

BKV Group is a holistic design firm providing a full complement of architecture, engineering, interior design, landscape architecture, and construction administration services. Our core belief is that regardless of project type, design has a profound impact on the community, and our responsibility as a multidisciplinary firm is to enhance the economic, aesthetic, social, and environmental context of the communities we shape and define. Since 1978, BKV Group has grown from a sole proprietorship into a diverse partnership with 220+ employees sharing knowledge across practice sites in Chicago, Dallas, Minneapolis, and Washington, DC, creating relevant and meaningful design solutions that allow our clients’ dreams to become a reality.
AIA
Senior Design Leader Partner Minneapolis, MN
Director of Interior Design (DC)
Associate Partner Washington D.C.
CID, LEED AP
Interior Design Practice Leader Senior Partner Minneapolis, MN
Director of Interior Design (Dallas) Associate Partner Dallas, TX
AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Senior Design Leader Managing Partner (Dallas) Dallas, TX
AIA, LEED AP
Senior Design Leader Managing Partner (Chicago) Chicago, IL
For over 44 years, across the country, spanning housing, hospitality, government, education, corporate, and commercial project types, our core belief has remained consistent: as a holistic, multidisciplinary design firm, our responsibility is to enhance the economic, aesthetic, social, and environmental context of the communities we shape and define.
BKV Group involves all project stakeholders to define the scope of work at the start of the design effort, gathering and analyzing data to confirm decisions and improve efficiencies, function, and adjacencies.
Developing the “big idea” and concept for any project is key to the start of design direction. The vision captures high-level project goals to define the priorities and user experience of the desired space.
Virtual reality allows clients experience the space initial mock ups to the final allows for project collaboration all team members to identify correct any conflicts/clashes
Case Study
clients to first hand from final design. VR collaboration across identify and conflicts/clashes early.
BKV Group commits to the planning stages of design to effectively meet the expectations of the design vision, carrying it through to the smallest details that enhance the end product.
During installation, our team works with project entities to curate thoughtful furniture, art, and accessories into our projects to complete the final story and let the project brand infuse the space.
From five practice sites, BKV Group operates as one cohesive firm to deliver projects around the world. We leverage technology and best practices across studios and geography to meet our clients’ needs and exceed their expectations. Our professionals are licensed and have designed projects nationally and internationally.
At BKV Group, we are on the forefront of residential and hospitality industry trends. We understand the operational needs of a hotel as well as how good design can set you apart from the competition. Each project is a blank slate that provides exciting opportunities for our team to work with you. We listen to your philosophy, goals, to understand your vision and ensure that we create moments your guests will remember that bring them back time and again.
Hospitality is all about people. That’s why for each design effort, we begin with your guest, your team members, and your goals as the Owner/Deve loper.
We ask a lot of questions up front to understand your vision and goals for your hotel
Discover your hotel’s story/brand identity/ guest profile
Define project parameters: # of keys, desired public space amenities, budget, schedule and the like
We work closely with you all the way through the process to make your vision a reality
Create spaces that support operations so your team members can focus on your guest
Develop adjacencies Front of House and Heart of House that flow well and work with your staffing models
Separation of Heart of House activities from guest
Consider maintenance and durability in materials and finish selections
Work with you to learn and understand the profile of your desired guests
Create a sense of arrival and welcome feel from the initial drive up through the public spaces all the way to the room
Design to meet your guest needs: from exciting nightlife and entertainment, to calming respite of a guestroom or spa, to easy access to charging their devices. A place to live, work and play
Develop memorable guest experiences and instagram-able moments
We believe guests want a hotel that relates to its community, so we do a lot of research to understand the contextual surroundings
For branded hotels, we review brand identity, quality and prototype standards, and design review processes
Research the market and competitive set to understand of the drivers that attract guests
Review site parameters, local zoning and code requirements, and relationships to natural features
Define and clarify the program and adjacency requirements
Prepare a preliminary site study and massing diagrams for review with the owner/ operations
Develop the guiding concept narrative and mood boards that will drive design
Our holistic team brings design disciplines together to collaborate from the initial start of design. We believe multiple design perspectives working together created better design decisions.
Visualization tools include 3D Modeling in BIM environment, renderings, and virtual reality and 3D walkthroughs
Successful projects are built by successful teams. BKV Group’s holistic design team works closely with our clients, their brands, operators, general contractors, and FF&E procurement agents as one large project team to deliver the project together. Working together we can face any challenge that arises to deliver quality solutions.
Our diverse team of designer’s expertise allows us to build the right team for branded, lifestyle, and independent hotels at all service levels. Using a holistic design approach, we can deliver exceptional guest experiences while meeting our client’s business goals.
KELLY NAYLORMy goal is to create unique and meaningful places.
“RENATO JOAN
SIZEMORE Director of Interior Design (Dallas)
Our spaces need to offer something for everyone.
“ We value our clients input and strive to understand their design style.
“
We take time to focus on how to service future guests.
“
Traveling is all about the services offered at your destination.
KOBITA MUKHERJEE Director of Interior Design (DC)
We want to create spaces that match our clients needs.
“TRACEY BUSH Director of Business Development (Dallas) RAMLA BEN TICHA SASSI Interior Design Practice Leader ROBERT
Hospitality is about peoplecreating memorable moments
“ We are here to help our clients create impressionable, visual experiences.
“ Our goal is to create a unique experience that stimulates all five senses
“
Our team of hospitality experts have designed a wide range of hotels around the world, working with wonderful clients, like you. Each property from the 5-star resort to the urban select service hotel is designed create an exceptional experience for our client’s guest.
