Cornerstone Design President Suzie Hall discussed what will shape hotel design with fellow panelists:
Press page text snippet: On the heels of my previous article, biophilia continues to heavily influence design, product and material trends in 2023 and beyond. After almost three years of social distancing, quarantining and remote work, humankind is ready to embrace a more natural and comforting sense of day-to-day reality. Biophilic design celebrates the innate human desire to connect with nature, and should always be part of the design conversation for hospitality.
Press page text snippet: I’ve always been fascinated with lighting, both natural and artificial. The symphony that design professionals conduct when creating spaces and experiences for clients and guests is one of those exponential intangibles that elevate life and also keep people coming back for more.
The sweet summertime — with all of the sunshine, warm air, long days and outdoor activities that hospitality has to offer — is winding down. What did you most look forward to in your travels and stays this summer? Chances are it included plenty of time soaking in the natural beauty of our world, sometimes reveling in the simple pleasures of life.
Have you ever wondered where architects and interior designers begin to create their incredible visions? It usually starts with inspiration. This inspiration can spark creativity through many means — travel, nature, history, fashion and more. A good narrative is strong on imagination and prose. An excellent narrative is long on describing and curating the journey of the hotel guest — from booking through departure and everywhere in between.
NCIDQ
Natalie has over 30 years of experience designing interior spaces for multiple types of built environments. Her broad project experience ranges from corporate, government, institutional, retail, healthcare and residential. Despite the numerous projects she has designed over the years, she always seeks a fresh perspective for each new project.
She manages and coordinates projects from the design concept to installation. Her strengths include conceptual design, communication of design intent and client relations. She is passionate for the profession of interior design as she sees it as essential for the best quality of life.
INTERIOR ARCHITECT & DESIGNER
Shaina Kay is an exceptional interior architect & designer with more than 13 years of fast-paced industry experience. Specializing in high-end hospitality design with a demonstrated history of working in the architecture, interior design & planning industry. Skilled in multiple design sectors including hospitality, multi-family, residential, commercial office, educational, and public buildings. Shaina believes our built environment effects our human experience and natural elements must be incorporated for a successful design.
DESIGNER
Patricia is a fresh designer who is interested in learning new things. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of San Carlos and has worked on big-scale projects such as resorts and commercial projects. She also has a background in working on residential projects. During those times, she has been working in the finance industry which gave her a foundation in sales and personal finance. Her background in design and strong personality makes her versatile in different operations and back-office support.
While studying at the university, she traveled to Japan for her internship program and has grown a deeper appreciation for trying new cultures, opportunities, and design challenges. She enjoys different forms of art and is curious to know about different life perspectives and concepts.
MARKETING SPECIALIST & DESIGN ASSISTANT
Madison is the Marketing Specialist and Design Assistant at The Cornerstone Collective. She is a recent graduate from the University of British Columbia, in Vancouver, BC, receiving her Bachelors in Environmental Design. Throughout her studies, Madison has focused on various sides of the interdisciplinary field of design from architecture and landscape architecture to interiors and product design. These studies have allowed her to accumulate numerous invaluable skills such as critical thinking and design visualization along with the use of multiple digital media programs. Madison is enthusiastic and detail oriented with a passion for design, communities, and sustainability.
Outside of work you can usually find Madison on the slopes, skiing and snowboarding mountains all around North America.
SENIOR INTERIOR DESIGNER
Joanne Gravina is a Senior Interior Designer with over 32 years of experience in the hospitality interior design sector. Joanne has an established track record of effectively designing/managing, as well as providing procurement services for a multitude of cutting edge, tech savvy and aesthetically beautiful hotel brands and properties. Her projects include all levels and brands of hotels, resorts, restaurants, spas, as well as many renowned casino entertainment venues. Due to Joanne’s extensive history in the industry, she knows how the business works. Her “SUPERPOWER” is the know-how to create customized FF&E products that give each property that one of a kind, unique look and feel, all the while functional, durable, code compliant, and within the client-established and approved budget. Her expertise and knowledge allows her to take her assigned projects from programming to completion with the confidence and ease necessary for success.
Joanne grew up in the suburbs of Boston, Massachusetts and earned her degree in Interior Design while attending Mount Ida College in Newton, Massachusetts. After attending college she began her career as an interior design assistant for Bloomingdale’s Interior Design and been a Senior Interior Designer for many years. Some of her favorite mottos are, “where there is a will, there is a way” and “think outside the box”.
DESIGN INTERN
Kinley is the Summer 2021 Design Intern at The Cornerstone Collective. She is from Kearney, Nebraska and is currently working towards obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Design with a specialization in Interior Design at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. Throughout her time in the CIDA accredited interior design program, she has learned the importance and impact of creating thoughtful interior spaces. Kinley is interested in hospitality design and the way these spaces influence a vast range of people with diverse personalities and backgrounds. She focuses on placing focus on the user first when facing a design problem and remaining adaptable to changes within the design process.
