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
Megan Collier, Associate – San Diego OfficeInterior 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:
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Provides patient, supportive mentorship to junior staff and interns, fostering a culture of continuous learning.
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Builds trust through adaptive communication and strong relationship-building across diverse stakeholder groups.
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Balances innovation with budget constraints, making strategic choices that lead to high-quality outcomes.
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Contributes to a positive office environment by sharing insights, helping solve challenges, and organizing interdisciplinary team activities.
Jim Wadlington, Associate – Memphis Office
Jim Wadlington, Associate – Memphis OfficeJim Wadlington earned his promotion through impressive adaptability, leadership, and operational excellence during a pivotal transition period for the firm.
Promotion Highlights:
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Quickly mastered company financial operations and a new accounting platform under tight deadlines and high pressure.
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Built a cohesive, high-performing financial services team within a short period.
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Improved financial reporting, accelerated month-end processes by 15 days, and strengthened project management support.
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Demonstrated dependable, transparent leadership—consistently raising standards and earning firm-wide trust.
Lindsay Maggipinto, Associate – Memphis Office
Lindsay Maggipinto, Associate – Memphis OfficeReturning to HBG with expanded expertise, Lindsay Maggipinto made an immediate impact through her technical excellence, leadership, and project ownership.
Promotion Highlights:
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Brings a unique career trajectory that includes years of experience both inside and outside HBG, enriching her leadership and perspective.
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Leads complex project tasks with precision, often solving challenges rapidly and efficiently.
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Mentors junior staff, providing technical guidance and reinforcing strong workplace habits and problem-solving skills.
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Advocates for thoughtful, balanced design decisions while maintaining clear communication and a composed leadership style.
Mark Rojas, Associate – San Diego Office
Mark Rojas, Associate – San Diego OfficeMark Rojas is celebrated for his resilience, technical expertise, and contributions to process innovation within the growing San Diego office.
Promotion Highlights:
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Demonstrates an ability to navigate complex systems and shifting priorities with resourcefulness and calm.
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Leads projects while also serving as BIM coordinator and contributing to firm initiatives focused on standards and quality.
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Improved firm-wide consistency by developing a system for managing building envelope assemblies that streamlined scheduling.
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Helps shape office culture through strong communication, professionalism, and a steady, positive presence.
Thor Harland, Senior Associate – Memphis Office
Thor Harland, Senior Associate – Memphis OfficeThor Harland is recognized for his leadership, creativity, and holistic approach to design and project delivery.
Promotion Highlights:
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Provides steady, focused leadership in high-stakes environments, guiding teams through demanding schedules and complex challenges.
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Strengthens design impact through authentic concept development and strong, clear communication with stakeholders.
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Mentors junior staff across offices, fostering collaboration, shared learning, and design innovation.
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Bridges architecture and interiors to ensure cohesive project integration supported by detailed presentations and effective coordination.
A Curated Look at BDNY 2025: Materials, Trends & Designer Insights
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.
A New Era of Entertainment Rises in the Oklahoma Panhandle at Golden Mesa Casino & Hotel
Warmth, Light, and Modern Comfort: A New Era of Entertainment Rises in the Oklahoma Panhandle at Golden Mesa Casino & Hotel, Guymon, Oklahoma
The $78 million expansion of Golden Mesa Casino & Hotel has redefined entertainment and hospitality in Oklahoma’s Panhandle, transforming the Shawnee Tribe’s vision into a vibrant destination that celebrates both culture and community. The project doubles the casino’s gaming capacity to more than 1,100 electronic games and 10 tables across a 40,000-square-foot gaming floor, introduces a 99-room hotel and a 45-slip RV park, and adds new dining and lounge experiences that elevate guest comfort and connection. From the Cimarron Ridge Restaurant and Panhandle Press Café to the dynamic high-limit room and two lively casino bars, every new space was purposefully crafted to enrich the guest journey and offer a warm, contemporary sense of hospitality.