118 South Jefferson, Chicago, IL
525 South Wabash, Chicago, IL
640 West Randolph, Chicago, IL
Abest Clubhouse, Beijing, China
Aloft Nashville West End, Nashville, TN
Anh Thinh Tower, Hanoi, Vietnam
Bal Harbour St. Regis, Bal Harbour, FL
Bear Creek Ski Resort & Hotel, Macungie, PA
Caesars Hotel Tower, Arlington, TX
Caesars Palace Spain, Ciudad Real, Spain
Caribe Hilton Hotel, San Juan, PR
Chicago Hotel, Chicago, IL
Courtyard Philadelphia Downtown, Philadelphia, PA
Cyan Resort Masterplan, Danag, Vietnam
Don Quijote Casino, Ciudad Real Spain
Dupont Circle Hotel, Washington, DC
El Tropicano Hotel, San Antonio, TX
Fairmont Tower, Edmonton, Alberta
Fifth & Eye Street Hotel and Residences, Washington, DC
Grand Hyatt Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Grand Hyatt Macau, Cotai, Macau
Grand Hyatt Taipei, Taiwan
Guo Bin Clubhouse, Chongching, China
Hard Rock Hotel Guitar Tower, Hollywood Beach, FL
Holiday Inn – BWI Inner Harbor, Hanover, MD
Homewood Suites McAllen, Hot Springs, AR
Hotel Arundel, Hanover, MD
Hotel Hanshin, Osaka, Japan
Hyatt House Beaverton, Beaverton, OR
Hyatt Regency Baltimore, MD
Hyatt Regency Schaumburg, Schaumburg, IL
Key Bridge Marriott (Public), Arlington, VA
Le Touessrok Resort, Trou d’Eau Douce Bay, Mauritius
Loews Miami Beach, Miami, FL
Logan Airport Embassy Suites, Boston, MA
Marriott Greensboro Hotel, Greensboro, NC
Marriott Marquis Hotel, Atlanta, GA Marriott Metro Center, Washington, DC
Marriott Renaissance Schaumburg, Schaumburg, IL
McCormick Place Hyatt, Chicago, IL Mercure Son Tra Resort Masterplan, Da Nang, Vietnam
Miami Beach Convention Center Hotel Concept, Miami, FL Mohegan Sun Hotel & Convention Center, Uncasville, CT Navy Pier Hotel Concept, Chicago, IL
Nui Chua Resort Masterplan, Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam Old Post Office Redevelopment, Washington, DC Omni Hotel, Dallas, TX
Seagate Delray Beach Club & Condominiums, Delray Beach, FL Shangri-La Hangzhou, Taipei, Taiwan Sheraton College Park, Beltsville, MD
Sheraton Inner Harbor, Baltimore, MD
Short North Columbus Hotel, Columbus, OH Skokie Country Club, Glencoe, IL
Starcity Nha Trang Hotel, Nha Trang, Vietnam Starcity Westlake Hotel, Hanoi, Vietnam
The Cliff Resort & Spa, San Luis Obispo, CA
The Cove at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas
The Hotel at UMCP, College Park, MD
The Landing Hotel, Pittsburgh, PA
The Reef at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Osaka, Japan
The Riverside Hotel, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
The Tiger Woods Dubai Hotel and Golf Clubhouse, Dubai, UAE
Thuy Tien Lake Resort Masterplan, Hue, Vietnam
Timbers Kauai Ocean Club and Residences, Lihue, HI
Transit Hotel, Abu Dhabi
Vinpearl Tower, Hai Phong, Vietnam Wacker Tower Hotel, Chicago, IL
X Tower, Edmonton, Alberta
As Partner and Lead Designer at BKV Group, Jonathan brings over 21 years of national and international experience in hospitality, housing, and mixed-use projects. He cultivates value through developing close working relationships with clients, colleagues, contractors, and consultants, providing a high level of personal involvement and investment in projects so they are successful and rewarding for everyone involved. Since helping launch the BKV Group’s newest offices in Dallas, Texas and Hanoi, Vietnam, Jonathan has leveraged the opportunity to design and strengthen the community with each project he touches, creating unique and innovative properties, while nimbly adapting to the environmental, contextual, and socio-political nuances each site represents. Currently working on projects throughout the U.S. including but not limited to Canada, and Asia, Jonathan takes a holistic and longterm approach to his projects, constantly exploring how each development can benefit the community, provide exceptional guest experiences, and realize the clients vision.
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE // 21 RELEVANT
Summit Radisson Tower, Orlando, FL* –33-story condo and hotel tower Wyndham Hotel Tower, Hanoi, Vietnam* – 24-story tower, 125 hotel keys, 50,000 SF of retail (built)
Starcity Nha Trang Hotel, Nha Trang, Vietnam* – 14-story tower and 260 hotel keys
Omni Hotel, Dallas, Texas – 500 hotel keys and 300,000 SF of convention space (built)
Vinpearl Imperia Hotel, Hai Phong, Vietnam* – 44-story tower, 300 hotel keys, 300,000 SF of retail (built)
Fairmont Mixed-Use Tower, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada* – 64-story tower, 180 hotel keys, 380 residential units
Starcity Westlake Hotel, Hanoi, Vietnam* - 11 Story Tower, 250 keys
Sixo Midtown Masterplan, Kitchener, Ontario* - 900,000 SF, 2 condo towers, 1 hotel tower, 1 office tower, 150,000 SF of retail
Caesars Hotel Tower, Arlington, Texas* – 45-story hotel tower, 500 hotel keys, 150,000 SF of retail, 500,000 SF of convention space
Infiniti Field Tower, Da Nang, Vietnam* – 200 hotel keys and 200,000 SF of convention space
Son Tra Hotel and Villas, Da Nang, Vietnam* – 125 hotel keys and 20 villas
Vanessa Hotel & Resort, Da Nang, Vietnam* – 200 hotel keys and 40 villas
Nui Chua Resort Masterplan, Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam* – 125 hotel keys and 45 villas
Diamante, Acapulco, Mexico* – 120 hotel keys and 20 villas
Anh Thinh Hotel Tower, Hanoi, Vietnam*- 24-story tower, 125 hotel keys, 50,000 SF of retail
Cyan Resort Masterplan, Danang, Vietnam* - 350 keys and 100 Villas
*Experience prior to BKV Group
As managing partner for our Chicago practice site, Robert brings over 20 years of experience on a wide variety of projects including hospitality, multifamily housing, mixed-use developments, and corporate and commercial buildings. His expertise includes urban planning, developing the design of a variety of mixed use developments containing, full service hotels, multifamily residential towers, and high-rise offices. An award-winning architect with a variety of featured articles and publications, he actively participates in guest critiques at local universities. He brings his skill set in listening to the client, collaborating closely with project and consultant teams, hand-sketching, 3D visualization, planning, documentation, building and zoning codes, knowledge of materials, systems, construction processes and detailing.
