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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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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Waterworks reimagines its Flatiron showroom, Tarkett Hospitality appoints a divisional vice president of sales, Ben Soleimani opens a Manhattan flagship, and more. Here is the latest news to know from manufacturers across the globe:

Ben Soleimani opens New York flagship

Luxury home furnishings designer Ben Soleimani has unveiled a new flagship showroom in New York’s design district. Spanning three townhouse-inspired floors, the 3,540-square-foot space features the BESPOKE by Ben Soleimani collection—which spans rugs, furniture, lighting, and décor—along with an expansive rug sample display, a custom rug design studio, and a curated selection of antique rugs. Designed for the industry, the space fosters creativity and collaboration in a warm, refined setting just steps from the Decoration & Design (D&D) Building and the Architects & Designers (A&D) Building.

Eaton Fine Art promotes Roberta Carter

Eaton Fine Art has named Roberta Carter as general manager. Formerly director of operations, Carter (who “has been instrumental in shaping Eaton Fine Art’s success over the last 18 years,” says Terry Eaton, president and chief curator of Eaton Fine Art.) has played a pivotal role in streamlining internal processes and enhancing communication with purchasing agents. In her new position, she will lead strategic collaborations with hotel brands, design firms, and procurement agencies. “Her dedication, expertise, and passion for supporting our team and collaborators have made a lasting impact,” Eaton adds. “Robert and I are thrilled to see her take on this well-deserved role and look forward to the continued innovation she will bring.”

Waterworks redesigns Flatiron showroom

Waterworks has unveiled a major expansion of its Flatiron showroom in New York. Now spanning 7,800 square feet across three floors of a historic early-1900s building, the refreshed space features elevated product displays and a new focal point: a tiled mural by artist Christoph Niemann titled Rainy Day in NYC. Crafted entirely from Waterworks tile, the art piece—complete with a cameo of CEO and creative director Peter Sallick’s dachshund, Peaches—anchors a striking staircase connecting the main levels. “We envisioned the mural as a moment of artful surprise and a celebration of New York,” says Sallick. Additional updates include a revamped fittings wall, expanded kitchen displays, and a reimagined Surfaces by Color section bathed in natural light.

Tarkett Hospitality names Michelle Harpole sales VP

Tarkett Hospitality has appointed Michelle Harpole as divisional vice president of sales. With 20 years of experience in the flooring industry, Harpole has progressed from hands-on installation to executive leadership. Having joined Tarkett’s commercial division nine years ago, Harpole now aims to drive growth and build high-performing teams in her new role. “[Michelle’s] deep industry knowledge, combined with her proven leadership skills and unwavering commitment to success, make her an ideal fit to lead our sales team,” says Kim Drautz, president of Tarkett Hospitality. “We are confident that Michelle’s passion and expertise will be a tremendous asset to Tarkett Hospitality as we continue to provide innovative flooring solutions to the hospitality industry.”

Samuelson Furniture celebrates 90 years

This year marks the 90th anniversary of Samuelson Furniture, a fourth-generation, family-owned furniture manufacturer serving the hospitality and senior living industries. Under the leadership of president Lawrence Chalfin, who joined the business in 1974, the company has remained rooted in the values of quality and innovation established by his father and grandfather in 1935. Originally founded as Invincible Parlor Frame Co. in Paterson, New Jersey, Samuelson has grown into a global brand with clients including Rosewood, Four Seasons, Disney, and top-tier senior living communities.

More from HD:
7 Destinations Where Hotel Development Is Booming
Denver’s Populus Hotel Moves the Needle on Sustainability
What I’ve Learned Podcast: Suchi Reddy, Reddymade

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Rockwell Group has promoted three key team members to partner.

Brad Zuger, Eva Longoria, and Francesco Bartolozzi join existing partners Shawn Sullivan and Greg Keffer to further expand the firm’s leadership as it grows its global presence.

In their new roles, Zuger, Longoria, and Bartolozzi will continue leading their respective studios while spearheading firm-wide initiatives.

“Brad, Eva, and Francesco embody the design excellence, innovation, strategic thinking, and mentorship that define Rockwell Group,” says David Rockwell, founder and president of Rockwell Group. “Their leadership and expertise have been instrumental as we’ve continued to grow our practice and to think about design in new ways. As a firm, we have long focused on the intersections of different practice areas. Brad, Eva, and Francesco are bold, creative designers—the kind that our clients expect when they collaborate with Rockwell Group, and that we expect of ourselves.”

