Katie Kervin
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Managing Editor, Hospitality Design magazine.
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Articles by Katie Kervin
A Value-Add Repositioning of an Austin Shopping Center: The 2026 ICSC & UNC Retail Real Estate Case Competition
Held last month during ICSC LAS VEGAS, the 2026 ICSC & UNC Retail Real Estate Case Competition once again challenged top university teams to think like real-world Marketplaces Industry professionals. This year’s case focused on repositioning a well-established shopping center with a strong existing customer base, requiring teams to build on current demand rather than rely on future population growth. Sixteen university teams from across North America competed in the annual competition.
ICSC Launches Valerie Richardson Advancement in Retail Award
ICSC announced the creation of the Valerie Richardson Advancement in Retail Award during ICSC LAS VEGAS 2026 to support emerging women leaders in the Marketplaces Industry.
The 2026 ICSC Excellence in Community Advancement Award Winners
The Short Version From mall redevelopments to rural retail expansion, the 2026 ICSC Excellence in Community Advancement winners span urban, suburban and rural markets, showing how growth strategies vary by scale and context. Infrastructure‑led development and transit connectivity — including major roadway and rail investments — continue to drive deal feasibility and long‑term value.
Experiential Retail Expands as Tight Supply and Investor Demand Shape the Market
The Short Version JLL has identified roughly 16.5 million square feet of location-based entertainment concepts planned across the U.S. and Canada as consumers seek closer-to-home leisure options. Entertainment and healthcare tenants are filling more second-generation retail space, including former anchors and big-box vacancies, narrowing options for traditional retailers returning to the market.
ICSC Foundation Honors Industry Leaders at its Celebration of Service During ICSC LAS VEGAS
The ICSC Foundation recognized five standout volunteers whose sustained commitment to education, mentorship and industry access continues to shape the next generation of Marketplaces Industry professionals. Honored during the ICSC Foundation Celebration of Service reception on May 18 at ICSC LAS VEGAS, the recipients exemplify the Foundation’s mission to expand opportunity and strengthen the retail real estate industry through service.
ICSC Foundation’s Evening With McDonald’s: A Look at Real Estate as a Growth Engine
Last month, the ICSC Foundation partnered with DePaul University and McDonald’s to host An Evening With McDonald’s at the company’s Chicago headquarters, bringing together industry leaders and students from across the country for education and networking.
Retail Real Estate Leaders Share What’s Driving the Market Now
The Short Version Retail real estate leaders say tight supply, high rents and low vacancy continue to define market conditions nationwide. Strong retailer fundamentals are showing up in store expansion plans and a historically low number of bankruptcies. Open‑air, grocery‑anchored centers are drawing increased interest from both daily‑needs and traditionally mall‑based retailers.
Today’s Consumers Are Active, Selective and Store-Oriented
The Short Version Recent ICSC research points to a consumer who remains active and store-oriented, even as higher prices and household budget constraints influence spending decisions. Physical retail continues to play a central role in shopping behavior: 82% of consumers recently spent money in-store, compared with 71% online. Consumers are becoming more selective and value-driven, with 86% saying getting a good deal is important when deciding whether to spend.
Inside Tecovas’ SoHo Store: Experience-Led Retail Design and Strategy
The Short Version Tecovas’ first New York City store in SoHo occupies a restored 1892 cast-iron building designed as an immersive retail destination. The 4,500-square-foot location prioritizes comfort, customization and social amenities over traditional transactional layouts. IA Interior Architects tailored the open design to the SoHo market while maintaining consistency across Tecovas’ expanding store portfolio.
Students Reimagine a Tampa Shopping Center for ICSC Foundation Virtual Case Competition
The sixth ICSC Foundation Virtual Case Competition challenged university teams to advise Brixmor Property Group on the future of Britton Plaza, a midcentury, Publix-anchored shopping center in South Tampa, Florida, that the owner considers a once-in-a-generation reinvestment opportunity.