EDUCATION // University of Cincinnati, Bachelor of Architecture
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE // 22
Block 37, Chicago, IL* – mixed-use, market-rate, hospitality, existing retail podium
Mixed Use Master Plan, Lingang, China* – mixed-use, commercial, hospitality, market-rate, convention center, retail, master plan, public amenities, 300,000 SM
Toronto Union Station* – mixed-use, commercial, market-rate, hospitality
111 West Illinois, Alter Group, Chicago, IL* – mixed-use, education, commercial, hospitality, retail, 10-story, low-iron glass at the ground floor, roof terrace
Abu Dhabi Central Plaza, Abu Dhabi, UAE* – mixed-use, commercial, hospitality, market-rate, high-rise, 2-towers, atria for daylight and views, a fixed exterior shading system for sun protection, exterior enclosure shifting as the interior functions change, retail podium has a rooftop BIPV solar farm that provides electricity for the project
Airport Office Park, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates* – mixed-use, commercial, hospitality, master plan, parking around a central landscaped court, buildings create a curving form visible from arriving jets
Manchester Pacific Gateway, San Diego, CA* – mixed-use, commercial, hospitality, retail, civic, 8-city blocks Short North Project, Columbus, OH* –mixed-use, hospitality, commercial, parking garage, art gallery
Toronto Union Station* – mixed-use, commercial, market-rate, hospitality
Short North Project, Columbus, OH* –mixed-use, hospitality, commercial, parking garage, art gallery
Transit Hotel, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates* – 250-key hotel
AIA, CID, LEED AP ND
With more than 35 years designing for hospitality and multi-family residential developments, Trace brings a wealth of experience, thoughtful design, and creativity to each project. He works closely with his clients to understand their vision, goals and expectations. Inspired by the locale and guests, he leads his team to create experiences that aligning with the clients approach, brand’s standards, and community aspirations. Three-dimensional collaboration is the key to his design process. Modeling design alternatives with the client and project team during “live” digital design charrettes, he can demonstrate the impact of design options, contextualize projects, and address key aesthetic and functional forces in real time. This powerful collaboration fosters trust, engages, and empowers the team for better decisions.
EDUCATION // University of Minnesota, Bachelor of Architecture with Honors, Architecture Thesis Award; Normandale Community College, Pre-Architecture course requirements and Fine Arts
REGISTRATIONS // MN #24227; CID #C02232; LEED AP ND
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE // 35 PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS // AIA (Minnesota Chapter)
The Westin Jackson, Jackson, MS*- A 4-Star hotel celebrating Jackson’s deep musical heritage as the birthplace of the Delta Blues. The project brought new life, new business, and revitalization to downtown Jackson.
The Omni Viking Lakes, Eagan, MN* –A luxury hotel and conference center at the Minnesota Vikings’ Training Facility. Branded under the MN Vikings umbrella, Norse villages and Scandinavian landscapes inspired the design.
Hyatt Regency Portland at Oregon Convention Center, Portland, OR* – A headquarters hotel for the Oregon Convention Center. Serving as an ambassador for the city, the 600-room hotel design focuses on experiential connections to Portland and the surrounding landscape.
Lodge Kohler, City Of Ashwabinan ,WI*- A Four-Diamond hotel located directly across from Lambeau Field. It serves as the anchor of the new “Titletown” development. The building’s aesthetic was inspired by Kohler brand’s 1920’s-era headquarters building and Lambeau.
The Radisson Blu Mall of America, Bloomington, MN* - A 4-star full-service hotel directly adjoined to the iconic Mall of America. As the brand’s first new built hotel in North America, Blu introduces a Euro-centric design to the masses and is a prototype for hotel/shopping center integration.
The Westin Edina Galleria, Edina, MN*–
A national prototype for combined hotel & residential lifestyle living in a mall setting. The 225-room hotel and 70-unit luxury condo mixeduse development is adjacent and connected via tunnel to a premier luxury suburban shopping center.
Hyatt Place Hyatt House, Tempe,AZ*The dual branded hotel is the cornerstone of the new Novus Innovation District on the ASU Campus. Located within walking distance of Sun Devil Stadium, it is immediately adjacent to Wells Fargo Arena.
AC Hotel by Marriott Minneapolis Downtown, Minneapolis, MN*A neighborhood centric hotel with architectural expressions to complement the bordering Hennepin Avenue Theater District, the historic Warehouse District, and the Central Business District.
Hyatt Regency, Bloomington, MN*Centerpiece full-service hotel is the focal point of a new mixed-use TOD masterplanned by Picard Chilton, located along an LRT line midway between MSP airport and the Mall of America. Design explores landscape patterning in Minnesota as viewed from the air.
*Experience prior to BKV Group
Excelsior & Grand | PHASE 1, St. Louis Park, MN* - A 300-apartment unit new urbanism mixed-use icon and first recipient of a LEED ND award. Designed to establish a new city center for a first-ring suburb. A national Model for TOD development.
The Nic on 5th, Minneapolis, MN* -A 26-story luxury apartment tower in the heart of the CBD, situated along the iconic Nicollet Mall and its LRT Station. The architecture blends corporate office and residential high-rise typologies in a sophisticated streetsensitive design.
Latitude 45°, Minneapolis, MN* - A high-end mixed-use project across from the historic Milwaukee Road Depot. Latitude 45 set a new standard for residential amenity offerings. Inspired by rail travel, it is a gateway building to the milling district and downtown Minneapolis.
The Bower Residences, Edina, MN*Cornerstone of a newly reimagined pedestrian-oriented Southdale Area District Plan. The luxury apartment tower will set a new quality standard for future development.
Excelsior & Grand | PHASE 2, St. Louis Park, MN* - A condominium Second Phase mixed-use expansion and extension of the Town Green Civic Park. This design phase fronts a major city park and continues the architectural hierarchy of Phase 1.
Central Park West, St. Louis Park, MN*Style, substance, and sustainability are the pillars of quality living at Central Park West Apartments. CPW represents the first building in a major expansion to the highly successful West End Development.
Millennium Southdale | PHASE 1, Edina, MN* - (Currently Under Construction) A gateway location apartment building adjacent to Southdale Shopping Center. The design blends traditional elements with sculpted contemporary forms expressing the evolving nature of the district.
Le Meridian Oak Park, Oak Park,IL*Adjacent to a high-end fashion mall, the original 60’s-era building was completely gutted and re-skinned. The inspired exterior and interior design expression combines fashion, fabric patterning, and the Chicago city grid.
Kensington Park, Richfield, MN* - A five-building mixed-use complex in a first-ring suburb of Minneapolis. Townhomes, condominiums, and retail energize an important gateway site between a retail-centric freeway zone and adjacent single-family neighborhoods.
