HBA Blends Eastern Elegance with Western Artistry

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an innovative hotel design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalists, HBA.

Following its 2025 upgrade, the Hangzhou Wulin GDA Hotel reemerged as a luxurious tribute to the city’s rich heritage, rooted in the 1929 West Lake Expo. Inspired by “A Collector’s Manor Residence,” the design blends Eastern elegance with Western artistry. Guests experience curated spaces filled with antiques, art, and cultural motifs, evoking a private museum. From vibrant dining areas to tranquil guest rooms, every detail celebrates Hangzhou’s legacy of global exchange and refinement. The hotel stands as a living narrative where history, culture, and modern hospitality meet in harmony.

What was the client's brief?

Through the comprehensive renovation and upgrade of the hotel, it will be transformed into an iconic destination, ultimately maximizing the return on investment.

What inspired the design of the project?

Inspired by the 1929 West Lake Expo founded by Mr. Zhang Jingjiang, the hotel boasts a privileged location adjacent to the Zhejiang Exhibition Hall at Wulin Square, offering a front-row seat to the magnificent journey of Hangzhou's exhibition culture.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The greatest challenge lay in realizing the design vision and meeting the diverse functional requirements of a hotel while working within the inherent structural and layout constraints of the existing building.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The most impressive highlight is the "Dialogue Across Time" narrative woven throughout the hotel. Adopting the theme of "Visiting a Collector's Manor Estate," it guides guests on an immersive journey to explore the glorious history of the West Lake Expo in Hangzhou.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The SBID Awards place the utmost importance on the innovation, execution, and level of challenge in design. By entering the competition, we aim to present the judges and industry peers with an exemplary project that fully embodies these standards.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

To the Company: This honor represents significant international recognition of our ability to comprehensively tackle complex projects. It powerfully demonstrates to the market that our company not only delivers cutting-edge aesthetic vision but also possesses the technical expertise and project management capabilities to turn ideas into reality. We are adept at addressing the challenges of renovating existing structures and creating exceptional value for our clients.

To the Team and Individuals: This award brings immense encouragement and recognition to our team and each individual involved. It will continue to inspire us to uphold professionalism and dedicate ourselves to creating more meaningful design works in the future.

Questions answered by John Wang, Design Director of HBA.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a glamorous hotel design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalists, RVD Associates & HBA.

A 1926 Southern California landmark emerges anew in Downtown Long Beach as RVD Associates and HBA San Francisco announces the transformative completion of Fairmont Breakers Long Beach. With a vision championed by developer Pacific6 Enterprises and designed in collaboration with Eden For Your World, the restoration of the 185-room hotel gracefully balances classic glamour with modern sensibility, setting a new standard for luxury hospitality within the city. Stories from the hotel’s opulent past unfold upon arrival at the newly restored entrance, where Renaissance Revival-style architecture pays homage to the original work of architects Walker & Eisen.

What was the client's brief?

The client’s brief was very much in alignment with our vision. Together, we were inspired by the idea of honoring the beauty of the 1920s Spanish Revival architecture while reimagining the building for a new era. The goal was to restore its former grandeur while thoughtfully introducing modern elements that breathe new life into the property.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design was inspired by the building’s rich history and the golden era of Hollywood. We wanted to honor its legacy while introducing a sense of timeless elegance that feels fresh and contemporary. The original period details provided a canvas that encouraged us to layer in refined, modern touches, creating a dialogue between past and present. Our palette drew from the ever-changing hues of the ocean—airy blues and crisp whites welcome guests in the lobby, gradually deepening into rich indigos and sapphires at the Sky Lounge, where the views connect seamlessly with the sea beyond. We also collaborated with local artisans to create truly bespoke elements, such as the custom Robert Crowder wallcovering in La Sala. RVD is proud to have helped re-polish this architectural jewel, breathing new life into ‘The Breakers’ while celebrating its storied past.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The Fairmont Breakers is a magnificent historic building, and with that came plenty of quirks and nuances. One of the toughest challenges was working with the guest rooms, each of which presented different conditions and configurations. Our team had to thoughtfully design for this variety while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic and guest experience throughout the property.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

For us, the highlight was the ability to craft a variety of experiences throughout the property. From the moment guests arrive in the light-filled lobby to the more intimate settings of the dining and lounge areas, each space offers its own distinct atmosphere while still feeling connected to the larger story of the Breakers. Designing this layered journey allowed us to honour the building’s history while giving guests a series of moments that feel both unique and cohesive. Creating that spectrum of experiences—each with its own personality yet tied together by a timeless design narrative—was one of the most rewarding aspects of the project.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We have always admired the work that SBID showcases and the calibre of projects they feature on a global stage. Entering the SBID Awards felt like a meaningful opportunity to share the story of the Fairmont Breakers, a project we’re truly proud of. To be recognized among such an esteemed group of designers is an honour in itself, and we are grateful to have been selected.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being named an Award Finalist has been an incredible honour for our team. It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase our work on an international stage and to celebrate the craft, creativity, and collaboration that went into the Fairmont Breakers. We feel fortunate to do what we love for such inspiring clients, and even more rewarding is knowing that guests will experience these spaces in ways that are memorable and transformative. This recognition affirms our passion for design and motivates us to continue raising the bar in our work.

Questions answered by Rodrigo Vargas, Principal of RVD Associates.

Can you share a project that best represents your design style?

