Gensler designs immersive hospitality experiences that begin before arrival and resonate long after departure. Across a global portfolio spanning over 30 years, we seamlessly integrate elements across each touchpoint — going beyond designing destinations to create enduring stories.
Master Planning shapes landscapes and guest journeys that build anticipation, seamlessly flowing into Architecture that frames experiences with moments of wonder. Interior Design deepens the connection, engaging the senses and transforming spaces into lasting memories. Branding weaves it all together, creating an emotional thread that welcomes guests before they arrive and stays with them long after they leave.
PROJECTS
27 Items
Nekajui Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Papagayo Peninsula, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
The Nekajui Ritz-Carlton Reserve resort design seamlessly integrates the cultural, historical, and natural aspects of Guanacaste and sets new ESG standards
Hyatt Regency Irvine
Irvine, California
The Hyatt Regency Irvine’s ground floor is a celebration of the brand’s iconic legacy that embraces the local lifestyle and the surrounding community.
Signia by Hilton Atlanta
Atlanta, Georgia
Georgia World Congress Center Signia by Hilton celebrates Atlanta’s past, present, and constantly shifting landscape to cultivate a legacy and welcome visitors.
The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel
San Francisco, California
Built for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in 1915, San Francisco’s Clift Hotel reclaims its iconic status through a complete renovation shaped by its rich history.
ITC Colombo One Hotel & Residences
Colombo, Sri Lanka
ITC’s inaugural international hotel elegantly portrays Sri Lankan architecture and local charm in a luxury development with unrivalled views of the Indian ocean.
Hard Rock Integrated Resort Complex Ellinikou
Athens, Greece
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Athens will serve as an international destination, offering visitors a dynamic blend of entertainment, dining, and accommodations.
Parx Hotel and Casino
Bensalem, Pennsylvania
Gensler is working with Parx Casino, the top casino in Pennsylvania and one of the largest privately owned commercial casinos in the U.S., to design a luxury hotel to complement the market‐leading casino and entertainment operation.
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
Orlando, Florida
Nestled within the grounds of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts, the Swan Reserve is a 349-key boutique hotel that offers the refined luxury expected of the Marriott Autograph Collection.
Custom House Quay
Cork, Republic of Ireland
The design concept for Custom House Quay positions the five star hotel development at the historic port location at the confluence of the River Lee in Ireland.
Hilton La Sabana
San José, Costa Rica
The new Hilton La Sabana provides guests with a striking, one-of-a-kind view of the Central Valley and delivers a wellness-focused hospitality experience.
American Airlines & British Airways Premium Experience at JFK International Airport
Queens, New York
As part of British Airways co-locating with American Airlines in the newly expanded Terminal 8 at John F. Kennedy International Airport, Gensler was enlisted to design the new check-in and lounge experiences.
citizenM NoMa
Washington, D.C.
citizenM’s newest location brings a 10-story hotel to the emerging NoMa neighborhood of Washington, D.C. and meets the needs of modern travelers by delivering a luxury hybrid hotel experience.
Atari Hotels
Las Vegas, Nevada
Atari Hotels partnered with Gensler to bring its iconic gaming brand to life with an experience-driven hospitality, esports, and entertainment destination.
Reverb by Hard Rock Hotel Atlanta
Atlanta, Georgia
The new Reverb by Hard Rock Hotel in Atlanta serves as a key differentiator in a mixed-use development by ushering a community driven by rich culture, a spirit for adventure, and a passion for music in a destination by Gensler's hospitality designers.
ORIGINS Astral Lodge
Bijagua, Costa Rica
Located in Costa Rica’s northern rainforest, ORIGINS Astral Lodge is a celestial retreat, offering uninterrupted views stretching to Lake Nicaragua and a deep connection to nature.
Novotel Nara
Nara, Japan
Novotel Nara invites local and international guests to rediscover Nara’s rich culture with a modern, multisensory design embodying over 1,300 years of the city’s cultural legacy.
Hilton Saigon
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Hilton Saigon, a towering 40-story, 171 meter-tall icon in District One, offers luxury accommodations and strategic connectivity in Ho Chi Minh City.
