Nathan Peak Named to GGB’s 25 People to Watch in 2025

HBG Design’s President Honored for Shaping the Future of Gaming and Entertainment Design

25 People to WatchAt HBG Design, we’re thrilled to celebrate our President, Nathan Peak, AIA, LEED GA, for being featured in Global Gaming Business (GGB) Magazine’s prestigious "25 People to Watch in 2025" list. This annual recognition highlights individuals who are shaping the future of the gaming industry through innovation, leadership, and impactful contributions.

Nathan’s journey at HBG Design exemplifies dedication and growth. Starting with two internships in the late 1990s and early 2000s, he has spent the past 23 years shaping our firm and the broader gaming and entertainment design landscape. Since becoming President in 2022, Nathan has guided HBG Design through a transformative period of strategic growth and regional expansion.

Driving Growth and Innovation

Under Nathan’s leadership, HBG Design has doubled the size of its San Diego office and solidified its presence in Dallas with the appointment of a new location leader, Ray Mabry. These expansions are part of a cohesive strategy to enhance client service and project execution across the Midwest and West Coast—regions that account for the majority of the firm’s client base.

Nathan is also spearheading efforts to expand HBG’s capabilities, ensuring the firm delivers exceptional quality on projects of all scales. This includes creative approaches to design and construction, such as cost-effective framing methods that maximize client ROI while maintaining a premium guest experience.

Beyond project delivery, HBG Design is investing in master planning and land-use planning services, positioning the firm to provide value at the earliest stages of project development. From environmental impact studies to visioning long-term investment opportunities, Nathan and his team are focused on helping clients realize their goals from the ground up.

A Vision for 2025 and Beyond

Looking to the year ahead, Nathan is particularly excited about HBG Design’s involvement in landmark projects like the Gun Lake Casino expansion in Michigan. The centerpiece of this project, the Wawyé Oasis, exemplifies innovation, transforming from a resort pool by day to a performance complex by night within a six-story glass-enclosed structure.

Nathan also recognizes the importance of evolving gaming floor designs to enhance customer experiences. His vision incorporates streamlined layouts for improved flow and wayfinding, while integrating sportsbooks with other entertainment amenities—a trend that blurs traditional boundaries and creates immersive environments.

Recognizing Leadership in Gaming Design

Nathan’s inclusion in GGB’s "25 People to Watch in 2025" underscores his significant contributions to gaming and entertainment design and his forward-thinking leadership at HBG Design.

As Roger Gros, GGB Publisher, notes, “As usual, our 25 People to Watch reflect the best the industry has to offer. Every one of our choices [this year] has made an impact on the industry already, and we feel the sky’s the limit to what they’ll achieve next.”

For more updates on Nathan Peak and HBG Design’s innovative projects, follow us on social media or explore our website.