Across the new hotel tower, the elevator lobbies introduce a subtle thematic progression—each level reflecting a “dusk-to-dawn” concept through shifting wallcovering tones. Guestroom corridors extend this narrative with soft, ambient lighting and a warm, textural palette. Inside the guestrooms and suites, neutral foundations pair with bright accents inspired by the region’s open skies and sunlit plains, creating spaces that feel both grounded and refreshingly modern.
Lighting plays a defining role in shaping the atmosphere of Golden Mesa—both as a functional tool and an expressive design element. The exterior façades feature a distinctive cross-weave illumination that animates the architecture at night, while the lobby’s soaring atrium showcases a glowing geometric chandelier that sets an elegant tone for arrival. Throughout the property, lighting transitions seamlessly between hospitality and entertainment zones, guiding guests from calm to energy, from relaxation to anticipation. Every glow and reflection reinforces the resort’s identity as a destination that subtly shifts in mood from day into night.
Architecturally and operationally, the expansion embodies graceful growth—an evolution of the property’s design that preserved full operations throughout construction while introducing a new benchmark for resort-style amenities in the region. Warm yet contemporary prairie-inspired materials, the dramatic new porte cochere, and the signature nighttime lighting pattern establish a welcoming exterior presence; while inside, the clearstory hotel lobby, geometric fixtures, and rich layers of color and texture create an atmosphere of approachable comfort and elevated luxury. Together, these elements position Golden Mesa Casino & Hotel as a beacon of progress and pride for the Shawnee Tribe and a standout destination for travelers across the Panhandle.
Delivering a project of this scale on time and on budget required extraordinary coordination between the owner, operator, and design and construction teams. HBG Design’s ability to anticipate operational needs and sustain continuous functionality was essential to the project’s success. The team’s challenge was to merge the new with the existing without visual or functional disruption—an effort that highlights the depth of talent within HBG’s architecture and interior design studios and the strength of collaboration with Global Gaming Solutions, Connect Advisors, and the Chickasaw Nation.
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.
The Future Is Social: Designing the Next Generation of Casino Experiences
Casinos have long been defined by energy, excitement, and entertainment—but today, it’s the experience of that energy that’s evolving. That’s exactly what HBG Design Principal Paul Bell explored during his panel at the 2025 Global Gaming Expo. If you missed the session, here’s a quick recap.
Designing for Connection: The Rise of the Social Casino
Today’s players are looking for more than a place to play—they’re seeking vibe, community, and culture.
Industry data shows that over 80% of Millennials and Gen Z say non-gaming amenities are a major factor in where they choose to visit. And it’s not just about amenities—it’s about the experience they create.
HBG Design’s recent work with leading tribal and commercial resorts reflects these emerging trends, blending hospitality, entertainment, and social design into every guest touchpoint.
- Hangout Destinations: The Heartbeat of the Casino
Modern casino resorts are creating spaces where the main attraction is simply being there.
- At Live! Casino, the central bar acts as a stage—a centerpiece of energy and entertainment, with lighting and music driving a sense of excitement.
- Atlantis Casino’s Moon Bar and Bar Sol offer perfect vantage points for guests who want to be part of the buzz without playing.
- WinStar Casino’s Sessions Lounge captures a timeless social vibe, where the atmosphere itself is the experience.
These spaces thrive on design that promotes interaction, visibility, and inclusivity—places where guests can see and feel the energy of the resort.
- Summer Fun All Year: Water as a Social Magnet
From poolscapes to resort-level amenities, water is the new lifestyle anchor.
- The Cascades Pool Complex at WinStar Casino Resort transforms the property into a true resort destination, inviting guests to extend their stays beyond the gaming floor.
- At Sycuan Casino Resort, family-friendly and adult-only zones, plus a lazy river, create dynamic spaces for day-to-night socializing.
- The Wawyé Oasis at Gun Lake Casino places the poolscape in full view from the casino floor—seamlessly connecting gaming energy with leisure and relaxation.
These amenities capture a “daylife” energy—fun, shareable, and effortlessly social.
- Events as Lifestyle Engines
Events are no longer side attractions; they’re the core of the modern casino identity.
