Key Takeaways from the 2025 Stay Focused Hilton Design Workshop: Exploring Hilton’s Design Vision for the Future

Members of Ramaker’s architecture and interior design teams attended the 2025 Stay Focused Hilton Design Workshop, held September 30–October 1. This immersive two-day event brought together Hilton brand representatives, design reviewers, and industry professionals for a deep dive into the latest updates, design strategies, and best practices for Hilton’s Focused Service brands.

The workshop was packed with valuable insights, collaborative energy, and forward-thinking design ideas, each one reinforcing Hilton’s commitment to creating elevated, brand-aligned spaces that resonate with guests. From new builds to renovations, the knowledge we gained will directly inform how we approach upcoming Hilton projects.

Highlights from the Workshop

• Connecting with Hilton Teams: We had the opportunity to meet Hilton brand representatives and design reviewers face-to-face, strengthening the relationships that help set our Hilton projects up for success.
• Model Room Tours: Touring the Home2 Suites and Homewood Suites model rooms provided hands-on insight into the materials, finishes, and design details being used in Hilton’s latest prototypes.
• Designing Within (and Beyond) Standards: A major focus of the workshop centered on balancing brand standards with owner requests and finding creative ways to customize spaces while maintaining brand integrity. The discussions covered real-world challenges such as artwork selections, multi-brand projects, and navigating Property Improvement Plans (PIPs).
• Learning from Real Projects: Hilton shared examples of “custom done right,” highlighting how thoughtful upgrades and localized touches can bring personality to a property without straying from brand alignment.
• Design Tools and Resources: Attendees explored Hilton’s Design Information Website, Project Hub, and Color Board Tool, all of which streamline the submittal process and improve collaboration between design teams and Hilton reviewers.
• Industry Collaboration: Beyond the formal sessions, the event provided space to connect with other designers and exchange ideas, experiences, and best practices for hospitality design.

Applying What We Learned

The workshop reinforced Hilton’s design principles across its Focused Service brands—including Hampton Inn, Home2 Suites, Homewood Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Tru by Hilton, LivSmart Studios, Spark, and Tempo—and emphasized flexibility, brand integrity, and guest experience as core design drivers.

Key takeaways included:

• Understanding how customization can elevate a project while maintaining Hilton’s identity.
• Leveraging Hilton’s digital tools for smoother submittals and stronger coordination.
• Designing multi-brand properties with cohesive yet distinct brand identities.
• Keeping up with renovation cycles and prototype refresh timelines to help clients plan effectively.

At Ramaker, our team left the event inspired and equipped with new insights to enhance the guest experience through thoughtful, brand-aligned design. Whether you’re working on a renovation, conversion, or new build, we’re ready to translate Hilton’s vision into spaces that feel both timeless and uniquely local.

Work with Ramaker

From prototype implementation to custom design solutions, our team partners with hotel owners and developers to bring hospitality projects to life. With expertise across architecture, interior design, structural engineering, and MEP engineering, Ramaker delivers integrated, brand-aligned designs that elevate the guest experience.

Ready to start your next Hilton project? Contact us today to learn how we can support your vision from concept to completion.