ICSC 2025 Global Design & Development Awards: Gold Winners
Designers and architects across the Marketplaces Industry continue to push the boundaries of what retail and mixed-use environments can be, blending compelling experiences with community impact and forward-looking sustainability strategies. The 2025 ICSC Global Design & Development Awards honor projects from around the world that elevate urban districts, reinvigorate existing assets and set new standards for placemaking, adaptive reuse and experiential retail.
ICSC Foundation Gives Students a Firsthand Look at Retail Real Estate Dealmaking
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Best of Summer: Top 10 Retail Real Estate Stories
This summer brought standout stories from across the Marketplaces Industry, from capital pouring back into the market to fresh risks in restaurant expansion and the booming momentum of retailtainment. We’ve rounded up 10 of the season’s most compelling features from Commerce + Communities Today, spotlighting the trends, tenants and creative strategies shaping marketplaces.
5 Transformative Redevelopments: The 2025 ICSC Excellence in Community Advancement Award Winners
The winners of the inaugural 2025 ICSC Excellence in Community Advancement Awards, honored during ICSC LAS VEGAS, recognize outstanding public-private partnerships that have delivered transformative retail and mixed-use projects. ICSC established the awards to support its Community Advancement initiatives and its commitment to strengthening retail in communities.
5 Transformative Redevelopments: The 2025 ICSC Excellence in Community Advancement Award Winners
The winners of the inaugural 2025 ICSC Excellence in Community Advancement Awards, honored during ICSC LAS VEGAS, recognize outstanding public-private partnerships that have delivered transformative retail and mixed-use projects. ICSC established the awards to support its Community Advancement initiatives and its commitment to strengthening retail in communities.
Retail Resilience: Leasing, Investment and Consumer Behavior
During this week’s ICSC LAS VEGAS event, retail leaders from JLL delivered a broad analysis of the Marketplaces Industry, offering insights on the influence of prestige dining in hotels, the evolution of retail formats, shifts in investment activity and more.
17 Creative Campaigns That Drew People to Marketplaces and Drove Results: The 2025 ICSC MAXI Awards Gold Winners
The 2025 ICSC MAXI Awards, unveiled during the Global Awards Ceremony on May 18 at ICSC LAS VEGAS, honored the Marketplaces Industry’s most inventive and impactful marketing campaigns implemented between June 1, 2023, and Jan. 31, 2025.
15 Specialty Retail Displays Driving Innovation and Engagement: The 2025 ICSC Visual Victories Awards
The 2025 ICSC Visual Victories Awards, announced at the Global Awards Ceremony on May 18 during ICSC LAS VEGAS, celebrate outstanding pop-up, temporary store and kiosk designs that captivated consumers and were open at some time between January 2023 and January 2025. Check out the full list of Gold winners, Silver winners and other Finalists here, and learn more about all of the Gold-winning displays below.
17 Creative Campaigns That Drew People to Marketplaces and Drove Results: The 2025 ICSC MAXI Awards Gold Winners
The 2025 ICSC MAXI Awards, unveiled during the Global Awards Ceremony on May 18 at ICSC LAS VEGAS, honored the Marketplaces Industry’s most inventive and impactful marketing campaigns implemented between June 1, 2023, and Jan. 31, 2025.
John Grossman Reinvents His Legacy
John Grossman was immersed in the world of real estate and hospitality from an early age. Born in Santa Monica and raised in Sun Valley, Idaho, he easily navigated different social circles and environments. His parents, seasoned entrepreneurs, jumped at an opportunity to get into hospitality, acquiring the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix out of foreclosure during the Resolution Trust Corporation (RTC) and transforming it in the early 1990s.
Meet the 2025 HD Women in Design Award Recipients
Hospitality Design’s Women in Design Awards breakfast returns to HD Expo + Conference in Las Vegas on May 6th. Celebrating five industry leaders for their inspirational achievements, the signature event is presented in partnership with NEWH. We chatted with the 2025 recipients about how they got their start, career-defining projects, obstacles, and more.