Nexus Apartments, Des Moines, IA*The Nexus is located near the edge of downtown Des Moines in a quiet yet emerging new neighborhood. The project is designed to attract a younger demographic resident to the city.
St. Anthony Village Lofts, Minneapolis,MN*-Two loft-style condominium buildings representing the first mid-rise residential development in 15 years. Located in the birthplace of Minneapolis, the architectural expression merges historic and contemporary design.
The Berkman Residences, Rochester, MN* - A master plan gateway project for the Destination Medical Center, the 14-story luxury apartment tower and townhomes are designed to visually mediate the St. Mary’s Mayo Clinic Hospital Complex and a historic single family neighborhood.
The 1700 Residences, Minnetonka, MN* - A high-end mixeduse apartment building located along the ring road of Ridgedale Shopping Center. The project introduces high density residential building in the heart of an entirely commercial district.
Mill and Main | PHASE 1 & 2, Minneapolis, MN* - Significant extension of active city fabric, located along a dormant section of the east bank historic city riverfront. The architecture for this two-phase residential project was meticulously reviewed and unanimously approved by HPC for its context sensitive design approach.
Water Street Brownstones, Des Moines, IA* - A pair of highend condominium buildings that complete a shared public courtyard. Opening directly to the river, the building exterior expresses traditional brownstone design accented with contemporary stone and metal panel.
Junction Flats, Minneapolis, MN* - A pioneering residential building only blocks away from Target Field, on the site of a historic bakery. Located within the historic Warehouse District, the architectural solution is a collection of three joined but independent buildings with an urban courtyard focal point.
Hamlin Street Station, St. Paul, MN*A two-building mixed-use TOD affordable housing project along the LRT Line connecting Minneapolis and St. Paul. Located on a historic car dealership lot, the building expression personifies billboards and rhythms of movement.
Excelsior & Grand | PHASE E, St. Louis Park, MN* - A 125-unit condo Third Phase mixed-use expansion along a busy arterial street. This phase became a gateway for an approach from the east, and introduced a Trader Joe’s grocery store to the development.
*Experience prior to BKV Group
With more than 27 years designing for hospitality and multifamily projects, Joan has developed a passion for creating destinations. She works closely with her clients and team members to discover the story and a sense of place. Her designs create a journey from the moment a guest or resident arrives to create memories and delightful experiences, whether a business traveler, a family on vacation, or the resident who has found their new home. Joan brings design leadership to the team, setting the initial interior design direction, providing quality control, and coordinating interior design elements across disciplines. Joan manages the process from kick off to completion, keeping the clients’ goals top of mind.
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE // 27
Guo Bin Clubhouse, Chonching, China* – Clubhouse sporting a luxury residential development in Chongching. Clubhouse included lobby, sales center, tea room, Chinese restaurant, western restaurant, indoor pool, spa, and wellness
Hard Rock Hotel Guitar Tower, Hollywood Beach, FL* – 34-story shaped guitar and pool tower owned by Seminole Gaming and managed by Hard Rock Hotels Shangri-La, Hangzhou, China*part of Kerry Center complex in the Xiacheng District of Hangzhou near the West Lake Hubin Area
Grand Hyatt Taipei, Taiwan* – 27-story luxury hotel, 850 guest rooms in Xinyi District to Taipei 101
Don Quijote Casino, Ciudad Real Spain* – 26-acre casino, hotel, and resort. A themed casino and hotel based on the adventures of Don Quijote
Caesars Palace Spain, Ciudad Real, Spain* – 26-acre casino, hotel resort, retail development partnership between El Reino de Don Quijote de la Mancha. S.A and Harrah’s Cesars in Ciudad Real, Spain. 850 rooms, 50,000 SF, 30,000 SF Spa, 3000 seat Coliseum Arena, restaurants, and facilities.
Abest Clubhouse, Beijing, China*–4-story villa and clubhouse that included indoor swimming pool, large wine cellar with tasting room, western kitchen and dining room
Timbers Kauai Ocean Club and Residences, Lihue, HI* – 450 acre resort in the southeast area of Kauai. Features Ocean Club two and four bedroom vacation luxury rental and residences
Seagate Delray Beach Club & Condominiums, Delray Beach, FL* –Reconstruction, 2-story restaurant and bar providing dining, poolside, and luxury dining upstairs overlooking the ocean
The Reef at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas* – Phase 3 of the Atlantis Hotel on Paradise Island. Luxury Condo tower with 497 condo-hotel units
The Riverside Hotel, Ft. Lauderdale, FL* – Luxury hotel cornerstone of the community,consultants were charged with renovating and adding property
Seagate Delray Beach Club & Condominiums, Delray Beach, FL*–Reconstruction of 2-story restaurant and bar providing dining, poolside, and luxury dining upstairs overlooking the ocean
Hyatt Regency Baltimore, MD* –Renovation of 488 guestrooms. Renovation included new guestrooms, finishes, and furnishings. Guest bathroom finishes and all fixtures, all suites, guest corridors, and Hyatt Club room
Hotel Hanshin, Osaka, Japan* – New construction of business level hotel owned by Hankyu Hanshin Hotels was part of a larger development that included retail, the Ritz Carlton Osaka, and commercial towers
Le Touesserok Resort, Trou d’Eau Douce Bay, Mauritius* – Development included open air lobby and reception, luxury station buffet restaurant, beach side restaurant, and poolside bar. Guest villas, rooms, and Givenchy spa
Mohegan Sun Hotel & Convention Center, Uncansville, CT* – Expansion included doubling the size of the existing casino, adding a ballroom, meeting rooms, restaurants, and a high-rise tower with 1500 guestrooms and suites
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Osaka, Japan* – Developed by Hankyu Hanshin Hotels. New construction, 35-story, 291 guestrooms and suites, 26,000 SF
*Experience prior to BKV Group
Loews Miami Beach, Miami, FL* –Renovation of the historic St. Moritz hotel and new construction of 16-story hotel tower on Miami South Beach
The Cove at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas* – Phase 3 of the Atlantis Hotel in Paradise Island owner by Sol Kezner. Luxury hotel tower with 600 guestrooms and suites
Grand Hyatt Macau, Cotai, Macau*
– Two of five towers within the City of Dreams development in the Cotai area of Macau developed by Chairman Lawrence Ho of Melco Crown Entertainment Ltd and Operated by Hyatt International. Hyatt Hospitality Club, 80,0000 SF of meeting space and 2 ballrooms, spa, fitness center, 791 rooms, and suites in two towers
Marriott Renaissance Schamburg, Schaumburg, IL* – Partnership between the City of Schamburg Marriott, and Portman Holdings. An Atrium hotel with 100,000 SF of event space with 500 rooms and suites
Grand Hyatt Dubai, United Arab Emirates* – New Construction and Development. Development included grand scaled lobby lounge, reception, 5-food & beverages outlets with show kitchens, food court designed around an indoor garden and water feature, nightclub, grand ballroom, with 2500 occupancy, junior ballroom, meeting rooms, club lounge, and 682 guestrooms and suites
The Tiger Woods Dubai Hotel and Golf Clubhouse, Dubai, United Arab Emirates* – Partnership of Tiger Woods, IMG, and Dubai Holdings and Operated Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts to design luxury boutique hotel, Gold Clubhouse and Golf Academy plus 18-hole gold course
Hilton Rockville, MD* – Renovation of Lobby, Lobby Lounge, Lobby Bar, Meeting Facility, All Day Dining, and Large Atrium space (unbuilt)
*Experience prior to BKV Group
As a partner and leader in our Interiors Group, Kelly has over 22 years of experience on a wide variety of projects including multifamily housing, mixed-use developments, corporate offices and municipal buildings. Her expertise includes programming, space planning, interior design conceptualization, adaptive reuse strategies, material selection, FF&E selections, specifications, construction document development and coordination. Kelly’s passion for ecological and environmentally smart processes help provide unique solutions and durable, attractive sustainable designs for each client.
