Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), one of the world’s leading hospitality design firm, is celebrating 50 years as a global leader shaping the look, style and brand identity of luxury hotels around the world.
First conceptualized in Santa Monica in 1965 as a way to bring individuality to hospitality projects, founder Howard Hirsch aimed to create an element of sophistication not found in other hotels at the time. Michael Bedner joined the company in 1967 and expanded the company internationally and broadened the firm’s scope to include resorts, casinos, spas and restaurants.
HBA has since grown into 22 offices around the world with more than 1,500 designers.
“I am honoured to be celebrating HBA’s 50th anniversary this year and to usher in the next 50 years of designing the future,” said HBA Co-CEO Rene René Gross Kærskov.
“As the leaders in the industry, we are a global firm that continues to remain local; we listen to our clients’ needs and work accordingly, ensuring that we are always years ahead of the desires of discerning travellers. It has solidified our success thus far and will continue to be our model as we grow the firm.”
HBA Co-CEO Ian Carr added: “Hirsch and Bedner created the world’s leading hospitality firm and we work hard to maintain and exceed that reputation every single day.
“It is our duty to continue to build and leave HBA stronger than it was when it started and to carry on its core principles left by the founders – a focus on vibrancy, creativity, ingenuity, fun and entrepreneurship – we are an entrepreneurial cauldron at HBA, it’s what makes us the best at what we do.”
In honour of the anniversary, HBA announced the creation of the HBA ‘Design the Future’ scholarship fund. The aim of this scholarship fund is to create a continual financial resource for bright young talent to further their design-related education and nurture the next generation of designers.
An initial $50,000 donation – $1,000 for each year in business – will be placed into this fund by HBA International
Future events, fundraisers and donations will maintain the fund. HBA will donate $25,000 of the initial HBA Design the Future Scholarship Fund directly to Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).
The donation will be awarded as a tuition scholarship to deserving students.