Outside of school and work, Kinley loves studio cycling, yoga, and traveling all around the world.
DESIGN AND PROCUREMENT COORDINATOR
Megan is skilled in operations and office support within the architecture, finance, and tech industries. She also has a background in residential construction and project management and has a keen eye for design. With her wide variety of skills, she can be found supporting many entities of the Cornerstone Collective team. She received her bachelor’s degree at Sam Houston State University and is a Houston native that recently made the move to Boise. She and her family can be found RVing scenic Idaho on the weekends and enjoying the beautiful weather.
Madison is the Design Intern at The Cornerstone Collective. She grew up in Boise, Idaho, although she can now be found in Vancouver, Canada working towards her Bachelor of Environmental Design degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Throughout her studies, Madison has focused on various sides of the interdisciplinary field of design from architecture and landscape architecture to interiors and product design. These studies have allowed her to accumulate numerous invaluable skills such as critical thinking and design visualization along with the use of multiple digital media programs. Madison is enthusiastic and detail oriented with a passion for design, communities, and the environment.
Outside of work you can usually find Madison on the slopes, skiing and snowboarding mountains all around North America.
holds a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Interior Design from Montana State University, and has been associated in the design field for the last thirty eight years. He has successfully completed and satisfied all requirements of National Council of Interior Design Qualification Board. Prior to 1990, he spent six years with A & E Architects, advancing to Associate in 1987. As a project manager and interior designer with A & E Architects, he was involved in numerous historical and new structure projects throughout the Intermountain Region. Most notable was Lake Hotel in Yellowstone National Park.
In 1990, Mitch started RIVER RUN INTERIORS, a full service interiors retail store. He was responsible for all aspects of Interior Design for Retail Stores, Law Offices, Restaurants, Residential as well as large monumental work such as interior design of the guest rooms at the Old Faithful Inn – Yellowstone National Park. In 1993, Mitch was recognized for his work by a national publication, Hospitality Design Magazine. As the owner of RIVER RUN INTERIORS, Mitch Thompson directed an interior design/retail business supplying both residential and commercial businesses with furniture, accessories, etc. as well as offering a wide range of design services for all types of clients.
From 1994 until recently, Mitch has been the Founder and Owner of Mitch Thompson Associates, specializing in the interior design of FFE procurement for boutique and luxury hotels, as well as many award-winning restaurants. As a Senior Designer with The Cornerstone Collective, Mitch provides conceptual, schematic and design development services, along with FF&E selection and specification. He is well-known for his highly custom design capabilities in numerous signature projects throughout the world.
HOSPITALITY SALES REP
Molly Paschal, a lifelong Hoosier and graduate of Indiana University, obtained her degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management with a focus in Sales and Event Planning. After graduating, Molly moved to Chicago where she began her career in Hospitality. Molly joins The Cornerstone Collective with extensive industry knowledge and 15 years of professional experience with brands such as Hilton, Marriott, and IHG.
Her genuine passion for hospitality and serving others is apparent through the unparalleled dedication she offers her clients. Skilled in identifying needs and recommending the appropriate solutions, Molly prides herself on being an authentic service provider and trusted advisor. Outside of work, Molly is an avid-runner and donut connoisseur who loves spending time with her pup and planning trips to see the world! (post-pandemic suggestions welcome)
From a young age, Stefanie has always had a passion for helping people. She is committed to providing the ultimate client experience while delivering quality results in her role of business Development for Cornerstone.
Stefanie earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management at Northern Arizona University. She brings a wide range of hotel knowledge, specializing in management operations, account sales and event management. Her hard work has been positively recognized throughout more than a decade of experience in the hospitality industry. Stefanie’s relationship driven personality and kindhearted approach sparks joy to our team!
A true Arizonan, Stefanie enjoys the summer months and breathtaking sunsets. During her free time, she enjoys DIY projects, listening to music and exploring the outdoors.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Elena Pikor is a versatile executive with over 20 years of experience in established, startup, and on/offshore environments. Elena possesses broad expertise in the hospitality industry and holds an MBA degree in Financial Analysis, Accounting, and Audit. She held leadership roles at Intercontinental, Omni, and Four Seasons Hotels. Elena’s unique and wide-ranging skill set has enabled her to successfully contribute in a variety of roles, including asset management, market intelligence, and revenue management, talent acquisition and development, service operations and customer relations management, financial services, project and product management.
Elena gained substantial global experience managing cross-functional teams on large trading projects in Germany, Turkey, China, India, and Russia. She is a strong motivator with well-developed influencing and consensus-building skills. Elena excels at generating and maximizing revenue, creating effective distribution strategies while delivering unparalleled customer service.
NCIDQ, LEED AP
INTERIOR DESIGNER
Heather has always had an interest in the built environment and a curiosity about how people are affected by their spaces. She was introduced to design when she participated in Take Your Daughter to Work Day, solidifying her desire to learn more about the design profession.