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE // 22
Hyatt Place Hotel at Custom House, St. Paul, MN – Hospitality, 5-story, 149room, interior design services Intercontinental St. Paul Riverfront Hotel, St. Paul, MN – Hospitality, renovation, mixed use, 24-story Eddy’s Lake Resort, Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures, Onamia, MN – Hospitality, mixed use, new construction, 64 hotel rooms
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago, IL – Hospitality, guest room design for iconic US flagship hotel
1411 S. Michigan Avenue, Russland Capital Group, Chicago, IL - 15-story, 199-unit, 200,000 SF, $52M budget
301 Clifton Avenue Condominiums, Minneapolis, MN – Multifamily, New Construction, 45-unit, 57,000 SF, $10.5M
309 Vine City Apartments, City Club Apartments, LLC, Cincinnati, OH – Multifamily, Mixed Use, Historic Renovation, 294-unit, 300,000 SF
Renaissance City Apartments, Village Green, Detroit, MI – Corporate, Historic Renovation
Ann Arbor City Apartments, Village Green Companies, Ann Arbor, MI
– Multifamily, New Construction, 11-story, 155-unit, 227,336 SF, $29.2M
Central West End City Apartments, Village Green Holding LLC, St. Louis, MO – Multifamily, New Construction, 82-unit, 102,359 SF, $12M
Statler City Apartments, CCA, Detroit, MI – Multifamily, Mixed-Use, New Construction, 284-units
The Copham Residences, Greco Real Estate, Minneapolis, MN – Multifamily, Mixed Use, Historic Renovation, 120unit, 116,704 SF housing, 10,250 SF retail, $14.9M
Eitel Building City Apartments, Village Green Companies, Minneapolis, MN – Multifamily, Mixed Use, Addition & Historic Renovation
Elgin Artist Lofts, Artspace Projects, Inc, Elgin, IL – Multifamily, Affordable, Addition & Historic Renovation, 55-unit, 100,445 SF, $8.4M
Five15 on the Park, Curry Park Development, Minneapolis, MN – Multifamily, Affordable, New Construction, 259-unit, 352,890 SF, $33.4M
The Flats at West End, The Excelsior Group, St. Louis Park, MN – Multifamily, 6-story, 120-unit
Handicraft Building City Apartments, CCA, Minneapolis, MN – Multifamily, New Construction, 18-story, 310-unit
Heritage Landing Apartments and Townhomes, Minneapolis, MN –Multifamily, Mixed Use
Lake Calhoun City Apartments, Minneapolis, MN – Multifamily, 5-story, 152-unit, 6 townhomes
Mill City Quarter, Pinnacle, Minneapolis, MN – Multifamily, Senior Housing, Mixed Use, New Construction, 150-unit, 127,640 SF housing, 14,495 SF retail, $27M
Abiitan, Ecumen, Minneapolis, MN
– Multifamily, Senior Housing, New Construction, 5-story, 134-unit, 212,249 SF, $28.7M
Mill District City Apartments, Village Green, Minneapolis, MN – Multifamily, Mixed Use, 5-story, 175-unit, 3,400 SF retail
Morrow Park City Apartments, Village Green Companies, Pittsburgh, PA
– Multifamily, New Construction, 210unit, 273,093 SF, $37.3M
North Bethesda Market Lofts, JBG, North Bethesda, MD – Multifamily, New Construction
Octave 1320, ProMark Real Estate Services, Silver Spring, MD –Multifamily, Addition & Renovation, 8-story, 102-unit, 72,000 SF existing, 47,000 SF addition
Kobita is a creative designer with over 20 years of experience leading the design team to achieve award-winning residential, hospitality, and workplace projects nationally. By interpreting client aspirations and turning them into creative solutions, Kobita delivers high-quality products while adhering to tight deadlines and budget constraints. In overseeing a team of design professionals, Kobita is responsible for the management and implementation of design concepts through completion, seamlessly balancing multiple concurrent projects. Kobita is adept at all phases of design, documentation, and construction processes, and has in-depth knowledge of detailing, materials, methods, and codes, project schedules, and budget. Kobita provides inspiration and mentorship to her design teams, and creates a strong design culture that encourages professional growth, collaboration, and design exploration.
