Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977, the Hotel del Coronado, San Diego’s legendary beachfront resort and long celebrated for hosting royalty and celebrities, completed a $550 million multi-phase renovation. Working alongside a historic preservationist, the project team provided integrated AOR and interior design services for public spaces in the first phase, followed by interiors-only for guestrooms in the second. The Rotunda lobby was expanded with restored Illinois white oak, a hand-blown crystal chandelier, and a hand-painted de Gournay wallcovering. The front porch was revived with heirloom Brumby rockers. Eleven meeting and ballroom venues, some accommodating up to 900 guests, were refreshed with improved reconfiguration flexibility, while select spaces preserved original 1911 light fixtures designed by The Wizard of Oz author L. Frank Baum. All 371 guestrooms were reinterpreted, maintaining Neo-Victorian roots while adopting an evolved design and improved functionality. Custom furnishings, artwork inspired by vintage sketches, and historically aware details honor the resort’s heritage while welcoming the next generation to an American icon.
Bio Founded in Honolulu in 1945, WATG is the preeminent leader in integrated luxury hospitality design. Comprising five studios – Advisory, Master Planning, Architecture, Landscape and Wimberly Interiors, WATG designs spaces that respect, protect and enhance the natural magic of their surroundings while delivering long-term value for clients and communities. As of 2025, its global yet local team across offices in Honolulu, Tustin (California), Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlantic City, New York, London, Singapore and Shanghai – has designed and delivered 560+ built projects in 170 countries.
Other prizes CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER 2024 The Reader’s Choice List – Nobu Hotel Los Cabos, Los Cabos, Mexico / TRAVEL & LEISURE 2024 The 100 Best New Hotels of the Year - Umana Bali, LXR Hotels & Resorts, Indonesia / LIV HOSPITALITY DESIGN AWARDS 2024 Resort-Luxury Mountain Destination - Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, China / TIME MAGAZINE World’s Greatest Places 2024 Omni Homestead Resort and Spa Renovation, Virginia, USA / HOSPITALITY DESIGN MAGAZINE 2024 / HOSPITALITY DESIGN MAGAZINE 2024 New Brand Category Finalist - Tempo by Hilton Times Square (interiors only), New York, USA / RESTAURANT & BAR DESIGN AWARDS 2023 Middle East & Africa Surface Interiors Category Winner – SushiSamba, Waldorf Astoria Lusail, Doha, Qatar / PARIS DESIGN AWARDS 2022 Urban Design - International La Cadiere Lake City, China / AHEAD GLOBAL 2022, Transport - Winner Belmond Venice-Simplon-Orient Express / GOLD KEY AWARD Excellence In Hospitality Design 2022 Best Renovation - Kauai Beach Hotel & Resort, Hawaii / WORLD ARCHITECTURE FESTIVAL 2019 Hotel + Leisure Completed Buildings - Shortlisted Nobu Hotel Los Cabos
