Hospitality Design (HD) magazine is proud to unveil the 2026 Wave of the Future recipients.
For more than two decades, HD has spotlighted the industry’s next generation of leaders—designers, architects, brand executives, and owners who are young enough to be considered visionary but tested enough to be accomplished.
The eight individuals who make up this year’s Wave of the Future class are redefining hospitality through innovative thinking, bold leadership, and a commitment to challenging the status quo.
The 2026 Wave of the Future honorees are:
- Jimmie Drummond, principal, Drummond Projects
- Paige Henney, director of design, Bunkhouse Group/Hyatt
- Ryan Leichtweisz, principal, EwingCole
- Mapa Mueller, founder, Mapa Mueller Design
- Kathianna Rousseau-Kind, director + senior associate, Rockwell Group
- Ellen Saathoff, vice president of design, Hai Hospitality
- Krystel Sam, senior design manager, Hilton
- Victor Schmick, creative director, Davidson Hospitality Group
Read more about the rising stars who comprise our newest Wave of the Future class.
Honorees will be featured in HD’s October issue and celebrated during HD NextGen Forum, a two-day invitation-only event that will take place September 28-29th at Hotel Clio in Denver.