Aary Lee
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.
Aliya Khan
Aliya Khan is the Vice President of Global Design Strategy and Product Development at Marriott International, where she oversees the creative direction for over 30 brands across the Premium, Select and Midscale portfolios. With a background in both Architecture and Industrial Design from Pratt Institute, she 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.
Bruno Solis Almeida
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
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.
Chrystal Boone
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.
Geniane Vasata Tonoli
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
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.”
Javier Rojas Rodriguez
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.
Justine Cali
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.
Kobi Karp
Kobi Karp is the Founder and Principal of Kobi Karp Architecture and Interior Design, Inc (KKAID). A registered Architect since 1988, Karp hold licenses in 15 different states and founded the firm in 1996, where he serves as Principal-in-Charge of Design. KKAID is a full-service architectural and interior design firm providing a vast array of services, ranging from the design of large-scale, high-rise condominium and hospitality projects to intimate residential and commercial structures.
Mr. Karp began his career working on major hospitality and all- inclusive resort projects throughout the United States and the Caribbean. His restoration design techniques have contributed to a renaissance in one of this country’s most cherished areas, Miami Beach’s Art Deco District which is internationally recognized around the world.
Mr. Karp has developed a reputation in Historic structure and Architectural History. His expertise in design for over the 30 years has a wide range of project types, sizes, complexities, and budgets. It is through this last quarter century working in warm weather climates that KKAID has garnered international acclaim and been selected to spearhead numerous resort projects. Developers and builders in the Caribbean, Black Sea region, and the Middle East have relied on the firm for their design eye and planning.
Linh Nguyen
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 Hayman
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.
Mitch Parker
Mitch Parker is a founding Partner of The Parker Company and a hospitality procurement industry expert. In his 40th year with the company, Mitch Co-Directs the FF&E Division and acts as a Partner Administrator for FF&E projects. He is a past President of the International Society of Hospitality Purchasers (ISHP), and a Platinum Circle Award Recipient as a member of The Parker Company. Mitch is a graduate of the University of Colorado with a Bachelor of Arts.
My Nguyen
My is the Senior Director, Design & Innovation for HA Line and leads the design department overseeing three prominent cruise brands: Holland America Line and Seabourn. My’s design experience is diversified across Refurbishment and Newbuild.
As a globally recognized thought leader, My’s repertoire of achievements span both land and sea. She is known for her internationally acclaimed award-winning designs as well as being a public speaker on topics close to her heart such as Sustainability and Leadership.
On the topic of inspiration, My says, “inspiration to me is not a noun. It’s more of a mindset. I’m as inspired seeing the colors of leaves while walking in my neighborhood as I am looking at fashion in different cities that I visit around the world. The key is to always keep your eyes open and not have tunnel vision. That mindset assures you will always feel inspired”.
Nina Grondin
Nina Grondin built her career on a simple but powerful idea: that the best spaces don’t just reflect a brand, they reflect the soul of where they live. That belief carried her from finance to hospitality design, from Chapel Hill to Chicago, and to co-founding Curioso alongside Daniel Pierce.
Nina’s interdisciplinary background, equal parts analytical rigor and creative vision, guides Curioso’s work with clients from boutique hoteliers to global brands including Six Senses, Populus, Marriott, and Hilton. She champions “method designing,” embedding her team in each project’s location, engaging local artists, and building alongside clients from the ground up.
Nina serves on the board of Choose Chicago and the MPEA, and remains committed to design as a force for community and connection. This year, Curioso was named Hospitality Design’s Design Firm of the Year.
Oscar Nicolas Trujillo
Design Director at Palisociety, Oscar Nicolas Trujillo brings over 12 years of experience shaping distinctive hospitality environments from Hotels to Private Member Clubs and Restaurants. His background spans architecture, interiors, and fashion, with studies at Rhode Island School of Design, Domus Academy in Milan, and Parsons School of Design in NY. Prior to Palisociety, Oscar served as Principal Architect at Soho House for seven years, leading projects that blended narrative, materiality, and cultural context.
Originally from Puerto Rico, he’s currently inspired by the layered landscape of California and has a deep appreciation for vintage furnishings and modern architecture. Outside of work, Oscar enjoys long runs and playing beach volleyball.
