Tava Frazier, NCIDQ - Associate / Interior Design Manager
Tava is not only a highly skilled leader, but has an extraordinary ability to adapt to a variety of project roles and responsibilities quickly. She has a gift to see beyond the strict definition of a project role, and adjust her focus on what the project needs to be successful. One moment, Tava may be an Interior Design Project Architect, who takes the reins and leads as the project manager. Or, her role might be Interior Design Project Manager, who also juggles the responsibilities of a project architect. Without exception, Tava always brings exceptional efficiency and commitment to her projects. A dedicated mentor, Tava advocates for those she sponsors, seeking opportunities for junior staff to learn new skills, build deep industry knowledge, and shape an immersive career experience at HBG.
Kelly Nicklas, RA - Associate / Project Management
With 32 years of architectural project management experience, Kelly brings strong leadership, organization, and communication to complex casino resort projects. He excels in developing effective delivery strategies—aligning team coordination, technology, schedule control, and budget—to drive high-quality, differentiated design outcomes. Kelly oversees internal and consultant teams to ensure the seamless delivery of coordinated documentation, maintaining the client’s design vision from project kickoff through opening.
Nathan Blair, AIA - Associate / Architecture & Design
An integral part of our success, Nathan is expanding horizons in our San Diego office. Bringing people together while demonstrating an unwavering passion for design execution are Nathan’s superpowers. He’s helped transcend the miles between teams in different office locations by aligning everyone together and uniting our project teams across the continent. Under pressure, he's the embodiment of professionalism and leads teams with contagious positivity.
Ross Burch - Associate / Interior Design
Ross is a lead interior designer with deep expertise in luxury hospitality, residential, and mixed-use environments. Since 2012, he has guided high-performing design teams and collaborated with top global brands to create strategic, experience-driven spaces. As Interior Design Studio Manager and Associate in HBG Design’s Dallas office, Ross’s approach blends visionary design thinking with the principles of Unreasonable Hospitality—crafting environments that surprise, delight, and connect on a human level. From concept through grand opening, Ross champions collaboration, elevates design quality, and brings compelling stories to life through every detail.
Ryan Callahan, AIA - Associate / Architecture & Design
Ryan Callahan is a dynamic leader whose work reflects a rare balance of creativity, technical expertise, and unwavering dedication to client success. With a foundation that began in interiors, Ryan brings a uniquely integrated perspective to architecture and design—bridging disciplines to deliver cohesive, high-impact solutions. He is known for his ability to listen deeply, translate client vision into compelling design, and respond with agility when it matters most—consistently going above and beyond to protect trust and elevate outcomes. Ryan’s servant leadership style, entrepreneurial mindset, and resilience under pressure inspire those around him, while his involvement in firmwide initiatives and mentorship of emerging professionals demonstrates his commitment to advancing both people and practice. Driven by curiosity and conviction, Ryan continuously pushes the work—and his team—forward, making a lasting impact on HBG’s culture and design excellence.
Raul Ramirez, International AIA - Associate / Architecture & Design
Raul Ramirez brings over 30 years of industry experience and a wealth of expertise in hospitality and entertainment design. Known for his innovative approach and deep technical knowledge, Raul excels at navigating complex project challenges while maintaining the highest standards of quality and precision. He leads project teams in the organization, coordination, and completion of construction documents and project documentation—collaborating seamlessly with internal staff, consultants, and clients. Raul ensures that every project meets rigorous quality control standards and contractual requirements, guiding work from design through construction completion with accuracy, efficiency, and a focus on delivering exceptional results.
Mark Rojas - Associate / Architecture
Mark Rojas is a cornerstone of the San Diego office whose resilience, expertise, and collaborative leadership have shaped both projects and office culture since the earliest days of the location. With over 18 years of architectural experience spanning master planning, entitlement approvals, design, BIM coordination, and project management, Mark brings a rare combination of technical skill and practical problem-solving to every project. From navigating early challenges with complex BIM systems to leading on high-stakes projects, he has consistently demonstrated resourcefulness, professionalism, and the ability to keep teams aligned under pressure. Known for his straight-shooting communication, innovative thinking, and mentorship of colleagues, Mark has not only delivered exceptional project results but also fostered a culture of collaboration, work ethic, and engagement in the San Diego office—making him a trusted leader, mentor, and advocate for both his team and the firm’s success.
Chris Wood, NCIDQ - Associate / Interior Design
Christopher Wood, NCIDQ, is a recognized leader in hospitality and entertainment interior design with a decade of experience creating distinctive resort, casino, and hotel environments for both tribal and commercial clients nationwide. At HBG Design, Chris combines creativity, operational insight, and technical expertise—guiding projects from concept development through FF&E selection, construction documentation, and installation—to deliver elegant, guest-focused interiors that meet client goals and budget requirements. Known for his attention to detail, refined design sensibility, and collaborative approach, he elevates spaces with thoughtful materiality, subtle glitz, and seamless amenity flow. A celebrated industry professional, Chris has been named a Top 40 Under 40 by Global Gaming Business and selected for the BD-18 Class by Boutique Design Magazine, reflecting his growing influence and emerging leadership in the national hospitality and entertainment design arena.
Kristen Dixon, AIA - Associate / Architecture
Kristen Dixon is a respected leader and mentor known for her precision, resilience, and unwavering commitment to quality. Since joining the firm in 2013, she has played a pivotal role in shaping complex projects. Kristen consistently demonstrates a proactive, solutions-driven mindset—balancing design intent with constructability while elevating team performance. Her strength lies not only in her technical expertise and meticulous approach to documentation, but in her ability to listen, mentor, and turn challenges into opportunities for growth. A champion of process improvement, collaboration, and consistency, Kristen leads by example—ensuring every project benefits from her thoughtful leadership and every team member grows stronger through her guidance.
