Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel
Snoqualmie Indian Tribe
Snoqualmie, WA
Bergman Walls & Associates
Project: Casino Gaming & Resort Renovation/Expansion
Completed: August 2025
The Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel Expansion marks a bold new chapter for one of Washington State’s celebrated local casino properties: transforming it into a premier regional hospitality destination with the excitement of the Las Vegas Strip and amenities of a world-class gaming resort. BWA, which designed the original Snoqualmie Casino (opened in 2008), led the expansion project with a deep familiarity with the place, the people, and understanding of what the next chapter needed to be for both the property and tribe. The result is a project that doesn’t simply add square footage – it fundamentally redefines the property – and on the tribe’s terms.
At the heart of the expansion is a new 210-room, 10-story luxury hotel tower whose roofline draws directly from the traditional tribal longhouse, anchoring the building’s identity to tribal culture. Rooms and suites are carefully oriented to capture sweeping panoramic views of Mount Si and the lush Snoqualmie Valley. The site’s challenging topography required creative structural and architectural solutions at every level of the design, yet those challenges are also what help make the setting and the views unforgettable. Folding glass walls throughout the resort dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior, including at the resort’s indoor/outdoor pool and sports bar, connecting guests to the valley landscape and providing an energy unique to the setting.
Adjacent to the hotel, a destination spa, fitness center, and resort-style pool attract guests seeking a luxury wellness experience. A 2,000-seat entertainment and convention center spans 150 ft. of column-free space – an engineering achievement that directly enables its programmability. The center’s purpose-built, divisible layout keeps the space functional and flexible at any scale for concerts, conferences, private events, and more.
The expanded casino floor adds new gaming positions, with a remodeled non-smoking area and new bar and dining options. Outside, a new multi-level parking structure with valet service and a porte cochere framing a tranquil water feature set the tone for the guest arrival experience.
The Snoqualmie Tribe’s goal was to reinvent their property into a true hospitality destination while keeping it grounded in the tribe’s heritage and connection to the land. BWA’s long-standing relationship with the tribe, a deeply collaborative design process involving both tribal leadership and the tribe’s cultural committee, and the firm’s extensive experience in global gaming and hospitality design made the tribe’s vision possible in ways that go well beyond simply designing a project.
Along with the expansion’s resort-like amenities – the hotel tower, multi-purpose flexible event and conference space, expanded gaming floor, and luxury spa – the grand registration lobby, anchored by a dramatic fireplace, sets the tone for the property’s great lodge atmosphere. The overall result pairs refined, approachable luxury with a genuine sense of place: sophisticated without being exclusive, and aspirational without being alienating.
To integrate cultural authenticity and pride throughout the expansion, BWA worked closely with the tribe to weave Snoqualmie tribal elements throughout the design. The curtainwall incorporates a basketweave pattern drawn from tribal tradition, functioning simultaneously as building infrastructure and a quiet expression of cultural identity. At the porte cochere, four 20-ft. decorative metal panels featuring tribally significant imagery, designed by a Snoqualmie tribal member, welcome arriving guests. Throughout the interiors, commissioned artwork by local Native artists carries that same spirit, ensuring the tribe’s heritage is felt at every turn.
For BWA, the Snoqualmie expansion represents everything the firm believes great tribal hospitality design can be: culturally grounded in the distinct identity of the tribe and the story it wants to tell; genuinely memorable in the experience it creates; and a driver of long-term economic opportunity that can sustain tribes well into the future.
Acorn Ridge Casino
Ione Band of Miwok Indians
Plymouth, CA
Cuningham
Project: New Casino
Completed: February 2026
Cuningham partnered with Warner Gaming and the Ione Band of Miwok Indians to develop Acorn Ridge Casino, a new gaming and entertainment destination in California’s Sierra Foothills. As the tribe’s first venture into gaming, the project is conceived as a strategic investment in long-term economic growth – creating a bold, recognizable presence while remaining appropriately scaled and flexible to support future expansion.
For more than two decades, the tribe pursued gaming development, but no previous efforts came to fruition. Warner Gaming and Cuningham instead took a pragmatic approach, helping the tribe define a clear development framework, evaluate site opportunities and constraints, and establish a disciplined strategy for phased growth. The resulting concept is right-sized for the market and the tribe’s resources; its realistic schedule and budget allowed it to move confidently through entitlement and design.