EDUCATION // Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Masters Degree in Interior Design // University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, Certification in Stained Glass // Osmania University, India, Diploma in Interior Design // Nizam College, India, Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE // 24
The Hotel at UMCP, College Park, MD* – 4-star hotel near UMCP, 297 guestrooms, all amenity space include spa, meeting rooms, ballrooms, AAA-4 Diamond rating. Completion year 2015
Washington Marriott at Metro CenterWashington, DC* – Renovation of all amenity space includes lobby, business center, meeting rooms, ballrooms. Completion year 2009
Bear Creek Mountain Resort, Macungie, PA* – Bear Creek Mountain Resort is a full-season mountain resort just over an hour from Philadelphia and two hours from New York City. The small mountain and inn provide families with mountain biking, hiking, skiing, and snowboarding. Resort provides ski-in and ski-out accommodations. 116 guestrooms, spa, restaurants, meeting rooms. Completion year 2005
Key Bridge Marriott, Arlington, VA* – Renovation of all amenity space includes lobby, business center, meeting rooms, ballrooms. Completion year 2007
Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Atlanta, GA* – Renovation of all amenity space includes lobby, business center, meeting rooms, ballrooms, Completion year 2009
The Hotel at Arundel Preserve, Hanover, MD* – The hotel is designed to be the premier meeting and event destination between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. with the features that make hosting a first-rate gathering second nature featuring 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space. The Grand Ballroom can host events for up to 300 guests and offers a nearby outdoor terrace for a reception space. Additional breakout rooms and high-tech boardrooms add to the flexibility of the meeting space. LEED Silver design. Completion year 2009
The Cliff Resort & Spa, San Luis Obispo, CA* – Renovation of all guestrooms and amenity space includes lobby, business center, and corridors, Completion year 2009
*Experience prior to BKV Group
The 24 story Intercontinental St. Paul Riverfront Hotel is centrally located in downtown St Paul with spectacular views of the Mississippi river. Built in 1966, the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and Graves Hospitality management hired BKV Group to revitalize 410 guestrooms and create a fresh new experience in the public spaces. Their vision was to create a destination, appealing to locals and visitors alike.
BKV took inspiration from St. Paul’s mid-century modern roots, incorporating clean lined bold color and a 60’s modern vibe. New hospitality suites and meeting spaces were created on the first floor along with a new upscale restaurant and bar. The lobby lounge features modular lighting sculpture brightening the space with modern whimsical take on “clouds”. Geometric 3-dimensional screens provide interest, drawing guests to the concierge and beyond. The design team incorporated a bright, fresh color pallet in the public spaces so guests may experience energy and fun upon arrival. Guestrooms maintain the clean modern feel with a soothing neutral pallet with some bright pops of color for excitement.
Whether you are visiting for the first time for a local meeting or are up for a night on the town, the fresh new design invites guests in to have a little fun and return time and again.
ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA
BKV Group was engaged to reinvent the historic Saint Paul’s Post Office and Custom House as a hotel combined with luxury residences. The Hyatt Place and Luxury Residences at Custom House inspiration was drawn from the rich history of the building, its handsome Art Deco and Post-Modern style architectural and interior details, the location, and the owner’s desired guest.
Located in the heart of downtown near Minnesota’s State Capital and many entertainment venues: Xcel Energy Center, Science Museum, CHS Field, the site is ideal for young professionals, music enthusiasts, and sports fans alike. Public spaces were activated for guest interaction and excitement. Private nooks offer intimate conversation spaces, while central gathering areas with communal tables provide a place for guests to see and be seen. A rooftop desk was added to give guests an indoor-outdoor experience with Instagram-able downtown cityscape views.
Constructed in phases during 1934, 1939, and 1961, the 17-story post office features magnificent windows, bold linear ceiling and lighting elements, high contrast finishes, and clean lines. Special care was taken to retain and respect the property’s history while incorporate modern elements that appeal to today’s guests throughout the design. The linear ceiling draws guest into the space. Original doors were incorporated as art pieces and screens to give a nod to the art deco history.
Each of the 149 guestrooms and residences was designed for relaxation and comfort incorporating rich textures and subtle art deco patterns accents. The design immerses guests into a piece of history, while providing creature comforts required today.
Eddy’s Lake Mille Lacs Resort had been a fixture on the shores of Lake Mille Lacs since 1960. The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwa’s vision was to replace the existing resort with a reimagined destination fishing resort that respects its heritage while providing the modern comforts guests expect today. BKV Group’s design team was challenged to create a guest experience that blends the old with the new.
Guests include outdoor enthusiasts, families, and professionals escaping the city for a fishing excursion, snowmobiling trip, or a conference getaway. The property was designed to pay homage to its 1960’s heyday. A throw back to a simpler timet demonstrated with simple lines in the exterior façade. The new hotel building features 64 guestrooms and is combined with 4 iconic cabins, that allows guests to experience a fishing village retreat. Each cabin, guestroom, and public area was carefully planned to maximize lake views. Clean, fresh guestrooms incorporate classic primary colors pulled from the resort logo, plaid patterns and rustic weathered wood finishes let guest know they have truly retreated from the city. The warmth of the wood, glow of the fireplace, and soft textures of the upholstery offer a cozy setting for guests to share tales of their day’s adventures.
BKV Group provided total project management services for the project, overseeing all design and con-struction activities for the $22 million dollar renovation. The scope includes the hotel’s new 112 gues-trooms, as well as the transformation of the new ballrooms and meeting rooms that increase Hyatt’s con-ferencing capacity by 35%.
The redesigned hotel pays tribute to the “unique culture of Minnesota”, with sleek mid-century Scandinavian décor highlighted by a spacious lobby featuring an expansive use of stone and rustic wooden logs.
The property’s new guestrooms offer dynamic views of the Minneapolis skyline and the Greenway while providing modern amenities. The new 35,000 square feet of new meeting facilities combined with the ex-isting 74,000 square feet of meeting space will support and enhance the adjacent Minneapolis Convention Center. The Hyatt Minneapolis is owned through a joint venture between Haberhill LLC, Starwood Capital, and Hyatt Hotels Corp.
City Club Apartments Crossroads is located in the heart of downtown among an eclectic group of boutiques, restaurants, studios, and art galleries of the Crossroads Arts District. Residents of this sophisticated apartment building, are never far from outdoor recreation at Washington Square Park, Penn Valley Park, and Liberty Memorial Park. The apartment building includes approximately 100,000 square feet of below grade parking for approximately 298 vehicles and approximately 11,000 square feet of shell space for retail and restaurant.
Although a large and contemporary project, the design breaks down the scale of the building into smaller sections reminiscent of the historic scale of buildings within the area, with the retained historic terra cotta clad, 5-story hotel as the centerpiece of the development. The project features an extraordinary amount of amenities, including a boutique lobby and lounge, concierge, multi-story clubroom, fitness and yoga area, business center, a multifaceted courtyard with outdoor bar, grilling stations, fire pit, dog-run, and green roofs. The signature element is the rooftop amenity with an outdoor pool and bar area. Additional features include direct access to the newly integrated restaurant, retail spaces and underground parking.
