Five Standout Employee Promotions Announced at HBG

Ensuring Longevity & Celebrating Growth

HBG Design is proud to announce the promotion of four employees to Associate and one to Senior Associate—each exemplifying the firm’s commitment to cultivating leadership from within. These elevations reflect the depth of talent, drive, and creative excellence across our integrated practice.

Our newly promoted Senior Associate, Thor Harland, along with new Associates Lindsay Maggipinto, Megan Collier, Jim Wadlington, and Mark Rojas, represent the strength, diversity, and forward momentum of HBG’s growing team. Together, they embody the creative thinking, technical proficiency, and collaborative spirit that define our contribution to the built environment and enrich our firm culture.

Associates and Senior Associates play a vital role in shaping the future of HBG. They mentor colleagues, advance education and outreach, and support our ongoing efforts to integrate process improvements, innovation, and diverse perspectives into everything we do. Thor, Lindsay, Megan, Jim, and Mark are clear examples of these values in action.

Megan Collier, Associate – San Diego Office

Interior Designer Megan Collier is recognized for her thoughtful leadership, client engagement, and collaborative approach. Her work spans hospitality interiors, construction administration, and design presentations, all supported by a balance of creativity and pragmatism.

Promotion Highlights:

  • Provides patient, supportive mentorship to junior staff and interns, fostering a culture of continuous learning.

  • Builds trust through adaptive communication and strong relationship-building across diverse stakeholder groups.

  • Balances innovation with budget constraints, making strategic choices that lead to high-quality outcomes.

  • Contributes to a positive office environment by sharing insights, helping solve challenges, and organizing interdisciplinary team activities.

Jim Wadlington, Associate – Memphis Office

Jim Wadlington earned his promotion through impressive adaptability, leadership, and operational excellence during a pivotal transition period for the firm.

Promotion Highlights:

  • Quickly mastered company financial operations and a new accounting platform under tight deadlines and high pressure.

  • Built a cohesive, high-performing financial services team within a short period.

  • Improved financial reporting, accelerated month-end processes by 15 days, and strengthened project management support.

  • Demonstrated dependable, transparent leadership—consistently raising standards and earning firm-wide trust.

Lindsay Maggipinto, Associate – Memphis Office

Returning to HBG with expanded expertise, Lindsay Maggipinto made an immediate impact through her technical excellence, leadership, and project ownership.

Promotion Highlights:

  • Brings a unique career trajectory that includes years of experience both inside and outside HBG, enriching her leadership and perspective.

  • Leads complex project tasks with precision, often solving challenges rapidly and efficiently.

  • Mentors junior staff, providing technical guidance and reinforcing strong workplace habits and problem-solving skills.

  • Advocates for thoughtful, balanced design decisions while maintaining clear communication and a composed leadership style.

Mark Rojas, Associate – San Diego Office

Mark Rojas is celebrated for his resilience, technical expertise, and contributions to process innovation within the growing San Diego office.

Promotion Highlights:

  • Demonstrates an ability to navigate complex systems and shifting priorities with resourcefulness and calm.

  • Leads projects while also serving as BIM coordinator and contributing to firm initiatives focused on standards and quality.

  • Improved firm-wide consistency by developing a system for managing building envelope assemblies that streamlined scheduling.

  • Helps shape office culture through strong communication, professionalism, and a steady, positive presence.

Thor Harland, Senior Associate – Memphis Office

Thor Harland is recognized for his leadership, creativity, and holistic approach to design and project delivery.

Promotion Highlights:

  • Provides steady, focused leadership in high-stakes environments, guiding teams through demanding schedules and complex challenges.

  • Strengthens design impact through authentic concept development and strong, clear communication with stakeholders.

  • Mentors junior staff across offices, fostering collaboration, shared learning, and design innovation.