Acorn Ridge Casino’s 25,000 sq. ft. gaming floor, full-service restaurant and bar, and outdoor entertainment venue draws directly from the region’s landscape and culture, and embraces the mild, year-round climate through an indoor-outdoor concept uncommon in the industry. Perimeter spaces open to exterior patios, bars extend outdoors, and the gaming floor features operable windows that offer views to the expansive foothills landscape and allow fresh air and daylight to flow into the space.
Early in the design process, the team and the tribe aligned on a design approach that reflects the broader regional context, rather than emphasizing specific tribal cultural elements. The design visually reflects the region; its tiered form echoes the gentle variations of rolling hills, while stone veneer references the area’s rocky soil. Inside, a palette of burgundy and champagne tones reflects the Amador wine country, while an illuminated wine display wall anchors the restaurant concept and celebrates the region’s viticulture through as a striking focal point. Above the table games, a custom light installation inspired by the region’s iconic oak trees creates a distinctive architectural identity rooted in local character.
The cumulative effect of these design choices is a blended interior/exterior environment organized for clarity and energy, with open, visually-aligned program areas connected by intuitive guest navigation.
Stewardship of the surrounding landscape was important to the tribe, and Cuningham worked closely with them to preserve nearby wetlands and waterways while responding to environmental, regulatory, and operational requirements.
Extensive site analysis informed the building’s placement on the tribe’s 200-plus-acre property. Cuningham evaluated water flow, prevailing winds, viewsheds, and other environmental considerations to identify the optimal location. Sited atop a hill, the casino commands panoramic views of rolling foothills and oak woodlands in every direction.
In addition to honoring the region’s cultural identity and respecting the natural landscape, the design also anticipates future expansion. Building systems and the site plan are structured to accommodate additional gaming areas and hotel towers, ensuring the tribe’s initial investment supports sustained growth and that Acorn Ridge Casino is positioned as a lasting economic engine for generations to come.
Golden Mesa Casino & Hotel
Shawnee Tribe
Guymon, OK
HBG Design
Project: Casino Expansion and New Hotel
Completed: August 2025
In Oklahoma’s Panhandle, where long horizons and open skies shape the landscape, Golden Mesa Casino & Hotel rises with a new level of presence and polish. The $78 million expansion transforms the Shawnee Tribe’s gaming property into a true regional destination, bringing resort-quality hospitality and entertainment to Guymon. Created through a close partnership between the Shawnee Tribe, the Chickasaw Nation’s Global Gaming Solutions, and HBG Design, the project redefines gaming and hospitality in this part of Oklahoma through a lens that is warm, vibrant, and grounded in place.
At its core, the expansion was about more than growing in size; it was about growing with intention. The project more than doubled the casino’s gaming capacity, introducing a 40,000 sq. ft. gaming floor with more than 1,100 electronic games and table play, while adding a premium high-limit experience framed by JCM Global’s CLEAR transparent LED digital wall providing vibrancy and visibility, a new 99-room hotel, and a tailored collection of food and beverage venues. Cimarron Ridge Restaurant, Panhandle Press Café, and lively new bar experiences give the resort a layered rhythm, offering guests moments to gather, recharge, celebrate, and linger.
One of the tribe’s central goals was to elevate the property without losing its authenticity or interrupting the daily life of the casino during construction. HBG Design answered that challenge with a strategy rooted in graceful growth, shaping an expansion that feels less like an addition and more like the next natural expression of Golden Mesa. A deep operational collaboration helped shape a plan that enhances circulation, optimizes key functions, and seamlessly integrates repurposed spaces.
The architectural language of the expansion draws from the prairie itself, translating the surrounding landscape into a design that feels grounded yet elevated. Warm stone, wood-effect cladding, copper-toned metal panels, and extended rooflines give the exterior a sense of durability and welcome, while vertical elements add a contemporary sense of movement. By day, the property feels rooted in the land; by night, it begins to glow. A signature cross-weave lighting pattern animates the façade after dark, giving Golden Mesa a memorable identity on the Panhandle horizon.
Inside, the resort leans into light, color, and atmosphere to shape the guest journey. The hotel lobby opens with a two-story atrium and a dramatic geometric chandelier that immediately signals arrival. From there, the interiors unfold through a mix of warm neutrals and bright accent colors inspired by expansive skies, prairie sunsets, and the shifting energy of the day. Teals, burgundies, gold, and textured finishes create an environment that feels both relaxed and spirited. Within the portal connecting the hotel lobby to the casino, a geometric light installation creates a theatrical transition from calm hospitality to gaming-floor excitement.
