This year’s HD Expo + Conference keynote lineup brought together a powerhouse group of visionaries who have made a lasting impact on hospitality design and continue forging the way into the future.

From Todd Avery Lenahan’s reimagining of luxury and Kit Kemp’s vibrant, joy-filled interiors to AvroKO’s collaborative approach, each speaker offered a distinct, personal perspective on what it means to craft meaningful guest experiences. Sam Nazarian delved into the convergence of lifestyle, food, wellness, and entertainment, while Chad Oppenheim shared his pioneering projects and explored how architecture can elevate the human experience.

Together, their insights reinforced that hospitality today is as much about emotion and storytelling as it is about business and strategy.

Todd-Avery Lenahan: Luxury rooted in story and soul

Margaret McMahon, global practice principal of Wimberly Interiorsm and Todd-Avery Lenahan, president and chief creative officer of Wynn Design and Development

Todd-Avery Lenahan, president and chief creative officer of Wynn Design and Development, offered a nuanced perspective on luxury hospitality design, emphasizing that “I never start thinking initially about the physical manifestation of the ultimate experience—I think about what the emotional and experiential tenor of the place is.”

For Lenahan, people come before products, and the focus is on crafting experiences that stem from a deep understanding of what individuals find meaningful. He likens his approach to writing sheet music or a script, where spaces and architectural elements become characters in a narrative. This storytelling approach, he says, requires trust. “You’ve got to grant me artistic trust because without that, I’m nowhere,” he says.

Lenahan also challenged the notion that luxury must be tied to affluence. “You do not have to be born with a silver spoon,” he says. “There are so many things I do that reference entirely different archetypes that find their way into hotels, whether it’s museums, theaters, galleries, retail, educational institutions, parks—be astute of the world because luxury is not just material. Go to the incredible gardens of the world that are free to the public and soak up the high concept, textures, materials, and perspectives.”

As for advice to the next generation, Lenahan emphasized the importance of drawing by hand. While acknowledging technology’s growing presence, he cautions: “AI absolves [young designers] from the responsibility and rigor of drawing… if you do not draw, you don’t know the fundamentals of drafting. You have to draw, draw, draw. There has to be that mind, hand, eye connection.”

AvroKO: The power of creative partnership

Shoemaker Rauen with AvroKO founders William Harris, Kristina O’Neal, Adam Farmerie, and Greg Bradshaw

The four founders of AvroKO—Kristina O’Neal, William Harris, Greg Bradshaw, and Adam Farmerie—shared an intimate look at their two-decade journey, one rooted in creativity, occasional tension, and an unwavering collaborative spirit. More than business acumen, it’s the strength of their partnership that has fueled the firm’s longevity.

A key component of that bond is their annual summit, which O’Neal describes as “almost like marriage counseling,” where, she says, “we can be honest and say, ‘I hate this. I love this. I’m afraid of this. This hurt my feelings. This is amazing.’” She adds: “Part of the adventure has been trying things on and supporting each other through the good and the bad, and also supporting our staff when they have a longing that they want to go do. Everybody’s in it.”

Their approach to growth remains organic and deeply human-centered. “The biggest lesson learned was the value of the decided commitment that we all gave each other,” says Harris. “That’s trickled down into a lot of our client relations, our staff relations, our restaurants, and our other businesses.”

O’Neal echoes the sentiment: “The greatest lesson learned is the nourishment of being indefatigable and being able to say, no matter what, the trust is there—even if things aren’t going right, we’re here, we’re going to do it together and go forward.”

Kit Kemp: Living life in bold color

Shoemaker Rauen and Kemp

Firmdale Hotels founder and creative director Kit Kemp brought her distinct penchant for color and playfulness to the stage. Her work is instantly recognizable yet never repetitive. “I’m terrified of beige,” she joked, championing instead an approach where each hotel tells its own story through bold colors, textures, and patterns.

Each property is crafted with layered colors, textures, and collaborations with emerging artists and craftspeople, creating “a handwriting that you’re always staying in a Firmdale hotel, but each one is individual.” She emphasized the idea of making hospitality an adventure, “because that’s what it’s all about—capturing the imagination for travelers.”