  • Bridges architecture and interiors to ensure cohesive project integration supported by detailed presentations and effective coordination.

by LINDSAY GRAY

A Curated Look at BDNY 2025: Materials, Trends & Designer Insights

Megan and Kristina attend BDNY 2025

Set in the cultural capital of New York City, Boutique Design New York (BDNY) brings together the hospitality industry’s leading voices, brands, and creators. It’s a vibrant convergence of design innovation—where boutique hotel concepts, emerging materials, and experiential environments take center stage. For designers looking to push boundaries, grow their expertise, and tap into what’s next, BDNY continues to be one of the most influential events of the year.

As part of HBG Design’s longstanding tradition of attending BDNY each year, we sent two talented interior designers—Megan Peel from our Memphis office and Kristina Hoang from our San Diego office—to experience the show firsthand. Their insights reveal the trends, materials, and moments shaping the future of hospitality design, and how those discoveries directly elevate HBG’s work for our clients.

 Spotlighting Emerging Trends: A Recap from Megan Peel, Interior Designer (Memphis)

Natural stone as sculptural furniture was an early standout for Megan, who noticed designers applying stone in unexpected ways—wrapping sofa backs, accenting dining chairs, and adding mass and luxury to typically lighter pieces. These approaches signal a shift toward furnishings that feel more permanent, architectural, and artful.

She also saw deep color saturation and color-drenched environments continuing to gain momentum. Many exhibitors reinterpreted vintage or elaborate stylistic elements through rich hues and layered finishes—showcasing how the past can be thoughtfully transformed into the present.

A notable aesthetic direction was the resurgence of East-Asian design influences, appearing in carpet patterns, screens, and subtle architectural accents. Complementing these quieter palettes were natural textures inspired by water, reflected in rippled metals and glass incorporated into ceiling panels, headboards, partitions, and tables.

For Megan, BDNY served as more than a trend-spotting opportunity—it was a relationship-building experience with real project impact. Designers were able to walk the show with a potential HBG client, gaining early insight into their aesthetic preferences and material expectations while meeting vendors who could support future project needs. The show also reinforced the power of storytelling and how physical materials can center the guest experience in unexpected ways.

Design Evolution & Elevated Detailing: A Recap from Kristina Hoang, Interior Designer (San Diego)

Kristina observed that the curved forms trending in recent years have evolved into a more refined, contemporary language. Exhibitors showcased cleaner detailing, more intentional craftsmanship, and unique ways of expressing organic shapes—making these silhouettes feel sophisticated and fresh.

Across material palettes, she noted a noticeable pivot toward richer, more vibrant earth tones. Instead of the muted desert colors popular in past years, designers embraced mossy greens, deep plums, caramels, woven textiles, and exaggerated pattern scales. The overall direction was tactile, bold, and layered.

While exploring furniture, lighting, and art curation, Kristina found multiple moments of inspiration that will help infuse that same energy into HBG’s hotel and resort projects.

How BDNY Strengthens HBG’s Design Leadership

As both Megan and Kristina shared, BDNY offers powerful advantages for our project teams and our clients:

  • Early access to the products, materials, and ideas shaping the next era of hospitality
  • Direct connection with manufacturers and vendors, strengthening the sourcing and specification process
  • Unique opportunities to walk the show with clients, gaining real-time insights into their preferences
  • Inspiration that fuels fresh, guest-centered design solutions

BDNY continues to push the industry forward—and HBG’s designers return each year with renewed energy, deeper knowledge, and a stronger network of partners to support exceptional hospitality environments.

by LINDSAY GRAY

“Future Unfolding”: HBG Emerging Professionals Reflect on NOMA 2025 Insights

HBG Design’s emerging professionals explore the power of connection, mentorship, and inclusive design at the 2025 NOMA Conference in Kansas City.

HBG Design’s young architectural professionals, Carmen Fluellen and Joshua Yarbrough, recently attended the 2025 National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. This year’s theme, “Future Unfolding,” challenged attendees to reimagine an equitable and inclusive future for the built environment—one rooted in care, collaboration, and community impact.

