HBG Shares Resort Design Expertise on No Vacancy Live!
HBG Design and our spectacular WinStar World Casino Resort project recently took center stage on No Vacancy Live! with hospitality industry experts and personalities, Glenn Haussman and Anthony Melchiorri (host of the Travel Channel’s Hotel Impossible). During the episode, HBG's Rob Jurbergs, AIA, Principal and Senior Architectural Designer, and Ray Mabry, Principal and HBG Dallas Office Leader, revealed fascinating insights into the design and creation of this iconic resort in Thackerville, Oklahoma, just 90 minutes from the booming Dallas-Ft. Worth area. Catch up on all the behind-the-scenes details that make WinStar a must-see destination!
Since 2017, No Vacancy News has been the go-to source for the hotel industry, providing actionable insights, expert interviews, and educational content through its podcasts, videos, and live branded experiences. Hosted by Glenn Haussman, a leading voice in hospitality, No Vacancy Live! has been recognized as the #1 hospitality show by the International Hospitality Institute since the award’s inception. We were honored to join Glenn to share our experiences with the casino resort’s design and our collaboration with the Chickasaw Nation to create a world-class destination.
A Look Inside WinStar
WinStar, one of the most recognized gaming resort destinations in the country, offers an unparalleled guest experience through its luxurious amenities and entertainment spaces. In their podcast interview, Rob Jurbergs, Principal and Architectural Designer at HBG Design, and Ray Mabry, Principal and Dallas Office Leader, highlight the resort’s design evolution and how HBG, with over 45 years of casino resort expertise, established the property's architectural identity.
Key elements of the project include:
- Lucas Oil Live: A 6,500-seat, multi-purpose performance venue for concerts, boxing, MMA events, banquets, and more. The space includes a VIP area with a private lounge, full bar, and kitchen.
- 304-room Hotel: Offering guests a modern and comfortable stay, the hotel's interiors are inspired by natural tones and earthy elements reflective of the Red River region, featuring rich woodsy designs and warm rust orange accents.
- Cascades Pool Area: This signature outdoor area includes multiple pool tiers and food and beverage options, making it a dynamic hub of activity and relaxation. The distinctive sundial-like roof design enhances the ambiance and complements the open, airy environment.
Strategic Location and Market Positioning
Rob and Ray also discussed the importance of WinStar’s location in attracting guests from the growing Dallas-Fort Worth area. Just a short drive from one of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas, WinStar provides a sought-after escape, drawing visitors for its high-quality amenities and entertainment offerings.
One of the venue’s notable successes is the Lucas Oil Live performance venue, which has hosted some of the biggest names in rock and country music. The venue was even nominated for Casino of the Year-Theater by the Academy of Country Music, solidifying WinStar’s position as a premier entertainment destination.
Thoughtful Design and Guest Experience
Inspired by the natural beauty of the Red River region, HBG Design’s architectural and interior design teams brought elements of the local landscape into the resort’s design. From the organic shapes and curvilinear forms used in the building’s layout to the earthy color palettes and natural materials, every detail is crafted to create an inviting, comfortable atmosphere.
The V-shaped design of the hotel maximizes guest views while creating a sense of embrace, and the wind-blocking structure enhances comfort in the outdoor areas. The intentional design of the pool area offers guests multiple experiences, from relaxed lounging to lively social spaces, all centered around the beautiful landscape.
Tune in to the No Vacancy News podcast episode with Rob Jurbergs and Ray Mabry to hear more about the incredible design journey behind WinStar World Casino Resort. Learn how strategic design decisions, collaboration, and attention to detail have transformed this resort into a world-class destination.
Recognizing Emily Marshall as a "Women Who Lead Design" Honoree
Read the full article in the Memphis Business Journal
The Memphis Business Journal recognizes Emily Marshall HBG Design Interior Design Leader as a "Women Who Lead Design" Honoree.
Emily Marshall is proudly decisive about her biggest career achievement. It “undoubtedly lies in the growth and development of HBG Design’s interior design group.” Over her 14 years with the firm, she helped grow the team from four to 21 pros, calling it a rewarding endeavor. She says that’s given HBG a “unique edge in our integrated resort, entertainment, and hospitality market sectors.”
She adds that what also sets HBG apart is the teams’ collaborative approach of its architects and interior designers working hand-in-hand from the inception of projects.
Emily is focused on a few big professional goals, one of which is expanding the interior design team within its national offices, especially Dallas. Soon, she’ll work on designing a new Marriott hotel at the 100 North Main development. And she’s “profoundly invested in the holistic development” of team members — seeing their successes gives Emily pride and joy.
On trends: “One of the most exciting trends I’m seeing in our industry is the emergence of experiential and immersive food and beverage/restaurant designs. These spaces are meticulously crafted with attention to detail, where every design selection is thoughtfully curated and resonates purposefully with intention. What I find particularly captivating are the rooftop patio restaurants, uniquely designed to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. These spaces offer a harmonious environment that engages all the senses, creating unforgettable experiences for guests.”
Other articles featuring Emily:
https://hbg.design/hbgs-pick-of-the-trends/
https://hbg.design/hbg-dives-into-the-trend-pools-and-spas-at-casino-hotels/
https://hbg.design/hbg-designers-share-post-covid-design-solutions/
HBG Design Welcomes Ray Mabry, AIA, as Dallas Office Leader
HBG Design Welcomes Ray Mabry, AIA, Industry Veteran as Dallas Office Leader and Principal for its National Hospitality Practice
HBG Design is pleased to announce that Ray Mabry, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, has joined the firm’s national hospitality practice as HBG’s new Dallas Office Leader and Principal. Ray originally hails from Abilene, Texas, and is a long time Dallas resident. His 24-year career in architecture has taken him across the country and around the world as a design leader, working for the last twenty years with HKS Architects in Dallas. Ray will serve HBG Design clients as Principal-in-Charge and Project Manager.
“Ray is a veteran of leading complex projects in the hospitality and entertainment market sector, making him a perfect fit to lead HBG’s projects in the space,” says Nathan Peak, AIA, LEED GA, Practice Leader at HBG Design. “He is committed to leading HBG’s Dallas Office with great passion and enthusiasm as he forges new frontiers in the national hospitality and entertainment industry and helps HBG cement our footprint in the Dallas metro area professional community.”
Ray brings a wealth of design leadership and project management experience in the commercial hospitality industry for clients under most major brand flags in both urban and resort locations. His experience in the gaming sector also includes commercial gaming projects mainly in Las Vegas and Asia for various operators, and most recently MGM National Harbor. Ray has a project portfolio that spans across Europe, Asia, South America, the Middle East, and the Caribbean and has been instrumental in delivering brand hospitality designs that include the Hotel Drover in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards and both The W Hotel and Omni Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee.
As Dallas Office Leader, Ray will deepen his specialized focus on premium and luxury brand hospitality, gaming/entertainment, and conference/event venue design.
“I share HBG Design's philosophy of crafting memorable experiences”, says Ray. “I take great joy in designing places where guests can unwind and escape from their daily lives, while providing the best possible experiences to my clients and their guests."