Reflecting on Firmdale’s genesis, Kemp recalls opening Dorset Square Hotel with her husband Tim in 1985. “When you are young, you are very arrogant and we never took no for an answer.” The transformation of the hotel epitomized this ethos, defying an early naysayer who said, “you will never cook a meal in this kitchen,” when they showed them the hotel’s basement kitchen.

Kemp’s advice is unequivocal: “Everybody’s going to tell you you can’t do it. You’ve got to dust yourself down, pick yourself up, and just keep on going.”

Sam Nazarian: Building for what’s next

Shoemaker Rauen and Sam Nazarian, founder and CEO of sbe

For Sam Nazarian, hospitality has always been deeply personal. “I built these brands for myself, really,” the sbe founder and CEO shared during his keynote. Reflecting on his early days in the industry, Nazarian recalled identifying a missing link in the guest experience—namely, the lack of integration between design, food, and entertainment—and transforming that insight into a full-service lifestyle empire.

His breakthrough came with the launch of SLS. “Our premise was always ‘not your father’s Four Seasons’—how can we deliver style, luxury, and service all under one roof?” That meant bringing in visionaries like Philippe Starck, pioneering fully integrated hotels establishing a strong “connection with the mission of the brand,” he shares. “I build the brands first and then I find locations.”

Today, Nazarian is once again reimagining the future of hospitality through two ventures: HQ and Estate Hotels & Residences. HQ, created in partnership with Wyndham, is a smart hospitality concept that speaks to next-gen travelers, while the Estate, a collaboration with Tony Robbins, is a longevity-focused luxury brand that merges hospitality with wellness and medical science. “We built the Estate knowing that this category is going to evolve fast,” he says.

Nazarian credits his instinct, relentless drive, and immigrant roots for his continued success. “I had a lot of confidence but also a self-consciousness that never went away, which [pushes me] to innovate, disrupt, and expand. It’s sheer will.”

Chad Oppenheim: The force of architecture

Oppenheim Architecture founder Chad Oppenheim

Architect Chad Oppenheim traces the evolution of his creative ethos, from childhood dreams shaped by pop culture and movies to global projects rooted in sustainability, sensory immersion, and emotional connection. Oppenheim’s work is driven by the desire to reconnect people—with themselves, with each other, and with nature.

“Even though we’re the most connected species, we’ve become the most disconnected.” His response is to design for emotion and immersion. “We’re not designing for what things look like, we’re designing for what they feel like.” His approach avoids imposing form, instead he’s “trying to find what the design wants to be and let it flow through me.”

Today, Oppenheim’s studio spans six continents and multiple typologies, yet a core mission runs through his work: “Everything I do is about making the world more pleasurable for people.”  This is evident in projects like Harbour Island house in the Bahamas, where “we let [the trees] grow through the architecture,” and aimed to make it feel like it’s been always been there.

In Utah, he built a circular Six Senses resort to view the passage of time, removing style in favor of timeless form. In Costa Rica, he designed a resort around the trees that existed with minimal intervention, using local lava stone. A recurring theme is adapting design to setting—like the Langham Hotel in Australia, modeled on scanned crystals: “I try to find something. Nature has so many beautiful things in it.” Perhaps most emblematic is his work in Saudi Arabia’s Wadi Rum desert, where he designed a resort carved into the rock, using only local sand and minerals.

Ultimately, Oppenheim invited his audience to reconsider architecture as a force of quiet transformation: “It’s about how we can help [create] that connection to the place.”

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The International Interior Design Association (IIDA), in partnership with Hospitality Design magazine, announced the winners of the 28th annual IIDA/HD Expo Product Design Awards in Las Vegas on May 7th.

This competition recognizes products that excel in seven different criteria: aesthetics, cost and value, design innovation, environmental responsibility, need, technical advancements, and usage.

This year’s jury of design professionals included Derek Chen, project manager at LPA; Peter Harrison, president of the IIDA Oregon Chapter; and Michelle Widner, senior interior designer and project manager at Architects West.

“Exceptional hospitality environments are built on product design that doesn’t just meet expectations, but instead redefines them,” says Cheryl S. Durst, CEO and executive vice president of IIDA. “This year’s winners exemplify this, pushing the boundaries through innovation and remarkable craftsmanship that is boldly leading the industry into an era of elevated experiential environments.”

