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HOTEL CONSTRUCTION costs continue to escalate into 2024 with little signs of declining. While hoteliers can’t control the construction industry or availability of materials, there are many subtle design decisions that can reduce construction costs. Hoteliers and their design team must use practical approaches and work closely with their contractors from the start of the process. There often is considerable waste in hotel design, leading to less sustainable structures. Here are six considerations hoteliers should take into account when initiating their next design-based undertaking.

When ODA Architecture was established in 1984, a large portion of our projects were performed using a Design-Build Approach. This arrangement was not common among architects, but ODA embraced this collaborative approach. Design-build has gained popularity over the last 40 years, offering many benefits to owners. What is “Design-Build” and how can this strategy assist with controlling construction costs and reducing

ODA Architecture specializes in designing a variety of buildings, including public works, religious, higher education, corporate, hospitality, recreational and developer-directed buildings. Having worked with numerous developers, we have developed a “developer mentality,” which proves useful across all our projects. What is a developer mentality and how does this help us design other project types? Developers are visionary and

Nestled in the picturesque town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Aatmos, a distinguished hotel development and management firm based in Sevierville, is set to transform the downtown landscape with an ambitious project in collaboration with ODA Architecture. Known as The Scoundrel, this Tribute by Marriott is more than just a hotel; it’s a carefully crafted homage to

Dear Friends, Happy New Year!  ODA Architecture is optimistic for an exciting and successful 2024. Interest rates are declining, and the costs of construction materials are slightly settling. The Olympics will be in Paris for the first time in 100 years. It’s a presidential election year. What will be popular in architecture and development? Office Re-purposing: This is obvious

Dear Friends,       FUNomenal design has been ODA Architecture’s mission for decades, reflecting on our culture as well as the goals of our clients to create distinctive places. FUNomenal design evokes emotions and taps into the user’s senses through FUN and inspiring design elements. This spirit of fun extends throughout all the project types that ODA specializes

In America, the Industrial Revolution started after the Civil War and continued through World War II. The architecture of factories and warehouses was authentic and utilitarian. Readily available industrial materials, such as brick, steel, copper, concrete, and wood were utilized. The spaces were functional with large windows for daylight and ventilation. The details were basic and there was no reason to

Dear Friends,   ODA Architecture’s annual retreat in September was centered on “rejuvenation” as everyone has been working tirelessly through a very productive year. We selected Asheville, NC as our destination and stayed at The Foundry Hotel, which is part of The Curio Collection by Hilton, managed by our client, Raines Hospitality. This repurposed hotel was once a steel

Transforming existing structures into hotels has been a popular strategy for many years, but what options do hotel owners have when their properties are no longer in workable use? Unfortunately, the pandemic left countless hotels underutilized or obsolete. Many of these hotels are in changing urban neighborhoods and can be repurposed to suit the needs of their evolving communities.

One of the hottest trends in the hotel industry is repurposing buildings for hotel use. Transforming existing buildings makes economic sense and can enhance the guest experience. Many building types are appropriate candidates for conversions to hotels, but the most opportunities are discovered in office buildings. According to CBRE, there currently is more than a 17% vacancy rate in office buildings, the highest vacancy rate since 1993. Developers are looking for different uses to breathe new life into these structures. If positioned in appropriate locations, hoteliers can creatively adapt these structures into hotels, including limited-service, full-service, and boutique hotels.