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Quotes from 2026 TopID winners
“It is a great honor to be part of this new family. Representing Milan is a source of great pride for us.”
David Morini
CEO
Pelizzari Studio
“We are thrilled and honored to be named a NEWH 2026 TopID firm. Collaborating with fellow creatives to thoughtfully design spaces where people gather, connect, and celebrate life’s milestones is both inspiring and deeply fulfilling. To be recognized for the interiors we create together is a true privilege, and one we accept with sincere gratitude. We are thankful to our incredible team, partners, and clients who make this work possible, and we look forward to continuing to create meaningful, memorable spaces in the years ahead.”
Katie Guzinski
Executive Director, Principal
Marguerite Rodgers Interior Design
“BG Studio is honored to be recognized as a TopID 2026 by the NEWH New York Chapter. Our studio is grateful to work alongside such incredible vendor partners to bring our designs to life–redefining elevated hospitality interiors both on land and at sea. BG Studio wishes all the NEWH TopID winners a heartfelt congratulations and thrilled to be in such good company.”
Robert Veluz
Creative Director
BG Studio
“’Harken’ means to listen, and our recent NEWH TopID recognition affirms that this mission is resonating. Being trusted to bring our clients’ visions to life—and seeing that effort recognized by NEWH—speaks to the passion, dedication, and collaboration behind every project. On behalf of the entire Harken Interiors studio, thank you to NEWH for championing our team and for supporting the entire hospitality design community.”
Jaclyn Moser
Partner
Harken Interiors
“This TopID award is incredibly meaningful to us, this is our first year joining as a team and we’ve been so welcomed by the NEWH Community. In the world of restaurant design, where every detail shapes the guest experience, we’re proud to be part of an industry and network that continually inspires us to push our designs and concepts further. We’re so honored to have received this award amongst so many talented peers.”
Joanna Kado
Senior Interior Designer
Earls Restaurant + Bar
“Leo Rose Interior Design is thrilled to receive the TopID award for the Pittsburgh Region in 2026. To be honored by peers who value creativity, integrity, and thoughtful design is deeply humbling. I’m grateful for the support and inspiration of the NEWH community and proud to be part of it.”
Megan Conceicao
Owner and Principal Designer
Leo Rose Interior Design
“The NEWH TopID honor celebrates what matters most to the Hale Collective team – design that tells a story, elevates experience, and is grounded in collaboration. We are proud to contribute to an industry that thrives on creativity, connection, and shared passion.”
Haley Balzano
CEO
Hale Collective
“We’re so honored to be recognized again as a Chicago’s TopID firm by the NEWH. We deeply appreciate NEWH’s ongoing commitment to support and cultivate Chicago’s hospitality design community. We’re proud to stand alongside such a vibrant network of creatives and to represent an industry defined by exceptional design, innovation, and genuine hospitality.”
Nina Grondin
Managing Partner & Co-Founder
Curioso
“NEWH has been an important connection to Houston’s hospitality community, and we’re grateful for this recognition. Being named a TopID firm reflects the relationships and collaboration that make working in this city so meaningful.”
Douglas Detiveaux, RID, NCIDQ, IIDA
Design Director, Senior Associate
Regional Hospitality Practice Area Expert
Gensler/Houston
“This TopID recognition is a meaningful acknowledgment of our team’s dedication to hospitality-driven design. We approach every project through the lens of the client and the end user, believing the most successful spaces are those that balance strong design vision with comfort, functionality, and a sense of place. We are grateful to be part of a community that values collaboration and excellence.”
The Studio 59 East Team
“For HVS Design to be named a NEWH TopID firm for 2026 is truly an honor. Our team works diligently to create innovative designs that elevates guest experiences, incorporates a story, and surpasses client expectations. We could not be more pleased that our peers and colleagues at NEWH have recognized our work.”
Christine Shanahan
Principal
HVS Design
“AKDG is honored and grateful for the receipt of a 2026 TopID Award. This pandemic project was a labor of love that took four years to come to fruition, but the results were amazing and well worth the wait. We achieved the perfect balance of style and function to maximize both aesthetics and practicality with this project.”
