For nearly two decades, Hospitality Design (HD) magazine has annually honored a handful of designers, architects, brand executives, and owners as our Wave of the Future—those who are young enough to be considered visionary, but tested enough to be accomplished.
This year’s Wave of the Future honorees are pushing the boundaries of our industry, whether they’re launching new concepts or bringing their singular vision to life through the design of hotels, restaurants, cruise ships, and everything in between. These 10 standouts are the future of the hospitality industry, instilling their work with a new perspective that is redefining the status quo.
“When selecting this year’s Wave of the Future class, it was important for us to consider how last year’s unpredictability has reshaped our industry,” says Stacy Shoemaker Rauen, editor in chief of Hospitality Design magazine and senior vice president, design group, at Emerald. “These 10 professionals have shown resiliency in the face of adversity and continue to push the industry forward with their designs and innovative thinking. We are thrilled to honor them with this coveted next-generation award.”
The 2021 class includes:
Kristen Conry, senior vice president of global design for the U.S. + Canada, Marriott International
James Cull, design director, Rottet Studio
Pallavi Dean, founder + creative director, Roar
Damon Lawrence, cofounder, Homage Hospitality
Susan Nugraha, vice president of design + development, Tao Group Hospitality
Jacu Strauss, creative director, Lore Group
Paris Swann, associate vice president of architectural design, Celebrity Cruises at Royal Caribbean Group
Kaitlyn Thornton, studio director, Yabu Pushelberg
Rebecca Weinstein, director of design, Highgate Hotels
Ashley Wilkins, founder + creative director, Islyn Studio
Honorees will be featured in HD’s September issue and celebrated during the HD NextGen Forum at the Ace Hotel in New Orleans, October 18–19th.
For more information about NextGen and to learn more about the honorees, visit hdnextgenforum.com.