Christine Shanahan, Principal and Managing Director of Design at HVS Design, on the Art of Restorative Hospitality

It is an honor to know that our design stood out among such esteemed competition. At HVS Design, our goal is to create vibrant spaces that resonate with both our clients and their guests. Receiving recognition for those creations is a true privilege.

This is our first MUSE Design Awards win, and we look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.

Experimentation plays an integral role in my creative process, and this question ties directly back to why I started.

If a design studio does not push boundaries, embrace the unexpected, and allow space for unrestricted thinking, it will inevitably fall behind. Standing still is a recipe for stagnant design.

When renovating the Marriott Louisville Downtown, we drew inspiration from the concept of a sports arena by incorporating Sky Boxes on the Mezzanine level.

These spaces offer guests a sense of exclusivity while creating an intriguing dynamic between seeing and being seen.

Exceptional design is not achieved in five seconds. Ideas require exploration and refinement; they need to be challenged, tested, and developed in order to evolve into truly compelling features.

Early in the process, we identify the elements that are essential to the design—those defining features that, if lost, would compromise the project's vision. Clearly communicating our goals and design direction to clients is vital to preserving the integrity of the final outcome.

For a variety of reasons, projects often unfold over extended timelines and through changing team dynamics.

Keeping a design true to its original vision throughout these transitions requires clear communication and consistent documentation, ensuring that the core design intent remains intact.

When a design reaches an impasse, the most effective approach is often to step away entirely. Clearing my mind and approaching the challenge with a fresh perspective allows new ideas to emerge and brings renewed clarity to the design process.

Our values are reflected in the very letters of our name: HVS Design. We strive to bring Harmony, Vision, and Style to every project we undertake.

Through open collaboration, authentic materials, and meaningful storytelling that honors a project's local character, we create dynamic spaces that leave a lasting impression.

Never settle for the expected. Your unique perspective is your greatest asset, and lasting creative growth comes from a willingness to experiment.

I often wish people would ask, "How do you make large-scale hospitality brands connect with their audiences on a more personal level?"

My answer is that we move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach by creating a series of curated experiences. We foster meaningful moments through thoughtful design details, such as incorporating locally crafted furnishings or artwork that reflects the neighborhood's history.

By creating more intimate and distinct zones within larger public spaces, we allow guests to discover moments of familiarity and comfort, transforming a large-scale property into a destination that feels personal and memorable.