Hotel & Resort Design South (HRDS) 2027

Aary Lee is a design and development professional with experience spanning mixed-use and hospitality real estate. Trained as an architect, she currently works for the real estate development firm that develops, owns, and operates The Loren Hotels and Residences. In her role, she collaborates closely with development, operations, and asset management teams to guide projects from design development through construction completion and ongoing operations. Her work focuses on aligning design strategy with operational performance while overseeing both short-term and multi-year capital expenditure planning across hospitality assets. By integrating design execution with long-term investment strategy, she helps ensure that built environments support both guest experience and sustained asset value. She has contributed to the development and repositioning of luxury hospitality properties across the United States and the Caribbean. Through her cross-disciplinary background, Aary brings a unique perspective that bridges design, operational realities, and ownership strategy.

With a background in both Architecture and Industrial Design from Pratt Institute, Aliya has built a reputation for translating brand strategy into thoughtful, resonant guest experiences at scale. Throughout nearly two decades in the hospitality space, Aliya has played a key role in launching and evolving brands that have shaped the hotel landscape. Her contributions were central to the expansion of the iconic W Hotels brand in the mid 2000s. Her leadership served as a driving vision for the pioneering, select-service design-led Aloft Hotels in partnership with the Rockwell Group, and today has led the development of new concepts for Marriott Bonvoy including – Apartments by Marriott, Series by Marriott and the creation of the Outdoor Collection. Aliya also plays a key role in shaping flagship properties and creative partnerships that push design forward. From Moxy Banff with Workshop APD and The Westin Washington DC Downtown with Parts and Labor Design, to the award-winning Bentley Suites collaboration with St. Regis, she consistently curates design relationships that elevate both the brand and the guest experience. These projects reflect her belief in the power of cross-disciplinary collaboration to drive innovation and differentiate Marriott’s global portfolio. Based in Washington, D.C., she remains deeply engaged in the broader design conversation, drawing inspiration from travel, art, and architecture around the world. Her work continues to redefine how design lives within hospitality, not just as a visual language, but as a strategic force for innovation, business and brand growth.

Ashley Michaels, NCIDQ is a design and product experience leader with more than 15 year of expertise in hospitality, brand development, and sustainable innovation. She is known for driving sustainability initiatives across Hilton’s brands and advancing material and quality strategies through cross-functional collaboration. Ashley combines consumer insights, cost efficiency, and brand differentiation to accelerate speed to market and align stakeholders. She holds a BFA in Interior Design from Marymount University, completed advanced coursework in healthy materials at The New School positioning her as a forward-thinking voice in hospitality design.

Bruno Solís Almeida is an industrial designer working at the intersection of architecture, design, and experience. His career has evolved through a combination of deliberate choices and a fair share of serendipity, beginning as an apprentice to a master glass artist and expanding into roles across visual merchandising and the world of architecture. Today, Bruno serves as Concept Manager at Grupo Vidanta, where he shapes creative direction from the very inception of architectural and interior design projects. His work includes the design of emblematic resorts across Mexico’s coastlines, the development the world’s first luxury theme park, contributions to the interiors of the brand’s first mega yacht, and collaborative ventures with Cirque du Soleil. Driven by a strong sense of purpose, Bruno approaches design as both a creative and human discipline, focused on how spaces are experienced, remembered, and brought to life through collective effort.

Catherine Martin is Managing Editor of Sleeper Media, the publisher and event organiser serving the hospitality design community worldwide. Having joined the company in 2007, Catherine now leads its magazine portfolio, comprising Sleeper (hospitality experience & design), Supper (hotel food & drink), and Starboard, a new publication focusing on the design and development of cruise ships, river boats, sleeper trains and aeroplanes. Catherine guides the editorial content and creative identity of the print publications and their affiliated websites, and also supports Sleeper Media’s events, which include AHEAD – the awards for hospitality experience and design – and Sleepover, a nomadic networking event for hotel innovators. Catherine attends a number of exhibitions and investment conferences worldwide, and can often be found checking out new hotel developments and interviewing the visionaries behind them.

With a background in engineering and years at RH before joining Brightmark, Chrystal brings a unique balance of technical rigor and design expertise to large-scale, circularity projects. She understands that the best solutions are both functional and thoughtful, blending precision, creativity, and human-centered design to deliver work that is as effective as it is impactful.

Cynthia Guthrie is Founder and President of Guthrie & Associates, Inc. established in 1990 and currently serves as Executive Advisor on the Executive Board of Directors for NEWH, Inc. among other positions served on the local and international level since 2003. Known for her passion and commitment to the hospitality industry she has been recognized for her leadership and selected by her peers to receive the Joyce L. Johnson Recognition of Excellence Award among other industry awards. Most important to Cindy is providing a platform to encourage students to focus their future to hospitality and connecting professionals.