Andrea Gillespie
Design Principal
AK Design Group
“Receiving this TopID award is truly an honor for our team. It means so much because it reflects the hard work, dedication, and passion we’ve poured into our designs, all while fostering lasting relationships with our clients and staying true to our values. As a firm that’s just 6 years young, we’re incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished so far. Every milestone reminds us of how far we’ve come, and we’re excited for all the possibilities the future holds. We never take our success for granted and are deeply grateful to our clients, industry partners, and the amazing team we’ve built. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey with us!”
Amber Slaughter
Principal + Creative Director
STUDIO a28
“At HERE architecture + interiors, we believe design is a deeply human endeavor — an opportunity to enrich lives through beauty, utility, and narrative. Rooted in the Pacific Northwest but with reach far beyond, our firm blends the rigor of architecture and the nuance of interiors to deliver integrated, bold, and approachable spaces.
What sets us apart is our holistic ethos: we don’t see interiors and architecture as separate silos, but as symbiotic layers that must converse seamlessly with one another. From concept through construction, we work hand in hand with clients, weaving a narrative that guides spatial decisions while staying grounded in real lives and real budgets.
We push boundaries: not for novelty’s sake, but because innovation is the pathway to lasting impact. Whether it’s redefining a hotel lobby or transforming a restaurant interior, our team brings bold ideas tempered by empathy, always striving to delight.
Running a design endeavor is never static. It’s a daily exercise in creativity, problem-solving, and bold storytelling as a team. We are deeply committed to shaping one-of-a-kind spaces and to elevating our practice with intention. Receiving NEWH’s prestigious TopID 2026 award is both an honor and a testament to our craft as designers. Thank you for the recognition for our work at The Marcus Whitman Hotel in Walla Walla, WA.”
Danielle (Danie) Leatherman, NCIDQ
Principal Interiors || Founder
HERE architecture + interiors
“We’re honoured to be recognized by NEWH with a 2026 TopID Award for The Rec Room Granville, Vancouver. For our studio, this award reinforces the value of design that is both strategically grounded and emotionally engaging, shaping spaces that feel vibrant, welcoming, and unforgettable, and captures the spirit of community, connection, and play. We’re grateful to NEWH for the honour, and to our partners who helped make the project a success.”
Gordon Mackay
Partner/Strategy Director
mackaywong
“Receiving the NEWH TopID Award is a true honor and deeply personal for me. NEWH represents the heart of our hospitality community. Connection, mentorship, and sharing the belief that great sensory design shapes how people gather, feel, and belong. To be recognized by an organization so committed to lifting up the next generation of leaders makes this award especially meaningful. It’s a reminder that when we invest in people and respect the craft, the future of hospitality is bright.”
Gail McCleese
founder + sensory director
sensitori
“It is a great honor for my interior design firm to be recognized by NEWH with such a prestigious award within the hospitality sector of interior design. I am thankful to work in an industry filled with incredibly talented designers who inspire me daily to create spaces that people can experience and enjoy. NEWH is an organization that uniquely brings the design community together and acknowledges the incredible work we all do.”
Daniel Meloché
Owner and Creative Director
Daniel Meloché Design
“DAS Architects is honored to be recognized as a 2026 NEWH TopID award winner. This acknowledgment reflects our belief that great design comes from viewing space holistically where architecture, interiors, and experience come together. We’re grateful to our team, clients, and partners who help us create spaces that are meant to be felt, not just seen.”
Amanda Summers
Interior Designer
DAS Architects
“Our entire DLR Group team is honored to be selected as a NEWH TopID studio! NEWH’s continued commitment to mentorship and connection has created an incredible platform for our team to collaborate, mentor and share inspiration across the hospitality design industry. Our Denver studio has especially benefited from the strong sense of community and friendships fostered through the organization, and we’re grateful for the relationships, support, and shared passion for design that make this recognition so meaningful.”
