Top Hospitality Design Firm: ɫèapp #2 in 2025
At ɫèapp, our passion for hospitality design continues to shape the future of resort and hotel experiences across the country. We’re thrilled to announce that has ranked ɫèapp #2 on its 2025 list of Top Architects & Designers—marking our sixth consecutive year among the top
five hospitality design firms in the nation.
This continued recognition underscores our position as a top hospitality design firm known for vision, creativity, and technical excellence. At ɫèapp, our integrated architecture and interior design teams work in close collaboration to create immersive, memorable environments that resonate deeply with guests and elevate our clients’ brands.
Milestone Openings in 2025
This year marks an exciting chapter for our hospitality studio as we celebrate the completion of three signature casino resort hotel projects:
- Gun Lake Casino Resort in Wayland, Michigan – A bold expansion of this established property, the new hotel and spa experience delivers upscale comfort and signature design tailored to the Gun Lake brand.
- Golden Mesa Casino Hotel in Guymon, Oklahoma – This project introduces new overnight accommodations and hospitality offerings to an area rich in culture and gaming excitement.
- Rain Rock Casino Hotel in Yreka, California – Nestled at the base of the Siskiyou Mountains, this new hotel brings boutique luxury and elevated guest amenities to the region’s premier gaming destination.
These milestone openings showcase the creative and operational strength of our team, and reflect the level of quality that defines ɫèapp’s work as a leading hospitality design firm.
A Legacy of Experience and Innovation
Over the past two decades, ɫèapp has planned and designed more than 35,000 hotel and resort rooms across the United States, ranging from boutique and lifestyle hotels to large-scale integrated resort destinations. These include three-, four-, and five-star luxury properties that combine impactful design with operational insight.
Our longstanding reputation as a top hospitality architecture and interior design firm is built on our ability to create environments that are both strategically sound and emotionally engaging. We anticipate shifting traveler preferences and deliver solutions that exceed expectations for both owners and guests.
Designing What’s Next
As we look ahead, our team continues to focus on delivering bold architecture and interior design solutions that reflect a strong sense of place and story. Every project is a reflection of our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and excellence in hospitality design.
We are proud to be recognized once again as one of the top hospitality design firms in the country. Thank you to Hotel Business for this national recognition, and congratulations to our team members, clients, and creative partners who continue to drive our success forward.
The best is yet to come.
Smart Strategies for Casino Expansion in a Changing World
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.
Read the full article to learn how
Wawyé Oasis Lands the Cover of Casino Style Magazine
We’re thrilled to share that Casino Style Magazine’s Summer 2025 issue features Wawyé Oasis at Gun Lake Casino on its cover—and 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.
Art. Atmosphere. Action. ɫèapp Reimagines the Legendary Atlantis Casino
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.
👉 Read the full article:
As Seen in Casino Style: Live! Casino Louisiana
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.
👉 Read the full article:
The Next Generation of Regional Resorts
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.
Read the full feature in
Gun Lake Casino Unveils New Resort Hotel Tower
Hotel was designed by ɫèapp to Redefine Hospitality in the Midwest Region
Gun Lake Casino Resort has officially opened the doors to its striking new 15-story resort hotel tower. It's an eye-catching, experience-forward destination. The transformational expansion marks a new era for the property. It sets a bold benchmark for luxury, entertainment, and wellness in the Midwest.
With 252 guest rooms and suites, a tropical year-round atrium known as the Wawyé Oasis, a new spa and wellness retreat, and elevated dining and entertainment offerings, the expansion solidifies Gun Lake Casino’s position as a leading superregional resort destination.
“This project is a powerful expression of vision, identity, and hospitality innovation,” said Nathan Peak, AIA, Principal and Practice Leader at ɫèapp. “Every aspect of the hotel and spa was designed to immerse guests in comfort, nature, and a sense of year-round escape—right here in West Michigan.”
A Destination That Begins with Engineering Ingenuity
The soaring hotel tower—visible from over a mile away along Highway 131—isn’t just beautiful; it’s built to last. To support the hotel and adjacent Wawyé Oasis, the team installed 263 caissons, each up to eight feet in diameter and drilled as deep as 180 feet into the ground, ensuring long-term structural integrity for the towering facility.
“Creating this level of verticality and complexity on site required an incredible effort between design, engineering, and construction,” said Paul Bell, AIA, Principal and Project Manager at ɫèapp. “We had to integrate cutting-edge solutions at the foundation level to support the vision above.”
Natural Inspiration, Modern Comfort
ɫèapp’s architectural and interior design concepts were deeply inspired by the surrounding landscape. The tower’s tinted glass façade captures natural light throughout the year, while earth-toned materials and layered metal panels ground the building within its rural Michigan context. At night, LED lighting animations bring the tower to life, adding energy and vibrancy to the entire resort.