Located an hour north of Las Vegas in southern Utah, this hotel concept is the centerpiece of a large, mixed-use development planned on the southern edge of the city.
The town has a rich and blended cultural heritage of indigenous, Spanish Missionaries, and settlers from the Church of Latter-day Saints. The site is also located within a couple of hours drive time to some of the planet’s most stunning natural wonders in a multitude of national and state parks - notably natural bridges, arches, Monument Valley, Zion, and of course the Grand Canyon.
The 5-story resort with its 140 one-to-three bedroom villas will act as a hub or home base for connecting with the incredible outdoors and multitude of activities from golf, to mountain biking, trail riding, horse back riding, and communing with mind, body, and spirit.
The architecture is directly inspired by the varied landscapes nearby and focuses on a recreational lagoon. The design sculpts sunlight and is highly responsive to the harsh desert climate and creates many shaded areas of refuge for guests as well as vehicles. The most prominent features is the crystalline guestroom “bridge” that spans over the sweeping arrival and stone clad “paseo” (path for walking). The hotel’s main level is an activity hub for the resort with meeting rooms, a restaurant with outdoor dining and bar, fitness center, spa, outfitters space, and resort pool and boardwalk.
The city had the long-held goal of attracting a hotel and event center in hopes of hosting larger regional events. Located along the stunning North Shore of Lake Superior, and home to an active iron ore shipping terminal, the location’s rugged terrain and iron ore industrial heritage served as inspiration for the project’s design. Simple massing, and metal facades showcase iron tones. An expansive stone terrace reflects the indigenous basalt quartzite featuring hot tubs, fire pits, and a monumental stair to the park and harbor, all designed in a celebration of “place.”
The hotel and event center is meant to become a catalyst for future harbor-front development which may include a large and active city park with a band shell, along with future commercial and residential parcels.
The Summit – a 31-story tower located in the heart of downtown Orlando – is a modern take on the luxury way of life that combines condos, hotels, and retail spaces into one building. With views facing Lake Eola, The Summit will provide Orlando with upscale living and hotels – something the city has needed for several years.
In keeping a very minimalistic design approach, The Summit will expose its concrete columns as frames, while the parking garage will have clean vertical lines to bring movement and texture to the building. One of the most significant challenges in designing this building was merging a 6-story parking garage, a 10-story hotel, and a 15-story residential area with retail and restaurant spaces into one structure – all while ensuring there is a clear distinction between guests and residents.
Originally built in 2015 and located in the heart of Greektown, this luxury high rise had great bones, but its interiors were lacking the artistic energy and residential warmth its West Loop residents desired. The interior refresh of Arkadia was achieved by melding spunky colors, playful patterns, and unexpected use of scale.
Playing off of the lobby’s dramatic scale, vibrant color and bold graphics are contrasted with warm wood tones to create a sophisticated welcome to the property. Greenery is layered throughout the spaces by way of indoor planters and a moss feature wall that dances its way up the lobby’s main staircase. Patterns of varying scale are paired throughout to create quirky and visually stimulating spaces for residents to relax, work, and mingle.
Throughout the 5th floor amenity spaces, a warm wood-tone floor is contrasted with graphic elements and accents of color. In the party room, a floral rug and rich walnut wood tones are juxtaposed with graphic black and white concrete tiles on both the floor and wall that will endure a beautiful patina over time. This same black and white floor tile is a repeating element in the game room where residents can enjoy a variety of games including billiards, board games, and a giant wall Scrabble game. A colorful, abstract watercolor graphic draws residents to the fireplace lounge and out to the newly outfitted roof deck.
City Club Apartments Cincinnati is a restoration and adaptive reuse of a Cincinnati 1928 Beaux Arts Landmark. Located along the Ohio River in the heart of Cincinnati’s downtown business district the site was once the home to the 340-room Burnet Hotel. The project included the restoration of the historic façade and repurpose to 294 market rate apartment units ranging in size from 395 sf nano-units to a 1400 sf penthouse. Residents and guest enjoy the convenience of underground parking, retail, and restaurants on site.
Historic travertine floors and walls with an ornate gold leaf ceiling welcome residents and guests into a boutique hotel style lobby with a nod to the past. Chandeliers, large scale plants and framed art panels create a dramatic processional which leads residents from arrival to the concierge. Guests are greeted by a wine bar at the main entry that opens to a shared lounge for socializing.
The eclectic quality of the lobby and lounge interior carries to the rooftop amenities where residents can enjoy a luxurious indoor pool complete with spa and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Full height mirrors and chandeliers open to an expansive sun deck. The adjacent clubroom is equipped with a gourmet kitchen and bar, gaming space, communal table, and ample lounge areas around a fireplace.
City Club Minneapolis embraces all things Minnesota. Located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, the property feeds off the energy of the city’s central business district. It’s 17-story high-rise façade panels dance in the light emulating the nearby Schmitt music wall mural. The glow of lobby spills into the streetscape and dichroic building signage shines colorfully on the entry canopy, making this destination impossible to miss.
Peer into the grand lobby space through illuminated patterned portals to see a 2-story shelving feature filled with local art and memorabilia. In true Minnesota fashion, it’s all about layers. Thick with vibrant colors, textures, and patterns, and living greenery. Garage doors open to an artful alley sharing a hidden courtyard with the neighboring brewery.
Take a trip to the roof top Skyclub to be greeted by blue concrete floors reminiscent of Minnesota lakes, natural wood walls and ceilings emulating the quintessential Northwoods lodge, and vintage Minnesota-inspired décor. Inside, a gourmet kitchen with large central island allows for social gatherings. A double-sided fireplace separates the gaming area from the lounge connecting to the exterior Skypark’s rooftop pool, cabanas, outdoor kitchen, and zen garden.
City Club Minneapolis offers the largest amount of “nano” and alcove units in the city (approximately 50% of the 307 units). Residents choose from four different finish packages, all with wood-look flooring, European cabinetry, stone countertops, and unique backsplashes. From the luxury apartments to the exclusive amenities, BKV Group with City Club Apartments designed so much more than an apartment building – the team created a lifestyle. You betcha.