The hotel continues that narrative with a subtle dusk-to-dawn concept expressed across its elevator lobbies and corridors, where changing tones and ambient lighting give each level its own mood. Guest rooms and suites balance quiet comfort with contemporary freshness, offering neutral foundations punctuated by brighter accents and abstract murals that reflect the openness and light of the surrounding plains.
Golden Mesa is most compelling in the way it balances bold design ambition with disciplined operational execution. For the Shawnee Tribe, it represents a confident new chapter that pairs hospitality with performance and regional pride with a distinctly modern sense of placemaking.
Quapaw Casino
Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma
Miami, OK
TBE Architects
Project: New Casino
Completed: February 2026
The new Quapaw Casino in Miami, OK, marks a significant evolution for the Quapaw Nation, replacing a repurposed industrial venue with a purpose-built, contemporary gaming facility designed to support long-term economic growth. Designed by TBE Architects, the project delivers a modern, guest-focused casino that balances operational efficiency, comfort, and cultural pride.
Encompassing approximately 40,000 sq. ft., the casino was planned as a clear, intuitive environment that enhances both guest experience and staff operations. A carefully organized gaming floor houses more than 450 slot machines within an open layout that improves sightlines, circulation, and flexibility for future expansion. Purpose-built infrastructure – including upgraded electrical, mechanical, and ventilation systems – supports modern gaming technology while significantly elevating occupant comfort compared to the former facility.
The design integrates gaming, dining, and social amenities into a cohesive whole. Legends Restaurant is positioned with a dedicated exterior entrance, allowing family-friendly dining access without requiring guests to travel through the casino floor. Additional amenities include an on-site craft brewery, bar, and Ma Kó-Sha Coffee café, each extending guest dwell time and broadening the property’s appeal beyond traditional gaming audiences.
Interior finishes and lighting were selected to create an inviting, contemporary atmosphere that remains approachable and community-oriented. Lighting strategies reinforce energy and excitement while supporting wayfinding and visual comfort, and zones for gaming, dining, and beverage service are clearly defined yet visually connected to maintain a cohesive guest experience.
More than a casino, the project represents a substantial investment in community vitality. Designed for 24-hour operation, the new Quapaw Casino creates employment opportunities, supports regional tourism, and provides a modern gathering place for entertainment.
Through thoughtful planning, modern infrastructure, and guest-centered design, the Quapaw Casino exemplifies how architecture can strengthen tribal sovereignty and economic resilience. The project stands as a clear expression of progress, purpose, and entertainment design excellence.
FireKeepers Casino Resort
Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Pottawatomi
Battle Creek, MI
TBE Architects
Project: Tower 1 Renovation
Completed: December 2025
The Tower 1 renovation at FireKeepers Casino Hotel reimagines the resort’s original guest tower through a strategic, guest-centered design refresh that aligns it with the elevated standard established by the newer Tower 2. Completed in late 2025, the multi-phase renovation modernized all 242 guest rooms and suites, corridor and elevator lobby interiors, and fully redefined the property’s two Presidential Suites – all while the hotel remained operational.
The primary design objective was to extend FireKeepers’ AAA Four Diamond experience consistently across the property while honoring the significance of Tower 1 as the foundation of the resort’s hospitality identity. Rather than a stylistic departure, the renovation focused on continuity – translating the refined, contemporary language of Tower 2 into the existing tower through updated finishes, furnishings, lighting, and spatial detailing.
Guest rooms were refreshed with a calm, warm material palette and layered lighting designed to support both relaxation and extended stays. Corridors and elevator lobbies were reconceived as experiential transition spaces, improving wayfinding and reinforcing a sense of arrival through texture, rhythm, and proportion.
The two Presidential Suites serve as the creative centerpiece of the renovation and were completely rebuilt from the ground up. Inspired by the elemental forces of fire and water – central to the FireKeepers name and brand – the suites balance bold architectural moments with refined hospitality detailing. Custom lighting, sculptural forms, and layered material contrasts create immersive environments that support entertaining, luxury living, and visual drama without sacrificing comfort or functionality.
The project demanded exceptional coordination due to FireKeepers’ commitment to uninterrupted guest occupancy throughout construction.
Beyond visible design upgrades, the renovation included the complete replacement of Tower 1’s plumbing infrastructure – underscoring the project’s depth and long-term value. Design decisions were informed equally by operational performance and guest comfort, ensuring durability, maintainability, and longevity alongside aesthetics.
