect.
Without exception, Tava always brings exceptional efficiency and commitment to her projects. A dedicated mentor, Tava advocates for those she sponsors, seeking out opportunities for junior staff to learn new skills, build deep industry knowledge, and shape an immersive career experience at HBG. Congratulations, Tava!
Morgan Streitmatter, Associate / Human Resources Manager and Memphis Office Manager
Morgan is the epitome of designing a career experience, showcasing versatility and excellence in diverse facets of operations, office management, and communications. Morgan's career journey has touched various aspects of our operations, and her impact has been transformative. As the senior member of our Office Management team, Morgan played a pivotal role in creating a unified "One HBG" office structure. Her dedication led to the implementation of consistent operating procedures and standards across all three nationwide HBG locations.
Morgan's shining moments come to life in her role as Human Resources Manager. Her business acumen and steadfast work ethic have not only helped foster a more positive work environment, but her empathetic leadership has also elevated each employee’s experience with Human Resources. Morgan's journey from being a part of the team to leading it is nothing short of inspiring. Her dedication, strategic vision, and commitment to excellence have propelled her into a leadership role where she continues to make a profound impact on our organization. Congratulations, Morgan!
Announcing our new Senior Associates:
Ferran Espin, AIA, NCARB, Senior Associate / Project Architect
As a Project Architect at HBG Design, Ferran leads many of the firm’s largest and most complex entertainment and hospitality projects. He conveys intricate concepts straightforwardly, instantly instilling confidence among his peers, clients, and consultant/contractor teams. Ferran has exceptional character and has earned the trust and attention of HBG clients due to his direct, composed communication and his prolific technical acumen. He is a driving force behind the delivery of recent large-scale HBG projects.
Ferran exemplifies project and people leadership at HBG. He has a flair for making personal connections and is a passionate, committed advocate for the growth of his team members. As a trusted mentor, Ferran is always seeking to educate and inspire others with wisdom imparted in a direct and soothing communication style. Congratulations, Ferran!
Dana Ramsey, CPSM, Senior Associate / Director of Marketing
With 10 national SMPS Marketing Communication Awards and 2 regional ADDY Awards under her belt, Dana contributes her 25 years of marketing and communication experience, insight, and creativity to HBG. Her strategic thinking and talent for creating compelling content and messaging have made a lasting impact on the firm.
Dana is infinitely curious and instigates meaningful change, perpetually seeking ways that add value to HBG’s processes. An intuitive, empathetic listener, her 18-year journey at HBG has been marked by an intense spirit of teamwork and collaboration as she guides the marketing team in the creation of high-impact promotional campaigns and effective project pursuit messaging. Congratulations, Dana!
Jeff Phipps, Senior Associate / IT Director
Jeff Phipps began his journey at HBG supporting a single office. Today, he's the backbone of three thriving offices nationwide, supporting over 100 team members. His leadership across all aspects of IT influences everyone and everything at HBG - from hardware to software, connectivity to cybersecurity. He's not just a troubleshooter; he's a strategic thinker, meticulously planning budgets, maintaining equipment, and ensuring our technology and infrastructure advance and are seamlessly integrated into our workflow.
Sometimes IT can seem like a never-ending rollercoaster, but Jeff maintains his signature calm, positive and helpful attitude every day. He’s our IT symphony leader, ensuring every HBG employee has the tools they need to excel in their own role. Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Jeff is how he leads through service and support. He embodies the spirit of HBG – thriving on collaboration, innovation, and unwavering support for the collective HBG team.
We are so proud of this group and the entire team of HBG next-generation leaders who continue to raise the bar and move the firm to new heights.
