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.”

The post Visionaries Take the Stage at HD Expo + Conference 2025 appeared first on Hospitality Design.

The Met explores the history of Black dandyism, 3D printing proves its value in architecture, and hotels takes cues from art museums. All that and more this week’s Five on Friday.

The Met’s new exhibition celebrates Black dandyism

From left: Ensemble by Pharrell Williams for Louis Vuitton, “Maya Angelou Passport” ensemble by Foday Dumbuya for LABRUM London, ensemble by Virgil Abloh for Louis Vuitton on display at the Met’s Superfine: Tailoring Black Style press conference; photo courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, BFA.com/Zach Hilty

The first Monday in May has become synonymous with the Met Gala, known for its dazzling celebrity fashions, but it also marks the launch of Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, an exhibition put on by the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute that spans 300 years of Black dandyism. Professor Monica L. Miller of Barnard College, whose book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity inspired the exhibit, which opens on May 10th. Featuring more than 200 pieces, the showcase illustrates how Black dandies have used clothing as a statement of identity and a means of navigating cultural and political moments. “Dandyism is a practice that’s not just about clothing, dress, accessories,” Miller told The New York Times. “It’s often about the strategic use of those things in particular political moments, around particular cultural nodes.” A modern icon who is closely related to dandyism is Dapper Dan, who told HD in 2022 that he uses clothes to adapt to the “different people I like being around. Clothes is my business, so I like to impress [people].”

Hotels are looking more like art museums

With public spaces by Hufft, 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis features O by Serkan Özkaya, an orb filled with distilled water, in the lobby; photo courtesy of 21c Museum Hotels

Art in hotels has undergone a transformation, replacing generic prints and replicas with museum-worthy pieces that define spaces as must-visit destinations, writes Fast Company. This shift aligns with evolving traveler preferences, especially for Millennials and Gen Z, who seek immersive, cultural experiences. Hotels such as Denver’s Art Hotel, which showcases a 22,000-piece LED light installation by Leo Villareal, and the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, with its Damien Hirst-designed Empathy suite, integrate high-caliber art as a distinguishing feature. At the forefront of this evolution is 21c Museum Hotels, which sees itself as a contemporary art museum first and a hotel second, inviting passersby into the property to view the artwork on display. “When you walk into a 21c, you’re walking into a hotel lobby, but you’re also walking into a museum gallery,” says Alice Gray Stites, chief curator for 21c Museum Hotels.

Creative partnerships spark unforgettable guest experiences

The Down the Rabbit Hole interactive carousel installation at the PUBLIC Hotel in New York; photo courtesy of PUBLIC Hotel

Hotels are elevating the hospitality game with creative collaborations and one-of-a-kind experiences that offer guests more than just a place to stay. Take Hotel Anna & Bel in Philadelphia. The property partnered with Anthropologie Home to create the Anna suite, a curated space showcasing Anthropologie’s signature eclectic style. Kimpton Hotel Eventi in New York is tapping into pop culture by partnering with Netflix’s Squid Game: The Experience. Guests can extend their adventure with a themed stay that includes challenge-inspired games and an F&B credit to enjoy the hotel’s dining spots. Visual storytelling comes to life at New York’s PUBLIC Hotel, where Down the Rabbit Hole, an interactive carousel installation by Chicago-based artist Pose, takes cues from the city’s iconic street art scene. Meanwhile, Walker Hotel Tribeca, in collaboration with Marimekko and Blue Bottle Coffee, explores Scandinavian minimalism and global coffee culture through an immersive décor-led themed room.

The subtle art of 3D printing

A rendering of a 3D-printed villa at the Canyon Club in Lake Travis, Texas; rendering courtesy of the Canyon Club

Rather than disrupting architecture outright, 3D printing has quietly integrated into the field, enhancing small-scale designs that provide texture, identity, and complexity, writes Architizer. This reflects broader shifts toward localized materials, circular design, and digital workflows. From tiles responsive to daylight patterns to parametric joints, its value lies in adaptability and finesse. Future innovations will likely build on this success, as architects find even more creative, sustainable uses for the technology. Take the Canyon Club, a resort community in Lake Travis, Texas featuring five 3D-printed houses by ICON with interiors from Kempt Studio that have been crafted for energy efficiency and longterm durability. ICON is also behind Liz Lambert’s second iteration of El Cosmico, where the veteran hotelier, alongside BIG, is building the world’s first 3D-printed hotel in West Texas.