Stephanie Gearhart
Interiors Leader | Principal
DLR Group / Denver
“We’re deeply grateful to NEWH for this recognition and for the incredible work the organization does to support our industry. Your commitment to fostering the next generation of designers is inspiring and aligns closely with BAR’s values. Being named a TopID firm for 2026 truly means the world to us.”
Timothy Hepworth
Director of Interior Design and Associate Principal
BAR Architects & Interiors
“We’re honored to be recognized as a NEWH TopID firm. This acknowledgment reflects the collaboration, rigor, and care that define our approach to creating hospitality environments. We’re grateful to stand alongside peers we admire and to be part of a community that continues to elevate the role of design in shaping meaningful experiences.”
Will Meyer and Gray Davis
Co-Founders
Meyer Davis
“Studiomica is thrilled to receive NEWH’s TopID 2026 Award. It’s an absolute honour to be recognized by the UK NEWH team for our contribution to hospitality design. We look forward to supporting our wonderful local NEWH team at their upcoming fundraising events and are proud to stand alongside the global NEWH community of talented designers whose innovative projects truly inspire worldwide travel.”
Carolynne Shenton
Director & Co-Founder
Studio Mica Limited
”TopID award means so much more to my studio than just recognition of our work. It draws attention to the great values of building a community, discussions on social sensitivity, and the superpower of networking, without which no design studio can advance today. For me, decisions with presence and bold design with purpose are in focus – values that our NEWH comminuty shares and promotes. I am grateful for that.”
Eszter Radnoczy
Founder, Chief Designer
este’r partners
“We are immensely proud to be recognised as TopID Company 2026 by NEWH. This award is a true reflection of the creativity, dedication, and hard work of our LXA team here in London. Thoughtful design has always been at the heart of what we do, and this recognition reinforces the trust our clients place in us to create imaginative and well-considered spaces. We’re sincerely grateful for the NEWH’s leadership and ongoing support of the hospitality industry, and for recognising our studio’s dedication within the sector. Our thanks also go to the clients and partners who continue to share the journey with us. This recognition encourages our team to keep raising the bar – now and into the future.”
Jo Aitken
Associate Designer
LXA Projects Ltd
“At Studio 11 Design, we are passionate advocates of the hospitality community. Showcasing our projects with NEWH is a powerful reinforcement that hard work and elevated design reach father than a space itself. To be named one of NEWH’s TopID firms is an incredible honor. We are humbled to receive the award from our peers in the Dallas chapter. The tight-knit community they have created defines the Dallas design scene and we always look forward to being a part of it year after year.”
Kellie Sirna
Owner and Principal
Studio 11 Design
“The TopID honour is a reminder of how fortunate we are to do what we love! We feel truly blessed to work in such an energetic and creative industry—and even more grateful to be recognized for our work. NEWH has played an important role in supporting Yellowbird Design’s growth, fostering meaningful connections, encouragement, and an inspiring community we’re proud to be part of nationwide.”
Stacy DiCarlo
Principle
Yellowbird Design Studio
“We’re elated and honored to be recognized as a NEWH TopID firm for 2026. NEWH’s mission to support, educate, and empower the design community so closely mirrors our own values, which makes this recognition especially meaningful. It’s a true reflection of the passion, talent, and dedication of our team—our client’s trust and our incredible Industry partners and vendors who support us every day in our endeavors. Thank you to NEWH and to everyone who makes this industry such a rewarding one to be part of.”
Libby Patrick
Founder and CEO
Sims Patrick Studio
“We are incredibly honored to be a part of a community that fosters creativity, shares ideas, and pushes the boundaries of design in Hospitality. Our intentions and our design gestures are meant to inspire many to challenge conventional design methods and create timeless spaces for the future generations to experience.”