The winners of the 2025 IIDA/HD Expo Product Design Awards are:

Eric Engstrom Best of Competition Award
Ocean Master MAX Bolero: Ombré Blossom from Tuuci

Applied Finishes/Materials – Laminates, Stone/Marble, Tile, Specialty
Fluida from Arizona Tile

Bath/Spa – Equipment, Whirlpool/Saunas, Fitness, Wellness
Elvari Washroom Accessories Collection from Bradley

Electronics and Technology – Audio/Visual, Charging Stations, Apps
Kinetic from Astek

Fabrics/Textiles — Upholstery
Company: Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering
Product: Glint + Glimmer Collection

Fixtures and Hardware – Decorative Metals, Plastics, Hardware
Trendline Kerdi-Line and Kerdi-Line-Vario from Schluter Systems

Flooring – Carpets and Rugs
Tufted Manchaha from Jaipur Living

Freestanding Furniture/Casegoods – Group/Series
Ocean Master MAX Bolero: Ombré Blossom from Tuuci

Freestanding Furniture/Casegoods – Individual
Carrello from Vertical Ledge

Lighting – Group/Series, and Systems
Cape Wall Sconce from Kalco Lighting

Lighting – Individual Fixtures, Ceiling Fans, and Individual Lighting Devices
Melt Chandelier from Arteriors Contract

Seating – Outdoor Group/Series
Luca Sofa from Brown Jordan

Seating – Lounge Individual
Avalon from KFI Studios

Seating – Outdoor Individual
Iggy Outdoor Chair from Arteriors Contract

Sustainability – Recycled Materials and Green Products
Ultraleggera from Zieta Prozessdesign

Wallcoverings – Wallpapers
Modern Muse from Phillip Jeffries

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Qarlbo Hospitality—the team behind LA ROQQA Hotel in Tuscany and ABBA Voyage in London—has introduced Backstage Zone, a new cultural and hospitality hub in Djurgården, Stockholm.

An extension of the 52-room Backstage Hotel, which opened two years ago, the latest addition transforms the boutique property into a fully immersive destination deeply rooted in music and the performing arts. Anchored by a brasserie, bar, and café, Backstage Zone channels the same behind-the-scenes energy that defines the hotel’s concept.

In the brasserie, classic dishes are reimagined with bold, contemporary twists, while the bar spins a laidback soundtrack of vinyl records alongside craft cocktails in a casually sophisticated setting. Sun-drenched and serene, the café offers a quieter rhythm for daytime gatherings over coffee and small plates.

Backstage Café

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Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is set to reveal Mandarin Oriental Kanai, Riviera Maya, a luxury beachfront resort with branded residences on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, in 2028.

Situated within a gated community surrounded by pristine jungle and a protected mangrove reserve, the property will feature 120 elegantly designed guestrooms and suites, each with private pools and expansive views of the Caribbean Sea.

Additionally, the resort will include 50 spacious branded residences that offer owners access to an exclusive beach club.

The design team behind Mandarin Oriental Kanai, Riviera Maya

The resort’s design, led by Mexico City-based architectural firm Migdal Arquitectos, will emphasize a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience, enhanced by natural materials like marble, wood, leather, and locally woven fabrics.

The property will draw poetic inspiration from Mayan architecture while respecting the natural environment. Courtesy of New York’s William Gray, a new luxury offering by Meyer Davis, will showcase a curated collection of art and design, creating a tranquil ambiance that harmonizes with the surrounding fauna, which will be landscaped by Maat Handasa.

Meanwhile, the Spa at Mandarin Oriental and the Beach Club will feature distinctive design elements from studio Esrawe.

In addition, renowned artist Bosco Sodi will bring a unique artistic vision as art curator and design consultant for the project. His approach, rooted in the Japanese wabi-sabi philosophy and traditional Mayan aesthetics, will add a distinct, elemental touch.

Mandarin Oriental Kanai, Riviera Maya will offer an array of dining experiences, including a beach club, café, and pool bar, as well as three outdoor pools and elegant indoor and outdoor event spaces.