Nathan Peak, AIA, LEED GA
Practice Leader
HBG Design
Carpenter Art Garden, HBG, Collaborators Create Neighborhood Impact
Carpenter Art Garden and Local Collaborators Transform Binghampton Lot in Memphis into The Tillman Sculpture Park, an Artistic Urban Greenspace
Memphis, TN - Carpenter Art Garden, and a team of local artists and residents, HBG Design architects, landscape designer Greg Touliatos, and Montgomery Martin contractors, are working together to revitalize urban greenspace in Memphis' Binghampton neighborhood as the vibrant, new Tillman Sculpture Park. The greenspace will be located at the corner of Princeton and Tillman. It is just one block away from Sam Cooper Blvd. and next to the Collage Dance Center. The park will transform a neglected lot--previously obtained by Carpenter Art Garden. It will be a creative and family-friendly space to bring a sense of artistic pride to the neighborhood.
“When complete in the spring of 2024, the park will come alive with winding paths, colorful blooms, unique handmade art sculptures, and an intricate mosaic art tile wall,” says Jazmin Miller, Executive Director of the Carpenter Art Garden, “all crafted by a committed volunteer team of local artists, students, designers, contractors, landscaping volunteers, and Binghampton residents.”
About the new Tillman Sculpture Park
The Tillman Sculpture Park is envisioned as a community-driven public art project: a space, a statement, and an environmental symbol of neighborhood growth.
The project directly resonates with the Carpenter Art Garden's mission of growing young creatives through art education, intervention, and therapy programs, while creating an inhabitable space that negates blight, while birthing creativity and culture.
Design and Construction Collaborators
HBG Design architects, Greg Touliatos Landscape Design, and Montgomery Martin Contractors have joined forces to complete the Tillman Sculpture Garden project, providing design and construction services and materials. Montgomery Martin has been integral in several Carpenter Art Garden projects including the Mosaic Park and its ‘Welcome to Binghampton’ sign.
HBG Design Principal Danny Valle, AIA, has played a key role in leading HBG's design and landscaping volunteers for the Tillman park project through the firm's Kirk Bobo Creating Impact Initiative (KBCI). HBG's KBCI program stems from the ongoing philanthropic advocacy of firm co-founder Kirk Bobo, a proponent of channeling HBG’s specialized skills for the betterment of Memphis.
“HBG Design believes in building a better and stronger Memphis by creating uplifting and inspiring places and spaces,” says Valle. “The Tillman Sculpture Garden project is one example of how beautification projects sponsored by our KBCI program can strengthen neighborhoods and create a more vibrant, livable city.”
The first step in creating the Tillman Sculpture Park was designing a sustainable site plan and landscape design by HBG Design and Greg Touliatos that could be easily constructed on a small budget with mostly volunteer labor. Montgomery Martin prepared the overgrown site and constructed the concrete path and retaining wall designs. On December 1, a group of 30 volunteers from all organizations came out to implement the landscape design by laying mulch, soil, and sod, and planting bushes around the curving sidewalks before the winter season begins.
“The art and the color will emerge in the spring during the project’s next phase,” says Miller, “adding an even greater metaphorical sense of reawakening, of the site and this meaningful project.”
Art Installations by The Mosaic Arts Apprenticeship Program
Art sculptures, to be placed on cement podiums throughout the park, are being created through the Mosaic Arts Apprenticeship Program at Carpenter Art Garden. under the tutelage of professional artist Suzy Hendricks and professional artist and University of Memphis sculpture professor, Kelsey Harrison. The Mosaic Arts Apprenticeship Program offers Binghampton neighborhood middle and high school students apprenticeship opportunities in mosaic design and construction. Students learn the profession, explore specific ways to approach design, and then begin creating their works of art. In addition to learning a creative skill, students also explore the business aspects of a creative career. The objective is to bolster college and career readiness regardless of their chosen field. Additionally, Binghampton teens and residents will be assisting in making art tiles that will be installed over the curving retaining walls. Art collaborators will also include Art Garden youth and University of Memphis art students.
Project Funding
The project brings together community stakeholders across institutions, sectors, and neighborhoods in a significant collaboration. This project is made possible by the following funders: the Kresge Foundation, HBG Design (in kind), Greg Touliatos (in-kind), Montgomery Martin (in kind), Urban Arts Commission, Moms Demand Action, Everytown, The Little Garden Club of Memphis, and Tennessee Art Commission.
