GOH Travel Scholarship 2025 Winner: Paul Patterson
HBG Design is proud to celebrate the presentation of our 9th GOH Travel Scholarship Award, honoring one of our founding partners, Greg Hnedak. This annual legacy award embodies Greg’s passion for immersive learning and transformative travel experiences, providing a unique opportunity for our staff to connect with new cultures, discover inspiring places, and explore the roots of design in meaningful ways.
This year, we are thrilled to announce Paul Patterson as the GOH Travel Scholarship 2025 winner. Paul’s concept for his journeys pushes the boundaries of the scholarship, presenting the idea of contrast in ways our jury had never seen before. His proposal exemplifies how design connects the familiar and the unfamiliar, inspiring creativity through juxtaposition.
Paul’s travels will take him on two transformative, week-long journeys to countries with similar cultures, design sensibilities, and awe-inspiring natural beauty – Iceland in the darkness of winter and Norway in the endless light of summer. This unique itinerary stretches the GOH Travel Scholarship’s purpose, exploring extreme contrasts in season, light, and environment to deepen our understanding of unity, adversity, and inspiration.
Experiencing Iceland in Winter’s Darkness
Paul’s first journey will lead him to Reykjavik, Iceland, a place where winter's darkness envelops urban life and natural wonders alike. His exploration will include:
- Visits to art and history museums showcasing Icelandic culture and traditions.
- Architectural studies of modern public and religious buildings.
- An immersive journey through the Golden Circle, a 190-mile route that highlights Iceland’s rugged landscapes, powerful waterfalls, geysers, and volcanic terrain.
- A hopeful glimpse of the Northern Lights, a natural spectacle that transforms the darkness into magic.
Paul’s focus on the stark beauty of Iceland’s harsh winter will uncover how design responds to extreme conditions, creating spaces of comfort amid adversity.
Experiencing Norway in the Light of Endless Summer
In stark contrast, Paul’s second journey will take him to Norway at the height of summer, where the midnight sun stretches the days into near-perpetual light. His itinerary includes:
- Visits to Oslo’s cultural hubs, exploring museums and contemporary Scandinavian architecture.
- Studie
Paul received his award at HBG's annual end of the year presentation. s of ancient stave churches, standing as historical counterpoints to modern design.
- Exploration of Norway’s breathtaking fjords, remote towns, and natural wonders through hiking and kayaking.
- Insights into how endless daylight influences urban living, culture, and the human experience.
Paul’s experience in Norway will showcase how light shapes life and design, revealing both similarities and profound contrasts to his time in Iceland.
Paul’s Vision for the GOH Travel Scholarship
In his own words, Paul expressed how this journey represents the ultimate contrast:
“The juxtaposition of seasons in these two places will beautifully represent the idea of comparison and extreme contrast; one in the depth of its harshness but also at the height of its ability to provide comfort along with some of the most amazing natural beauty a person can witness. The other, at the height of splendor that can only be attained with almost never-ending sunshine at the opposite of nearly endless darkness.” *
Honoring the Spirit of Exploration
Paul Patterson’s journey embodies the very essence of the GOH Travel Scholarship – exploration, learning, and inspiration through immersive experiences. We believe his travels will offer a compelling perspective on design, human connection, and the profound influence of environment and light.
Please join us in congratulating Paul Patterson, HBG Design’s GOH Travel Scholarship 2025 Winner! We look forward to sharing Paul’s insights and discoveries as he embarks on this extraordinary journey.
For more information on the GOH Travel Scholarship and to follow Paul’s journey, stay connected with HBG Design on our website and social media channels.
HBG Design voted a 2024 Top Workplace: Thank You, HBG Team!
We are incredibly proud to announce that HBG Design has been recognized as a 2024 Top Workplace by the Commercial Appeal for the 10th year in a row! This remarkable milestone reflects the dedication and enthusiasm of our team, and we couldn’t be more honored to receive this recognition.
In addition to this decade-long achievement, our San Diego office has been named a Best Place to Work for the second consecutive year. These awards are particularly meaningful because they are based entirely on employee feedback. The most significant aspect of these honors is not the awards themselves but what they represent: a shared commitment to fostering a thriving, inclusive, and inspiring workplace culture.
A Culture That Drives Us Forward
At HBG Design, we believe that people are at the heart of everything we do. This recognition speaks volumes about the strength of our culture, the dedication of our employees, and the visionary leadership that guides
us. It also highlights the bright future we are building together.
Here are some of the 2024 Top Workplace employee survey results that we are especially proud of this year:
- 97% of employees say their managers care about their concerns.
- Based on the Energage survey, HBG Design ranks in the top 20% of national design firms for caring and supportive managers.
- 92% of employees believe their managers and the firm support their professional growth and development. This also places HBG in the top 20% nationally for professional development opportunities within our industry.
- 94% of employees feel enabled to work at their full potential.
- 92% feel appreciated for their work.
These statistics underscore our commitment to empowering every team member to grow, thrive, and achieve their best.
Values That Define Us
This year, we were particularly thrilled to see these additional 2024 Top Workplace survey results:
- 92% of employees recognize HBG Design for its strong values.
- 91% of employees view HBG as an inclusive company.
These qualities are essential to our success and are at the core of how we operate every day. Fostering a Top Workplace environment of inclusion and upholding strong values isn’t just a goal—it’s how we achieve meaningful, impactful results as a firm.
Our Gratitude to the HBG Team
The Top Workplace recognition we’ve received over the years is a testament to YOU—our talented and passionate team. You are the heart of HBG Design, and your feedback drives us to keep improving, innovating, and delivering excellence.
Thank you for making HBG Design a truly exceptional place to work. Together, we will continue building on this legacy, shaping a workplace where everyone can thrive and making an impact across the industry for years to come.
