Hospitality Design Trends for 2025
HBG Design Thinking: From Sustainable Innovations to Immersive Guest Experiences
As the hospitality industry gears up for 2025, the landscape continues to shift in response to economic, cultural, and technological forces. Insights from recent conferences such as The Lodging Conference, BDNY, and HD Expo provide a roadmap for what’s next in hospitality design. From sustainable innovations to immersive guest experiences, the trends shaping the future align closely with HBG Design’s mission to craft inspired and transformative spaces.
Here’s what to expect in 2025 and how these trends will impact hospitality projects.
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Sustainability as a Core Value
HD Expo 2024 Show Floor
Sustainability is no longer optional—it’s integral to the guest experience and the development process. Hotels are weaving sustainable practices into their brand narratives, using them as a competitive advantage.
Key Takeaways:
- Material Choices: Expect an emphasis on eco-friendly materials, such as rattan, rich wood tones, and recycled metals.
- Operational Practices: Digital keys, water refill stations, and large-format amenities reduce waste and align with consumer expectations.
- Circular Design: Designers are scrutinizing supply chains to reduce carbon footprints, inspired by innovations like Styrofoam-free casegoods and eco-conscious packaging.
HBG Design’s approach prioritizes solutions that enhance both operational efficiency and environmental stewardship – focusing on product longevity and sustainably made products, creating spaces that resonate with eco-conscious travelers.
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Wellness and Well-Being Take Center Stage
The wellness economy continues to flourish, influencing everything from luxury spa design to guestroom amenities. Wellness isn’t just a trend—it’s a fundamental expectation.
Key Takeaways:
- Holistic Offerings: Wellness extends beyond spas. Guests seek spaces that nourish mind and body, from sound baths to in-room wellness features like sleep-enhancing technologies.
- Luxury Wellness: Hotels like Six Senses are redefining luxury by integrating sleep science, spiritual well-being, and sustainable design into the guest journey.
- Flexible Programming: Spaces designed for multi-use programming—yoga classes by day and stargazing at night—offer unique experiences while maximizing ROI.
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Technology: Enhancing, Not Replacing, the Human Touch
Guest rooms and suites at Oaklawn Resort, Hot Springs, feature in-room tablets as digital concierges, offering seamless access to dining, promotions, events, and more.
As artificial intelligence and automation advance, successful hospitality design will balance technology with human-centered experiences.
Key Takeaways:
- AI-Powered Guest Experiences: From personalized room preferences to virtual concierge services, AI adds convenience while preserving the essence of hospitality.
- Connected Spaces: Smart room technology enhances intuitive design, providing guests with seamless control over lighting, climate, and entertainment.
- Community Connection: Digital platforms are enabling guests to engage with one another, enhancing the sense of belonging and discovery.
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Elevated Design: Nostalgia Meets Modern Luxury
Design trends are leaning into warm palettes, nostalgic textures, and tactile materials, creating spaces that feel both luxurious and welcoming.
Key Takeaways:
- Color Trends: Deep plums, cranberry reds, olive greens, and butterscotch tones evoke a cozy, grounded atmosphere.
- Biophilia and Texture: Rich biophilic elements and layered textures add visual and sensory depth.
- Experiential Elements: Thoughtful design moments—like curated art installations or locally inspired storytelling—leave lasting impressions on guests.
HBG Design excels at blending these elements into cohesive narratives that connect deeply with guests and reflect the property’s location and brand identity.
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The Rise of Lifestyle and Extended-Stay Models
The Hadsten Solvang, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, blends a “vineyard vibe” with vintage Danish charm, the design reflects the rich heritage of Solvang and the allure of its wine-country surroundings.
Increased demand for lifestyle boutique hotels and extended-stay options is reshaping the market, driven by the need for flexible, experience-rich accommodations.
Key Takeaways:
- Lifestyle Hotels: Brands like Moxy and Virgin focus on curated experiences, from local art displays to intimate dining.
- Extended Stay: Accommodations catering to 30-, 60-, or 90-day stays provide opportunities for innovative design that bridges home and hospitality.
- Personalization: These models emphasize creating environments that feel unique and personal, offering a sense of discovery with every stay.
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Storytelling: Creating Emotional Connections
The art of storytelling is redefining hospitality. Guests crave narratives that shape every aspect of their journey, from booking to departure.
Key Takeaways:
- Unique Branding: Fictional personas or cultural references—create memorable, cohesive brand stories.