A New Era of Airport Design Is Underway
Airports worldwide are undergoing major transformations, with billions of dollars being invested to modernize terminals, enhance sustainability, and improve the passenger experience. The global airport construction market is projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2030, according to February’s Airport Construction – Global Strategic Business Report from Research and Markets.
Can’t-Miss Products Launching at HD Expo 2025
Can’t-Miss Products Launching at HD Expo 2025 Can’t-Miss Products Launching at HD Expo 2025 Room & Board for Business, in collaboration with Gensler, introduce the Lincoln collection, a modern sit-stand and console desk line that features customizable configurations, sustainably sourced hardwoods, built-in storage, and seamless technology integration.
Onyedikachi Achilike’s Blue Nomad Offers a Fresh Perspective
With a background in biology inspired by her ethno-botanist great-grandmother, Onyedikachi Achilike has worked in industries from fashion to venture capital. After earning both a business degree and an aesthetics license, she gained hands-on skincare experience at Dermalogica SoHo and the Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown, later launching a mobile facial bar. Now, her entrepreneurial journey has expanded with Blue Nomad, a 175-square-foot skin health studio in Manhattan’s Flatiron neighborhood.
Five on Friday: February 21st, 2025 | Hospitality Design
Southwest's no-layoff streak comes to an end, New York restaurants face inspection delays, and Gensler designs a sustainable showpiece stadium in Egypt. All that and more in this week's Five on Friday. Southwest Airlines announces first-ever layoffs For the first time in its history, Southwest Airlines will cut approximately 1,750 jobs-15 percent of its corporate workforce-in a move to curb rising costs.
The 76 Most-Anticipated Hotel Openings of 2025
The 76 Most-Anticipated Hotel Openings of 2025 The 76 Most-Anticipated Hotel Openings of 2025 Treehouse Hotel Silicon Valley, Sunnyvale, California Following its London location and an upcoming Manchester property, Treehouse Hotels will make its Q1 U.S. debut in Silicon Valley with a design from Brooklyn, New York-based Crème and global firm 10SB. In addition to several repurposed existing structures, a six-story new build was constructed offsite using modular methods.
Five on Friday: January 24th, 2025
Artist James Turrell plans monumental land art amidst AlUla’s striking landscape, the design year kicks off with Maison&Objet, and the hospitality industry continues to offer support to Southern California. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday. An in-depth profile by The New Yorker highlights British architect Norman Foster for his expansive ambition and the creation of an unparalleled design empire.
Nominations Open for HDAC's 2025 Awards of Excellence
Nominations are now open for the Hospitality Diversity Action Council’s (HDAC) fifth annual Awards of Excellence program. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to the hospitality industry by honoring individuals and companies from various segments—including ownership, management, architecture, design, landscape, branding, and vendor/product—who are driving progress through the promotion of diversity, inclusion, and equity.
Five on Friday: November 15th, 2024
The world’s best building is revealed, the restored bells of Notre Dame ring again in Paris, and off-season cruises are surging in the Mediterranean. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday. Darlington Public School in Sydney’s Chippendale suburb took top honors at the 17th World Architecture Festival (WAF) in Singapore this month, besting over 220 shortlisted projects to win World Building of the Year honor.
2024 Best of BDNY Products and Exhibits Announced | Hospitality Design
BDNY 2024 delivered an impressive showcase, including the announcement of this year's Best of BDNY Product Design and Best Exhibit winners and finalists on Sunday, November 10th. Chosen by panels of industry experts, the product honorees stood out for their design innovation, functionality, and aesthetic impact, while the exhibit winners captivated with their creative use of materials, striking visual appeal, and thoughtful integration of space, color, lighting, and texture.