“We wanted guests to feel like the entire property had always been planned this way—from the earliest expansions to today,” said Peak. “That level of cohesion elevates the guest experience and builds a sense of place.”
Inside the Experience: A Luxury Journey
From the moment guests arrive beneath the porte-cochère, they’re welcomed into a richly detailed environment. The hotel’s double-height lobby features a living green wall behind the reception desk. Just steps away, a stylish lobby bar offers an inviting social atmosphere, with window views into the lush tropical greenery of the Wawyé Oasis—bathed in natural light streaming through its expansive 29,000-square-foot glass atrium ceiling.
Each of the 252 guest accommodations—including 221 guestrooms, 31 suites, and the exclusive Ogema Suite—draws from a warm, natural palette inspired by Michigan’s landscape. Spacious layouts and large windows offer unobstructed views of the surrounding countryside and the Oasis below.
The two-story Ogema Suite—the crown jewel of the hotel—spans 3,368 square feet and features an in-suite elevator, two bedrooms, multiple entertaining spaces, a full bar, billiards table, and double-height windows with panoramic views. As Gun Lake CEO recalls: “One high-end guest, familiar with top-tier penthouses in Las Vegas, called it “beyond expectation.””
Living Well: MnoYé Spa Retreat and Fitness
Located on the lower level of the hotel, the MnoYé Spa Retreat—named after the Potawatomi word for “living well”—offers a private, tranquil counterpoint to the energy of the casino and Oasis. Guests can enjoy:
- Six massage treatment rooms with customizable lighting and soundscapes
- A full-service nail salon
- A state-of-the-art fitness center with Peloton bikes, treadmills, and weights
- An aquathermal spa pool with gooseneck massagers and bubble massage benches
“The MnoYé Spa was designed as a calming wellness destination—one that engages all the senses,” said Peak. “It’s more than a spa; it’s a retreat where guests can reconnect with themselves.”
Dining, Entertainment, and Resort Amenities
Rounding out the resort experience are upgraded F&B and entertainment venues, including:
- Sandhill Café – A refreshed 137-seat, three-meal restaurant offering comfort classics and all-day breakfast. The design features custom crane-inspired artwork and a sculptural wood and glass wall inspired by sandhill crane feathers.
- Renovated Casino Center Bar – A dynamic, centrally located bar on the gaming floor redesigned for greater social energy, accessibility, and ambiance.
These new amenities provide the perfect balance to the resort’s gaming offerings, creating opportunities for relaxation and reconnection throughout the guest journey.
A Vision Realized
From the underground caissons to the penthouse views, every detail of the new Gun Lake Casino Resort Hotel reflects intentional design and collaborative execution.
“It’s been an incredible honor to help bring this vision to life,” said Bell. “This isn’t just a resort expansion—it’s a transformative destination with heart, story, and staying power.”
With this major milestone, the Gun Lake Tribe and Gun Lake Casino continue to deliver on their bold long-term vision for the region—one guest experience at a time.
IGA Tradeshow and Conference Recap: ɫèapp Shines in San Diego!
What a fantastic week in San Diego at the ! Our team made a bold statement this year, showcasing ɫèapp’s thought leadership, immersive exhibit design, and next-level hospitality.
Educational IGA Conference Panel
We kicked things off with a packed house at our educational session, “Scaling Your Casino Operations for Success,” which drew over 75 attendees! The panel was expertly moderated by our very own Danny Valle, Principal, and featured a powerhouse group of speakers:
- Jon Greendeer, President, Ho-Chunk Nation
- Evan Anderson, Director of Preconstruction, Connect Advisors
- Robert Blankmeyer, Operations Manager, PCL Construction Services Inc.
The panel offered incredible insights into the challenges and strategies behind expanding and optimizing casino operations—from capital planning to execution.
A Booth to Remember
We debuted our new interactive tradeshow booth, located right near the entrance—and you couldn’t miss it! A jumbo screen showcased some of our most exciting recent projects, and a touchscreen kiosk gave attendees a deeper dive into HBG’s Event Center Design portfolio, the Gun Lake Casino expansion, Pool and Spa concepts, and our master planning expertise. A big shoutout to Kelly DeVine, Ray Mabry, and Joe Baruffaldi for representing HBG at the booth and connecting with clients and industry partners throughout the show!
Party on the Harbor
Of course, no IGA week would be complete without our legendary industry party, and this year’s event was one for the books! We co-hosted with FS Advisors, Connect Advisors, Western Alliance Bank, Procopio, GMA, and Yates Construction aboard the Adventure Hornblower, a 3-story yacht docked in the beautiful San Diego Harbor. Over 500 guests joined us for cocktails, networking, and stunning sunset views from the open deck. It was truly a night to remember!