The resort is being developed by GIM Desarrollos, a real estate developer with operations throughout the region.

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HD Expo + Conference kicked off at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas on Tuesday, May 6th with a full day of exciting product showcases and panel sessions with hospitality industry leaders. As part of the first day’s programming, a jury of judges perused the show floor to find the spaces that stood out the most for HD’s Best Booth Awards.

On the jury: Archit Sawhney, studio design lead at Harken Interiors; Greer May, associate principal at Studio 11 Design; Eileen Madigan, senior vice president of global interior design at Las Vegas Sands Corp; and Hayley Morgan Heider, senior associate at Looney & Associates.

Together, they selected this year’s Best Booth competition winners and honored Bryan Ashley, Tarkett Hospitality, and Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering with the top prize of Best in Show.

Talenti, Ayrsonics, and Kimball Hospitality were also among the winners.

Congrats to all the honorees!

Best in Show
Bryan Ashley, Tarkett Hospitality, Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering

Best Small Booth
Ayrsonics

Best Large Booth
Kettal

Best Product Display
Eterna (Arca x Meyer Davis)

Best Curb Appeal
Tuuci

Effective Use of Space
Amtrend Corporation

Clarity of Concept
Ethnicraft

Best Branding
Yuanzhicheng Home Textile

Instagram Moment
Kimball Hospitality

Most Creative Use of Product
Koroseal/Arte

Best Use of Color
Talenti

 

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Hospitality Design (HD) magazine announced this year’s HD Awards project and product winners during the 21st annual ceremony.

Nearly 550 people attended the event—held on Tuesday, May 6th at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas during HD Expo + Conference—which honored the year’s best and most innovative achievements in design from around the globe. The breadth of the industry was showcased across approximately 1,300 project and product submissions.

Of the winners, the L’Observatoire Suite on Belmond’s Venice Simplon-Orient-Express received Best in Show in projects, while the Tile Insert Linear Drain from Infinity Drain was named Best in Show for products.

View the full list of this year’s HD Awards winners and finalists in projects and products.

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Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas has debuted its reimagined 23rd floor, home to the brand’s signature Peacock Alley and the new Hard Shake bar and lounge.

This transformation marks a significant milestone in the hotel’s multimillion-dollar renovation. (Previous enhancements include the revamp of all guestrooms and suites, over 15,000 square feet of meeting and event space, and the introduction of a ground-floor lobby, which was previously located on the 23rd floor.)

Designed by Rockwell Group, both venues embrace a fusion of Las Vegas glamour and desert-inspired aesthetics.

Hard Shake

Replacing the former SkyBar, Hard Shake exudes Old Hollywood allure with a modern twist.

Deep indigo banquettes, Art Deco accents, and a marbled dark stone bar framed by champagne brass give the space a sophisticated edge. Overhead, a gold-illuminated fixture casts a warm, moody glow.

Peacock Alley

Peacock Alley greets guests with an airy, stylish ambiance and sweeping views of the Las Vegas Strip. Upon entering from the elevator lobby, guests are greeted by the signature Clock at Peacock Alley, a statement timepiece that draws inspiration from desert sundials.

The focal point is a feather-shaped bar topped with a sculptural glass canopy, set against a custom mosaic tile floor. A clear-glass light fixture creates a dynamic, rhythmic pattern across the ceiling as well.

Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the lounge in natural light, while a palette of muted blues and grays create a soothing ambiance that transforms from day to night.

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Tucked beneath the streets of Warwickshire, England, Hush—a new private members club developed by Leam Properties—has opened its doors.

With interiors by Black Ivy Design, the intimate venue channels the glamour of the Roaring Twenties through a modern lens.

A journey back in time

From the moment guests descend into the low-lit, velvet-lined space, they’re transported to an era of jazz-soaked soirées and clandestine charm.

“The client envisioned a space that would capture the spirit of the 1920s, but with the refinement and comfort of today,” says Leanne Armstrong, founder and creative director of Black Ivy Design. “We wanted every detail to feel intentional, every element to tell a story, and the result is a space that feels intimate yet spectacular.”

The crucial role of lighting at Hush

Lighting takes centerstage in this moody retreat, where layered fixtures transform the club’s low ceilings, initially seen as a limitation, into an architectural asset.

