Thought Pieces & News
The Maya relaunches following multimillion-dollar transformation
As a Long Beach-based firm, we were especially honored to be tapped as part of The Maya's relaunch. Our work on its 191 guestrooms and suites layers soft neutral tones and warm textures to immerse guests in the hotel's beachfront location. Read more about the local icon's transformation in Sleeper...
What The Monde Teaches About Hospitality-Informed Multifamily Design
Hospitality is a mindset, not a typology. As I+S details in this piece on DyeLot's work on The Monde in Scottsdale, lessons learned in hotels shape the 260-unit project. Warm neutral tones and a clear indoor/outdoor lifestyle creates space to balance reflection, connection, energy, and...
What hoteliers should know about the evolving role of branding
What should hotel owners know about branding? It's not a package of deliverables; rather, it's the stewardship of the hotel's identity throughout the project lifecycle. Branding is the first pivotal step in development, translating the owner's goals into an actionable plan that delivers long-term...
Urban Energy Meets Wine Country Calm at Casa Mani Napa Valley
For downtown Napa's first resort, the DyeLot team melded influences from the region's iconic wine culture and nature to transform the 203-key hotel into a destination for wellness and connection. The foundation: a layered ecological narrative that included the region's micropollinators. The...
The Maya to relaunch in 2026 after $10.5m transformation
The Maya, a waterfront hotel in Long Beach, California, US, is set for relaunch later this year following a $10.5m renovation. The refurbishment introduces newly designed guest rooms and suites, revised public areas, and a new approach to the hotel’s signature lounge and bar, Fuego. DyeLot's team...
5 tips for hospitality owners facing challenging conversions
Repositioning a hotel asset requires a solid plan, cohesive teamwork and creativity in order to yield an on-brand solution that is both well-designed and cost-effective. What do smart hotel owners do to ensure successful conversions of challenging assets? Our own Jackson Thilenius, AIA details...
Jackson Interviewed by Hospitality Interiors Magazine
Our Senior Principal, Jackson Thilenius, sat down with Hospitality Interiors magazine to provide insight on the creation of a bespoke design studio to service the future of hospitality design. The feature offers a deep dive into our studio's DNA, culture, creative approach, and also highlights our...
Why Licensure Matters in Interior Design
Adam Ford, NCIDQ Senior Interior Project Designer “Why do you need to be licensed to choose paint colors and finishes?” Not a question I receive very often, but when I do, I recognize there still exists some confusion about what exactly interior designers do. As a proud licensed Interior Designer,...
Branded Interior Environments: Designing for Representation and Connection
Alex Kuby, AIA, WELL AP Associate Principal In hospitality design, we frequently hear the term "branded environment," but too often, it's mistaken for a marketing tool or a way to push a message onto guests. In its purest form, a branded environment is not about selling anything—it’s about...
Reflection: 2024 Hospitality Design Trends
Alex Kuby, AIA, WELL AP Associate Principal 2024 has been a year of innovation, sustainability, and cultural reinvention for the hospitality industry. With 2,731 hotel openings worldwide, designers and developers have not only shaped guest experiences but also redefined the boundaries of...
The Rise of “Blanding” – Implications for Hospitality Design
Alex Kuby, AIA, WELL AP Associate Principal In the ever-evolving world of branding, one trend has gained significant traction over the past few years: "blanding." Characterized by minimalist designs, sans-serif fonts, clean lines, and limited color palettes, blanding has become a hallmark of...
AI in Hospitality Design: Opportunities, Challenges, and the Energy Question
Alex Kuby, AIA, WELL AP Associate Principal Through my responsibilities related to our studio's processes and workflow, I’ve witnessed how AI is revolutionizing the way we approach projects—streamlining workflows, enhancing creativity, and offering unparalleled personalization. However, beneath...