The countdown is on for HD Expo + Conference

Party by the Pool at HD Expo + Conference 2024; photo by PWP Studio

From product debuts from more than 600-plus exhibitors to thought-provoking conference sessions from veterans and emerging talents alike, get ready for an action-packed few days of networking, candid conversations, educational panel discussions, and more when HD Expo + Conference lands in Las Vegas next week, May 6-8th. If you haven’t, register for the trade show today.

We are also bringing our HD Awards celebration back to Vegas for a second year. The 21st annual HD Awards was one of our most competitive yet, with nearly 1,300 submissions across product and project categories. Winners from more than 150 finalists will be revealed on Tuesday, May 6th at the Bellagio in what is surely to be a night to remember. You won’t want to miss it. Buy tickets here.

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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

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The members-only Crest Club has opened at Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection in Telluride, Colorado.

Designed by Rose Ink Workshop, the intimate retreat is evocative of a great room in a well-appointed French Alps chalet. Richly layered and subtly eclectic, the interiors reflect a warm, lived-in sensibility.

“There’s a quiet magic to it—warm and welcoming, artfully imperfect, and naturally stylish,” says Liubasha Rose, founder of Rose Ink Workshop.

At the heart of Crest Club is a lounge outfitted with private lockers and a bespoke bar flanked by fireplaces clad in marble, wood, and blackened steel.

The alpine-inspired aesthetic unfolds through vintage-style mohair and wool furnishings, textured textiles, and leather-inset tables that convey both comfort and sophistication.

The adjacent Falcon Room exudes a jewel box ambiance, illuminated by alabaster sconces and amber-toned chandeliers. A scalloped tile bar topped with veined Bianco Ondulato marble serves as a centerpiece, wrapped in reclaimed, limewashed wood adorned with hand-carved leaf motifs.

A tonal faux bois carpet adds visual depth, while curated artwork—including a painting of nearby Wilson Peak—grounds the space in the surrounding landscape.

More from HD:
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Aimasia Villa Embraces the Rugged Terrain of Mykonos
What I’ve Learned Podcast: Architect Morris Adjmi

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Salone del Mobile and Milan Design Week dazzle with standout collaborations and design debuts, Trump’s tariffs cause tumult in the travel and hotel industries, and the HD Awards to celebrate three at upcoming ceremony in Las Vegas. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday.

Highlights from Milan Design Week 2025

Designer Tara Bernerd and Frette collaborated on Disrupting Architecture, a new textile collection that debuted at Salone del Mobile; photo courtesy of Frette by Tara Bernerd

This week, Milan Design Week 2025 and the 63rd edition of Salone del Mobile have impressed with captivating installations and product launches. Highlights include designer Stephen Burks’ travel-inspired wallpapers for Calico, Tara Bernerd’s vibrant textiles and furniture for Frette and Medea 1905, and Philippe Malouin’s cozy Great Sofa for Hem, writes Galerie magazine. Additionally, Flos introduced the modular SuperWire lighting by Formafantasma, while Studio KO’s Moroccan-style rugs for Beni Rugs celebrated traditional craftsmanship. Another notable installation, Casa Cork by David Rockwell, honored cork’s sustainable potential. The event also attracted major fashion houses. Loewe showcased artistic teapots celebrating tea rituals, Prada Frames explored the concept of transit, and Louis Vuitton launched its first home collection, reports Elle. La DoubleJ’s 10th anniversary, meanwhile, brought tarot and sound healing into its new HQ, while Gucci spotlighted its iconic bamboo heritage. Plus, check out HD editor in chief Stacy Shoemaker Rauen’s recap on TikTok. 

The industry braces for Trump’s tariffs

Courtesy of Adobe Stock

The fluctuating tariff policies under the Trump administration will have a significant impact on the travel and hotel industry. A recent 90-day suspension of reciprocal tariffs has temporarily stabilized the market, but uncertainty persists. The hospitality sector, specifically, faces hurtles as hotels are threatened with higher operating costs, labor shortages, and a slowdown in renovations and new construction as costs rise, writes The New York Times. Meanwhile, Michelle Russo—founder and CEO of asset management company HotelAVE, which oversees a $12 billion portfolio of hotels—told Skift she has seen a slowdown in bookings and delays in business travel approvals due to reduced travel confidence. Russo predicts a potential 5 percent drop in revenue per available room (RevPAR) this year and advises cost-cutting measures like limiting key card distribution, efficient overtime management, and adjusting F&B prices in response to tariff-induced import cost increases. “That’s not me giving a forecast to the industry, and hopefully, things won’t be that bad,” she says, “but I want cost containment plans that assume that scenario.”

Are nightclub closures a recession indicator?

Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock

A wave of nightclub closures are hitting Brooklyn neighborhoods like Bushwick and Williamsburg, as venues face mounting challenges including rising rents, skyrocketing insurance premiums, and shifting consumer habits, reports The New York Times. Paragon, a popular dance club in Bushwick, is among those shutting down despite steady crowds. Freehold, a hybrid café and nightclub in Williamsburg, saw its rent triple after a landlord arbitration ruling. Commercial insurance costs have also become a financial burden for venues like TBA Brooklyn, where premiums increased fivefold over 12 years. Compounding these issues is a generational shift in alcohol consumption, with young people drinking less than in previous years. While some clubs, like Gabriela in Williamsburg, found limited success through quality programming, the rising costs across the board make the future of the New York nightlife scene uncertain.

A new mosque for women redefines spiritual space

 

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Designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R) and led by Dr. Sohaira Siddiqui, a scholar of Islamic Studies at Georgetown University, the LEED Gold-certified Al-Mujadilah in Doha marks the world’s first contemporary mosque for women. Serving as both a spiritual sanctuary and an intellectual hub, it hosts programs like daily prayers, educational workshops, and the Jadal summit, which focuses on the role of Muslim women in public life. The mosque’s design symbolizes openness and connection to nature. A large perforated roof diffuses natural light into the space, while two olive trees pierce through the roof, embodying peace and continuity. The mosque’s prayer hall features a reimagined Turkish carpet and accommodates up to 750 worshippers, extendable to 1,300 during Ramadan. “As a woman, the project was a special opportunity for me to design a space exclusively for women that is flexible and responsive to real-time, everyday needs,” Elizabeth Diller, partner at DS+R told Designboom.

HD Awards to celebrate three individuals during live ceremony

Karie and Julian Brittano, recipients of the HDAC Awards of Excellence; photo courtesy of the Brittanos

Hospitality Design announced two significant industry honors this week. The Hospitality Diversity Action Council (HDAC) presented its fifth annual Awards of Excellence to Julian and Karie Brittano. The dynamic husband-and-wife duo began their entrepreneurial journey in 2018 with the launch of the Brittano Group, a development venture based in High Point, North Carolina. They “exemplify a forward-thinking strategy that leverages hospitality projects as catalysts for positive change,” says HDAC member Archit Sawhney.

The HD/West Elm Student Product Design Competition announced Calvin Ma of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona as the winner of the seventh annual contest for his design of the midcentury-inspired Martin dining chair.

All three will be celebrated during the 21st annual HD Awards ceremony on May 6th at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, held in conjunction with HD Expo + Conference. Purchase tickets today!

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The Hospitality Diversity Action Council (HDAC) has announced Brittano Group founders Julian and Karie Brittano as the winners of its fifth annual Awards of Excellence. The honor recognizes exemplary work by individuals and companies that are working to advance the hospitality industry through the promotion of diversity, inclusivity, and equity.

The dynamic husband-and-wife duo began their love story and entrepreneurial journey in 2015, after a chance online meeting evolved into a lunch date in Atlanta. At the time, Julian was transitioning from his career in the nightlife hospitality and his role in the Oprah Winfrey Network TV series Greenleaf to broader endeavors in the film industry, while Karie, a licensed general contractor, was managing commercial development projects.

Bringing together their unique expertise, the Brittanos launched Brittano Group—a development venture based in High Point, North Carolina—in 2018, followed by the creation of its subsidiary, Rook Hotels, four years later. With a vision to blend thoughtful design and functionality, they strive to cover all corners, as symbolized by their chess-inspired Rook brand name.

In 2023, they entered into a public-private partnership with the Virginia town of South Boston to revive the former John Randolph Hotel into the 30-key Rook Hotel South Boston, set to debut in this fall. They also signed with Choice Hotels’ Ascend Collection, are the first brand partner of Choice’s Emerging Markets division, and are part of the company’s HERtels program, which empowers female entrepreneurs throughout their ownership journey.

“Karie and Julian Brittano embody the principles celebrated by the Award of Excellence,” says Archit Sawhney, a HDAC member and studio design lead at Chicago firm Harken Interiors. “Their development approach, led by their commitment to innovation and community enhancement, exemplifies a forward-thinking strategy that leverages hospitality projects as catalysts for positive change. ​With the small amount of Black-owned hoteliers globally, they serve as an inspiration to our industry and worthy of this recognition.”

The Brittanos, along with all of this year’s HD Awards winners and finalists, will be honored on May 6th during a ceremony at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino, held in conjunction with HD Expo + Conference. Purchase tickets today!