- Local Integration: Leveraging neighborhood influences, such as street art or regional culinary themes, creates authentic connections.
- Consistent Messaging: Every touchpoint, from architecture to amenities, must reinforce the story and immerse guests in the experience.
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Looking Ahead: Opportunities for 2025
The year ahead promises growth, innovation, and creativity in hospitality design. HBG Design remains committed to staying at the forefront of these trends, helping clients achieve their vision while crafting spaces that inspire and endure.
By combining sustainable practices, cutting-edge technology, and emotionally resonant storytelling, we create destinations that not only meet guest expectations but exceed them—ensuring properties thrive in an ever-evolving market.
Let’s start the conversation about how these trends can elevate your next project. Reach out to our team at HBG Design to explore the possibilities.
Astral Spa at Oaklawn Racing Resort Featured in 'Spa Business' Magazine
See full article in Spa Business Magazine
Interior Design by HBG Design.
Astral Spa inspired by Roaring 20s opens in historic Hot Springs National Park
21 APR 2022 . BY MEGAN WHITBY
Celebrated as one of America’s most popular spa destinations, Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas has gained a new spa and wellness destination.
The new 8,000 sq ft Astral Spa has opened at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort and has been designed with a nostalgic ambience inspired by the city’s past and Oaklawn’s history of thoroughbred horse racing.
Hot Springs National Park is known for its 47 natural thermal springs and history of bathing, showcased by Bathhouse Row, a high street turned tourist hotspot with eight original bathhouses from the 19th- and 20th-centuries.
“Our vision was to create a unique spa experience that regional guests have never seen before,” says Oaklawn president Louis Cella, whose family has owned and operated the resort for over 100 years. “With multiple amenities, the spa offers a throwback vibe with modern luxury.”
Marrying crisp modern lines with historical overtures, Astral Spa’s design was led by HBG Design and WTS International. Spa consultant and operator WTS International also developed the spa’s treatment menu and is operating the spa.
“Relaxing in the lounges, we want our guests to imagine what Hot Springs was like in the Roaring 20s yet be in contemporary comfort,” adds Cella.
The guest journey begins in a reception area complete with an illuminated quartz crystal wall designed to reference the area’s history of crystal mining.
The spa then splits into separate female and male spas each with distinct parlours, changing rooms and thermal lounges featuring vintage-inspired 360-degree vintage-inspired needle showers.
Both areas are equipped with contrast bathing circuits where guests can cycle through steamrooms, infrared saunas, ice lounges, vitality pools and thermal lounge areas.
Guests can also relax in the open air at either the spa’s new outdoor pool with cabanas or outdoor event lawn.
The offering is rounded out with a 750 sq ft salon and a co-ed lounge with upholstered chaise lounges and a Himalayan salt wall. A fitness center equipped with LifeTime Fitness equipment is also on offer.
“Leading the design of The Astral Spa has been a career highlight, having grown up in a small town about 20 minutes from Oaklawn,” says Landon Shockey, IIDA, NCIDQ, lead interior designer at HBG Design. “I remember touring Bathhouse Row when I was younger and being absolutely intrigued by those grand spa spaces. To be able to return to Hot Springs and work with Louis and Rochelle Cella to create a modern-day bathhouse spa was a dream come true.”
“Thoughtful design, attention to detail and visual sophistication – these are the drivers of today’s experiential luxury, and that’s what the team achieved in the Astral Spa’s design,” says Emily Marshall, IIDA, NCIDQ, principal and interior design director at HBG Design.
“It’s less about opulence and more about wellness and the way a space makes the guest feel, with more authentic, locally-inspired design features and smart design touches.”
Click to see more about Astral Spa at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort.
HBG Design Named AIA TN Emerging Professionals Friendly Firm
We are excited to announce that we have once again been named one of top firms for Emerging Professionals in the state of Tennessee by AIA TN.
The guiding principals for companies to achieve this accolade include:
Foster Value and Retention of EPs
Providing unique firm cultures and benefits to encourage recruitment of EPs
Providing equitable compensation and benefits
Provide strong professional development for EPs
Mentorship
Encouraging and celebrating licensure
Providing EPs with a broad and diverse experiences in firm practice
Committing to and investing in EPs at all phases of their professional development
Promote EP engagement and leadership in the profession and the community
Providing leadership opportunities to EPs
Encouraging EPs to inform firm culture to transform the practice of architecture for the next generation.
