Responding to increased activity in the hospitality sector, interior design and architecture firm F|H Design has appointed industry veterans Brenda Geoghagan and David Messersmith to lead the direction and expansion of its hospitality design team.
Geoghagan, comes to F|H Design from the hospitality division of Looney Ricks Kiss Architects. Prior to that, she served as executive director of design for Gaylord Hotels. Messersmith, was formerly vice president for J/Brice Design International. A respected industry thought leader and speaker, Messersmith also serves on the board of Emerging Leaders in Hospitality.
“We are thrilled at the caliber of talent we have dedicated to serving and growing our business in the hospitality sector,” says Marjorie Feltus Hawkins, principal of F|H Design. “This is an area where we’ve been fortunate to demonstrate great versatility and innovation, and now that we’re seeing increased movement and renewed vitality in the market, we feel uniquely poised to establish a position of leadership.”
In addition to bringing on two key executives, F|H Design has invested in additional staff and technology and currently employs three LEED accredited interior designers and architects to serve its hospitality clients.
While access to financing remains a challenge for many hoteliers in renovating or developing new properties, F|H Design has found their value driven approach is one that resonates deeply with their target.
Geoghagan, who has developed concepts for several major hotel brands states,” Our focus is building lasting relationships with our clients and collaborating with them from a project’s inception. Many brands are in the process of reinventing themselves, and we work with clients to help create a lifestyle experience for their brand that resonates with the destination and its guests, improves operations and drives revenue.”
Messersmith, who frequently speaks about his philosophy of “Refinement vs. Renovation” operates on the premise that returns can be achieved on projects of all sizes. “It’s a matter of really understanding and absorbing the client’s brand,” says Messersmith, “and ensuring that brand is manifested in the design solution we deliver—whatever that solution may be.”
Founded in 1990, F|H Design is a full service interior architecture design firm based in Nashville, Tennessee. The firm’s diverse portfolio features more than 2,000 hospitality, country club, healthcare, commercial, retail and automotive client projects worldwide, each designed to promote exceptional brand experience and drive business success. To learn more about F|H Design, visit www.fhdesign.com.
