Our teams are enhancing design documentation accuracy through streamlined BIM workflows.
At ɫèapp, we understand that exceptional architecture depends not only on great ideas. It also depends on how well those ideas are communicated through our documents. Design documentation is the critical bridge between concept and construction—ad we’ve made that bridge stronger, smarter, and more reliable.
BIM Leadership Team
That’s why we’ve invested heavily in streamlining our BIM workflows, optimizing our Revit standards, and developing a more collaborative, integrated approach to design documentation. Processes are strategically led by a specialized BIM team - Documentation & Specification Leader/Senior Associate, Chris Devine, AIA; BIM Manager/Associate Chase Percer; and Practice Leader/Senior Associate, Leslie Thompson. These enhancements are helping us produce more accurate, coordinated, and efficient design documents—while reducing risk, change orders, and schedule impacts during construction.
Organized BIM Workflow Strategies
Our team uses a cloud-based approach built on Revit and Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) to enhance collaboration, secure data access, and bring consistency to every project.
Real-time Synchronization: Design and consultant teams work in a synchronized Revit environment, where program data and model information align throughout the entire process.
Custom Revit Templates: We’ve embedded our QA standards and enhanced workflows directly into our Revit templates, giving every project a consistent starting point and a framework for success.
Smart Content Management: Our library of parametric Revit 2D and 3D families and standard detail views helps eliminate redundant modeling.
Automation & Model Health: Add-ons and internal tools help us automate repetitive tasks, maintain model integrity, and support staff training—all inside the project environment.
By standardizing and simplifying BIM processes, we’re helping project teams focus more energy on design thinking, problem-solving, and coordination—where their time is most valuable.
Consultant Integration from the Start
ɫèapp's documentation process includes full coordination with our consultant teams from the outset. Standardized workflows and technology platforms support real-time collaboration and allow all partners to stay in sync as the project progresses.
A Culture of Quality, Not Just a Checkpoint
Our quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) systems are integral to our workflow. These aren't just isolated review phases—they’re embedded into how our teams think and work across every project phase.
QA starts early: With clear expectations for design documentation completeness, constructability, and coordination. Everyone on the team takes ownership of quality.
QC adds a second perspective: Senior architects, interior designers, and reviewers outside the core team review drawings at key milestones for accuracy and alignment with HBG standards.
Collaborative review in Bluebeam Studio: Allows teams to markup and resolve document comments in real time from anywhere.
For our clients, this means more accurate bids and schedules and a final product that faithfully reflects the design vision.
We’re constantly evolving our documentation systems to better support our clients, the contractor, our consultants. This contributes to the success of every project we touch.
At ɫèapp, we believe that great documentation is great design. It's the difference between an idea that looks good on paper and a space that works beautifully in the real world.
“Wellness isn’t a luxury anymore—it’s a baseline expectation,” says Landon Shockey, ASID, NCIDQ, Senior Interior Designer at ɫèapp. “The most successful environments are both sensory-rich and versatile—crafted to evolve with guest needs while creating meaningful, wellness-infused experiences.”
In today’s hospitality industry, wellness design is no longer an amenity—it’s a strategic must. From spa suites to biophilic architecture, hotel and resort guests expect spaces that support how they want to feel, move, and recharge.
What Is Wellness Design in Hotels and Resorts?
Wellness design integrates mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing into the built environment. It’s not one-size-fits-all. Sometimes wellness means:
A calming in-room palette and soft glow lighting
Aromatherapy showers for personal retreat
Full-service spas and fitness spaces
Climate-controlled pool environments
Outdoor-inspired architecture that promotes natural connection
WinStar Spa at WinStar World Resort
At ɫèapp, we scale wellness design to match how different guests want to engage—whether that’s stillness, movement, or immersive experience.
In Michigan’s cold climate, warmth and light are vital to wellness. This indoor tropical atrium offers:
Six-story, climate-controlled space
Poolside lounging by day
High-energy concerts and social events by night
This is wellness design that flexes to fit guest energy throughout the day.