Promoting involvement in the AIA and industry, charitable, and community organizations
For more information visit AIA TN
The Commercial Appeal Names HBG Design a Top Workplace for Fifth Year in a Row
The Commercial Appeal has awarded HBG Design a 2019 Top Workplace Honor for the fifth year in a row. The Top Workplaces award is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by research partner, Energage, LLC. The survey measures several aspects of workplace culture, including alignment, values, execution and connection, just to name a few. “HBG is very intentional about promoting our core values across the organization,” said Terri Struminger, Chief Operating Officer of HBG Design. “We have a highly engaged team of talented professionals who inspire creativity and comradery in our daily experiences. The reward and acknowledgement of our strong workplace culture – especially for the fifth year in a row – is a compelling message to our team.”
The Star Luxury Apartments Wins Gold at MHN Excellence Awards
Multi-Housing News and Commercial Property Executive hosted a reception on Thursday evening to honor the winners of the 2019 MHN Excellence Awards and CPE Distinguished Achievement Awards. The event was held at 10 Grand Central in New York City.
Now in its 13th year, the MHN Excellence Awards covered properties and projects in 20 categories. Entries were evaluated by a panel of distinguished senior industry professionals:
- Jamie Gorski, chief marketing officer, The Bozzuto Group
- Julianne Goodfellow, senior director of Government Affairs, NMHC
- Laurence Caudle, principal & director of Housing, Hickok Cole
- Rebecca Rockey, global head of Forecasting, Cushman & Wakefield
- Dave Deslow, managing director, Greystar
ADAPTIVE REUSE
The Star Luxury Apartments in Houston. Image courtesy of Provident Realty AdvisorsGold: The Star Luxury Apartments
- Owner/Developer: Kip Platt, Provident Realty Advisors
- Builder: Provident Realty Advisors Construction
- Architect: HBG Design
- Broker/Sales/Leasing: Lincoln Property Co.
- Financier: Bank of the Ozarks, Houston Housing Finance Corp.
Silver: The Bell Tower at Stanton Park
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- Owner/Developer: Morningstar Community Development
- Builder: MCN Build
- Architect: Cooper Carry
- Broker/Sales/Leasing: Washington Fine Properties
- Financier: Revere Bank
HBG Design Largest Firm in Memphis-Area
Memphis Business Journal
How local architects are redefining Memphis and the metro area
By Jason Bolton – Data Editor, Memphis Business Journal
See Memphis Business Journal Book of Lists
HBG Design Architect Josh Flowers Elevated to Fellow of the American Institute of Architects
HBG Design is proud to announce that architect Josh Flowers, FAIA, General Counsel of HBG Design, has been elevated to Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
A Past President of the AIA Memphis chapter and President-Elect of the AIA Tennessee chapter, Flowers is a passionate advocate and exemplary leader whose level of engagement and contribution to the national architecture industry is largely unmatched. Beyond his executive level work with AIA, Josh has dedicated his service to architecture education and mentorship of young architects, creating collaborative impact in communities across the nation.
“Josh is a rock star in AIA, having held many of the offices at the national, state and local levels and as a 2014 recipient of an AIA Young Architects award,” says Mark Weaver, FAIA, Principal at HBG Design in Memphis, TN, and Past President of AIA Tennessee. “It’s terrific to see Josh’s commitment to the AIA and his focus on advancing careers in architecture being honored so appropriately.”
Flowers, who holds dual licenses in architecture and law, has worked as in-house general counsel at HBG Design for 12 years, helping to maintain firm and client interests. Josh is the fourth AIA Fellow to be elevated from within HBG Design.
“Josh has given so much of himself in leading and engaging the profession on the local, regional and national levels. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of the AIA Fellowship honor for his service to the institute than Josh Flowers,” says Rick Gardner, AIA, Practice Leader and Principal at HBG Design. “I admire his passion for fostering emerging architecture leaders in the industry at large and at HBG Design.”
The 2018 Jury of Fellows from the American Institute of Architects elevated 152 AIA members this year to its prestigious College of Fellows. Out of a total AIA membership of over 90,000, approximately 3 percent of members are recognized as fellows.
The College of Fellows, founded in 1952, is composed of members of the Institute who are elected to Fellowship by a jury of their peers. Fellowship is one of the highest honors the AIA can bestow upon a member. Elevation to Fellowship not only recognizes the achievements of the architect as an individual but also elevates before the public and the profession those architects who have made significant contributions to architecture and to society.
The 2018 Fellows will be honored at an investiture ceremony at the AIA Conference on Architecture 2018 in New York City in June.