The Binghampton Historical Site
Binghampton's geographical history began as a small town outside of the city of Memphis. Immersed in farmland and railroads, Binghampton resided south of the Pope Cotton Plantation. According to the 1900 U.S. Census, the neighborhood reflects early inhabitants of various backgrounds. More specifically, a Black collective of citizens who worked predominantly on farms and railroads.
We believe that from the complexities of history, a blossom of arts and culture emerged and continues to manifest on the landscapes of Binghampton and throughout the city. Through the birth of Tillman Sculpture Park, Carpenter Art Garden hopes to uncover more of Binghampton’s geographical and anthropological history as we pay homage to joy, wonder, and our creative identity as a neighborhood.
Future Project Phases
The Tillman Sculpture Park project will be phased over four cycles. Future generations of Carpenter Art Garden mosaic students will add to the “Art Garden” for community participation over time.
“We believe it is important for more groups of students to have access to such an incredible real-world collaborative public art project,” adds Miller. “In this way, we are creating a laboratory to home-grow site-specific public artists who are trained in cross-disciplinary collaboration and community-based work. We will also be able to draw on alumni from each group to take leadership roles in future building rounds on the site.”
HBG Design Careers: Why We Stand Out Among the Competition.
It's time to elevate your design career. HBG Design is hiring for several design and project management positions across our Memphis, San Diego, and Dallas offices.
Discover the top reasons why our firm excels in providing exceptional leadership, professional growth, vibrant workplace culture, industry-leading benefits, and rewarding hospitality, entertainment and mixed-use projects.
Here are the Top 7 Reasons HBG Design Stands Out Among the Competition:
1. Design Career Advancement Opportunities.
HBG Design’s plan for ensuring the longevity of our firm includes identifying and elevating the talent already in place at HBG Design while guiding our next generation of leaders. Take for example, Kevin, Alexandra, and Chris. Our proactive approach to succession planning celebrates and recognizes excellence in leadership across all aspects of the firm, both on the project and corporate side of the business. Consider the fact that the average length of service of HBG Principals, Senior Associates, and Associates is 15 years. That’s pretty strong evidence of HBG's long-term commitment to developing strong employees and future leaders.
2. Exceptional Leadership.
At HBG Design, we believe that exceptional and inspiring leadership is the key to a flourishing workplace. Joe is a great example of this. So is Emily. HBG Design’s leadership team is dedicated to guiding motivated, proactive employees towards success, helping each staff member reach career fulfillment at the highest level. HBG Design fosters a high-performance culture where everyone is challenged to stretch themselves, understand and exceed expectations, and impart leadership in their everyday experiences.
“It’s always been at the core of our firm values to challenge each other to excel beyond what we think we can achieve. We like to say, ‘your path here is what you make of it’, and we aim to empower staff to design their career experience around their strengths and passions. That’s key to our culture; and I think it’s a big reason why we’ve come so far as a company,” says Nathan Peak, AIA, LEED GA, HBG Design Practice Leader.
3. Professional Development Commitment.
We’re serious about providing the good things that make our employees, and our firm, grow stronger - from helping our staff become better leaders, to initiating robust training curriculums, to finding the latest interactive technologies that help us work smarter. Our fully developed Sponsor Program is crafted to empower our team members to design their own unique career experiences. HBG is consistently honored as an Emerging Professionals Friendly Firm, championing the development of our EP Studio for both emerging interior designers and architects at the firm. Additionally, our leadership hosts firm-wide design-focused forums, morning Coffee Critiques at the crit wall, and activities to maintain a continuous inspirational buzz around the office, while inviting open and meaningful exchanges of ideas and maintaining top-of-mind focus on design excellence.
4. Vibrant Workplace Culture.
HBG Design culture supports and promotes a healthy, flexible, and fun work environment. In each of our Memphis, San Diego and Dallas office locations, we coordinate and host several key events and activities that give every employee the opportunity to interact with their “HBG Design family” inside and outside of working hours. From monthly HBGathers parties, organized community giving events through our Kirk Bobo Creating Impact Grant initiative, painting parties to kick-ball and indoor soccer teams, group nights at new restaurants, to family-centered outings - we believe supporting our community and exploring a variety of outside activities together helps make us a stronger, more dynamic organization.