Brad Zuger

Zuger’s portfolio spans a diverse range of projects—from high-end hospitality to dynamic public spaces and residential buildings—in the U.S. and Asia. His recent work includes COQODAQ in New York, COTE Vegas, 550 Madison, Seahorse at W New York – Union Square, the Willow Residences, and JEM Miami.

With nearly 20 years of experience in creating design concepts, Zuger applies a narrative-driven approach to create immersive spaces that foster connection and incite curiosity. “Rockwell Group’s collaborative approach to design fosters creativity at every level,” says Zuger. “I’m honored to step into this role and contribute to the firm’s continued success.”

Eva Longoria

Longoria leads Rockwell Group’s Madrid studio, overseeing commercial and residential projects across Europe and beyond. A native of Spain and graduate of New York’s Parsons School of Design, she has led projects including SLS Barcelona, Nobu Hotel Barcelona, Gran Hotel Inglés, JW Marriott Madrid, along with several high-profile developments across Spain and Portugal.

“Rockwell Group has given me the opportunity to bring my ideas to life in incredible ways,” says Longoria. “I’m thrilled to take on this new role and continue to help shape the future of the firm abroad.”

Francesco Bartolozzi

Bartolozzi is recognized for his ability to craft immersive environments—from boutique hospitality spaces to large-scale resorts—for a broad range of clients. His global perspective and hands-on approach has informed standout projects such as Fontainebleau Las Vegas, Miru at the St. Regis Chicago, Vidanta resorts in Mexico, RPM venues along Chicago’s riverfront, and dining concepts at Newark Airport’s Terminal C.

“Being part of Rockwell Group’s evolution has been an incredible journey,” says Bartolozzi. “I look forward to continuing to shape environments that inspire and connect people.”

More from HD:
7 Destinations Where Hotel Development Is Booming
Denver’s Populus Hotel Moves the Needle on Sustainability
Project Breakdown: Cleveland’s Fidelity Hotel

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Marriott International has announced an agreement to acquire citizenM, a Netherlands-based lifestyle hotel brand recognized for its technology-rich guest experience and design-forward ethos.

The deal marks a significant step in Marriott’s global push to expand its select-service and lifestyle lodging offerings.

citizenM Washington DC Capitol

Marriott’s addition of citizenM

The citizenM portfolio currently comprises 36 operating hotels (totaling 8,544 rooms) that span key markets in the U.S., Europe, and Asia Pacific. Properties are situated in major gateway cities, including New York, London, Paris, and Rome.

The brand’s growth pipeline features three under-construction hotels, representing more than 600 rooms, planned to open by mid-2026, with additional development anticipated over the next decade.

Founded in 2008, citizenM targets a community of value-conscious, tech-savvy travelers. The brand’s identity is shaped by features such as smart in-room design, efficient use of space, immersive common areas filled with local art, and a focus on collaborative workspaces. Amenities include creative meeting rooms, grab-and-go F&B options, and vibrant rooftop decks. Each hotel prioritizes authenticity and local connection, tapping into the preferences of a generation seeking both comfort and experience.

“We are thrilled to add citizenM as a unique, differentiated offering to our select-service brand portfolio as we continue to strengthen Marriott’s foothold in this valuable market segment around the world,” says Anthony Capuano, president and CEO of Marriott International. “Marriott has a proven track record of growing acquired brands significantly by leveraging our global development ecosystem, the benefits of our industry-leading affiliation cost structure, and the power of our award-winning Marriott Bonvoy loyalty platform.”

canteenM at citizenM Chicago Downtown

Next steps in the deal

At closing of the transaction, Marriott will pay $355 million to acquire the brand and related intellectual property. Following closing, the citizenM portfolio will become part of Marriott’s system, with the hotels owned and leased by the seller subject to new long-term franchise agreements with Marriott.

“I am excited about citizenM’s future with Marriott International. citizenM was created for frequent travelers, and Marriott’s distribution capabilities will allow us to welcome new modern guests,” says Lennert de Jong, CEO of citizenM. “With the strength of Marriott’s development engine, we look forward to the prospect of many additional citizenM properties in new destinations around the world. We will continue to own our real estate and operate all our hotels. This relationship will allow us to work together to maximize returns.”