Bergmeyer
“We are deeply honored to receive the 2026 TopID Award from NEWH. As a firm of just three designers, every project we take on is personal. Winning the 2026 TopID Award for C&S Seafood at Galleria on the Park is both humbling and validating. It reinforces our belief that thoughtful, intentional design—no matter the size of the firm—can have a meaningful impact. This award is especially meaningful as we celebrate Peter Zakas Sr.’s 50th year in design. His dedication to craft, mentorship, and timeless hospitality design has shaped not only our firm, but the way we approach every project. We’re thankful for the continued support of our industry peers and excited to keep creating spaces that tell a story and stand the test of time.”
PJ Zakas
Interior Designer
Z-Space Design
“Being recognized as a NEWH TopID Firm for 2026 is an incredible honor for JCJ and our Las Vegas studio, especially as we celebrate 90 years of practice. This continued acknowledgement from our peers reflects the collaborative culture, mentorship, and passion for thoughtful hospitality design that drives our work. We are grateful to be part of such a supportive design community and inspired to continue crafting lasting experiences through care and attention to detail.”
“Design creates culture. Culture shares values. Values determine the future.” – Robert L. Peters
Mike Larson
Principal
JCJ Architecture
“We are honored to be named a TopID firm for 2026. This recognition celebrates the collective effort of our team and collaborators and encourages us to continue creating hospitality experiences that feel warm, authentic and connected to the people we design them for.”
Jun Aizaki
Owner and Founder
CRÈME
“We are truly honored to be recognized by NEWH as a TopID Firm. At ID & Design International, our mission has always been to design experiences not just spaces. To be acknowledged by our industry peers is deeply meaningful and affirms that our work is resonating beyond the walls we create. This recognition inspires us to continue partnering closely with our clients to craft branded environments that spark emotion, elevate experience, and drive lasting value. We believe great design should be both meaningful and measurable—experiences that ultimately become revenue-producing assets. We are sincerely grateful to NEWH for this honor and their continued support.”
ID & Design International
“We are thrilled to be honored by NEWH in recognition of our work. Hospitality design, at its best, is a broad and warm welcome. It is about anticipating needs, and designing spaces that feel intuitive, generous, and memorable—places where people want to stay, gather, and return. We feel lucky to be able to do this work together”
Nicole Nathan
Partner
JNS Architecture + Interior Design
“Being named a TopID by the NEWH Sunshine Chapter for 2026 is a tremendous honor for L2 Studios. This recognition reflects not only the quality of our work, but our deep commitment to service, leadership, and giving back to the hospitality design community. NEWH has long been an organization we believe in, and we’re proud to support it through active involvement, mentorship, and advocacy for the next generation of designers.”
Debra Lemons, AIA, IIDA, WELL AP
Principal
L2 Studios, Inc.
“It means a lot to have earned the 2026 TopID honor. It’s not only a reflection of the hard work and creative talent of our team at Shea but also our valued partnerships within the NEWH community. We’re proud to be a part of NEWH, and we look forward to another year of growth and innovation together.”
Heather Sorensen & Cori Kuechenmeister
Directors of Design
Shea
“Receiving TopID 2026 award from NEWH South Florida is a testament to our collective commitment as market makers in hospitality design. NEWH’s focus on education, community, and inclusivity inspires us to mentor the next generation and create innovative spaces that elevate experiences. Together, we try and shape the future of our industry with purpose and passion.”
Callin Fortis
Owner/Principal
Bigtime Design Studios
“SPARCSTUDIO are thrilled & honoured to receive this accolade from NEWH and TopID awards 2026 for the second time, and it has given us an incredible boost for what 2026 has in store! Since the first award back in 2022, SPARCSTUDIO have really enjoyed forming a closer association with the good people of NEWH Uk, It was an absolute highlight for creative director Beverley Bayes to be invited to be one of the judges for the student scholarship programme in the summer of 25. The process was very inspiring and it was exciting to witness firsthand the benefits that NEWH brings in nurturing new talent. This award is recognition for the 20 years of the Sparcstudio team’s dedication and commitment to delivering exceptional design with a strong focus on wellbeing, and has been a year of awards for projects and clients such as Coworth Park spa for the Dorchester Group, The Reeds luxury eco lodges at South Lodge and The Grainstore fitness / wellbeing club for Calcot & Spa.”
