Hospitality Design has announced the honorees for HD Expo + Conference’s fourth annual Women in Design Awards.
Presented during a breakfast session hosted in partnership with NEWH, the award celebrates six influential women who have helped shape the industry. The ticketed event will take place on Tuesday, May 5th at 8:30 a.m.
Congratulations to this year’s honorees:
Grace Escaño-Maniatis
Senior Director of Design, Auberge Collection
As senior director of design for Auberge Collection, Escaño-Maniatis leads new developments and guides the evolution of its luxury portfolio. She is spearheading Shore Club and Shell Bay in Miami and the Birdsall in Houston, collaborating with renowned designers including Roman and Williams, Bryan O’Sullivan, and Celerie Kemble. With a background in architecture and interiors, Escaño-Maniatis previously served as director of design at Meyer Davis, leading projects such as 1 Hotel South Beach and Sydney’s One Barangaroo.
Heather Holdridge
Partner, Design Performance, Lake Flato
With a background in mechanical engineering, Holdridge leads the firm’s sustainability vision, guiding teams in achieving ambitious performance goals aligned with LEED, zero carbon, and the AIA 2030 Commitment. She collaborates closely with project teams to integrate passive strategies and advanced energy modeling throughout the design process, ensuring each project delivers measurable, high-performance outcomes.
Kavitha Iyer
Hospitality Design Leader
Iyer is a human-centered design leader who blends artistry, architecture, and brand strategy to create environments that resonate emotionally. With more than two decades of experience, she has shaped global portfolios at Choice Hotels International, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Marriott International, driving innovation across brands including Holiday Inn, voco, InterContinental, Sheraton, and Westin. Known for aligning guest experience with owner returns, Iyer designs with purpose, connection, and lasting value at the core.
Amy Jakubowski
Hospitality Practice Area Leader, Gensler
Recently joining Gensler as hospitality practice area leader at Gensler, Jakubowski is a globally respected force in luxury hospitality and mixed-use design. With more than 35 years of experience, she guides complex projects that unite creative vision with business performance. Her portfolio includes landmark destinations such as Waldorf Astoria New York and Corinthia Diriyah Gate. Previously in senior roles at PYR, Wilson Associates, and others, Jakubowski partners with leading global brands to deliver enduring, high-impact experiences.
Kelly McFadden
Director of Development + Design, Left Lane Development
As vice president of development and design at Left Lane, McFadden leads complex, design-driven hospitality projects from concept through delivery. An architect by training, she brings more than 12 years of experience spanning adaptive reuse, renovations, and ground-up development. She was instrumental in launching the award-winning Hotel Bardo in Savannah and is currently spearheading two landmark office-to-hotel conversions: Recess Savannah and Recess Phoenix. Her background in architecture and real estate development informs her rigorous, design-forward approach.
Suchi Reddy,
Founding Principal, Reddymade
Architect, interior designer, and artist, Reddy founded her New York-based practice Reddymade in 2002. Guided by her philosophy “form follows feeling,” she integrates neuroscience and design through the lens of neuroaesthetics to create empathetic, inclusive environments. Her portfolio spans hospitality, retail, and public art, with notable projects including Google’s flagship NYC store and A Space for Being.