Cache Creek Resort - Biophilic Wellness Design in Action
Cache Creek Resort
At Cache Creek Resort (CA) nature plays a leading role. We use:
Natural light and panoramic views
Organic textures and materials
Outdoor-inspired interiors to foster a grounded, calming atmosphere
The Future of Hospitality Is Wellness-ɫèapped
Designing for wellness is no longer optional. It’s a powerful differentiator—ad a way to build lasting emotional connection between guests and place. By focusing on wellness design, hospitality brands can meet guests where they are and give them the freedom to relax, move, and reconnect—on their own terms.
This June, ɫèapp team members Kevin Burke, Ethan Griffin, and Ryan Callahan represented our firm at the in Boston, Massachusetts—a expansive gathering of architecture’s leading professionals and next-generation thinkers.
With more than 600 exhibiting brands, 110+ accredited sessions, and visionary keynote speakers, AIA25 provided an immersive experience exploring the future of architecture through the lenses of sustainability, technology, leadership, and design equity.
Real-World Learning: From Culture to Construction Detailing
ɫèapp’s Ethan Griffin curated his AIA25 experience around themes that resonate deeply with our practice—from project profitability and firm culture to sustainable materials and AI-integrated workflows.
“The sessions I attended gave me practical tools, fresh ideas, and renewed motivation to grow in my career,” Griffin said. “Hearing how other firms embrace inter-generational mentorship and flexible work models reinforced what I already value about HBG—supporting both professional growth and real-life balance.”
Griffin also dove into technical sessions on fee estimating, energy-efficient façade design, and automation in the design process—topics directly tied to project success and innovation.
Big Ideas from Bold Voices: Keynote Inspiration
Two keynote moments stood out as especially impactful:
Allie K. Miller, AI strategist and entrepreneur, offered a bold look at how firms can scale intelligently with AI.
“Apply AI where it helps reduce inefficiencies—not replace creativity,” said Griffin. “It’s a tool to enhance, not replace, human design thinking.”
Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, delivered a powerful call to action about designing for inclusive, connected communities.
“This was the most inspiring session I attended,” Griffin said. “It reminded me why we do what we do—to shape the future for the better.”
Hands-On Discovery at the AIA Expo
At the heart of AIA25 was the Expo Hall, where the HBG team explored materials and technologies from industry leaders including:
Kalwall Structures Unlimited
Sculptform
Cityscapes Z-fin Screening Systems
Skyscape Architectural Canopies
Cupaclad Natural Slate Cladding
NorthGlass Cast Glass
Amico Architectural Metals
From sustainable cladding to expressive glazing systems, these tools and materials help fuel HBG’s commitment to designing environments that delight and endure.
Beyond the sessions and product discoveries, the team joined architectural tours across Boston and visited Autodesk’s innovative workplace. And of course, they couldn’t resist a visit to the Puppy Park—a conference favorite that added a lighthearted pause to a packed week of learning.
Why It Matters: Continuous Learning at ɫèapp
At ɫèapp, continuous learning isn’t optional—it’s embedded in our culture. Conferences like AIA25 provide critical space for our architects and designers to recharge, reimagine, and bring back actionable insights to our teams and clients.
If you’re a designer looking for a firm that invests in your development, values collaboration, and gives you a platform to make real impact—we’d love to connect.
As Seen in Casino Design Magazine: "Nips, Tucks, Dollars, & Cents" - HBG's Strategies for Casino Expansion in Today's Changing World
In a time of record-setting gaming revenues but persistent economic headwinds, the stakes for casino resort development have never been higher. That’s why we're proud to share that ɫèapp President Nathan Peak is featured as a key voice in Casino Style Magazine’s latest article, exploring how savvy operators and designers are rethinking renovation and expansion strategies in today’s unpredictable environment.
The article outlines how operators across the country—both commercial and tribal—are navigating inflation, shifting tariffs, labor challenges, and supply chain unpredictability. Nathan Peak offers insight into how ɫèapp is helping clients move forward with confidence through phased development, data-driven flexibility, and proactive sourcing strategies. As Nathan notes,
“Flexibility is built into our process, but it hinges on having a strong communication chain among the owner, architect and contractor.”