PITTSBURGH,
Once an active steel milling neighborhood, Southside - located between the storied Carson Street and the Monongahela River - has grown into an upscale, eclectic, and vibrant community with retail, housing, theaters, offices, and miles of recreation space along the river.
The design of the Southside Works City Apartments captures the energy of this area by introducing luxury rental lifestyle apartments with a modern interpretation of Art Deco architecture. The design features a contemporary, streamlined and forward-thinking approach to today’s housing needs with a wide variety of dwelling choices, from micro (“nano”) units to walk-ups, flats, and multi-story duplexes.
The community is a 262-unit, six-story, slab-on-grade podium building. It is made up of five levels of wood frame construction, over a podium level of 8” precast plank bearing on 8” CMU bearing walls. The site includes a freestanding parking garage, also designed by BKV Group.
Amenities include a boutique hotel-style lobby and clubroom, concierge and leasing, fitness center, and indoor pool. Residents will also enjoy a beautiful outdoor courtyard with bar, firepit, cabanas, water features, movie wall and amphitheater, and zen garden. The building is an NAHB Green Building.
Eleven40’s design concept is about contrast and layers. The angular lobby has a sense of drama with its dark, faux leather walls, tall volume, and a giant two-story green wall. The simple black and white color palette is layered with the warmth of wood tones and textiles. The built and natural worlds collide with the insertion of greenery throughout this high-rise, concrete structure. The goal was to create spaces that are full of life in all forms.
The 5th floor is dedicated entirely to amenity space with floor to ceiling windows, light wood-look floors, and pops of color in the art and furniture making for a bright and vibrant space. This floor is meant to be active, and the design certainly caters to each and every activity. The Co-office space is a quiet zone for residents to work or study, while the gaming area offers everything from board games to arcade games and skee ball. There is a Jam Lounge for the music lovers, and a Gym and Yoga studio for the fit. The Fireplace/Media Lounge is equipped with a kitchen and wine bar for parties and events, while the Brewing Station offers residents coffee in the morning and cold beer in the evening. Even the pets have a zone, with a full dog spa and outdoor dog run. Almost every room spills out to the 5th floor exterior roof deck where there is even more space to lounge, dine and play.
The natural aesthetic carries up to the Aqua Lounge with several wood elements and greenery. Finishes and furniture are playful at the rooftop, with patterned concrete tiles, graphic wallcovering, and hanging swings. Up here, it’s all about the views… and the rooftop pool overlooking Lake Michigan!
City Club Apartments CBD Detroit is located in downtown Detroit across from Grand Circus Park on the site of the former Statler Hotel. The project is part of a renaissance for downtown Detroit as the first new market-rate apartment project in the Central Business District that will be conventionally financed. The project paves the way for providing sensitive, forward-thinking design to attract residents to Downtown Detroit from Michigan and across the country. The six-story plus mezzanine building consists of 288 apartments ranging in size from micro units to 3 bedroom / 3 bathroom multistory dwelling units. The first floor contains retail space along the arterial Washington Boulevard with a restaurant facing Grand Circus Park. Resident amenities also on the first floor include an indoor pool, fitness center, clubroom, and large landscaped courtyard. The building contains two levels of below grade parking for both residents and the surrounding area. Unique features include rooftop access skylights for residents on the 6th floor, lofted spaces in 1st floor units with high ceilings, and a green roof.
This multifamily project complements the upscale momentum of Southdale Mall and the City of Edina. The fiveacre development features 232 units spread over three buildings — a five-story, three-story, and a ten-story highrise. Floor plans include studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, as well as top-floor penthouses. The project team also designed sustainable features such as green roof areas, a green courtyard, energy-efficient appliances, individual unit heating and cooling, and walkability with close proximity to transit. Design of the resident amenity areas cater to an upscale resident looking for the convenience of adjacent shopping and restaurants combined with a vibrant resident community. A concierge greets residents and is readily available for a variety of resident needs, dry-cleaning, reservations, car services and pet sitting. Residents enjoy a lobby with convenient grab and go coffee in an open resident fireplace lounge. Social gatherings occur frequently in the well appointed clubroom with chefs kitchen. The party often spills out to the beautiful resident courtyard and pool deck. Materials and finishes reflect a timeless quality that is expected by residents of One Southdale. Rich woods and stone complement accents of reds and blues. Textures and artwork are utilized to make this feel like a residence where there is something for everyone.
This design concept challenges common beliefs about skyscrapers with the visual appearance of the concept being striking due to the voids in the skin and the cantilevers of various depths. Catenary cables run along the perimeter of the circular openings in the exoskeleton and skin, allowing the structure to absorb tensile and lateral stresses for a dramatically reduced profile of exoskeletal structural members. The same floor plate is never repeated in this concept with the various floor plate shapes and sizes being specific to the needs of the programs inside. Separation of the floors is done horizontally for more visual connection between occupants of the building and the outdoor gardens. The experience of this building will evoke a feeling similar to standing on the side of a mountain, under geological outcroppings, where there will be a strong presence of people nearby at most times of day. The building will also enhance the urban fabric around it, and take advantage of land previously thought to be undevelopable.
WASHINGTON, DC
The Allen Lee Hotel redevelopment was a re-envisioning of a historic hotel in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Abdo Development selected BKV Group in 2013 to design several exterior building features, including a grand entry canopy, ramp accessibility, an outdoor terrace for guest dining, and a custom roof trellis feature for a rooftop lounge. The design team envisioned modern yet elegant solutions to these needs, thereby complementing the existing building’s inherent beauty and successfully moving the project through local historical review. The project, now branded as Hotel Hive, is the city’s first micro-hotel, attracting young guests fond of the hotel’s unique indoor and outdoor amenity spaces
The project is in Wauwatosa, WI, a Milwaukee suburb with 146 guestrooms. Amenities include a 2-story Breakfast lodge with pantry and prep areas, gift shop, indoor pool, corporate pre-function and meeting rooms, business center and office support spaces, and exterior patio and grill. The interiors were by the owner’s interior designer. One challenge we came across for this project was the envelope redesign. We inherited the project from the sole proprietor architect that passed away and had to redesign, including the envelope. The envelope was redesigned to reflect BKV’S expertise in energy modeling and performance requirements along with the code compliance of building construction classification with an adjacent existing open parking garage. But we were designing a fullservice national brand hotel designed in full compliance with Hilton Homewood Suites brand standards.