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From business acquisitions to leadership changes, we round up the latest organizational updates from design firms, hotel companies, and more.

Carver & Associates, an FF&E and OS&E procurement firm, has acquired hospitality procurement group Jaguar Hospitality Services. This acquisition enhances Carver’s capabilities across key U.S. markets by combining resources, expertise, and the networks of both companies.

Ben Weprin—founder and CEO of AJ Capital Partners and creator of hospitality brands including Graduate Hotels, Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts, and Field & Stream Lodge Co.—has been honored with ISHC’s 2025 Pioneer Award. Presented by in partnership with the Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS), the annual award recognizes an individual who has made an outstanding contribution, achievement, or improvement in the hospitality industry.

Global architecture and design firm WATG is celebrating its 80th anniversary. Founded in 1945 in Honolulu by Pete Wimberly, Jerry Allison, Greg Tong, and Don Goo, WATG provides advisory, master planning, architecture, and landscape architecture services. The firm’s interior design studio, Wimberly Interiors, was established in 2011. Today, WATG operates offices in Honolulu, Los Angeles, Tustin, Dallas, New York, Atlantic City, London, Singapore, and Shanghai.

Hospitality investment and development firm Highgate has named Ben Thomas as chief operating officer for Europe. He will oversee the company’s operations across the continent, drive strategic growth initiatives, and optimize performance throughout its expanding portfolio. Prior to joining Highgate, Thomas served as chief operating and commercial officer at Penta Hotels.

Woods Bagot has announced the formation of a new company, 7C, that focuses on ‘total place design.’ The venture brings together four brands: ERA-co (placemaking), Impact Futures (sustainability), Woods Bagot (architecture and interior design), and Customs Bureau (ultra-luxury concepts) to provide holistic, integrated solutions for the built environment.

NEWH (Network of Executive Women in Hospitality) has revealed its newly elected 2025 International Board of Directors. Deidre Schwartz will assume the role of president-elect and work alongside current president Sandy Banks for the remainder of the year. Her two-year term as president will begin January 2026.

Princeton, New Jersey-based Michael Graves Architecture (MG) has acquired Kollin Altomare Architects, a Los Angeles-based architecture and design firm. This acquisition marks a significant expansion for MG, broadening its reach and strengthening its capabilities in the luxury hospitality sector.

Kempinski Hotels has appointed a new executive leadership team to develop and reposition the European luxury group. With more than 30 years of global experience, Gordon Drake has been named chief financial officer, while Rasha Lababidi, who boasts 25 years of experience, joins the company as chief product officer. Lababidi is also cofounder of Meraki & Modus, a concept and strategy firm for luxury lifestyle destinations.

Method Co.—known for development and hospitality projects including the ROOST Apartment Hotel brand, Forth Atlanta, and the Pinch—has added two real estate industry veterans to its leadership team. Dan Mullen will serve as chief business officer and president of Method Concepts, leveraging his expertise in urban innovation, strategic planning, and hospitality development to support the company’s growth. James Nozar joins as chief development officer and president of Method Development, bringing decades of experience in large-scale urban development projects.

More from HD:
Aimasia Villa Embraces the Rugged Terrain of Mykonos
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The post On the Move: Hospitality Industry Organizational Updates appeared first on Hospitality Design.

Templeton Garden, a new addition to the Miiro Hotels portfolio, is set to open in London this spring.

Nestled in the historic Earl’s Court neighborhood, the 156-room property features a landscaped private garden, a café-meets-deli concept, a modern British restaurant, a cocktail bar, a gym, and Miiro’s signature Refresh Room—a space with changing rooms, showers, and toiletries for guests to utilize before check-in or after check-out.

Home-like interiors

Conceived by James Thurstan Waterworth of Thurstan, the interiors honor the building’s architectural history while embracing a lighter, curated aesthetic.

Drawing inspiration from the garden, the design integrates natural elements across the restaurant, bar, and art program. Meanwhile, upcycled materials, locally sourced antique furnishings, and crafted pieces add to the hotel’s inviting, residential-style atmosphere.

“It’s been a pleasure working on the project—we’re so excited to see Templeton Garden come to life. Working with old buildings is always a fascinating process—there’s a unique thrill in engaging with their history, stories, and the energy they’ve accumulated over the years,” says Thurstan Waterworth. “Bringing together an incredible team of British designers has been such a collaborative experience, and the synergy formed has resulted in a unique, serene space that we are looking forward to guests experiencing.”