5. Challenging and Fulfilling Projects.
We love what we do and so does the industry. HBG Design has consistently been ranked among the Top 5 Hospitality and Entertainment Design firms in the Nation by publications such as Hotel Business Magazine and Building Design+Construction. The firm’s 100 architects, interior designers, and project delivery professionals over our three offices are industry specialists who guide our approach to innovation and best practices in every programmatic hospitality, entertainment, and mixed-use design element--from the hotel to the gaming floor, spa, outdoor pool experiences, F&B venues, and event spaces. Our open studios naturally promote engagement and idea sharing and put senior staff in the midst of the design environment where they can teach best practices and impart knowledge to junior staff. Straight from one employee:
“HBG is a family of people who come together — some with a lot of experience and some with less experience; we collaborate, mentor, draw, and share ideas as we contribute our unique talents to the firm’s high-quality, high-caliber design projects.”
6. Industry-Leading Compensation and Benefits.
To encourage a healthy work/life blend across the firm, we offer a well-rounded benefits plan, year-round flexible hours for all employees, and a variety of programs designed to support the important blend between life, health, work, and play. HBG offers a flexible work week, industry-leading paid time off and holidays, a discretionary bonus plan, licensure/certification exam reimbursement, professional membership reimbursement, and more. The firm’s extensive benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, flexible spending account, 401k plan, and an employee assistance program. HBG Design has been lauded for its business approach and commitment to employee growth and development, winning 10+ ‘Top Workplace’, ‘Best Place to Work’ and ‘Hot Firm’ Awards, and four national awards for operations management and employee engagement.
7. Rewarding Outstanding Accomplishments.
HBG’s greatest strength is our people, those that drive both the creative and the business sides of our firm. We encourage a self-motivated spirit. Rewarding talented members of our team who have dedicated themselves to their and the firm’s success is an important aspect of our culture. We take pride in acknowledging the exceptional work of our employees. Through industry-wide recognition and our own internal awards, we celebrate your achievements and ensure your efforts are recognized.
So, what do our employees have to say about us?
Annually, our company conducts an all-encompassing employee engagement survey, offering vital insights that shape HBG Design's people-centered strategies. Here are select excerpts reflecting our employees' experiences at HBG Design: 
If you have been yearning for a change that addresses these factors head-on, then now is the time to join our extraordinary team.
Apply today for our open architecture positions and embark on a fulfilling career journey at HBG Design!
Visit our Design Career Page!
Hospitality Design Giants: HBG Design Shines
Ranked among the Top 5 Hospitality Design Giants in the Nation by Building Design+Construction, HBG Design continues to soar.
With a record-breaking 552 AEC firms contributing data to BD+C's 2023 Giants 400 Report, our spot in the prestigious list showcases our unwavering commitment to excellence in the realm of hospitality design.
Over the years, we've steadily ascended the ranks of the Top 10 Hospitality Design Giants, going from #7 in 2020 to an impressive #5 in 2023. Our journey signifies our remarkable history and consistent success.
A History of Excellence
Founded in 1979, HBG Design has remained a premier hospitality design firm. Our team, comprising more than 100 professionals specializing in architecture and interior design, excels in creating exceptional hotel designs, resorts, and gaming and entertainment venues.
We've contributed to over 30,000 hotel rooms and have developed more than 35 million square feet of gaming and entertainment spaces, food and beverage establishments, hotels, conference facilities, event spaces, and retail areas in the last two decades. Our enduring influence underscores our commitment to setting industry standards in hospitality design.
Exploring Recent Projects
Our most recent work consists of a diverse array of unique hospitality design experiences, with each one showcasing our ability to seamlessly blend creativity with functionality.
Located in South-Central Oklahoma, this 16-story, 304-key Spa Tower radiates contemporary elegance and invites guests to a 230,000 square foot realm of tranquility and indulgence.
