Meet the 22nd Annual HD Awards Finalists in Hospitality Design

This article highlights Hospitality Design magazine’s 22nd HD Awards finalists. It offers a global snapshot of excellence in hospitality design across 34 project categories and 15 product categories.

More than 1,000 entries were reviewed by two judging panels. Winners will be celebrated at a live ceremony on May 5 in Las Vegas during the HD Expo + Conference.

The list showcases a wide range of hospitality typologies, from urban boutiques to resort destinations. It underscores how leading firms collaborate across disciplines to redefine guest experiences.

HD Awards Finalists: A Global Snapshot of Hospitality Design Excellence

The HD Awards finalists reflect a worldwide pool of projects and products. They illustrate the breadth of contemporary hospitality design.

Judges evaluated entries across 34 project categories and 15 product categories. The live ceremony in Las Vegas will officially announce the winners.

This event marks a significant moment for designers, architects, and operators. The finalists show how design teams balance atmosphere, function, and performance at different scales.

Notable Projects and Global Reach

The finalist roster spans cities and regions worldwide. It features hotels, resorts, bars, and cruise vessels.

Among the standout properties are The Standard in Brussels and Pattaya, Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, Fairmont Tokyo, Four Seasons Hotel Milan, and Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay. These selections show how design responds to local culture while aligning with global brand standards.

• Brussels: The Standard
• Pattaya: The Standard
• Kuala Lumpur: Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
• Tokyo: Fairmont Tokyo
• Milan: Four Seasons Hotel Milan
• Tamuda Bay: Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay

The finalists demonstrate geographic diversity, including urban centers, historic renovations, resort escapes, and maritime environments. This underscores the hospitality sector’s ability to adapt design thinking across different contexts.

Leading Design Firms and Collaborative Approaches

Design leadership on the HD Awards shortlist comes from a mix of established international studios and boutique teams. Notable names include AvroKO, INC Architecture & Design, Morris Adjmi, and Pierre-Yves Rochon.

Boutique and in-house groups such as OKU Hotels’ design group and Frame Hospitality Group are also recognized. This mix highlights the industry’s trend toward collaboration between architecture practices, interior design studios, and landscape firms.

Several projects emphasize cross-disciplinary collaboration. Interior designers, architecture firms, and landscape architects work together to create cohesive hospitality environments.

Integrated design approaches are becoming standard. This enables seamless guest experiences from exterior to interior and outdoor spaces.

• AvroKO
• INC Architecture & Design
• Morris Adjmi
• Pierre-Yves Rochon
• OKU Hotels’ design group
• Frame Hospitality Group

Industry Leaders and Project Typologies

The list of owners and operators among the finalists includes Hyatt, Marriott, Accor, Jumeirah, Highgate, Red Sea Global, and Nomura Real Estate. The entries cover a diverse array of typologies, such as urban boutique hotels, historic renovations, resort destinations, convention centers, and cruise ship interiors.

These projects show how industry leaders continue to push the boundaries of hospitality architecture and design.

What This Means for Architects, Engineers, and Operators

For professionals in architecture and engineering, these finalists offer a forward-looking view of design trends. These trends are likely to shape projects in the coming years.

The emphasis on integrated design solutions—where interior, architectural, and landscape elements synchronize—highlights best practices for project delivery and risk management. It also supports multidisciplinary coordination.

The HD Awards serve as a benchmark for global design innovation in the hospitality sector. They help firms refine standards and guide operators in setting expectations for guest experience, sustainability, and operational performance.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Finalists Announced for the 22nd Annual HD Awards