Holland & Harvey served as lead consultants, overseeing the full refurbishment, including the garden extension, which draws inspiration from Victorian orangeries. The goal was to create a strong connection between the hotel and its community, reflected in the material palette of the façade.

Art at Templeton Garden

Art plays a key role in Templeton Garden’s design. Consultancy Art Story collaborated with British painter Bethany Holmes to feature abstract works in the restaurant, bar, and library. The hotel’s library, crafted as a cultural hub, houses a curated collection of books and objects that pay homage to the creative legacy of Earl’s Court, which was once home to Beatrix Potter and Agatha Christie.

Adding to the artistry, decorative artist Tess Newall hand-painted a mural, inspired by the garden’s foliage, in Pippin’s restaurant and the Sprout bar. Drawing on the delicate sunlight that streams through swaying trees, the mural employs an earthy color palette that pairs with a striking oak branch chandelier suspended in the center of the room.

Miiro also operates Borneta in Barcelona, the Mansard in Gstaad, and Le Grand Hôtel Cayré in Paris.

A rendering of Pippin’s restaurant

More from HD:
Marriott CEO Anthony Capuano Looks Ahead
Despite Economic Challenges, the Hospitality Industry Forges Ahead
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Remedy Place, a social wellness club, is expanding its footprint with the opening of its largest location yet in Boston’s Seaport District.

Following the successful debut of its SoHo outpost in late 2024, this marks Remedy Place’s fourth location and its first foray outside of New York and Los Angeles.

Spanning 10,000 square feet, the Remedy Place Boston introduces a range of offerings, including a communal contrast suite, a foam bathing experience, and guided movement classes in an expansive atrium. Signature services—such as AI-powered deep tissue massage, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and personalized functional medicine assessments—complement the club’s innovative wellness philosophy.

Inside Remedy Place Boston

Designed in-house by Dr. Jonathan Leary—founder and CEO of Remedy Place—the interiors feature Venetian plaster walls, custom travertine stone elements, 20-foot ceilings, and sweeping views of the skyline, ensuring the space fosters both restoration and social connection.

“The opening of Boston marks an important milestone for Remedy Place. This club isn’t just about expanding to a new city, it’s about redefining how people connect and live their best lives,” says Leary. “We’re redefining the social experience, providing our guests with world-class technology and modalities to enhance self-care routines and provide tools to continuously improve overall health and performance.ˮ

“Boston is known for innovating at the highest levels of education, healthcare, and technology, making it the perfect city for us to introduce social self-care and continue on our mission to redefine the way the world approaches health and wellness,” he continues. “We couldn’t be more excited to bring Remedy Place to the Boston community, creating a space where people can feel their best and discover new ways to have fun and make meaningful connections.ˮ

Foam bathing suite

Chiropractic acupuncture suite

Hyberbaric chambers

Lounge seating

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The post Remedy Place Brings Its Social Wellness Concept to Boston appeared first on Hospitality Design.

Located within the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris, L’Orangerie takes a once-simple glass extension to the next level as a dining destination from two-Michelin-starred chef Alan Taudon.

A design that serves the cuisine

Designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon (PYR), the space mirrors the refinement and creativity of chef Taudon’s plant-based culinary philosophy.

“Designing a restaurant is not just about aesthetics; it is about creating an experience that accompanies the culinary journey,” Rochon explains.

Every material, lighting element, and acoustic treatment was selected to disappear into the background, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the flavors before them.

Natural tones of beige, cream, and white were chosen to enhance the presentation of each dish. Custom tables feature petal-inspired shapes that guide the choreography of service. Even the placement of trays and handbag rests was considered to ensure a seamless dining experience.

Crafting an intimate atmosphere at L’Orangerie

Given the restaurant’s glass enclosure, a major challenge was the acoustics. To address this, PYR introduced a fabric ceiling that softens sound and fosters a more intimate ambiance. Lighting, too, was designed to adapt throughout the day, ensuring that the space is luxurious without distraction.

“Luxury, to me, is when nothing feels forced or imposed,” says Rochon. “The atmosphere should be perfect, the space almost weightless.”

A sculptural centerpiece

One of the standout elements in the restaurant is a porcelain tree, designed in collaboration with Art et Floritude. Comprising 600 handcrafted roses and camellias along with 10,000 bougainvillea leaves, the installation brings a poetic touch, blurring the line between nature and artistry.

“It’s a dreamy, unexpected element that creates an incomparable scenography,” Rochon notes, adding to the ethereal quality of the space.

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The post Pierre-Yves Rochon Transforms a Glass Box Into a Dining Gem appeared first on Hospitality Design.