- Gun Lake Casino’s robust entertainment programming offers non-gaming attractions that keep guests coming back again and again.
- WinStar Casino Resort’s Lucas Oil Live has become a regional destination—an immersive, tech-forward performance venue that builds brand recognition and loyalty through memorable, shareable experiences.
These spaces turn entertainment into community, and casinos into hubs of cultural connection.
The Takeaway: Designing for Vibe, Not Just Volume
The future of gaming hospitality is about more than competition—it’s about connection.
Today’s guests want to feel part of something—whether it’s the energy of a live event, the relaxation of a poolside lounge, or the atmosphere of a central bar pulsing with life.
At HBG Design, we’re helping our clients lead this transformation—designing immersive, social, and lifestyle-driven environments that turn casinos into destinations of choice for the next generation of players.
Because the future of gaming isn’t about where you play—it’s about where you belong.
6 Key Insights from the 2025 Lodging Conference
Designing for the Future of Hospitality: Key Insights from the 2025 Lodging Conference
HBG Design’s Interior Design Leaders, Emily Marshall and Ross Burch attended the 2025 Lodging Conference in Phoenix—a dynamic forum exploring the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the hospitality industry today. They returned inspired by the innovative ways developers and designers are elevating guest experiences, meeting evolving expectations, and driving ROI through thoughtful design.
Here are some of the key takeaways from this year’s event:
Authenticity and Personalized Experiences Drive ROI
Panel discussions on boutique and lifestyle hotels highlighted that guests now seek tailored experiences and a sense of authenticity in their stays. Travelers want to feel connected to the local community, culture, and environment. Developers are increasingly partnering with local artists, artisans, and merchants to create bespoke experiences that not only delight guests but also encourage longer stays and higher spend.
Luxury Travel Continues to Grow
Despite broader economic pressures, the luxury market is thriving. Today’s travelers, including younger generations, are prioritizing meaningful experiences over traditional luxury. Wellness-focused resorts, immersive outdoor offerings, and curated F&B experiences are becoming essential elements in driving revenue and loyalty. Highlights include Marriott’s new Outdoor Collection and The Residences, a luxury longevity community emphasizing wellness and discovery.
Renovation and Repositioning as a Strategic Advantage
With new-build opportunities limited in many major cities, developers are increasingly investing in renovations and repositioning existing properties. Thoughtful design that is intentional, market-specific, and experience-driven can elevate a property’s appeal, generate higher returns, and differentiate it from competitors.
Design Challenges and Solutions
The conference highlighted several key challenges for developers: rising construction costs, labor shortages, and inflation. Strategic design choices can mitigate these risks by focusing on efficiency, high-quality materials, and maximizing the guest experience. Intentional, market-responsive design remains the most effective tool to drive revenue and maintain brand relevance.
Outdoor and Wellness-Centric Experiences
Travelers are seeking more than just traditional accommodations—they want wellness, outdoor engagement, and curated lifestyle experiences. Luxury and upper-upscale properties are leading the way, but these elements are becoming relevant across all market tiers. Developers who prioritize these experiences in design can create long-term guest loyalty and profitability.
Insights for Food & Beverage Strategy
F&B offerings are evolving to cater to younger, less alcohol-focused travelers. By creating memorable, high-quality experiences—mocktails, curated menus, and interactive dining—properties can maintain profitability while meeting shifting guest expectations.
Looking Ahead
Asia and the Middle East continue to lead in global development, while luxury, ultra-luxury, and upper-upscale segments see sustained growth. Developers should remain attentive to market shifts, from room demand patterns to broader economic trends, ensuring their designs are not only beautiful but also strategically positioned to thrive.
At HBG Design, we partner with hospitality developers to create projects that combine design excellence, market insight, and operational strategy. Whether it’s a boutique lifestyle property, luxury resort, or wellness-focused destination, our approach ensures that every detail contributes to an elevated guest experience—and measurable business results.
Designing for Distinction: VIP Suites that Define the Guest Experience
When it comes to hotel design, no space is more powerful—or more defining—than the VIP suite. These rarefied sanctuaries are not simply accommodations. The casino resort curates these private domains exclusively for its most loyal and high-value guests. Here, privacy, prestige, and personalization become the ultimate amenities.