Patti Seay
Patti Seay is Senior Director – Architecture, Design Services – Americas for Four Seasons. She is based in the Four Seasons Corporate Office in Miami, Florida where she acts as project lead on Four Seasons Hotel, Resort, and branded Residential new build and renovation projects throughout the US, Latin America, and Caribbean.
A licensed Architect, Patti’s international hospitality design career began with the renowned hospitality architecture firm WATG. That experience led to positions with Hyatt International and Hilton luxury brands. For 3 decades she has guided the design process in close collaboration with brand Operating teams as well as Owners, Developers, and Design Consultants towards successful delivery of luxurious and thoughtfully planned branded properties and innovative Guest experiences across the globe.
She is passionate about developing inspired hospitality designs and elevated Guest experiences that respect local built and natural environments, celebrate and promote regional cultures, and in tandem afford uplifting and comfortable work environments.
Patti has been an active HRDS participate for the past 2 years and is a strong advocate for the continued growth of this dynamic Conference as an opportune showcase and platform for the vibrant synergy of the Southern region hospitality industry.
Sebastian Spagnuolo
Sebastian Spagnuolo is Senior Director of Openings & Product Integrity for the Caribbean and Latin America at Marriott International. In this role, he leads strategy across the full hotel lifecycle—shaping how brand intent translates into concepts, design, operations, purchasing, and long‑term asset performance. [office.com]
Sebastian partners closely with owners, operators, designers, and suppliers from the earliest stages of development, using branding as a strategic anchor to align vision, feasibility, and guest experience. His work focuses on balancing brand consistency with contextual design, ensuring authenticity, operational efficiency, and financial durability across diverse markets.
With a global hospitality background spanning North America, Latin America, and Europe, Sebastian brings a pragmatic, experience‑led perspective to brand stewardship—bridging creativity and governance to protect brand value beyond opening day. At HRDS, he contributes insights on brand‑led decision‑making, lifecycle accountability, and translating brand promise into spaces that perform emotionally, operationally, and commercially.
Tolu Adẹ̀kọ́
Tolù is the visionary behind Adẹ̀kọ́ & Co. He adopts a holistic approach to design, collaborating with the finest artisans, craftsmen, and makers to create a unified aesthetic that is timeless yet globally contemporary. He’s an expert storyteller who considers and chooses every facet of every project in order to convey its unique narrative.
Born in Nigeria, Tolù moved to London in 1995. In his teens, he was mentored by Design Museum founder Sir Terence Conran on furniture design. He honed his artistic flair at Camberwell College of Arts (now University of the Arts London), and later attained his Interior Design BA degree at Bournemouth University. During his studies he developed a distinctive aesthetic characterised by classic luxury and attention to detail, craft, and functionality.
Tolù has held several senior positions at renowned interior design firms, including David Collins Studio. He has worked on multiple residential, hospitality and maritime projects all around the world. Selected projects include Gordon Ramsey’s Maze Grill Restaurant
The Ritz, Edition, W, Hilton, and Marriott hotels
and MSC, Norwegian, and Viking cruise lines.
Tolù is a proud member of the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) and The Society of British and International Interior Designers (SBID).
Tracey Fillmore
Tracey Fillmore, ASID, NCIDQ, CHID, EDAC, CAPS, RID is an award-winning Registered Interior Designer specializing in healthcare design. She was nationally recognized by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) as Volunteer of the Year in 2023 and was most recently named among ASID’s Top 50 Designers for her outstanding and significant contributions to the profession.
A passionate advocate for the interior design community, Tracey has played a pivotal role in advancing legislative and regulatory initiatives that elevate and protect the profession. Her advocacy has helped shape policy and reinforce the critical role of interior designers as key contributors to public health, safety, and welfare.
Based in Southwest Florida, Tracey serves as Senior Facilities Designer for Lee Health, where she applies her expertise to create healing environments that enhance patient and staff well-being. She currently serves as President of the ASID Florida South Chapter, leading with vision and dedication to the design community.
At the national and international levels, Tracey represents ASID and the profession through her service on two National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Technical Committees, contributing her insight on fire safety and design. She is also an active member of the International Fire Safety Standards Coalition—a global alliance of more than 60 countries working to establish comprehensive international fire safety standards.
Beyond her professional commitments, Tracey finds joy and purpose in her faith and family. She cherishes time spent with her three adult children and granddaughter and embraces Florida’s natural beauty, making the most of life both personally and professionally.
