NEWH - Fall 2022 - 62

Q&A
ONE-ON-ONE WITH
Crystal
Steering chair, Mid-South
region, and interior designer,
HBG Design
McCain
What have you found to be most valuable about your NEWH involvement, both personally
and professionally?
I feel more connected to the hospitality industry through NEWH and have met so many passionate
people through the organization. Being a member and leader in NEWH keeps me inspired and educated.
Our industry is ever-changing and the help NEWH provides in creating conversations between owner,
purchaser, and designer is priceless. It literally takes a village to do what we do, so our connection
through NEWH can only help all of us become stronger and better at what we do.
What would surprise people about you?
Interior design was not my first choice of degree path and was not even a degree I had considered until
later in my college career.
What would people be interested to know about your company?
HBG Design has quite a history with commercial, multifamily, and hospitality design, and has really
transformed over four-plus decades into finding a specialty niche in the hospitality design industry-
where we are consistently recognized as a top 10 national hospitality and entertainment design firm. The
way we help our clients tell their story through design, weaving it through a project, and creating special
moments for both the client and their guests is inspiring. So much thought, care, and research go into our
projects to transform spaces into guest experiences.
Where do you find inspiration, both inside and outside the industry?
I look at design outside of my country for inspiration in hospitality design. Seeing what inspires people
globally keeps me connected to the types of experiences people desire in hospitality spaces. Inspiration
for interior designs usually starts with the fashion industry, but graphic design and movies/television have
also become my go-tos. In fashion I look for color combinations, types of fabrics, shapes, and stitching.
Graphic design helps me play with how I view and present a design with color and photography. Television
and movie set/costume designers have been knocking it out of the park lately. It is the pure definition of
creating an experience through design in a way that transports the viewers into that world they helped
create. It all translates to interior design and inspires my creative process.
Why do you recommend people get involved with NEWH?
The NEWH pillars are a notable example of why I appreciate and recommend the organization to fellow
industry designers-for the education, networking and scholarship opportunities. The amount of
accessible knowledge and quality education NEWH provides to their members-from the top of the
organization down to the chapter and regional group level-is astounding and worth every penny to join
and support. Membership fees and events also fund the scholarships by local chapter and regional group,
which I would certainly call a win-win.
What is your proudest recent NEWH accomplishment?
I am beyond proud that our Mid-South regional group won the bid to host the Leadership Conference in
2024. So much heart and soul went into the presentation, and I am so proud of our group representing
Memphis, which is truly a great hospitality city. Graceland is just the tip of the iceberg, and we are excited
to share it with everyone. Remember to pack your blue suede shoes! ❙❘❚
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NEWH - Fall 2022

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