Although we take pride in not being confined to a single style, we strive to create spaces that foster harmony and balance for those who inhabit them. The example of Qasr Al Sarab by Anantara beautifully illustrates how an environment can evoke a sense of place and connection to nature through thoughtful design choices. Each project indeed presents a unique opportunity to narrate a story that resonates with the guests, enhancing their overall experience.

What steps do you take to stay at the forefront of the design industry?

Staying at the forefront of the design industry requires a proactive and multifaceted approach. We prioritise continuous education and training, ensuring our team is equipped with the latest design trends, technologies, and methodologies through workshops, conferences, and online courses. Simultaneously, we embrace technology by integrating advanced design software and tools, enabling immersive client experiences and streamlining our design processes. Recognising the importance of sustainability practices, we actively incorporate eco-friendly solutions and materials into our designs, reflecting our commitment to environmental responsibility.

Our commitment extends beyond internal development. We foster global networking and partnerships by collaborating with design professionals, suppliers, and industry leaders worldwide, participating in global forums and exhibitions to expand our influence. Central to our approach is a client-centric approach, where we prioritise understanding and exceeding client needs through regular feedback and personalised solutions. We also conduct rigorous trend analysis and forecasting to anticipate market shifts, including cultural influences and emerging materials, ensuring our designs remain relevant and impactful.

We also understand the value of a diverse and inclusive environment. Promoting diversity and inclusion within our team brings a wealth of perspectives and ideas, fostering a more innovative and creative design process. By combining these strategies, we ensure that HBA remains a leader in the design industry, consistently delivering cutting-edge and impactful solutions that resonate with our clients and the evolving market.

What trends do you see shaping the future of interior design?

Looking ahead, the landscape of interior design is being redefined by a natural blend of sustainability, technology, and deeply personal expression. Sustainability has moved from a trend to a foundational aspect of design, influencing everything from material selection to energy efficiency and the incorporation of biophilic elements. Simultaneously, smart technology is weaving its way into our spaces, creating seamless experiences that enhance both comfort and functionality. These advancements aren't just about innovation; they reflect a growing consciousness about our impact on the environment and a desire for spaces that intuitively serve our needs.

Beyond the technical, we're witnessing a powerful shift towards personalisation and adaptability. Clients are no longer seeking generic luxury; they want spaces that truly resonate with their unique identities and lifestyles. This demand for bespoke, boutique experiences is mirrored by the rise of multifunctional spaces, driven by the growing prevalence of remote work. Interiors must now be fluid and adaptable, seamlessly transitioning from home offices to social hubs. In essence, the future of interior design is about creating environments that are not only beautiful and functional but also deeply personal, responsible, and responsive to the evolving needs of our lives.

How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs?

Sustainability is woven into the very fabric of our design process. We prioritise eco-friendly materials, choosing options like reclaimed wood, bamboo, and recycled metals, alongside low-VOC paints and finishes, to minimise environmental impact and enhance indoor air quality. We actively pursue local sourcing to support regional economies and reduce transportation emissions. Biophilic design is integral to our spaces, as we incorporate natural elements like plants and green spaces through green roofs, living walls, and indoor gardens, enhancing both aesthetics and well-being. Furthermore, we believe in fostering community engagement, involving local communities in our design and operational decisions to promote cultural sustainability and create authentic experiences that reflect the unique character of each destination.

What has been your company’s proudest achievement so far?

While we celebrate numerous milestones and accolades, our proudest achievement is consistently evolving and adapting to meet the ever-changing needs of the hospitality industry over our 60-year history. This includes our remarkable growth from a single office to 24 locations across the globe, and our sustained position as the world’s leading hospitality design firm, evidenced by our ranking first on the 2025 Interior Design Top 100 Giants Hospitality List for over nineteen years.

In addition to HBA's global achievements, HBA London is particularly proud of the firm's overall legacy of excellence. HBA London's exceptional work has garnered widespread acclaim, including Gold Key Awards, SBID International Design Awards, World Travel Awards, Hospitality Design Awards (HD), and Condé Nast Traveller Reader’s Choice Awards.

We're proud of our ability to embrace innovation, integrate cutting-edge technologies, and champion sustainability, all while maintaining a deep respect for the unique cultural context of each project. Ultimately, our proudest achievement is the enduring impact we've had on creating exceptional guest experiences and contributing to the success of our clients globally.

What sets your work apart in the industry?

As passionate and responsible interior designers, we view every project as a unique and boutique experience tailored to the specific needs and desires of our clients. What sets our work apart in the industry is our unwavering commitment to personalisation and attention to detail. We believe that every space should tell a story, reflecting the distinct character of its inhabitants while also considering the functional aspects of design.

We prioritise collaboration with our clients, engaging them throughout the entire design process to ensure their vision is translated into reality. This collaborative spirit allows for a deeper understanding of their preferences, resulting in spaces that not only align with their aesthetic but also enhance their daily lives.

In essence, our work stands out due to its bespoke approach, commitment to collaboration, and dedication to sustainability, culminating in designs that are as unique as the individuals and businesses we serve.

Are you involved in mentoring or education within the interior design industry?

Yes, each year we welcome university students for internships, providing them with valuable practical experience, and we are proud to have hired several of them following their graduation. I also find it incredibly rewarding to give lectures at various universities when I have the time, as it is important to invest in the next generation of designers.

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