Marriott projects that the transaction, expected to close this year, will help drive its net rooms growth to nearly 5 percent for the year.

cloudM at CitizenM Rome Isola Tiberina

citizenM Menlo Park

cloudM at CitizenM New York Bowery

CitizenM Miami World Center

More from HD:
7 Destinations Where Hotel Development Is Booming
Marc & Rose Hospitality’s John Grossman Reinvents His Legacy
Denver’s Populus Hotel Moves the Needle on Sustainability

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A collaboration between Cooper Carry and Muza Lab, the revitalization of the historic Palm House hotel in Palm Beach, Florida blends timeless charm with modern luxury.

Bernhardt Hospitality played a crucial role in the five-year project by providing custom casegoods, seating, and outdoor furniture that seamlessly integrate with the hotel’s elegant design.

The vision for the Palm House hotel was to create a space that honors its rich heritage while embracing contemporary sophistication. The design evokes a sense of classic beauty, allowing guests to experience the grandeur of the past.

Bernhardt Hospitality was selected for its expertise in crafting high-quality, custom furniture. Their contributions to the renovation include:

• Custom Casegoods: Bespoke casegoods reflecting the hotel’s historical elegance, complementing architectural details and period-specific elements.
• Seating Solutions: Luxurious fabrics, ergonomic designs, and attention to detail ensure comfort and aesthetic appeal.
• Outdoor Furniture: Durable materials and sophisticated designs transform outdoor spaces into inviting areas for guests.

Challenges and Solutions

Integrating historical elements with modern amenities without compromising authenticity was a primary challenge. Bernhardt Hospitality addressed this by:

• Collaborative Design Process: Working closely with the hotel’s design team to meet aesthetic and functional requirements.
• Material Selection: Choosing luxurious and durable materials to ensure longevity and elegance.
• Attention to Detail: Crafting each piece with precision to reflect the hotel’s commitment to quality.

Impact and Success

The collaboration resulted in a space that merges the old with the new. Guests are welcomed into an environment that exudes a bespoke charm and luxurious comfort, making their stay memorable and unique.

Bernhardt Hospitality’s expertise and dedication in the Palm House hotel project exemplifies its ability to deliver exceptional custom furniture that aligned with the team’s vision of creating spaces that honor tradition while embracing modern sophistication.

Photos by Ryan Loco | This sponsored content was created collaboratively by Bernhardt Hospitality and HD.

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As shifting tariff policies continue to disrupt global trade, hospitality developers and procurement teams are facing tough decisions when it comes to sourcing furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E).

Carl Long, president and CEO at Purchasing Management International (PMI), and Steven Bramson, CEO of U.S.-based outdoor furniture manufacturer DecoScape, share four key takeaways about the evolving landscape.

1. A broader, smarter supply chain emerges

After dominating hospitality manufacturing for two decades, China’s position may be weakening. With Trump’s proposed tariffs as high as 145 percent on certain Chinese imports, sourcing from the region now carries major cost and risk. 

Although Chinese factories and the government have attempted to soften the blow—offering rebates and accepting thinner margins—Long believes the shift away from China is overdue. “The Chinese government putting their thumb on the scale of their production makes it impossible for the international community to compete,” he explains. “There are some products that you can only get in China now because of the quality of the worker and finishing techniques and chemicals used. But having [China] be the only place, doesn’t make sense.”

Sourcing is diversifying. Countries like Italy, Portugal, Turkey, Colombia, and Indonesia are gaining ground, as are Canada and Mexico, remaining favorable under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which includes protections around furniture manufacturing. Long also points to a possible resurgence in U.S.-based manufacturing. “I think the end game is to open the market up for other manufacturers and open up the opportunity for manufacturers in the U.S.,” he shares.

That trend aligns with what Bramson is seeing on the ground. “We’re seeing a clear shift in client behavior toward domestic sources and simplified supply chains. It’s not just about cost savings—it’s about certainty,” he says. “Clients are actively seeking U.S.-based manufacturers who can offer consistent quality and predictable timelines.”

2. Uncertainty is the new cost driver

With policies changing by the day, many developers are choosing to delay rather than make potentially costly decisions. “This level of uncertainty is causing a slowdown in decision-making,” Long explains. “If orders aren’t already placed and if budgets aren’t already set and approved, you can’t pick a direction, budget, or allocate funds correctly.”