Beverley Bayes
Creative Director
SPARCSTUDIO Design Consultants
“We’re honored to be named a NEWH Top Interior Design firm for 2026! This is a special recognition that celebrates the passion and creativity that our talented team puts forth with each and every project they work on. We at Klai Juba Wald are committed to supporting education, mentorship, and the continued growth of the hospitality design community.”
Ann Fleming
Principal of Interiors
Klai Juba Wald Architecture + Interiors
“One thing seems clear: the AZ/NM Chapter seems to be upping its game every year; and the talent and quality of work just keeps getting better. That’s what makes being recognized this year as a NEWH TopID firm such an honor. Every day I’m proud to be part of this community, contributing to such a diverse and inspiring body of work, and to have developed relationships with so many incredibly talented, creative colleagues and clients. NEWH is the ideal forum for all of this, and it helps each of us grow into better professionals.”
Erin Yi, NCIDQ
Director of Hospitality Interiors | Associate
RSP Architects
“Being recognized as NEWH TopID is a tremendous honor. To be acknowledged by one’s peers is especially meaningful, particularly for a project that represents more than three years of dedication, collaboration, and care. We truly appreciate this distinction among our industry peers.”
Natalie Lieberman
Founder | Principal
Collect + Curate Studio
“NEWH represents the best in our industry. We’re honored to be recognized by this exceptional organization as a TopID firm. The EDG team is very involved in NEWH and are proud to support them in fostering a vibrant hospitality design community in the Bay Area.”
Jennifer Johanson
President & CEO
EDG
“Being recognized as an NEWH TopID recipient is an honor for The Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry. This award reflects both our commitment to design excellence in hospitality and our continued support of NEWH’s mission of scholarship and education. We are proud to stand alongside an organization that champions creativity, collaboration, and the next generation of designers.”
Juliana Kerschen
Associate Principal
The Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry
“Thank you NEWH for the TopID honor, it means so much to us coming from an esteemed judging panel of leaders in the hospitality industry who we work alongside to create social spaces that affect people’s lives in a positive way. This fuels us in continuing to work hard using a collaborative approach to provide inspiring and engaging spaces that are meaningful to their communities, and a success for our clients.”
Megan Freckelton
Co-Founder / Principal Interior Designer
FAM Design
“Being part of TopID 2026 is a huge honor and we are so very proud to be listed amongst such talented design firms. Thank you NEWH for recognizing the hard work and energy that goes into hospitality projects. As a small firm, we appreciate the networking, benefits and community that NEWH continues to provide.”
Jennifer Kurtz
Principal
KurtzDesign Inc.
“As we approach the 10 year anniversary of The Society, we are honored and humbled to once again be recognized as a design thought leader in the Northwest and are proud to receive the 2026 TopID honor.”
Casey Scalf
Director
The Society
“Being recognized by NEWH for TopID this year is a true honor. It reflects the strength and talent of our team, our shared values, and the breadth of hospitality design we are proud to bring to life at ESG. Celebrating this moment with our local design community makes it even more rewarding, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that continues to drive our industry forward.”
Melissa Metzler
Principal and Director of Interiors
ESG | Architecture & Design
“Being recognized as a TopID firm is an honor that reflects far more than design excellence, it celebrates the collective spirit, curiosity, and dedication of our entire team. This distinction affirms our commitment to creating meaningful, story‑driven spaces and inspires us to continue elevating the craft of hospitality design with intention, collaboration, and heart. Thank you NEWH for this honor!”
Valentina Castellon
Hospitality Interior Design Leader | Principal
DLR Group / Chicago
“TopID Honor represents more than recognition, it’s a celebration of our team’s passion and a reinforcement of what matters most to us: delivering meaningful results for our clients through expertise, collaboration, and forward-thinking solutions. It reflects the dedication our team brings to every engagement and our proud support of NEWH’s mission to advance education, mentorship, and leadership within the industry.”
