HBG Design is proud to announce that three projects from the expansion of Gun Lake Casino Resort were recognized at the ASID Excellence in Design Awards 2026, hosted by the South Central Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers.

The annual competition celebrates outstanding interior design across residential and commercial sectors, honoring projects that demonstrate exceptional creativity, innovation, and impact.

HBG Design’s work received two Gold Awards, one Silver Award, and the competition’s highest commercial design honor — the Ovation Award — recognizing the firm’s continued leadership in hospitality and resort design.

Gold Award & Ovation Award: MnoYé Spa

MnoYé Spa, located within Gun Lake Casino Resort, received Gold in Commercial Design and was further recognized with the competition’s Ovation Award for Best Overall Commercial Design.

Inspired by the restorative power of nature and the spirit of MnoYé—the Potawatomi expression for “living well”—MnoYé Spa is conceived as a tranquil counterpoint to the energy of this resort expansion. Rooted in Michigan’s landscape and the client’s deep connection to the Great Lakes watershed, the design interprets water, land, and light through a contemporary biophilic lens. Warm woods, dimensional stone, bronze-toned metals, and river-inspired hues of aqua and earth brown create a grounded, sensory-rich environment. Subtle waveforms, layered sediment motifs, and sculpted geometries reference flow and continuity without literal symbolism. From arrival to treatment, the spa unfolds as a holistic wellness journey—quiet, immersive, and deeply connected to place—where materiality, light, and water support restoration and balance.

The spa’s thoughtful integration of cultural storytelling and contemporary wellness design creates a memorable guest experience that stood out among all commercial submissions in this year’s competition.

Lead Interior Designer:
Landon Shockey

HBG Design Team:
Nathan Peak, AIA
Paul Bell, AIA
Mike Ochoa, AIA
Emily Marshall, NCIDQ
Nathan Blair, AIA
Paul Towery, RA
Jason Fox
Valerie Gregory
Troy Koler
Matt Dildine

Gold Award: Gun Lake Casino Resort Hotel

The Gun Lake Casino Resort Hotel received Gold in Hospitality Design, recognizing the interiors of the new hotel tower that anchors the resort’s transformation into a premier Midwest destination.

The Gun Lake Resort hotel and spa were designed as a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in Western Michigan, guided by biophilic principles, residential comfort, and a deeply choreographed guest journey. The 15-story tower blends nature-inspired materiality, intuitive technology, and refined craftsmanship to create an emotionally resonant experience from arrival to penthouse. Three atmospheric design concepts—Dappled Light, Serene, and Radiance—draw inspiration from the skies, water, and landscapes of the region, shaping distinct moments throughout the property. Public spaces emphasize decompression and connection to nature, while guestrooms prioritize warmth, livability, and calm. At every scale, the design balances performance and elegance, delivering a sophisticated resort experience that feels rooted in place, culturally respectful, and unmistakably contemporary.

Lead Interior Designers:
Emily Marshall, Kalyn Johnson, Joseph La Vallee

HBG Design Team:
Nathan Peak
Paul Bell
Mike Ochoa
Thor Harland
Ryan Callahan
Nathan Blair
Paul Towery
Jason Fox
Matt Dildine
Troy Koler

Silver Award: Wawyé Oasis

Completing the recognition for the resort expansion, Wawyé Oasis received Silver in Commercial Design. This dynamic pool and recreation venue creates a vibrant indoor resort environment designed for year-round enjoyment.

The Wawyé Oasis was conceived as a transformative interior environment that reimagines the Midwest resort experience. Designed as a year-round tropical atrium, the space seamlessly shifts between serene daytime retreat and high-energy entertainment venue. A six-story glass enclosure floods the interior with natural light while maintaining a controlled, resort-like climate regardless of season. Interior design reinforces this dual identity through flexible zoning, adaptable furnishings, and a material palette inspired by tropical landscapes—terra cotta, aqua, teal, woven textures, and organic forms. Pools, cabanas, and lounges radiate around a central stage, maintaining visual connectivity while supporting varied guest experiences. Acoustic treatments, dynamic lighting, and integrated infrastructure allow the Oasis to effortlessly transition from leisure to spectacle, creating a landmark destination that blends relaxation, performance, and architectural innovation.

Lead Interior Designer:
Landon Shockey

HBG Design Team:
Nathan Peak
Paul Bell
Mike Ochoa
Emily Marshall
Thor Harland
Ryan Callahan
Nathan Blair
Valerie Gregory
Paul Towery
Jason Fox
Matt Dildine
Troy Koler

Collaborative Project Partners

HBG Design recognizes the many talented consultants and partners who contributed to the success of these projects at Gun Lake Casino Resort.

Project Consultants:

  • Structural Engineering: Chavez-Grieves Engineers

  • MEP Engineering: EXP Engineering

  • Civil Engineering: ROWE Professional Services Company

  • Acoustical Engineering: Salter

  • Food Service Design: FSA-Fred Schmid Associates

  • Spa Consultant: Arch Amenities Group / WTS International

  • Vertical Transportation: Lerch Bates

  • Building Envelope: Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates

  • Graphics & Signage: DesignYS

  • Aquatic Consultant: Martin Aquatic

Celebrating Design Excellence

Recognition from the American Society of Interior Designers highlights HBG Design’s commitment to creating hospitality environments that are both visually compelling and operationally successful. From guest rooms and wellness spaces to immersive resort amenities, the firm’s multidisciplinary teams collaborate to design experiences that connect people, place, and culture.

These awards underscore the impact of thoughtful design in shaping destination resorts—and the power of collaboration between HBG Design, our clients, and the talented teams who bring these environments to life.