Jon Batiste’s Jazz Club at Baha Mar
Nassau, Bahamas
Baha Mar, a premier Bahamas resort and casino, partnered with Gensler and Jon Batiste to transform a jazz bar into a luxury jazz venue and hospitality destination.
The Waylen Hotel
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Situated at the core of Philadelphia’s Navy Yard campus, The Waylen will convert a historic naval receiving station into a 223-key, full-service hotel.
Oscar Mike Sports & Training Center
Timberlane, Illinois
Oscar Mike Sports & Training Center will be the first-of-its-kind facility to bring together veterans to train, build community, and improve their wellbeing.
Westin Cocoa Beach Resort & Spa
Cocoa Beach, Florida
Driftwood Capital is seizing an opportunity to build a new four-star resort in Cocoa Beach with a design that draws cues from the NASA program and surf culture.
Steamboat Base Village Redevelopment
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Aligning with the expectations of today's travelers, the reimagined Steamboat Resort base area offers a world-class on mountain experience to resort visitors.
New York Mets Citi Field
Queens, New York
To enhance visitors’ game day experience, Gensler worked to upgrade several key club and suite spaces at the New York Mets’ Citi Field.
Dual-Brand voco Holiday Inn
Chicago, Illinois
Gensler was hired for a Property Improvement Plan (PIP) to transform the existing Holiday Inn Hotel into a new, dual-brand voco and Holiday Inn.
High Street Place
Boston, Massachusetts
High Street Place is a food hall featuring 20 unique vendors in the heart of Boston’s Financial District.
Watermark Hotel
Tysons, Virginia
The Watermark Hotel at Capital One Block C, designed by Gensler, is a major evolution for the skyline and market of Tysons, Virginia and greater Washington, D.C.
The Current at CIBC SQUARE
Toronto, Ontario
With a focus on engaging employees through health and wellness amenities, Ivanhoé Cambridge and Hines called on Gensler to create a fitness centre at CIBC SQUARE that offers an elevated workplace experience.
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Sustainability and storytelling should be woven into the brand narrative as a given, shaping spaces that are not just beautiful but also meaningful and responsible.
—Diane Thorsen, Hospitality leader
NEWS
In The Media
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IIDA Georgia
Signia by Hilton Wins IIDA Georgia’s Best of the Best 2025 Awards
IIDA Georgia recognized Gensler’s design of Signia by Hilton as the Best in Hospitality winner of its Best of the Best 2025 awards.
March 05, 2025
In The Media
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Hospitality Design
Gensler Dallas’ Steven Upchurch Shares Insights on The Growth of the Hospitality Industry
Hospitality Design details how despite some economic headwinds, the hospitality industry is flourishing, with corporate migrations continuing to drive Texas’ hotel construction, including the new Miyako Hotel in Plano.
March 05, 2025
In The Media
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Luxury Travel Advisor
Luxury Travel Advisor Highlighted Gensler’s Design of Origins Astral Luxury Lodge
Origins Astral Luxury Lodge will offer a wellness-driven hospitality experience in Costa Rica, complete with breathtaking views stretching to Lake Nicaragua.
February 20, 2025
In The Media
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Hospitality Design Magazine
Hospitality Design Magazine Rounds Up the Top Trends in Restaurant Design With Industry Leaders
Gensler Hospitality Leader Lori Mukoyama noted new approaches to restaurant layout and seating options, plus the role of sculptural pieces and found objects in creating a first impression.
February 12, 2025
In The Media
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Hospitality Design
Hospitality Design Rounded Up the 76 Most-Anticipated Hotel Openings of 2025
Hospitality Design’s global list includes the Gensler-designed Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, in Costa Rica, VAI Resort in Arizona, and Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique.
February 05, 2025
In The Media
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Hospitality Design
Hospitality Design Shared Insights From Industry Experts on This Year’s Top 8 Hotel Design Trends
Lori Mukoyama says, “We’re seeing a tension between maximalism and minimalism.... Placement of ‘wow’ items becomes a focal point, so the space isn’t overwhelmed by sensory overload.”