Designing With, Not For: Building Trust Through Collaboration

Reflecting on the experience, Carmen Fluellen noted that two ideas stood out most:

“The networkability of the conference was incredible—professionals across disciplines and experience levels were genuinely welcoming and curious about each other’s work. And the recurring theme of ‘designing with, not for’ resonated deeply. Speakers emphasized the importance of building trust through hands-on collaboration in planning, programming, and feasibility studies—truly partnering with clients and communities to co-create meaningful solutions.”

Carmen, who has been involved with NOMA since 2015, continues to stay active in the local Memphis chapter and currently serves as Social Media Chair.

“Our next chapter meeting will be held on November 18 at 6:30 p.m. at Aaron Patrick Architects in Clark Tower,” he shared. “It’s open to everyone—designers, students, and anyone interested in building community through design.”

Exploring Ideas and Innovation

Among the conference’s many inspiring sessions, Joshua and Carmen were struck by the variety of topics that bridged design, technology, and social impact.

A highlight for both was the keynote by Dr. Ruha Benjamin, who explored the intersection of artificial intelligence and the human experience in design.

“We often assume technology is in the driver’s seat, but humans are missing,” Benjamin said. “The desire and ideology that we as humans possess is what’s missing behind these newer technologies.”

Her talk urged attendees to question who truly owns the future—and how designers can guide that future with empathy, awareness, and responsibility.

Technology, Creativity, and Sustainability in Tandem

Fluellen was particularly inspired by a hybrid steel-timber gravity structural system that offers lightweight installation and adaptability for future redesigns. He also noted the creative use of color and form as cost-effective ways to elevate design expression—proof that innovation doesn’t always require high budgets.

Meaningful Engagement Beyond the Checklist

Several sessions focused on design equity, cultural storytelling, and authentic community engagement. One takeaway that struck Fluellen was a warning against becoming a “check-the-box architect.”

“Every requirement on a checklist impacts someone’s experience—owners, end users, or the surrounding community. Community engagement isn’t about what we can give to the community, but about understanding what the community feels it’s missing,” he shared. “That connection leads to more inclusive, lasting design outcomes.”

Speakers shared examples of projects that used cultural storytelling to revive neighborhoods, combat gentrification, and increase productivity in educational and workplace settings.

The Power of Representation and Mentorship

The NOMA Conference is one of the most diverse professional events in the design industry, bringing together over 1,500 architects, designers, and 500 students from across the country. Both Carmen and Joshua found that sense of belonging and collaboration especially powerful.

Joshua, who has been involved with NOMA since 2019, previously served as the organization’s Student Liaison for four years and helped restart the NOMAS Student Chapter at the University of Memphis in 2023–2024.

“The conference was amazing,” Joshua said. “If you’re a designer, whether in architecture or interiors, NOMA is something you should consider.”

Carmen echoed the same sentiment:

“It was inspiring to be surrounded by so many voices and perspectives. Mentorship came up often—true mentorship that benefits both mentor and mentee. That’s how our profession continues to grow.”

The Future, Ever Unfolding

When asked what “Future Unfolding” meant to him, Fluellen reflected:

“The future is always unfolding—economically, technologically, professionally. The key is to stay grounded in what makes you ‘you,’ while pushing yourself to evolve and engage where it matters most.”

He left the conference energized by words shared from a speaker that perfectly captured the spirit of the event:

“Don’t just think of those in the room—think of those who are missing, but should be there, or will one day be there.”

Supporting Emerging Talent at HBG

HBG Design proudly supports its emerging professionals through opportunities like NOMA, recognizing the value of continued learning and diverse professional engagement. Carmen’s and Joshua’s participation in the 2025 NOMA Conference reflects HBG’s ongoing investment in developing future leaders—those who bring forward-thinking design, empathy, and inclusivity to every project.

“Attending NOMA reminded me that architecture’s impact reaches far beyond the building—it’s about people, connection, and community,” Carmen said.

For HBG’s next generation of designers, experiences like NOMA are shaping not only their professional growth but also the future of equitable, meaningful design.

by LINDSAY GRAY