Germane Barnes Reflects on His Path
Born and raised in Chicago, Germane Barnes developed an interest in architecture in high school when a substitute teacher introduced him to a Black architect. Although his parents hoped he’d become a lawyer, Barnes remained focused on his passion for art and architecture. After a long road toward professional licensure, he eventually founded Studio Barnes in Miami, garnering awards along the way. His first solo museum exhibition, Columnar Disorder, is now on display at the Art Institute Chicago.
Five on Friday: October 25th, 2024
Top destinations for 2025 according to National Geographic, Hilton’s record growth, and a new site for fans to vacation like the Real Housewives. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday. National Geographic’s Best of the World 2025 list spotlights 35 awe-inspiring destinations, from eco-conscious getaways to culturally enriching experiences, reports CNN.
Goodrich Named Boutique Design’s 2024 Designer of the Year
Boutique Design has announced the 2024 Designer of the Year, an honor celebrated in conjunction with the 44th Gold Key Awards for Excellence in Hospitality Design. New York-based Goodrich, established by founder and principal Matthew Goodrich in 2017, is a practice grounded in hospitality expertise. Encompassing branding, interior design, custom furniture, and product design, Goodrich crafts integrated, holistic experiences for its clients.
4 CEU-Accredited Mainstage Panels
Still need to fulfill your CEU requirement for 2024? This year, the BDNY Mainstage—designed by Brooklyn, New York studio Watts & Dray—will host eight accredited sessions featuring insights from visionary industry leaders on trending topics like wellness and sustainability, neuroaesthetics, the future of F&B, and more.
Khalil Kinsey Amplifies Black Art and Achievement
Since 2009, Khalil Kinsey has been COO and chief curator for the Kinsey African American Art & History Collection, an international traveling exhibition that has been viewed by more than 16 million visitors in 40 venues to date. Kinsey oversees all operations for the collection, which grew organically from the personal acquisitions of his parents, Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, made during their world travels.
Five on Friday: September 20th, 2024
Gauging the impact of the Fed’s recent rate cut, the Hirshhorn highlights iconic artists Basquiat and Banksy, and the year’s best new chefs according to Food & Wine. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday. The Federal Reserve’s decision to cut interest rates by half a point this week has hospitality leaders speculating about its potential impact.
Finalists Announced for the 44th Annual Gold Key Awards
Finalists have been announced for the 44th Gold Key Awards for Excellence in Hospitality Design. Presented by Boutique Design magazine, Gold Key is the industry’s longest-running awards program for hospitality interiors. The 2024 Gold Key judges selected the following standout projects from a competitive field of 425-plus entries submitted by design firms and hospitality brands from across the globe.
Boutique Design Announces 2024 Boutique 18 Class
Boutique Design magazine has unveiled the 2024 class of the Boutique 18, spotlighting the next generation of designers reshaping the hospitality landscape. This year’s honorees, recognized for their innovative contributions to some of the industry’s pioneering projects, were nominated by their peers and handpicked by the BD editorial team. These rising stars are pushing boundaries and setting new standards in creativity and design excellence.
Boutique Design Announces 2024 Up-and-Coming Hotelier
Boutique Design (BD) magazine reveals its yearly Up-and-Coming Hotelier honor, an award that recognizes the visionaries who are redefining guests’ expectations regarding how hotels look, feel, and operate. The winners are the masterminds behind young brands emerging as influencers in the hospitality industry. This year’s honoree is Neena Gupta, CEO of lifestyle hotel brand Miiro.
Five on Friday: August 30th, 2024
Large hotel transactions heat up, cruise companies lean into megaships, and the World Architecture Festival reveals its 2024 shortlist. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday. Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas may have sparked mixed reactions when it launched as the world’s largest cruise ship, but its popularity has led the company to double down on its megaship strategy, reports The New York Times.