January 29, 2025
In The Media
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Hospitality Daily Podcast
Lori Mukoyama Sits Down with Hospitality Daily to Discuss Gensler’s Design Forecast and What’s Next for the Hospitality Industry
Lori Mukoyama is featured in a new Hospitality Daily podcast episode to discuss Gensler’s Design Forecast 2025 and much more.
January 24, 2025
In The Media
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Condé Nast Traveller
Gensler’s Design of the Jon Batiste Jazz Club at Baha Mar Embodies the Richness of Bahamian Culture
The interiors embody the richness of Bahamian culture with luxurious finishes, interesting artwork, and immersive installations, while paying homage to historic Bahamian clubs.
January 21, 2025
In The Media
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Vox
How Hotels Are Developing Signature Scents To Communicate Their Brand in Hyper-Local and Memorable Ways
Gensler Hospitality Leader Lori Mukoyama explained that a tailor-made scent is key to building the feel of a personalized hotel lobby.
November 20, 2024
In The Media
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Hospitality Design
Hospitality Design Featured Gensler Hospitality Leader Tom Ito on Its “What I’ve Learned” Podcast
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Ito launched the firm’s hospitality practice in the late 1990s and has expanded the practice to an international scale.
November 06, 2024
In The Media
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Hospitality Design
Hospitality Design Celebrates Hospitality Leader Tom Ito as a 2024 Platinum Circle Inductee
Tom Ito’s work to deliver outstanding guest experiences spans across projects in Asia, the Middle East, and Americas, with a focus on sustainable design, innovation, and client service.
October 15, 2024
In The Media
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Condé Nast Traveler
Inside the St. Regis Chicago, Featuring Luxe Interiors by Gensler and KTGY Simeone Deary Design
Condé Nast Traveler spotlighted the new hotel which boasts understated yet luxuriously appointed rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, “deliciously inviting” soaking tubs, and an inspired palate of cooper, white marbles, and splashes of blue.
October 04, 2024
In The Media
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Boutique Design
Boutique Design Recognized Hyatt Regency Irvine as a 44th Annual Gold Key Awards Finalist
Hyatt Regency Irvine is a finalist in the Lobby Upscale category of the 2024 Gold Key Awards for Excellence in Hospitality Design. Gensler is the firm behind the hotel’s new lobby design.
September 17, 2024
In The Media
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Boutique Design
Gensler Dallas Interior Designer Alexis Gillum-Cousby Named to Boutique Design’s Boutique 18
Boutique Design unveiled the 2024 class of the Boutique 18, spotlighting the next generation of designers reshaping the hospitality landscape.
September 13, 2024
In The Media
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Cool Hunting
The Delta One Lounge at JFK International Airport Is “A Merger of Luxury and Functionality”
Delta’s Sam Roberts noted that “from day one” Gensler’s hospitality team “understood what we were trying to achieve from an experience perspective.”
August 14, 2024
In The Media
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Travel Research Online
Gensler Principal Siobhan Barry Spoke on a Panel at Travel + Leisure’s The World’s Best Summit 2024
Barry reflected on her experience designing the Delta One lounge at JFK Airport for various “customer archetypes,” in order to “engage travelers on their own terms” through “moments of delight and discovery.”
July 26, 2024
In The Media
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Interior Design
Interior Design Listed Gensler As the #2 Firm on Its List of 2024 Hospitality Giants
The annual Interior Design Giants business survey ranks the largest firms based on interior design fees from the previous year.
May 20, 2024
In The Media
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Bisnow Dallas-Fort Worth
Bisnow Interviewed Gensler’s Alejandro Guerrero About the One-of-a-Kind Miyako Hotel in Plano
Designed to accommodate Japanese workers visiting Toyota’s North American HQ and welcome American guests, the hotel sets the standard for luxury with blended aesthetics of Japanese design and Texas architecture.
May 06, 2024
In The Media
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HD Expo + Conference
HD Expo + Conference Hosts a Panel on Luxury Hospitality and How Brands and Hotels Can Provide Meaningful Experiences
Gensler Hospitality Director Nicole Dalton joins a panel of industry leaders in Las Vegas at 2024’s HD Expo + Conference to discuss how brands and hotels can stay ahead.
