Designing Hospitality Projects with Purpose

Embarking on a new hotel or resort project—or refreshing an existing property—is an exciting opportunity to shape memorable guest experiences and create lasting value. Success depends on thoughtful planning, creative design, and seamless execution. Owners and developers must balance guest satisfaction, budget, and long-term operations while navigating technical, regulatory, and sustainability requirements. With so many moving parts, having a partner who understands the full picture can make all the difference, ensuring a smooth build and avoiding costly delays.

At Ramaker, we guide hospitality projects from vision to reality with confidence, clarity, and a deep understanding of what it takes to create spaces that work for both guests and operators.

Establishing a Starting Point: The Design Problem

Every successful hospitality project begins with a clear understanding of the design problem. Whether it’s optimizing guest flow, maximizing site potential, or aligning with brand standards, the first step is listening closely to a client’s goals, constraints, and vision. Sometimes, that means helping clients define those elements from the ground up. You can expect that from us, as your partner on the journey.

Maybe you’re working with a highly attractive site identified in a recent hotel market study as ideal for new development. Or perhaps you’ve received a Hotel Property Improvement Plan (PIP) and need help interpreting its requirements. You might even be considering a rebrand or conversion but aren’t sure how your existing building’s layout, condition, or functionality fits into that vision.

Whether the first step is conducting a Property Condition Assessment, performing an ADA survey, or exploring potential hotel layouts for a clean site, Ramaker crafts tailored solutions that balance creativity with practicality. But design isn’t just about the finished product; it’s about the journey. That’s why we develop a clear roadmap that connects the initial concept to the final build, ensuring every decision supports the project’s long-term success.

Creating Identity: Architecture That Tells Your Brand’s Story

The foundation of a great hospitality experience often lies in a well-defined vision, brought to life through thoughtful architecture and interior design.  At Ramaker, we specialize in designing spaces that are visually compelling, highly functional, and tailored to the unique demands of hospitality. Our architectural team balances aesthetics with operational efficiency, ensuring that every square foot serves a purpose.

Just as importantly, we design with brand standards in mind, helping properties meet franchise requirements while preserving their distinct character. Whether it’s site layout, building form, guest flow, or back-of-house operations, we consider the needs of both guests and owners at every stage. The result? Properties that are brand-compliant, beautiful, efficient to operate, and adaptable for the future.

Beyond the Surface: Crafting Comfort Behind the Scenes

Behind every great guest experience is a thoughtfully designed infrastructure. Through close collaboration between our Engineering and Interior Design teams, we ensure that every space is functional, inviting, and aligned with your vision and goals.

• Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Engineering: From plumbing and HVAC to lighting and energy systems, our MEP consultants design infrastructure that’s reliable, cost-effective, and aligned with your sustainability goals.
• Structural Engineering: Our structural engineers ensure your building is safe, resilient, and capable of supporting both the architectural vision and long-term operational needs.
• Interior Design: A hotel isn’t just a building; it’s an experience. Our interior designers craft environments that reflect your brand identity, maximize comfort, and encourage repeat stays.

Together, these disciplines work in harmony to ensure that behind-the-scenes systems run smoothly while the visible spaces leave a lasting impression.

The Experience Beyond the Stay: Pools, Spas, Restaurants, and More

Today’s travelers expect more than just a place to sleep, they’re looking for amenities that elevate their stay and create memorable experiences. Aquatic features like pools, splash pads, and even larger waterparks often serve as central attractions, especially for resorts and family-friendly properties. But amenities extend far beyond the water. Restaurants, fitness centers, lounges, and wellness spaces all contribute to a guest’s overall impression and satisfaction.

At Ramaker, we help position these amenities for maximum impact, both for the guest and for the owner. Our team works closely with clients to ensure each space is thoughtfully located, efficiently designed, and seamlessly integrated into the overall property. Whether it’s optimizing circulation, aligning with brand standards, or planning for long-term maintenance, we design amenities that are not only inviting but also operationally smart.

Designed and Built for Identity: Embedding Brand into Every Detail

Whether you’re considering a new prototype hotel, navigating a PIP, or shaping the vision of a boutique brand, every hospitality project is an opportunity to reinforce identity through design. At Ramaker, we help clients implement brand standards with precision and creativity—ensuring that every detail, from architectural elements to interior finishes, reflects the essence of the brand. Our team understands the nuances of franchise requirements and the flexibility needed for boutique concepts, and we work closely with owners and operators to translate brand guidelines into spaces that feel authentic, functional, and memorable. From signage and color palettes to layout and guest touchpoints, we embed brand identity into every layer of the project.

Your Vision, Our Expertise: Let’s Get Started

Hospitality projects often unfold in complex, non-linear ways. From site surveying, conceptual design, and permitting to structural engineering and environmental compliance, there are many complex steps to navigate—and coordinating with multiple vendors can lead to miscommunication and delays. At Ramaker, we simplify the process through integrated services and a collaborative approach that keeps your project moving forward with clarity and confidence.

Whether you’re planning a boutique hotel, a large-scale resort, or a major renovation to a branded property, our team has the experience and insight to help you succeed. From site master planning and building design to property assessments, brand-driven improvement plans, and final finishes, we’re with you every step of the way— creating spaces that embody your brand and deliver beyond expectations.

Reach out to Ramaker’s hospitality team today and let’s start shaping what’s next, together!