Heather Chilton (Gantt)
Principal
Monogram at BBGM
“We are incredibly honored to be recognized by NEWH with the TopID Award. This achievement reflects the talent, creativity, and dedication of the entire ACC Design team, as well as the trust our clients place in us to bring thoughtful, innovative design solutions to life. We are grateful to NEWH for its continued support of the hospitality design community and for celebrating the collaborative spirit that drives our work.”
Jennifer Weeda
Principal
ACC Design
“We’re excited and humbled to be named a NEWH TopID studio. NEWH has long been a place where real relationships take shape—where mentorship turns into collaboration, and professional connections grow into genuine friendships. That sense of belonging has been especially meaningful for our San Francisco team, who have built lasting relationships through the organization that continue to influence and inspire our work. This recognition is less about a title and more about the people behind it—the shared curiosity, generosity, and love of design that define the NEWH community. We’re grateful to be part of such a connected and supportive network.”
Rachel Fischbach
Hospitality Leader | Principal
DLR Group / San Francisco
“It is such an honor to be included in the 2026 TopID Firms list. RDH Interests has pursued over the last 25 years a focus on quality design, treating our customers and employees as we would like to be treated. We have pursued bringing our clients dreams to reality while maintaining budgets and timelines. RDH Interests has cherished its relationship with NEWH since inception of the company. NEWH has provided support, knowledge, companionship, and interaction within the design community as well as within our firm. We believe that supporting NEWH is one of the most important items we can do as a firm to further the education and creating standards for the future of the industry.”
Randall D. Huggins
Principal
RDH Interests Inc.
“We are deeply grateful to NEWH for this recognition. Being named a TopID winner is a testament to the extraordinary teams, designers, vendors and collaborators who contribute to our work every day at Gensler. It underscores our belief that strong design leadership is built through mentorship, trust, and a shared commitment to shaping exceptional hospitality experiences. Thank you for the recognition!”
Rashana Zaklit
NW Regional Hospitality + Design Director | Senior Associate
Gensler / San Francisco
“Being named a NEWH TopID firm—again after our 2024 recognition—is a meaningful affirmation of how we approach hospitality design: with intention, curiosity, and respect for place. At Cadiz Collaboration, we believe great design quietly performs—supporting people, operations, and long-term value. Through our work and through our podcast Elevate: Hotel Design, we’re committed to advancing thoughtful dialogue, mentoring emerging talent, and contributing to a more connected, educated hospitality community. We’re honored to be part of NEWH’s mission and this industry’s collective evolution.”
Lorraine Francis, AIA, LEED BD+C
Founder & Principal
Cadiz Collaboration
“We’re honored to receive the NEWH TopID Award, a meaningful recognition of our commitment to creating experience–driven spaces that connect people to place. Being part of Detroit’s UNESCO City of Design community continually fuels our passion for thoughtful, story-rich design. We’re grateful for this acknowledgment and proud to contribute to the city’s creative legacy.”
Christine Babine + Amy Pariser
Co-Founders
Parini
“Niemann Interiors is truly thrilled to receive this prestigious honor. Being selected by our peers makes this recognition especially meaningful, and we’re deeply grateful for the confidence, respect, and admiration it reflects within our industry. Moments like this remind us why we pour so much passion into our work and why collaboration, creativity, and dedication matter so much.
While the public spotlight is exciting, the greatest celebration belongs to our incredible team. Their talent, commitment, and relentless pursuit of excellence are what make achievements like this possible. Every designer, project manager, and support member contributes to the spirit and success of our firm, and this award shines brightly on all of them.
This recognition also energizes our continued involvement in NEWH events, tradeshows, and leadership conferences. These gatherings strengthen our community, spark new ideas, and inspire us to keep elevating the standards of design. We look forward to celebrating this milestone together and carrying this momentum into everything we create next.”
Pam Niemann
Principal/Owner
Niemann Interiors