May 01, 2024
In The Media
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Premier Construction News
Gensler and Hotel 1000 Seattle’s Amenities Space Redesign Includes a Lobby, Bar, and Virtual Golf Suite
The Hilton LXR Resort & Hotel waterfront destination features a Topgolf Swing Suite and craft cocktail bar, designed by Gensler, with maritime accents inspired by nearby islands.
April 09, 2024
In The Media
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Design Middle East
Design Middle East Recognized Hospitality Leader Diane Thorsen on Its Powerlist Influential 30 Architects 2024
Design Middle East noted how Thorsen’s projects “exhibit attention to detail, a love of local art, and quality of craftsmanship.”
March 06, 2024
In The Media
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Hotel Management
The Gensler-Designed Signia by Hilton Debuts in Atlanta
Signia by Hilton Atlanta is the city’s largest ground-up hotel development project in 40 years.
January 17, 2024
In The Media
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Hotel Business
Signia by Hilton Debuts Its Flagship Hotel in Atlanta
Designed by Gensler, the 42-story hotel is the tallest building on the west side of Atlanta and features panoramic views of downtown.
January 12, 2024
In The Media
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Atlanta Business Chronicle
The $450 Million Signia by Hilton Hotel Opens in Downtown Atlanta
Signia by Hilton Atlanta marks the city’s largest ground-up hotel development project in 40 years.
January 11, 2024
In The Media
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Hotel Business Review
How Art-Forward Hospitality Experiences Attract Workers and Influence the Guest Experience
Hotel Business Review referenced Gensler’s Hospitality Experience Survey in an article about how art-forward hospitality experiences attract workers as art transforms lobbies into ‘unconventional yet stimulating workspaces.’
November 01, 2023
Trends in Hospitality
Cultural storytelling and emotional hospitality spaces create meaningful destinations.
Travelers will continue to seek profound and meaningful connections with their destinations, leading hotels to collaborate with local communities to create hyper-localized, immersive experiences.
Hotels won’t just accommodate; they’ll predict, surprise, and delight.
To captivate visitors and elevate revenue, hotels will have the ability to transform each stay into a bespoke journey. Guests will have access to tailormade on-site activities, hyper-personalized services, and customizable suites in which guests can choose amenities, scents, and decor styles.
Hotels revitalize the ecosystems and communities they call home.
True luxury is no longer confined to opulence; it now includes meaning and impact. This will push hotels to revitalize their surrounding landscapes with regenerative design. Rewilding will revive local wildlife, bring back indigenous plant species, and inspire architecture that naturally responds to the climate.
HOSPITALITY LEADERSHIP
Tom Ito
Hospitality Leader, Principal
Tom Ito is a Hospitality Leader at Gensler who launched the firm’s Hospitality practice in the late 1990s.
Lori Mukoyama
Hospitality Leader, Design Director, Principal
Lori Mukoyama is a global leader of Gensler’s Hospitality practice and Design Director based in the firm’s Chicago office.
Diane Thorsen
Hospitality Leader, Design Director, Principal
Diane Thorsen is a global leader of Gensler’s Hospitality practice and Design Director based in the firm’s Dubai office.
Siobhan Barry
Design Director, Principal
Siobhan Barry is a Design Director in Gensler New York with over 20 years of experience designing high-profile retail, restaurant, and hospitality environments.
Pete Chalfant
Hospitality Leader, Studio Director
Pete Chalfant is a regional Hospitality Leader at Gensler, delivering impactful hospitality projects, ranging from 65-key properties to 2,000-key hotels.
Julia Chang
Hospitality Leader, Project Director
As the Hospitality Leader at Gensler for the Greater China region, Julia Chang brings over two decades of experience in Asia in key leadership roles.
Hogan Chun
Hospitality Leader, Design Director
Hogan Chun is a Hospitality Leader for Gensler’s Southwest region and serves as a Design Director in the firm’s Los Angeles office.