For properties competing in today’s hospitality market, suites offer more than luxury—they are strategic assets that deliver strong returns. By offering one-of-a-kind, invitation-only spaces that can’t be replicated elsewhere, resorts build loyalty and memorable guest experiences. HBG Design is trusted nationwide to create signature sanctuaries. Each balances bold design statements with the comforts elite guests expect.
The Ogema Suite at Gun Lake Casino Resort
At the heart of Gun Lake Casino Resort’s $300M expansion in Wayland, Michigan, the Ogema Suite crowns the new 252-key hotel tower as its premier two-story penthouse. Meaning “Chief” in the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians’ language, the 3,096-square-foot suite is the pinnacle of prestige within the hospitality setting.
Reserved for the resort’s most important patrons, the suite offers a private elevator and dramatic countryside views. Two-story living spaces, walnut herringbone floors, radiant heating, and a bespoke crystal chandelier heighten the sense of privilege. A sculptural floating stair adds distinction and artistry. With INNCOM smart technology, drapery and lighting respond seamlessly, making the guest experience effortless and striking.
The Ogema Suite is more than a stay—it is a premier environment that symbolizes leadership and luxury, ensuring the property’s best guests are rewarded with an unforgettable experience.
Third-Level VIP Suites at Four Winds South Bend Casino & Hotel
At Four Winds South Bend, the resort elevates privacy to a new dimension. It dedicates the entire third floor to VIP hospitality suites, creating a select tier of accommodations for its best guests.
Designed for private receptions, catered parties, and intimate gatherings, these suites feature tailored aesthetics ranging from lighter, feminine-inspired palettes to darker, masculine tones. Guests enjoy private bars, screened dining nooks, fireplaces, luxurious living and bedrooms, and terraces—some with dedicated whirlpools.
By offering a level reserved only for high-value players and dignitaries, Four Winds guarantees its most loyal guests an experience that feels indulgent, privileged, and deeply personal.
Private Cottages at Rain Rock Casino Resort
At Rain Rock Casino Resort in Northern California’s Siskiyou region, intimacy defines the guest experience. Designers envisioned eight boutique cottage suites as lodge-like retreats for the property’s most valued visitors.
Nestled into landscaped grounds, the cottages embody HBG Design’s “Journey Upriver” narrative. Their power lies in the privacy and retreat they offer. Moreover, warm woods, layered stone, and spa-like interiors connect VIP guests to place, while also granting the privilege of staying apart from the main hotel.
By layering seclusion with cultural storytelling, the cottages ensure Rain Rock’s most valued guests receive a one-of-a-kind hospitality encounter.
Hotel Suites at Golden Mesa Casino
At Golden Mesa Casino Hotel in Guymon, Oklahoma, designers created boutique-inspired suites for the resort’s most discerning guests. These suites balance sophistication with simplicity.
A distinctive wooden portal signals arrival into a premier space. Inside, accent art wallcoverings, oversized pendants, and custom carpeting bring individuality. Clean-lined vanities and refined finish palettes enhance comfort. The spa-inspired shower, with dark mullions and glass, becomes a sophisticated centerpiece.
At Golden Mesa, tailored details deliver a personal, upscale experience that strengthens guest loyalty.
Prestige as the Ultimate Amenity
From Gun Lake’s dramatic penthouse to Four Winds’ dedicated VIP floor, Rain Rock’s private cottages, and Golden Mesa’s boutique suites, HBG Design’s work demonstrates one truth: the best guests deserve the best spaces.
Privacy, prestige, and personalization form the common thread—transforming suites into rewards, retreats, and lasting memories that strengthen loyalty. For casino resorts, these rooms are not just lavish showcases of design—they are strategic investments with measurable returns in guest satisfaction, reputation, and repeat visitation.
For a resort’s most valued guests, the VIP suite remains the ultimate expression of design and devotion.