The renovated Tower 1 delivers a distinctly upgraded experience that meets contemporary luxury expectations while maintaining familiarity for returning guests. By seamlessly unifying FireKeepers’ original hotel tower with its newer expansion, the project reinforces brand consistency, enhances guest satisfaction, and exemplifies how thoughtful renovation can extend the life and relevance of a legacy hospitality asset.
Coushatta Casino Resort
Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana
Kinder, LA
TBE Architects
Project: Steakhouse Renovation
Completed: August 2025
The newly reimagined Big Sky Steakhouse at Coushatta Casino Resort represents a refined intersection of regional storytelling, culinary craftsmanship, and elevated hospitality design. Long regarded as a signature dining destination within the property, the steakhouse has undergone a comprehensive renovation that honors its legacy while establishing a contemporary, immersive environment aligned with Coushatta Casino Resort’s broader transformation and expansion initiatives.
Drawing inspiration from the Acadian culture and landscapes of Southwest Louisiana, the design emphasizes authenticity, warmth, and a strong sense of place. Natural materials, rich wood textures, and layered lighting create a welcoming atmosphere that feels grounded and timeless rather than trend-driven. The interior incorporates repurposed historic elements, including century-old doors, curated antiques, and locally crafted millwork, reinforcing a tangible connection to regional craftsmanship and heritage.
Spatial planning was central to the project’s success. The dining room is organized to accommodate a variety of guest experiences, from intimate booth seating to a more expansive main dining area anchored by a prominent fireplace. These zones allow the restaurant to function comfortably across different service volumes while maintaining visual cohesion. A private chef’s table introduces an experiential layer, bringing guests closer to the culinary process and reinforcing the steakhouse’s focus on craft and premium ingredients.
A major focal point of the new design is the Mirror Bar, which serves as both a visual statement and a social gathering space. Featuring a dramatic back bar composed of more than 40 individually sourced antique mirrors, the bar balances theatrical presence with refined detailing. Its placement enhances circulation and extends the dining experience beyond traditional seating, supporting both pre-dinner and late-evening use.
Throughout the space, acoustics, lighting, and material selections were carefully calibrated to support fine dining without sacrificing energy or comfort. The result is an environment where culinary excellence and interior architecture work in concert, offering guests an elevated yet approachable experience. The redesigned Big Sky Steakhouse exemplifies TBE Architects’ ability to translate cultural context into enduring hospitality design – strengthening Coushatta Casino Resort’s identity while delivering a destination worthy of regional and national recognition.
Indigo Sky Casino Resort
Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma
Wyandotte, OK
TBE Architects
Project: Rock & Brews Renovation
Completed: June 2025
The Rock & Brews Restaurant and Concert Bar at Indigo Sky Casino Resort was conceived as an immersive, multifunctional environment that fuses dining, live entertainment, gaming, and brand storytelling into a single, cohesive destination. Encompassing approximately 7,500 sq. ft., the venue redefines how a casino-adjacent restaurant can perform – equally successful as a concert space, sports bar, social hub, and flexible event venue.
The design prioritizes energy, visibility, and adaptability. Fifteen high-definition LED screens are strategically distributed throughout the space, ensuring uninterrupted sightlines for sports and visual programming while contributing dynamic light and motion to the interior atmosphere. A centrally positioned live performance stage anchors the room, designed to comfortably host both local musicians and national touring acts without requiring reconfiguration. Lighting, acoustics, and circulation were meticulously coordinated to support live music while preserving conversational comfort during dining service.
Material selections and finishes reinforce the Rock & Brews identity while remaining grounded and durable for high-volume use. Bold rock-inspired graphics, memorabilia, and iconography are balanced with industrial textures and warm lighting to create a setting that feels authentic rather than themed. The full-service concert bar functions as a visual and social focal point, with integrated countertop gaming that enhances guest engagement while remaining visually discreet within the overall composition.
Flexibility was a core design driver. Open floor areas transition seamlessly from daytime dining to evening concert and dance use, while adjacent private dining and meeting rooms extend the venue’s functionality to corporate events and group gatherings. The space supports a wide range of occupancy levels and programming formats without compromising the integrity of the design.
Beyond aesthetics, the project succeeds in creating a memorable guest experience through thoughtful spatial planning and sensory balance. Food service, gaming, music, and movement coexist without visual or acoustic conflict, resulting in an environment that feels energetic but controlled. The Rock & Brews Restaurant and Concert Bar ultimately elevates Indigo Sky Casino Resort’s entertainment offerings, demonstrating how brand-driven design can enhance operational performance while delivering an engaging, contemporary hospitality experience worthy of recognition.