Danielle Darling, Senior Manager of Interior Design at Sandals Resorts International, bringing over two decades of hospitality design experience across luxury resorts, boutique hotels, cruise ships, and internationally recognized hospitality brands. Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Danielle earned her bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. Throughout her career, she has contributed to hospitality projects from concept through installation for brands including Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn, Marriott Autograph Collection, Royal Caribbean Group, and other leading hospitality brands. Her portfolio includes boutique Caribbean resorts such as Windjammer Landing, The Body Holiday, and Curtain Bluff, along with Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas. Now back home in Jamaica, Danielle is focused on shaping the future of hospitality design for Sandals and Beaches Resorts through innovative, guest-centered, Caribbean-inspired design solutions, most recently contributing to the newly opened Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks & Caicos.

Geniane Tonoli is the Director of Design & Construction for LATAMC at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, where she oversees hotel development projects across Latin America and the Caribbean. An architect with more than 15 years of experience in hospitality, real estate development, and design management, she has collaborated with leading developers, hotel operators, and global hospitality brands on projects focused on brand standards, guest experience, and operational excellence. Based at the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts office in São Paulo, Brazil, Geniane brings a global perspective on hospitality design, hotel development, and emerging industry trends.

Gordon Boggis is the CEO of Carnegie, a leading designer and manufacturer of authentically sustainable commercial wallcoverings, textiles and acoustic solutions. Carnegie is the only Certified B Corp in its industry segment and is best known for its Cradle-to-Cradle Gold and Living Product Challenge Certified Biobased Xorel. The Xorel range also includes IMO Wheelmark wallcoverings and indoor/outdoor upholstery. Prior to Carnegie, Gordon led companies across a range of industries, with a strong focus on textiles, innovative materials, health and wellness and purpose-driven businesses. He’s passionate about harnessing the talents of companies to be a force for good and deliver positive change. Gordon grew up in the UK and gained his B. Sc. in chemistry from Loughborough University. His strong background in science, materials engineering and production processes brings a unique perspective to the manufacturing and development of healthier alternative materials for the built environment. Despite living in the USA for over 25 years, he still refers to “soccer” as “football.”

A globally respected leader in hospitality design, development, and growth strategy, Javier Rojas-Rodríguez brings over 23 years of experience delivering exceptional projects for some of the most renowned brands in the world. With a foundation in architecture and a proven track record collaborating with top-tier design firms, developers, and hotel operators, Javier leads Experiential Hospitality’s Design and Technical Services department while also spearheading Business Development efforts.

Jennifer Chesek serves as Vice Principal at Beyer Brown & Associates, where she leads business development initiatives across the hospitality, senior living, and multi-family sectors. With more than 25 years of experience spanning hospitality operations, programming, and FF&E procurement, Jennifer brings a well-rounded perspective to both new construction and renovation projects. Her expertise lies in aligning client vision with thoughtful, strategic solutions that enhance both operational performance and guest experience. Jennifer is especially passionate about the role relationships play in successful projects, believing that strong partnerships are the foundation for long-term collaboration and impactful results. Based in Atlanta, Jennifer works closely with clients and industry partners throughout North America, Canada, and the Caribbean, bringing an insightful and relationship-driven perspective to conversations around hospitality, workplace experience, and evolving industry trends.

Experienced design leader with a strong track record of managing complex renovations, new builds, and portfolio-wide initiatives, currently serving as Senior Design Manager at Sonesta Hotels. I specialize in interior design strategy and brand execution – bringing concepts to life in a way that’s both visually compelling and operationally smart. Known for my collaborative approach, I enjoy managing complex projects and creating environments that leave a lasting impression. Outside of work, I’m always inspired by great design, whether that’s through travel, new spaces, or everyday moments done well.

Linh Nguyen is an accomplished interior designer in the cruise industry. With over 13 years of experience as a Senior Design Manager at Seabourn & Holland America Line, her expertise spans from cruise ship design to managing multi-million-dollar projects on prominent cruise brands such as ultra-luxury Seabourn and premium Holland America Line. After receiving her BA in Communications from the University of Washington, she diversified her skills and pursued a degree in Interior Design at Bellevue College. Linh started her career at Holland America, quickly moving into the role of designing and managing ships. Now, with the company her leadership role focuses on design, strategy and interior operational maintenance. From large‑scale projects to intimate spaces, her work is guided by intention, creativity, and a commitment to sustainability.

Liora Haymann is Principal of OBMI, a leading global firm specializing in the planning and design of luxury hospitality destinations. She oversees projects and teams in OBMI’s Miami office, focusing on the intersection between design, business, and strategy. Liora simultaneously acts as leader, manager, visionary, designer, and budget hawk. Her style is executive and dynamic, and her approach blends creativity and analytical-strategic thinking, in the conviction that clear ideas, respect for place, and Client service, are the foundation for remarkable projects. With her extensive international expertise, Liora brings deep understanding of cities, cultures, and environments, to craft comprehensive solutions for clients, combining thoughtful design with strategic and technical expertise in real estate development. She is a frequent speaker at industry events. In addition, Liora created OBMI’s Hospitality University, a learning platform to pass on expertise to the next generation of designers. Liora also teaches Hospitality Design at University of Miami.