A Journey Upriver: The Rain Rock Experience
HBG’s Design of the New Rain Rock Casino Hotel is Rooted in Land and Culture
A Story Written in the Landscape
Within the mountains of Yreka, California, the Karuk Tribe’s Rain Rock Resort Hotel rises from the rugged beauty of the Siskiyou landscape. Designed by HBG Design and opened May/June 2025, the 78,995-square-foot casino and hotel expansion tells a story rooted in land, culture, and connection.
Inspired by the HBG team's “Journey Upriver” concept, the design carries guests along a path shaped by the Klamath River itself—flowing through valleys and forests, into lakes and up toward the mountains—where each bend reveals a new experience and every space reflects the enduring spirit of the Karuk people.
At HBG Design, we believe architecture should tell the story of place. For Rain Rock, that story unfolds in four archetypes drawn from the natural world - the Bountiful Forest, the Winding River, the Majestic Mountains, and the Tranquil Lake.
“As designers, our goal was to craft an experience rooted in the spirit of the Siskiyou landscape and the cultural narrative of the Karuk Tribe,” reflects Joe Baruffaldi, AIA, Principal & Project Manager at HBG Design. “Every design move—from the arrangement of cottages to the choice of an earthy palette—was about strengthening that sense of place and community.”
The journey flows to the Tribal Council Boardroom and semi-private terrace. From there, it flows across the serene pool deck and anchors the private outdoor cottages as sanctuaries of reflection.
Each environment becomes a passage in the guest’s journey, moving them as naturally as the river shapes the land.
The expansion introduces 72 guestrooms and eight boutique cottages, balancing luxury with intimacy.
Spa-inspired baths, custom finishes, curated art, and warm natural palettes anchor the interiors in their Siskiyou setting. Together, fire pits and the poolside garden extend the story outdoors.
Materiality grounds the project in authenticity. Stone, wood, and metal echo the surrounding terrain. In harmony, fluid patterns and tactile textiles weave the natural story indoors. Public spaces gather around a glowing hearth, an anchor of warmth and welcome.
Beyond its restorative comforts, Rain Rock is growing as a regional entertainment destination. The expansion infuses new energy with 175 gaming positions across the 20,000-square-foot floor. It transforms the sports bar and unveils a banquet hall where gatherings and celebrations take root.
The Rain Rock Casino Resort Hotel is an invitation to journey. It invites guests to escape into the Siskiyous and follow the metaphorical river from vibrant spaces to sanctuaries. Along its flow, guests discover the enduring bond between design, nature, and community.
Designing Nature-Inspired Luxury at Gun Lake Resort
Designing Nature-Inspired Luxury at Gun Lake Resort
Gun Lake Resort’s new hotel tower is more than an expansion—it’s a transformational destination for West Michigan and the greater Midwest. Rising prominently above Highway 131, the 15-story tower positions the resort as a premier super-regional draw for guests traveling from Chicago, Detroit, and beyond. With its blend of high-end accommodations, world-class amenities, and the one-of-a-kind Wawyé Oasis tropical atrium, the resort elevates the standard of hospitality in the region, offering guests an experience that rivals the nation’s top luxury destinations.
A Grounded Arrival: Biophilic Hospitality
The best hospitality spaces don’t just provide a service—they create experiences that linger long after checkout. At the new Gun Lake Resort Hotel Tower, HBG Design has reimagined the guest journey by blending biophilic principles with elevated luxury, crafting interiors that connect guests to nature while surrounding them with comfort and sophistication.
The interior concept was shaped by the natural rhythms and beauty of the region—dynamic summer sunsets, dappled light filtering through the trees, and serene views of Gun Lake. These elements became the design DNA for the tower’s interiors, translated into atmospheres of Dappled Light, Serene, and Radiance.
The journey begins in the soaring double-height lobby, where guests are welcomed by a vibrant living green wall—a vertical garden that breathes life into the reception experience. Expansive glazing frames the lush Wawyé Oasis atrium, filling the space with natural light and views of greenery. Together, these layered strategies set a calming tone, grounding guests the moment they arrive.