While studying at the University of Texas School of Architecture in Austin, Texas, Heather began working with clients on residential and commercial projects before graduating in 2007. Since then her experience has expanded to also include multifamily and hospitality design. She is passionate about the spaces she creates and how people interact with them – from the interior architecture down to the tiniest details that elevate a design.
Another passion of Heathers is traveling and she loves a good road trip. This has led to her to move to Seattle, Washington, and then on to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. When she is not in her home state of Texas you will find her in Cabo enjoying the sunny beaches with her photographer husband and 2 rescue dogs.
NCIDQ, ASID, Fitwell Ambassador
SENIOR DESIGNER
Beth is an experienced and knowledgeable interior designer that has designed exclusively for hospitality interiors over the last 11 years. With a broad understanding of both the interior design and procurement processes, she is able to expertly plan for the entire project from inception through completion. What she enjoys most about hospitality design is that it is always evolving and there is always something new to learn! She is dedicated to creating beautiful and interesting interiors that also meet the budget and schedule.
A recent transplant to Scottsdale, AZ, Beth grew up in Central Florida where she earned three degrees in Interior Design: a BAS in Interior Design, an AS in Kitchen & Bath Specialization and an AS in Interior Design Technology. Beth is an NCIDQ certified interior designer and a Fitwell Ambassador. She is excited to now be studying towards becoming a WELL Accredited Professional as she has a passion for health and wellness that she can infuse into her work.
When not in the office, Beth enjoys hiking, yoga, preparing healthy meals, reading and spending time with her husband and two dogs. Her two favorite pieces of advice are “Measure Twice, Cut Once” and “If Anything Can Go Well It Will”!
Gene Lim’s reputation and extensive background in business development, branding, marketing, advertising and the ability to forge strategic partnerships spans nearly 25 years. At The Cornerstone Collective, Gene is focused on strategic direction, creating new products, services and expanding our categories of luxury, healthcare, modular structures and affordable housing into new markets and channels. Gene has worked with prominent and diverse Fortune 500 clients such as Ritz Carlton, Disney, Paramount Studios, Mercedes Benz, Sony, LVMH, Microsoft and SAP to name a few. On the philanthropic side, Gene served as Global Chairman of the Strategic Alliances Committee for the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), a global entity of entrepreneurs in over 64 countries, raising millions of dollars, forging relationships with UN, G20, B20, NYSE, the White House, State Department, WSJ, Financial Times, INC, Entrepreneur, Fortune 500 companies, foundations and universities. Gene helped create and launch NYSE Big Startup with EO to bring together the world’s most recognized companies and business leaders to engage with EO’s fast growth entrepreneurs.
Assoc. IIDA
DIRECTOR OF DESIGN
David Anttila, Assoc. IIDA, Director of Design, has over 35 years of professional design experience which has included all aspects of corporate, hospitality, retail, healthcare, and residential interior design. Areas of specific expertise include branding, conceptual development, architectural expression, space planning, design development and detailing, and project supervision. Related design work includes landscape design, product design, lighting design, contract furniture, accessories, and graphic design. He leads Cornerstone’s entire design team and coordinates extensively with Collective Associates.
David held the position of Design Director at both EHDD Architecture in San Francisco and at Reel Grobman in San Jose. Other design-related work experience includes Environetics, New York; Orlando Diaz-Azcuy Designs, San Francisco; Gensler, Detroit and Los Angeles; HOK, Los Angeles; and ZGF Architects, Portland.
David has been dedicated to design education throughout his professional career and for several years, he directed both graduate and undergraduate CIDA accredited programs in Interior Architecture and Design for the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. David’s interest in design education is reflected in how he greatly enjoys mentoring both staff and clients throughout the design process.
ASID, LEED AP ID+C, WELL AP, NEWH Member
FOUNDER AND CEO
Suzie Hall, ASID, LEED AP ID+C, WELL AP, NEWH Member, is a long-time industry expert with significant specialties in design, procurement, sustainability and modular development. A CEO, strategist, team builder, thought leader, speaker, author and collaborative enthusiast, Ms. Hall is that unique blend of a creative visionary and left-brained facilitator. Results-oriented, innovative, and a strategic thinker, Ms. Hall has led numerous design and project teams to award-winning results over her 33-year career, and currently leads teams in design, procurement, modular integration and construction. Passionate, intuitive and communicative, Ms. Hall brings a powerful combination of skills to each relationship and project that her firm undertakes. Her teams and projects are consistent “winners”.
Ms. Hall received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management from the University of Puget Sound before moving into design and development, which gives her a unique view of the industry, allowing her to combine aesthetic appeal with business realities and to view projects through the owner’s lens. She recently served on the St. Alphonsus Hospital Foundation Board and the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce Small Business Advisory Council for 9 years. Ms. Hall is a highly decorated design professional, and currently serves on the MBI Owner Developer Council and the MBI Design Professionals Council.