Spanning over 5 ½ acres, this meticulously designed pool complex offers a variety of pools, private cabanas, and amenities for relaxation and entertainment.
This 23-story glass hotel stands as a testament to the Pokagon Tribe's rich heritage. The 317-key hotel, 82-suite hotel, Cedar Spa, and conference and events expansion celebrate culture and the natural elements of native lands.
Designed in Memphis, Tennessee, this upscale Caption by Hyatt hotel offers a dynamic hospitality experience with a neighborhood feel, reflecting the spirit of the community.
Our consistent presence on the Building Design+Construction Giants 400 list is not just a reflection of our past success but a promise of what lies ahead. Our commitment to delivering excellence in hospitality design remains unwavering.
Design Thinking: Resort Experiences for the Group Traveler
6 Best Practices for the Design of conference event amenities influenced by the preferences of meeting planners, and the attendees they represent.
Designing Experiences for the Group Traveler, By HBG Design, with insights from Conference & Meeting Planner, Grace L. Jan, CMP, CAE, Director, Sales Operations and Corporate Events, Supernus Pharmaceuticals. Jan is a Maryland-based conferences and meetings planner with 35 years in corporate events.
At HBG, we are designing experiences that extend the group traveler's resort journey beyond the conference/event center.
Multi-purpose convention, conference and performance event amenities have become important economic drivers for resort Owners looking to round out their revenue generating opportunities. After years of remote work and employee separation, businesses are starting to find ways to bring their employees together, and regional resorts can offer fun and convenient locations to host business gatherings and meetings. At HBG, our event amenity designs for the group traveler have garnered national recognition as being well-designed, exciting, and flexible spaces that are also operationally and financially successful.
After we successfully completed the stunning designs of the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Orlando, FL, and the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in Grapevine, TX, HBG Design adopted our guest-focused design philosophy. We create event amenities that cater to the needs of both meeting attendees and planners, focusing on seamless accessibility and easy navigation to a diverse range of revenue-generating experiences.
When it comes to hosting successful events of all sizes, the design of multi-purpose resort spaces that can "multi-task" between business and leisure resort guests is paramount. Group travelers typically visit resorts during mid-week for conferences, trade shows, and meetings. They want services and spaces that support networking, relationship-building, learning, entertainment, and relaxation, requiring a variety of amenity options and wayfinding clarity to allow the group traveler's experience to extend beyond the conference and event center.
When it comes to choosing a conference event resort for their attendees, meeting planners have specific preferences and “must-haves” on their checklists. These insights can help resort Owners and designers target experiences that resonate with event guests:
1. High-quality service and convenience.
Regardless of the age of the hotel, delivering exceptional service is crucial. The first impressions made by bellmen and front desk staff significantly impact attendees' experiences.
To aid service and guest convenience, many newer properties are facilitating faster check-ins through technology such as their hotel apps, allowing guests to use their smartphones as room keys. This streamlined process enhances efficiency and improves guests' overall experience. In-room iPads to help enhance on-demand service from the resort is also an important feature, as seen at Oaklawn Racing and Gaming Resort, Hot Springs, Arkansas (images at left and right).
2. Ease of wayfinding access between the hotel and the event amenities is a priority.
HBG designers often plan our clients' resorts so that the hotel elevator lobby is located at the central point between each amenity element, making use of horizontal and vertical circulation. For example, at Four Winds Casino Hotel and Spa in South Bend, Indiana, HBG designers situated the main elevator lobby between the hotel registration desk and the main escalator access to the Ribbon Town Conference and Event Center. The elevator also takes group travelers directly to the second level event pre-function lounge, and continues upward to the third floor hospitality suites and the hotel's Edgewater Café bar and restaurant. This third level was planned and designed as break-out reception and gathering space in support of the resort's event activities.