A warm, golden glow emerges from a mix of uplighting, hidden LEDs, sconces, and vintage-style pendants, setting the tone for a transportive experience. Fluted glass diffuses light across the room, casting subtle Art Deco patterns that shimmer against the plush surfaces.

“The lighting became the backbone of the mood,” Armstrong explains. “We wanted guests to feel cocooned, like they’ve stepped into another world.”

Tactile design

Texture also plays a starring role, with tactile materials and jewel-toned hues enveloping guests in a sensory cocoon.

Rich velvets, chenille wallcoverings, and fluted detailing infuse the space with a mix of drama and softness, while deep navy blues and crimson reds nod to the decadence of the era.

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Aria Group has unveiled the interiors of a new STK Steakhouse outpost in Miami’s Aventura neighborhood.

Drawing inspiration from the city’s signature beach nightlife, the design embraces fluid indoor-outdoor transitions, with patios and balconies that blur the boundary between inside and out, fostering an energetic atmosphere from day to night.

A series of sculptural white ribbons lining the ceiling anchors the space and introduces dynamic movement overhead.

Below, a crisp white palette defines the seating, with curved banquettes that mirror the flow of the ceiling ribbons and versatile tables suited for both intimate dinners and larger groups.

The interior is punctuated by deep purple walls and accented with horn art installations, adding a layer of visual depth.

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The post Aria Group Designs STK Steakhouse’s Miami Location appeared first on Hospitality Design.

London-based studio Holloway Li has been appointed by tourism and hospitality group Tripolers to develop the interior design strategy for its debut boutique spa-hotel amidst the Singing Sand Dunes of Dunhuang, China.

Nestled within a natural oasis along the historic Silk Road, Tripolers Oasis Hotel will draw inspiration from dramatic desert vistas and the nearby UNESCO-listed Mogao Caves.

The resort—positioned in a lush, working vineyard at the edge of the dunes—will feature 15 private villas strategically placed along the edge of the site to maximize privacy and offer views of the surrounding dunes. Two-story suite blocks, boasting roof terraces with uninterrupted vistas, will be situated deeper within the vineyard.

Holloway Li’s design concept aims to create a transformative guest experience that reflects a physical and spiritual journey.

The arrival experience

Upon arrival, guests will enter a serene drop-off area comprising four intimate single-story pavilions housing the reception area, lounge, boutique shop, bar, and refreshment deck. These pavilions will be thoughtfully arranged to symbolize a gesture of embrace to further extend a warm welcome onsite.

A courtyard will feature naturally sculpted stone and a weathered Huyang tree—both shaped by the desert climate—that emphasize the hotel’s philosophy of celebrating nature in its purest form.

An array of amenities

Public spaces—including a restaurant, bar and lounge, chef’s table, and luxurious spa rooms—will be connected by golden sandy courtyards that lead to a tranquil outdoor pool with panoramic views of the Singing Sand Dunes.

A fire-pit area, meanwhile, extends into the desert, to provide a unique setting for private dining or stargazing.

Design details of Tripolers Oasis Hotel

Inspired by wabi-sabi philosophy, the design emphasizes simplicity, imperfection, and the passage of time. Reclaimed materials, for example, will be employed to create spaces that feel both rustic and refined.

Earthy tones and natural materials—like clay, teak, and stone—will add warmth to the interiors, while carefully curated furniture and artwork will celebrate the beauty of local craftsmanship and the rich cultural history of the area.

The design of the guestrooms will be rooted in the local heritage of Dunhuang, influenced by the traditional murals found in the Mogao Caves, where monks, merchants, and travelers have sought rest for centuries. The color schemes are guided by the three primary pigments—Tubai (clary white), Shashi (sandy yellow), and Zhusha (earthy red)—reinforcing a deep connection between the guest experience and the region’s legacy.

“We were stunned by the incredible site for Tripolers Oasis Hotel and the opportunity to create a truly world-class offering,” says Na Li, managing director of Holloway Li. “We are excited to work alongside our long-term local collaborators GAD and Z’scape to bring this breathtaking scheme to life.”

Tripolers Oasis Hotel is slated for completion in 2026.

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