With a deep portfolio of hospitality and gaming projects across the U.S., ɫèapp is uniquely positioned to guide clients through capital investment decisions that balance guest experience with economic resilience. Whether it's identifying high-performing zones within a casino footprint, maximizing revenue-generating amenities, or phasing construction to match market conditions, our integrated team of architects, interior designers, and procurement experts helps clients transform challenges into opportunities.
We’re thrilled to share that Casino Style Magazine’s Summer 2025 issue features Wawyé Oasis at Gun Lake Casino on its cover—ad for good reason. As the centerpiece of the resort’s transformative $300 million expansion, Wawyé Oasis is a first-of-its-kind, indoor tropical retreat and entertainment venue designed by ɫèapp to deliver a bold, immersive escape in the heart of West Michigan.
Created in close collaboration with the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians and Gun Lake Casino leadership, the new 32,000-square-foot, glass-domed atrium is more than a pool—it’s an all-season, all-occasion destination. By day, lush greenery, radiant natural light, and sparkling pools invite guests into a serene tropical haven. By night, it morphs effortlessly into a vibrant concert venue or special event space, replete with dynamic lighting, state-of-the-art acoustics, and energy that rivals the biggest entertainment hot spots.
“When you look at the array of amenities—a hotel, a spa—some of them are natural, because we’re shooting for four-diamond status or higher,” says Gun Lake CEO Sal Semola. “The big differentiator is the Oasis.”
In the article "Deep Dive", writer Marjorie Preston explores the innovation, collaboration, and vision that brought this complex new environment to life. From the dome’s engineering marvels to the intricate planning behind its multi-functional spaces, Wawyé Oasis represents a bold new chapter in resort amenity design—one that’s turning heads, drawing visitors, and redefining what’s possible in a four-season casino resort.
to see how ɫèapp and Gun Lake Casino are making a splash in the world of resort entertainment.
ɫèapp is honored to be featured in the latest issue of Casino Style Magazine for our transformative design work at the iconic Atlantis Casino on Paradise Island, Bahamas.
In the feature article, “Bold Redesign Fuses Art, Atmosphere and Gaming Action,” ɫèapp Principal and Interior Design Leader Emily Marshall shares how our team reimagined one of the world’s most legendary resort casinos into an immersive, energy-rich environment that seamlessly fuses Bahamian culture, contemporary art, and dynamic guest engagement.
The renovation celebrates and elevates Atlantis’ artistic legacy—including its world-renowned Dale Chihuly sculptures—through a vibrant design that re-centers art as a core component of the guest experience. Every touchpoint within the re-envisioned casino floor, from custom-designed carpet patterns to sculptural lighting and upgraded F&B venues, has been carefully choreographed to enhance movement, energy, and sensory connection.
Highlights of the redesign include:
The Moon and The Sun Chihuly masterpieces, re-lit and re-staged to create immersive focal points.
A refreshed and expanded Moon Bar and the all-new Bar Sol, blending live entertainment, Bahamian influence, and design-forward social energy.
A casino floor layout and ceiling transformation that encourages guest exploration and elevates sightlines throughout.
A palette of rich, jewel-toned hues and textures that reflect the light and rhythm of the sea.
As Marshall explains, “We approached the entire casino environment as a continuous experience... ensuring that whether guests are gaming, dining, or relaxing, they’re always part of the energy.”
This bold redesign is more than a renovation—it’s a reinvigoration of an iconic brand through ɫèapp’s deeply strategic and emotionally resonant approach to hospitality and entertainment environments.
ɫèapp is proud to share the latest feature highlighting Live! Casino Louisiana—a transformative new land-based casino in Bossier City that’s redefining the regional gaming experience in North Louisiana.
Developed by and designed by ɫèapp in collaboration with architect-of-record KdG, a Shive-Hattery company, Live! Casino Louisiana rises from the shell of the former Diamond Jacks property with a fresh identity rooted in bold vision and local energy. The design—led by HBG Principal Paul Bell, AIA—draws direct inspiration from the dynamic flow of the nearby Red River, informing a guest experience that is both visually fluid and emotionally vibrant.
