Several development and design firms have made some notable changes to kick of 2022, appointing new leaders or forming new alliances.
HVS Design
Kristi L. Newton has joined HVS Design as a design director. In her new capacity, Newton will oversee and manage the staff of designers as well as be hands on with creating designs for the firm's hospitality projects. Newton will be based out of the company’s Rockville, Md., office, just outside of Washington, D.C.
“We are excited to have Kristi join our team. Her outstanding reputation, unique experience, and superior talent make her a welcome addition,” said Christine Shanahan, principal of HVS Design. “As HVS Design grows and broadens our portfolio, we look forward to Kristi working with us as the company continues to deliver exceptional designs for our clients and their guests.”
Before joining HVS Design, Newton served in various leadership roles at RD Jones and Associates, Streetsense, Las Vegas Sands Corp. and Walt Disney Imagineering. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in interior design from the University of Minnesota, her Master of Architecture degree from the University of Miami and her Master of Business Administration from the Keller Graduate School.
HVS Design is currently working on several hospitality projects across the country including a Hilton hotel in Jacksonville, Fla.; a Hyatt Place in Kent Narrows, Md.; and the Inn at Bayside in Fenwick Island, Del.
Hardy Group
Brent Hardy has been named president of development company the Hardy Group. John Hardy will continue to oversee all aspects of the family business as chairman and founder, focusing on investment and development activities. In his new position, Brent Hardy will continue to provide executive leadership and strategy, including business development, marketing, operational performance, client relations, project management and more.
“I am very pleased to announce Brent’s promotion to president,” John Hardy said in a statement. “Brent’s strategic focus, exceptional leadership and commitment to the company has been instrumental in Hardy’s growth. Over the past 14 years, Brent has worked his way up through the organization, truly learning the inner workings of the family business. I look forward to reaching new levels of success with his increased involvement.”
Before the position of president, Brent Hardy was the director of development and implemented strategic initiatives to expand the organization’s geographic footprint in key markets. He has been responsible for opening Hardy’s Los Angeles and Honolulu offices and managing projects on the West Coast and Hawaii. His development responsibilities also include capital formation, deal identification, feasibility analysis, JV negotiations and financial modeling for Hardy’s equity commercial real estate investments.
Brent Hardy joined Hardy in 2008 as a project director then senior project director.
“I am excited and honored to transition into this new leadership role,” said Brent Hardy. “Over the last 30 years, my father has provided mentorship, which has allowed The Hardy Group to become the premier development services provider to the hospitality industry. I am thrilled to build upon that foundation as we look towards what new successes we can achieve in the next 30 years.”
Before Hardy, Brent Hardy spent three years with Rosemann & Associates Architects of St. Louis.
Luminaut & Rowland Design
Cincinnati-based creative design studio Luminaut has acquired Indianapolis-based architecture and interior design firm Rowland Design.
“Rowland brings over 50 years of expertise to the table, with specialties in higher education, Greek housing, workplace and historic preservation,” Luminaut CEO Matt Erdman said in a statement. “We are excited to be bringing on board such a passionate and knowledgeable group of architects and interior designers who share in our vision and enhance our vibrant culture.”
“Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Rowland, one where we will be able to forge connections between our neighboring communities of Cincinnati and Indianapolis and continue to reignite the spark our company was founded upon by Sallie Rowland,” Rowland President Jill Rose added.
With Rowland, Luminaut expects to expand its services and take on larger-scale projects.