From our high-energy panel to our eye-catching booth and unforgettable party, the 2025 IGA Tradeshow was a huge success that continues to position ɫèapp as a top firm in Indian Gaming. Big thanks to everyone who helped make this event a standout moment for our team and our brand!
Designing In Cost Efficiencies: From Tribal Government Gaming
GGB's Tribal Government Gaming asked designers how to create efficiencies in casino resort design...
Read Insights from ɫèapp President, Nathan Peak
Designing cost efficiencies into the casino resort is a delicate balancing act. While cost control is essential, it should not come at the expense of guest experience. We never want to design all the fun out of an entertainment experience. Yet, rising overall development costs, unpredictable material pricing and ongoing labor shortages have forced tribal resort owners to rethink how they design and operate their properties.
Navigating the Realities of Rising Costs
With costs rising, resort owners must scrutinize every square foot of their development. Nathan Peak, AIA, President and Practice Leader at ɫèapp, emphasizes the importance of prioritization:
“To navigate cost challenges effectively,” Peak says, “owners should be strategic in prioritizing front-of-house and back-of-house space essential to the integrity of the guest experience. Striking the right balance is key.”
A Proactive Approach to Design and Planning
Peak emphasizes that decision alignment starting at the project kick-off meeting helps set the stage for success.
“The sooner the project team is on the same page regarding program and cost, the better the outcomes—and the smoother the process."
Similarly, Peak emphasizes the importance of working with management teams to refine the program into a long-term plan:
“By prioritizing phased planning, the first phase maximizes revenue generation while setting the stage for graceful expansion. This approach incrementally manages costs while preserving funds to enhance the hospitality experience."
Designing Out Excess, Designing In Functionality
Right-sizing is just one piece of the puzzle. Thoughtful design can improve efficiency without diminishing guest engagement. Peak points to innovative approaches in guest service areas:
"Superfluous spaces don’t just drive costs up, they create operational inefficiencies. Back-of-house areas such as storage rooms, staff break areas, and service corridors should be designed with operational input to ensure streamlined adjacencies and functionality.”
Front-of-house areas are also evolving. Creative seating arrangements, adaptable F&B service models, and innovative service concepts such as grab-and-go kiosks and automated ordering can help optimize space while maintaining convenience.
“We’ll all get through these challenges, but it will require Owners and architects drilling down and finding the areas that can achieve the biggest return on design,” concludes Peak.
Indian Gaming Asks the Experts: Kelly DeVine
Long-term growth planning helps tribal and financial clients uncover new investment opportunities and highlight the importance of strategic design-thinking from the very start.
“It’s all about planning smarter, thinking long-term, and makingwell-informed decisions.After all, as the saying goes,it’s easier to erase pencil than concrete.” - Kelly DeVine, Principal, ɫèapp
Jan/Feb 2025
- INDIAN GAMING MAGAZINE -
By Kelly DeVine, as seen in Indian Gaming Magazine:
As we look ahead, we’re seeing tribal clients continue to tap into their deep expertise in casino development, expanding into new markets and project types, introducing exciting amenities, and even reimagining what next-gen casinos can be. These ventures reflect the resilience and forward-thinking spirit that have always defined tribal enterprises.
It’s all about planning smarter, thinking long-term, and making well-informed decisions. After all, as the saying goes, it’s easier to erase pencil than concrete.
We’re noticing a big uptick in requests for 20-year master plans. These plans help tribal and financial clients uncover new investment opportunities and highlight the importance of strategic design-thinking from the very start. Casino developments are often decades-long endeavors, involving careful coordination with environmental impact studies, land-use planning, and navigating approvals at multiple levels. Balancing economic factors, competitive dynamics, and community priorities is no small task. Starting early and thinking big—considering everything from market trends to land-into-trust requirements—lays a foundation for adaptable strategies that can evolve with changing conditions.
Another interesting shift we’re seeing is in how casinos are designed and built to meet evolving economic and customer needs. There’s a growing trend toward more open and streamlined gaming floors that maximize flexibility for slot machine placement. Sportsbooks and sports betting are also taking center stage, often integrated with other entertainment features right on the casino floor. This blending of spaces activates the entire area, driving revenue while creating a dynamic, immersive experience for guests.
On the construction side, new methods like cold-form metal framing and stick-built delivery are gaining popularity. They’re cost-effective alternatives to traditional materials like post-tension concrete, allowing operators to get more value without sacrificing quality or style. These innovations are a win-win for owners and guests alike.