The 2024 Best of BDNY Product Design Competition Opens
Submissions are now open for 2024 BDNY exhibitors to showcase their outstanding product launches in this year’s Best of BDNY Product Design Competition. The prestigious program recognizes manufacturers whose products excel in functionality, aesthetic advancement, and innovation within their categories. Winners and finalists are chosen by a panel of soon-to-be-announced industry professionals specializing in the boutique and lifestyle sector.
Five on Friday: July 26th, 2024
Delta’s meltdown draws ire—and government scrutiny, Suchi Reddy unveils an AI-powered experiential sculpture, and the Gold Key submission deadline is extended. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday. Roadside motels are getting stylish makeovers, transforming from dated stops into trendy, nostalgic havens. As travelers continue seek unique and memorable stays, moteliers are investing in design-led renovations to capture this growing market, writes Jim Zarroli for The New York Times.
The Urbanist: Michael Marshall
Like many architects, Michael Marshall loved drawing as a kid, but he didn’t realize until first grade that he might have more talent than others. “[I noticed] some of the older kids would watch me,” he recalls. “I had relatives who would ask for my drawings to show their friends. That’s what got me into art and design.” Marshall grew up in, and right outside, of Washington, DC after his parents moved there from Southern Virginia.
Five on Friday: June 28th, 2024
Jeffrey Beers’ legacy is celebrated at a New York event, luxury gyms are getting bigger and better, and the hotel-within-a-hotel concept gains traction. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday. Luxury gyms like Equinox, Life Time, and Chelsea Piers have been redefining fitness with an array of high-end amenities that cater to a holistic lifestyle. With lavish spas, gourmet dining, and social events, these gyms are transforming into comprehensive wellness hubs, reports The New York Times.
Call for 2024 Boutique 18 Nominations
Each year, Boutique Design recognizes 18 emerging hospitality designers for their notable contributions and achievements. These rising stars will be highlighted in the Fall 2024 edition of Boutique Design magazine and honored in November at the Gold Key Awards ceremony and during Boutique Design New York (BDNY). The deadline for submissions is Monday, August 5th.
Submissions Now Open for the 2024 Gold Key Awards
Boutique Design magazine presents the 44th annual Gold Key Awards for Excellence in Hospitality Design. One of the most prestigious accolades in the hospitality design field, this award recognizes outstanding design from across the globe in 23 categories—from standout hotel spaces spanning all sectors to restaurants, wellness-focused venues, and other hospitality settings.
Five on Friday: May 24th, 2024
A beta hotel lab is experimenting in Berlin, details on the $1.85 billion Olympic Village in Paris emerge, and hotel PIPs are coming due. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday. Designed by architecture firm OMA, the Lantern has opened in Detroit’s Little Village development—a neighborhood-wide initiative of arts group Library Street Collective.
New York Firm Studio 397 Refines Its Approach
Born in Upstate New York before moving to Georgia for middle and high school, Samantha Josaphat graduated with an architecture degree from Penn State. After working for a handful of larger firms, she decided to strike out on her own, launching New York-based Studio 397—so named because when Josaphat got her license in 2017, she was only the 397th Black female architect in the U.S. to do so.
Learn, Source, and Network at CSI Design Expo Americas 2024
CSI Design Expo Americas (CSI) has opened registration, inviting cruise lines, shipyards, design studios, outfitters, and suppliers to Miami to take part in the region’s only event dedicated to cruise ship interior design. CSI has created a schedule of content for the pioneers of cruise interiors, featuring an all-new Attractions & Entertainment Technology Zone, insightful talks on the topic of guest experience, plus a full slate of bespoke networking events.
Five on Friday: May 3rd, 2024
Hawaii’s Haiku stairs are officially being removed, Airbnb is offering themed stays in its new Icon collection, and a new installation blooms in New York. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday. Designed in partnership with Jeff Leatham, Genesis House—Hyundai’s New York showroom, event space, and fine dining restaurant—has launched an immersive floral installation BLOOMTANICA.
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