From the moment guests arrive, they are immersed in a high-energy, art-forward environment, beginning with a show-stopping LED media ribbon that flows from the porte-cochere through the casino’s entry sequence—creating a signature Instagrammable moment that sets the tone for what’s inside.
Inside, every detail—from the vibrant, curving casino floor to the whirlpool-inspired Center Bar and the luxury of the High Limit area—is designed to evoke motion, discovery, and elevated entertainment. This project exemplifies ɫèapp’s ability to create contextually inspired, guest-centric experiences that not only transform properties—but elevate their market impact.
Read more in Casino Style Magazine’s June 2025 issue to see how Live! Casino Louisiana is sparking a new era of gaming in the South—with a signature look and feel that only ɫèapp can deliver.
Wawye Oasis at Gun Lake Casino Resort, Wayland, Michigan
As guest expectations rise and competition for discretionary spend intensifies, today’s regional casino resorts are boldly stepping into a new league—transforming into destination-worthy experiences that rival the best of Las Vegas. In the newly published Casino Style Magazine article, “Super-Regional Momentum,” ɫèapp’s thought leader Nathan Peak explore how next-level design strategy is propelling this powerful shift across the gaming and hospitality industry.
With insight drawn from decades of experience, President Nathan Peak shares how ɫèapp is helping operators craft resort environments that do far more than house gaming—they create immersive, flexible experiences that attract guests from hundreds of miles away. These are not just expansions or renovations—they are bold reimaginings of what it means to engage, entertain, and elevate the guest journey.
From high-impact, multi-use amenities like the Wawyé Oasis at Gun Lake Casino to the strategic layering of entertainment, wellness, and culinary design, ɫèapp is leading the charge in shaping the super-regional resort model—one defined by purpose, placemaking, and performance.
As Dike Bacon, VP of Development for Fremont-Wright notes, “These amenities aren’t just program elements—they’re destination-makers.” And in today’s fast-evolving resort landscape, that distinction matters more than ever.
Whether you’re planning phased growth, repositioning your market presence, or envisioning a signature new guest experience, this article offers valuable perspective on the design-led strategies that are redefining success for operators across the country.
“Wellness isn’t a luxury anymore—it’s a baseline expectation for hotel and resort guests,” comments Landon Shockey, ASID, Senior Interior Designer and Spa and Wellness Thought Leader at ɫèapp. “The most successful environments are both sensory-rich and versatile—crafted to evolve with guest needs while creating meaningful, wellness-infused experiences. From thermal spa suites that flex between private and social settings, to treatment rooms designed for emerging wellness modalities, to spaces that transition from daytime retreat to high-energy venue at night, today’s wellness amenities must support how guests want to feel, move, and reconnect to themselves, but on their own terms.”
What happens when you combine a perfect summer evening, savory barbecue, and the smooth, soulful sounds of Nashville’s own Saaneah? You get HBGathers+ Memphis—a unforgettable night under the stars that brought our team together in the heart of the city we love.
Held at the iconic , this year’s annual HBGathers+ event was all about celebrating connection, community, and the people who make ɫèapp such a vibrant place to work. With golden sunlight fading into a warm dusk, team members and their families gathered on the venue’s elevated decks, enjoyingcool breezes through the oaks and unbeatable views of the stage and each other.
From the first bite of mouthwatering BBQ to the last note of effortlessly cool performance, the atmosphere was nothing short of electric—easy conversation, genuine laughter, and the kind of camaraderie that comes from years of shared creativity and collaboration.
At ɫèapp, we believe in making space to celebrate each other—ad HBGathers is how we do just that. Every year, each of our office locations hosts their own HBGathers event at a fun, local destination. These gatherings are a time for our teams to connect outside the studio, enjoy great food and entertainment, and just have fun together. It’s one of our favorite traditions, and a reminder that our culture is built just as much on personal connection as it is on professional collaboration.
Events like HBGathers+ are more than just a fun night out. They’re a reflection of who we are: a team that values connection, celebrates our people, and thrives on creating memorable experiences—both in our designs and in our shared moments together.
And the celebration doesn’t stop here—HBGathers events are happening in our San Diego and Dallas offices too. Stay tuned for more highlights!