David Darlington
Studio Director, Hospitality Leader, Principal
David Darlington is a Studio Director in Gensler’s Costa Rica office, leading a multidisciplinary team specializing in the hospitality practice area.
Kirk Ellis
Director of Hospitality
Kirk Ellis is the Director of Hospitality for Gensler’s Asia Pacific region, based in the firm’s Singapore office.
Rick Fawell
Hospitality Leader, Senior Project Director, Principal
Rick Fawell is a Senior Project Director and Hospitality Leader for the North Central region, based in Gensler’s Chicago office.
Robert Fischel
Hospitality Leader, Principal
Robert Fischel is the Hospitality Leader for Gensler’s Southeast region based in the Atlanta office.
Jack Paruta
Hospitality Leader, Design Manager
Jack Paruta is the Hospitality Leader for Gensler’s Northeast region, based in the firm’s office in Morristown, New Jersey.
Trevor To
Hospitality Leader, Design Manager
Trevor To is a Hospitality leader for Gensler’s Europe region and a dedicated architect working on all stages of architectural projects.
Rashana Zaklit
Hospitality Leader, Design Director
Rashana Zaklit is a Hospitality Interiors Design Director as well as the Hospitality Leader for Gensler's Northwest region.
INSIGHTS
Blog
The Evolving Role of Hotels in Retail-Driven Mixed-Use Environments
Hotels within mixed use developments are becoming curated retail destinations and dynamic contributors to a vibrant urban experience.
Blog
What Do Consumers Want? Gensler’s U.S. Consumer Experience Report Uncovers Key Insights
Gensler’s latest consumer research delves into how design can impact human experiences for the better.
Blog
How Immersive Food and Beverage Experiences Are Redefining Hospitality
Food and beverage spaces have unique potential as experiential destinations that authentically convene community in a way that is familiar, universal, and transformative.
Blog
Using Narrative Design and Local Context to Create Authentic and Memorable Hospitality Experiences
Gensler's global leaders for Hospitality and Experience Design discuss the intersection of these two industries and their process for creating memorable destinations.
Blog
What Spa and Wellness Spaces Can Teach Us About Transforming Behavior
Luxury hospitality and spa experiences are leading the charge in changing how we experience and interact with technology.
Blog
A Story of Transformation: Hyatt’s Unique Blend of Community and Hospitality
Strategies for repositioning an aging hotel ground floor into a community destination.
Blog
Expanding New Frontiers: Redefining Hospitality in Latin America
From personalizing experiences to deepening cultural immersion, here’s how hospitality is evolving in LATAM.
Blog
Luxury + Convenience: Why Branded Residences Are in Demand Across the Globe
In the residential sector, we’re seeing an increased demand for high-end, branded residences that offer hotel-style services and amenities.
Blog
Why Hospitality Must Adopt the “Leave No Trace” Mindset
By embracing “Leave No Trace” ideas, we can raise the bar on placemaking that brings people together, elevates natural and urban spaces, and preserves the Earth.
Blog
Trends to Watch Shaping the Future of Hospitality in Las Vegas and Beyond
Gensler Hospitality leaders discuss how hospitality design is transcending beyond traditional hotels and casinos.
Blog
New Atlanta Hotel Blends Southern Hospitality and Design Excellence
Signia by Hilton Atlanta pays homage to Atlanta’s rich history while embracing its dynamic present and ever-evolving landscape.
Blog
The Trends Shaping the Future of Hospitality
What are the biggest trends impacting hospitality operators? Gensler’s global hospitality leaders discuss what’s next for hospitality design.
Blog
What Makes a Great Retail Experience? Community, Connection, and Exhibition
Astute retail and hospitality brands recognize that in-person connection is a vital part of their offerings. But what does that visceral experience actually look like?
Blog
How Changing Traveler Demands Are Reshaping Hospitality
Consumers are demanding more from their travel experiences. Here’s how hospitality can respond.
Blog
AI Is Already Changing Hospitality. Here’s How.
From optimizing energy efficiency to hotel operations, AI is revolutionizing the hospitality industry in ways that are delightful and profound.