HBG Design’s Kalyn Johnson Named Among 2026 Emerging Leaders of Gaming
See article in Global Gaming Business Magazine
HBG Design proudly celebrates Kalyn Johnson, Associate and Lead Interior Designer, for being named to the 2026 Emerging Leaders of Gaming 40 Under 40, an honor recognizing the industry’s brightest rising talent shaping the future of gaming and hospitality.
Kalyn’s decade-long journey at HBG Design is a story of creativity, precision, and leadership. Starting as an intern in 2014, she quickly rose through the ranks—earning recognition for her ability to merge conceptual artistry with technical excellence to create immersive resort environments across the U.S.
Designing Experiences that Resonate
From luxury hotel towers to high-energy entertainment venues, Kalyn’s work exemplifies HBG’s mission to design experiences that delight and inspire. Her recent projects include the $300 million expansion of Michigan’s Gun Lake Casino Resort, transforming it into a four-diamond destination anchored by a 252-key hotel tower and the striking two-story Ogema Suite. Kalyn also helped energize the property’s gaming floor through the Social Bar & Lounge, a vibrant hub for social connection and entertainment.
At WinStar World Casino in Oklahoma, she brought new life to the F&B outlets supporting the Lucas Oil Live event center, and at Four Winds Casino South Bend in Indiana, she crafted a culturally resonant arrival experience that celebrates community and place.
Rooted in Curiosity and Collaboration
Kalyn approaches every project through the lens of the guest journey—imagining how visitors move, feel, and connect throughout their stay.
“Curiosity really drives me,” she shares. “I love listening to clients and hearing directly from their guests, because that feedback helps shape stronger, more thoughtful design solutions.”
That empathy extends to her collaborative process. “True success comes from the collective effort of design leaders, design teams, and clients,” she says. “If a design direction isn’t resonating, it’s an opportunity to listen more deeply and guide the team toward solutions that align with the client’s vision.”
Currently, Kalyn is leading the interior design for the $405 million Ho-Chunk Beloit Casino Resort in Wisconsin, slated to open in 2026—her most ambitious project yet. Partnering with local operators and consultants, she is helping to ensure that every detail feels authentically rooted in Wisconsin’s culture and community.
Mentorship and Leadership
Beyond her design talent, Kalyn is a natural mentor. She credits HBG Principal Deidre Brady and Interior Design Leader Emily Marshall for shaping her approach to leadership, problem-solving, and narrative-driven design.
“I’m energized by the opportunity to grow into a hospitality design role that balances creativity, strategy, and mentorship at a higher level,” she says.
A True Design ‘Unicorn’
A True Design ‘Unicorn’At HBG Design, we’ve long recognized Kalyn’s rare blend of imagination, insight, and empathy—qualities that truly make her, as Global Gaming Business Magazine describes, “a design unicorn.”
Her recognition among the 2026 Emerging Leaders of Gaming 40 Under 40 is not just a personal achievement, but a reflection of the innovation, collaboration, and heart that drive HBG Design’s culture forward.
Congratulations, Kalyn—your leadership and creativity continue to inspire us all.
Chris Wood Named an Emerging Leader of Gaming 40 Under 40
Chris Wood, a lead interior designer and key member of HBG Design, has been honored as an Emerging Leader of Gaming in the prestigious 40 Under 40 program. Organized by The Innovation Group and Global Gaming Business magazine, this recognition celebrates outstanding professionals under the age of 40 who have already left a significant mark on the casino gaming sector. Chris Wood's contributions and leadership exemplify the innovation and excellence driving the industry forward, making him a deserving recipient of this esteemed distinction. Click here to see the full list of nominees.