3. Approachable comfort and luxury.
To ensure the comfort of group travelers, guestroom designs should prioritize approachable luxury, offering a variety of room layouts, selections and premium amenities, including quality bedding, toiletries, and luxuriously appointed bathrooms. Features like choices of pillow types, and complimentary robes and bottles of water in guestrooms go a long way in enhancing comfort.
4. Functional meeting spaces and audio-visual technology
To attract and retain repeat meeting planner business, your event amenities must offer well-designed, flexible meeting spaces of diverse sizes and configurations to cater to a range of meeting needs. Outdoor landscaped event patios, terraces or lawns also offer distinct areas for gathering, weather permitting.
The Ribbon Town Conference and Event Center at Four Winds South Bend has strategically utilized the entire second floor to cater to both informal and formal gatherings. This includes areas for networking before events, with seating groups, two bars and an outdoor terrace, as well as designated spaces for formal meetings. To allow for flexibility and accommodate multiple groups, the smaller meeting rooms are located at the opposite end of the conference and event center from the main 10,000 SF ballroom. Additionally, the ballroom can be divided to create smaller meeting room spaces when needed. The planning and design of all areas have been well thought out with integrated A/V technology to enhance the space's suitability for high-end conferences and events.
Establishing a strong partnership with a resort's in-house AV is essential for meeting planners. Offering reasonable prices for audio-visual services and packages will make a resort stand out to obtain more group business. Additionally, addressing the basic need for complimentary Wi-Fi for all guests and groups will differentiate a resort and boost its appeal for group bookings. By organizing focus groups with experienced meeting planners, resorts can gather valuable insights on necessary improvements in service and for upcoming renovations or new build projects.
5. Enhanced food options.
Resorts are focusing on offering better food options in their outlets, catering to attendees' varying dietary preferences and needs for grab and go snacks, bars and lounges for informal F&B centered meetings, and higher end F&B for both intimate and group dining. Additionally, coffee break and break-out areas are crucial in providing attendees with private spaces for networking and respite between sessions. This helps create a more inclusive environment and enhances the overall satisfaction of meeting attendees.
The group traveler to Oaklawn Racing and Gaming in Hot Springs, Arkansas, can partake from a number of restaurant offerings within reach of the event space--from the food court concourse, to the high end Bugler restaurant and First Turn bar, and The OAK Room and Bar. Oaklawn, with its unique dining offerings, makes for a unique conference and meeting location due to its 100+ year history of thoroughbred racing, an upscale design with convenience on a walkable scale, and views to the racetrack and Hot Springs' beautiful landscape beyond.
6. Mindfulness and well-being amenities.
As more guests incorporate mindfulness into their lives, a resort’s event amenities must adapt by providing different spa offerings and promoting spaces for relaxation. On-site spas can provide much-needed relaxation experiences after long days of sessions and networking events. Features like healthy menus, spas and fitness classes, and even in-room yoga mats or Peloton bikes offer a touch of home while traveling. Oaklawn's Astral Spa and Four Winds South Bend's Cedar Spa are both luxuriously designed spas near to the conference/event center and hotel amenities of each resort, offering full spa services and relaxing aqua thermal and lounge spaces.
Understanding the top amenities desired by meeting planners and attendees is essential for both new resorts and established properties looking to attract and retain business. Resorts can secure a competitive edge in the convention/conferences/meetings market by prioritizing excellent service, well-designed meeting spaces, competitive AV services, and catering to emerging trends. By doing so, they can create a memorable experience for meeting attendees, encourage repeat visits, and foster a desire to recommend the resort to others, including other meeting planners.
Represented projects include:
The Event Center at Oaklawn Racing and Gaming Resort, Hot Springs, Arkansas, Photography © Dero Sanford/Think Dero Photography
Ribbon Town Conference and Event Center at Four Winds Casino Hotel and Spa, South Bend, Indiana, Photography © Dero Sanford/Think Dero Photography
The Guest House at Graceland Resort Conference and Event Center, Memphis, Tennessee, Photography © Jeffrey Jacobs Photography
The Conference and Event Center at Sycuan Casino Resort, El Cajon, California, Photography © Chad Mellon Photography