Bramson, meanwhile, is seeing that pressure play out on the manufacturing side. “Clients are clearly in a state of flux,” he says. “Everyone’s trying to navigate the instability, and we’re seeing a consistent trend: clients are looking to manufacturers to absorb as much of the tariff impact as possible before they can even consider passing it along to their customers. Many of them are pausing orders right now, not out of lack of interest, but because the environment is so unpredictable.”

However, the 90-day tariff pause has offered some short-term relief, prompting a race to get existing orders out the door before the tariffs potentially kick in. “If you can make it in the next 90 days, make it and get them on the boat,” Long says. “[As of April 10th], we have 88 days left of a tariff pause—if countries can’t reach a deal with the U.S. within that time, it reverts back.”

3. Understand every part of the supply chain

Understanding a product’s full supply chain is now essential. With tariffs applied not only by country but by component origin, manufacturers and procurement firms must stay agile and transparent. “If we’re buying a chair that uses U.S.-made springs, Mexican casters, and Canadian foam, but is assembled in China, our actual exposure to tariffs might be far less than it looks,” Long says. 

He emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong, transparent relationships with vendors. “It’s incumbent upon purchasing companies to take that extra step to talk with vendors to ask, ‘Where’s your biggest risk?’ Because it’s not just the furniture, it’s all the components that go into it.”

Long cautions clients to “be pragmatic and patient,” he says. “Don’t make snap decisions. Evaluate the impact on a vendor-by-vendor, country-by-country, product-by-product basis.”

4. A new price baseline is here

Even if policies stabilize, Long believes the hospitality industry is entering a new era of cost expectations after a 25-year run of relatively low-cost products from China. “I don’t see prices going down,” he says. “The bidding process will still happen—but set at a higher base.”

For developers, that means budget recalibrations across the board. “We’re going to roll into challenges of budgeting, where a $25 million project turns into a $30 million one. Where do we get that extra $5 million?” Those extra costs will likely end up trickling down to the consumer. 

Although higher costs are a challenge, there’s a potential for longterm benefit. “The new baseline of costs will be higher, but as manufacturing and alternate sources become more viable, those costs have a net benefit to everybody that touches it along the way,” he says. “So, in the short term, there will be heartburn. We feel it.” 

“Ultimately, an owner will [decide] if they’re going to increase room rates to cover increased costs,” Long adds. “If room rates are higher, and the overall operational cost is higher, a portion of that increased room rate would also go to staff to maintain this new furniture. It remains to be seen if it will work, but that is the hope—that it raises all boats.”

More from HD:
On the Move: Hospitality Industry Organizational Updates
Boutique Motels Are Redefining Route 66
Aimasia Villa Embraces the Rugged Terrain of Mykonos

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The winner of the seventh annual HD/West Elm Student Product Design Competition is Calvin Ma of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona for his design of the Martin dining chair. (Ma also won in 2023 for the Sill dining chair.)

Blending midcentury-inspired design with modern sensibilities, the Martin chair features an angular frame softened by curving details and thoughtful proportions in either wood and metal finishes.

Judged by Frank Harker, director for Williams-Sonoma Business to Business; senior designer Sam Jones; and executive vice president Josie Driscoll, this year’s contest tasked students to design a dining chair conceived for hospitality and commercial spaces. In addition to a $5,000 prize, the winner will also have their product produced by West Elm.

“The Martin chair by Calvin Ma stood out for its modern simplicity and strong execution from all angles,” says Harker. “It’s a beautiful design that takes into consideration not just the form of the chair itself, but also how it might complement the spaces it lives within. We especially loved the metal back detail that adds interest, sophistication, and durability—perfectly in tune with the West Elm aesthetic.”

For the second year in a row, Francesca Melillo of the Savannah School of Art and Design was named this year’s finalist for her Nook chair, which balances elegance and comfort with clean lines and a gently curving back.

Francesca Melillo’s Nook chair is the 2025 HD/West Elm Student Product Design Competition finalist

Ma and Melillo will be honored at the 21st annual HD Awards ceremony on May 6th at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas during HD Expo + Conference. Purchase tickets today!

More from HD:
Boutique Motels Are Redefining Route 66
Aimasia Villa Embraces the Rugged Terrain of Mykonos
What I’ve Learned Podcast: Architect Morris Adjmi

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