Architect brings 10+ years of
program-management and restaurant design experience to his new role
supporting HFA's Hospitality + Entertainment team.
BENTONVILLE,
Ark., June 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Veteran
architect Steven Baker (AIA,
NCARB) has accepted the role of Hospitality Lead at HFA
Architecture + Engineering, supporting the firm's fast-growing
Hospitality + Entertainment team.
Baker has been with HFA for more than a decade,
developing and managing teams serving restaurant and hospitality
clients. He started out leading a team working through hundreds of
retail remodel projects for a national client program. In recent
years, Baker's teams have created multiple prototypes for quick
service restaurant (QSR) clients.
Hospitality architecture continues to push the
boundaries of design innovation and sustainability, making it an
exciting field to be a part of, noted Baker, whose teams have
spearheaded remodel projects that are poised to redefine sales
channels in the rapidly evolving QSR sector.
"The evolution right now is very exciting," he
said. "The biggest trend in restaurants is transforming spaces for
digital engagement while still providing great in-person
experiences. Designing restaurants and other hospitality spaces
allows architects to play with aesthetics, atmosphere, and
functionality, shaping environments that leave lasting impressions
on patrons."
As Hospitality Lead, Baker uses his experience
with QSRs and fast-casual chains to help fine-dining restaurants
maximize the efficiency of every square foot. He designs projects
with the patron experience in mind—a central focus of HFA's
Hospitality + Entertainment team.
Baker sees building lasting and meaningful
relationships with clients, as well as collaborating closely with
other in-house disciplines, as being critical to project success,
said Nicole Poole (AIA, NCARB, LEED
AP), Vice President of Hospitality + Entertainment.
"Steven's impact on our team and the AEC industry
is unparalleled," she said. "He is always willing to lend a hand to
those around him, and his leadership has been instrumental in
guiding and growing the Hospitality + Entertainment team at
HFA."
Baker plans to engage with restaurant brands
looking to evolve their patron experience. His goals include
expanding the list of brands that have had their built environments
transformed thanks to HFA's multidisciplinary insights and
expertise.
"My tenure at HFA has been full of opportunities
to learn from many talented architects and engineers," Baker said.
"I've worked with amazing clients at the forefront of the retail
and restaurant sectors, focused on continuous innovation. This
foundation of industry knowledge, the mindset of iterative design,
and mentorship at multiple levels equip me to lead my team and
clients into the future."
Media Contacts: At Jaffe
Communications, Elisa Krantz, (908)
789-0700, 379333@email4pr.com
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/steven-baker-named-hospitality-lead-at-hfa-302176261.html
SOURCE HFA Architects + Engineers