Here’s to you, and here’s to the bright future ahead!
GOH Travel Scholarship Winner: My Unforgettable Journey Through Japan
Travel enriches our lives, broadens our outlook and opens our minds…In those moments immersed in another cultural context we learn about other perspectives. The GOH Travel Scholarship awards $7,500 annually to one employee to enhance experience-based learning through a purposeful international travel journey. Scholarship recipients share how their discoveries impact the way we look at life, appreciate culture and approach design. Shernina Carter was selected as the 2024 GOH Travel Scholarship Winner and after returning from her trip to Japan, she's back to share highlights from her journey. Watch below to enjoy Shernina's full presentation of her trip.
Shernina Carter Guest Blogger - GOH Travel Scholarship Trip to Japan
“The frog in the well knows nothing of the great ocean.”
This Japanese proverb struck me as I prepared for my journey to Japan. Combating fear, saying yes to new experiences, and embracing growth and change became the foundation of my trip.
If you'd like to experience my trip from beginning to end, I invite you to check out the presentation I recently shared with my co-workers. But first, here are some of my favorite highlights—let's dive in!
One Japanese phrase that resonated deeply with me is ichi-go ichi-e, meaning "one time, one meeting." It reminds us to cherish each moment and encounter, because they happen only once in a lifetime. Throughout my travels in Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo, I made it a point to stay mindful, fully immerse myself in the experience, and appreciate the beauty of the present moment.
Kyoto
One of my must-see spots was Kinkaku-ji, or as it's known in English, the Golden Pavilion. Its breathtaking beauty and rich history were calling me—and I knew I had to experience it for myself. The atmosphere was so serene, it set the tone for my entire adventure. I also visited Ryoan-ji, where the famous rock garden invited me to meditate and reflect on life’s simplicity and beauty.
One of the most memorable moments in Kyoto was when I donned a traditional kimono and participated in a matcha tea ceremony at Kimono Tea Ceremony Maikoya. The entire process of preparing and serving matcha felt like a meditative practice, reminding me to live in the moment and appreciate the uniqueness of each experience. It was a beautiful way to immerse myself in the history and mindful traditions of Japan.
Wandering through Kyoto’s Gion District, I learned about the rich traditions of geishas and kabuki performers, soaking in the cultural heritage of the city. I could almost feel the stories from centuries past lingering in the air as I walked through the historic streets.
Kyoto’s Nishiki Market, often called "Kyoto’s Kitchen," was a food lover’s dream. I strolled through the market, marveling at local delicacies like octopus on a stick and giant shrimp. The market’s history and its generations-old shops made it a truly captivating stop on my adventure.
Osaka
My journey to Osaka took me to Solaniwa Onsen Osaka Bay, where I fully embraced Japanese wellness culture. Wearing a yukata, I challenged myself to endure a 140-degree sauna, followed by a refreshing dip in an outdoor onsen. The experience was both physically and mentally refreshing, especially after a traditional Sabai Sabai Thai massage that left me feeling completely rejuvenated.
Tokyo
Tokyo was a whirlwind of excitement. One of my favorite experiences was participating in Kintsugi, the traditional art of repairing broken ceramics with gold. The process was intricate and time-consuming, but it taught me the beauty of embracing imperfections, both in objects and in life.
One critical lesson I learned about myself while practicing Kintsugi was that sometimes we go through processes or situations in life where we may think it’s taking too long, or that we’ve done enough. We may not realize that we need a little more patience, or a little more knowledge, or a little more of some other skill that can only be developed or strengthened if we continue to move forward and work a bit longer. If we move on too soon, we won’t be ready, nor will we be as successful or shine as bright! So...my lesson learned is to stay in the process if it’s not time yet. Don’t give up even if you’re getting tired. It will all make sense once you’ve moved through the process to your next level and can shine so bright!
Of course, no trip to Tokyo would be complete without visiting TeamLab Planets Tokyo Museum, which holds the Guinness World Record as the most visited museum from 2023-2024. I walked barefoot through a waterfall, marveled at digital flower displays, and splashed through water filled with colorful, animated koi fish. One room was filled with giant, inflatable balls that bounced around in sync with a stunning light show—it was pure joy and wonder.
After the museum, I stumbled upon Vegan Ramen Uzu, a rare find in Japan. The ramen was delicious, made with love and care, and it was one of the most memorable meals of my trip.
I also visited Skytree Tower, the world’s tallest tower. Standing at the top and gazing out over Tokyo, I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and fearlessness. It was a reminder of how far I had come—both literally and figuratively.
My exploration of the Shibuya District was equally exhilarating. The neon lights, bustling streets, and famous Shibuya Crossing felt like stepping into a different world. I spent hours discovering hidden gems in this vibrant area, and each corner revealed something new and exciting.
This trip was truly life-changing. Japan’s perfect blend of tradition and modernity, paired with the kindness of its people, made my journey unforgettable. I returned home with a deep appreciation for the culture, a newfound fearlessness, and a heart full of incredible memories.
I believe in manifestation, and I believe in speaking your dreams and goals into fruition. I always knew I had dreams to see the world, and I knew it would happen, but I did not know that being at HBG Design would open that door for me. When I first began working here, it opened my eyes to greater: greater office culture and camaraderie; greater work experiences and career growth, and it showed me that ‘better’ was available and attainable if I only took the step to seek. This company has allowed me the opportunity to operate in a greater capacity and given me opportunities to continue to grow. Receiving this travel scholarship was another instance where HBG Design aided in my growth and elevation. The GOH Travel Scholarship was founded in honor of founding partner, Gregory O. Hnedak, FAIA, whom I only met for the first time this week during my presentation. Yet, his legacy has forever impacted me…allowing me to release fear, experience the big ocean outside my small well, and inspire others to do the same.