Material selections extend this connection to place: warm wood, natural stone, and metals that mirror Michigan’s rugged beauty. Radial ceiling treatments echo organic patterns, while daylighting establishes rhythm and flow. For HBG, biophilic hospitality design isn’t a trend—it’s a philosophy of guest wellbeing, ensuring each space resonates with a sense of balance and belonging.
Serene Wellness and Retreat
Below, the MnoYé Spa embraces Serene. Inspired by the soft glow of Gun Lake sunsets, its palettes of warm stone, tranquil colors, and layered textures create a restorative retreat. Flowing water features, hydrotherapy pools, and customizable lighting reinforce the sensory calm, allowing guests to feel both nurtured and renewed.
Guestrooms extend this atmosphere of serenity. Broad glass openings frame the surrounding landscape, while natural woods and layered fabrics echo the colors and textures of Michigan’s seasons. Here, biophilic design ensures that the restorative qualities of nature are never out of reach, even in the most private spaces.
The Pinnacle of Luxury: The Ogema Suite
At the summit, the Ogema Suite redefines modern luxury. Spanning more than 3,000 square feet across two levels, the suite delivers architectural drama with its soaring two-story glass wall framing panoramic views of the Michigan landscape. A sculptural floating stair, bespoke railings, and curated art add layers of sophistication, while fireplaces and a full-service bar create opportunities for both retreat and gathering.
Technology enhances this indulgence with seamless personalization—integrated automation of lighting, drapery, and climate, plus radiant floor heating for comfort in Michigan winters. Every detail, from crafted finishes to immersive views, reinforces the suite as the pinnacle of hospitality design.
Redefining Regional Hospitality
At Gun Lake Resort, luxury and biophilia converge. Rooted in the landscapes and skies of Michigan, the interiors balance restorative, nature-inspired design with the drama of high-end hospitality, giving guests spaces that are both grounding and unforgettable. From dappled light in the lobby, to sunset-inspired spa palettes, to the radiant vistas of the Ogema Suite, HBG Design has crafted an immersive experience that elevates regional hospitality and sets a new benchmark for connection, comfort, and design excellence.
Award-Winning Collaboration
HBG Design Wins Bronze Award for Collaboration in Design
HBG Design is honored to announce that we have been awarded the Bronze Award for Collaboration in Design by the ASID South Central Chapter, which represents Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana.
This recognition highlights the exceptional partnership between HBG Design and Schumacher Hospitality, a leading purveyor of fabrics and wallcoverings, on a current boutique resort project in development.
A True Collaboration
Over the course of a year, our interiors team worked side-by-side with Schumacher Hospitality to design custom wallcoverings and fabrics that bring artistry, craft, and durability to this boutique hospitality environment. The design vision draws inspiration from the area’s industrial heritage and surrounding woodland landscapes, blending the strength of forged steel and precision detailing with the warmth, texture, and flow of the forest.
Design Highlights
Through close collaboration, Schumacher’s iconic residential patterns were reimagined and transformed into hospitality-grade finishes—tailored in color, scale, and performance to suit the resort’s high-traffic spaces.
- Verdure: A reinterpretation of Verdure Tapestry fabric into a custom vinyl wallcovering for the lobby living room.
- Larissa: Scaled and adapted into Type II vinyl for dramatic impact on the lobby bar nook ceiling.
- Zenada: Customized with a fresh color palette for the bar nook bookcase wall.
- Public Restrooms: Vibrant vinyl wallcoverings designed in new project-specific colorways.
- Elevator Lobbies: A striking “zebra” pattern reimagined as an abstract feather motif.
- Featherfest: Saturated feather-pattern wallcoverings for the suite powder room.
- Zambezi Velvet: Digitally printed fabric in a custom colorway for the rooftop restaurant.
Why It Matters
This award celebrates the power of collaboration in design. By uniting HBG’s hospitality expertise with Schumacher’s craftsmanship, the team created one-of-a-kind finishes that capture the spirit of place while meeting the demands of modern hospitality design.
Congratulations to our HBG team and our partners at Schumacher Hospitality for this exciting recognition!
