America’s Top Hospitality Architects & Designers 2026, Methodology
Original story by: Forbes
Last updated: Oct 22, 2025
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- Context: Forbes is releasing its inaugural "Americas Top Hospitality Architects & Designers" list, identifying 100 leading firms in the hotel, restaurant, winery, and spa sectors. This evaluation focuses on the fine-dining and luxury segments, which demonstrate economic resilience despite industry challenges. The list aims to highlight innovation and the creation of immersive, transformative public spaces that foster community and a sense of place.
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- Detailed Summary:
- Forbes' new list, "Americas Top Hospitality Architects & Designers," recognizes 100 firms in hospitality design, focusing on the financially stable fine-dining and luxury segments.
- The hospitality industry, particularly fine dining and luxury hotels, shows robust growth despite pandemic impacts and rising costs, with significant revenue projections for the coming years.
- The list emphasizes architects and designers who create immersive physical environments that counter the isolation of digital technology, promoting community and a sense of place.
- The selection process involved rigorous journalistic research, including an eight-month review of industry publications, competition outcomes, and awards programs.
- Firms were initially assessed based on their track record and U.S. office presence, with over 850 firms considered for initial review.
- Qualified firms were invited to submit an exemplary project completed in 2019 or later for further evaluation using a two-tiered, 12-category system.
- The evaluation system includes general professional attributes like online presence, principal education, and work history, as well as specific project attributes in architecture and interiors, such as stability, utility, beauty, siting, materials, furniture, and lighting.
- The article highlights Nepenthe as a model of sustainable design, noting its enduring simplicity and use of durable furnishings that resist frequent replacement, contrasting with industry trends.
- Nepenthe's bar has historically been a gathering place for creatives, and the restaurant's aesthetic integrates original art to deepen the connection between space and culture.
- The restaurant gained fame in the 1960s and continues to be highly popular, attracting a large volume of patrons daily.
- The list is led by Forbes Senior Editor Richard Olsen and Deputy Editor Fred Albert, and participation was by invitation, with outcomes based on actual completed work.
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