Business Details
24 Years
experience
Hospitality Interior Design Experts in Nashville
Established in 2002, AK Designs has become a trusted leader in hospitality interior design and FF&E procurement. Founded by Andrea K. Gillespie, our team brings over 70 years of combined experience serving major hotel brands like Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, and IHG. We pride ourselves on fostering long-term relationships with clients, franchisors, and industry partners while delivering tailored design solutions that blend functionality and aesthetics. Our designers hold degrees from accredited universities and several carry the prestigious NCIDQ certification. With projects spanning over 40 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces, we embrace diverse challenges in urban centers, coastal areas, and suburban markets.Our expertise covers ground-up construction, brand conversions, and renovations, ensuring every project reflects local character and client vision. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, we remain committed to innovation, quality, and exceeding expectations in hospitality design.
Services
Hospitality Interior Design
FF&E Procurement
Brand Prototype Design
Customized Design Solutions
Hotel Renovations
Ground-Up Construction Design
Brand Conversion Projects
Re-Licensing Property Improvements
Coastal & Urban Design Integration
Local Flavor Incorporation
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We offer 70+ combined years of hospitality interior design expertise.
- Our team includes NCIDQ-certified designers with accredited degrees.
- We serve 25+ hospitality brands across 40+ U.S. states and Canada.
- Our portfolio includes ground-up construction, brand conversions, and renovations.
- We integrate local flavor into brand-compliant, customized designs.
Associations and certifications
- NCIDQ
What people say
Expertise in hospitality design
Timely project delivery
Creative yet practical solutions
Strong client relationships
Brand-compliant results
Services
Hospitality Interior Design
We create functional, brand-compliant interiors for hotels, blending aesthetics with operational efficiency. Our designs cater to franchise standards while incorporating regional elements, ensuring spaces resonate with guests and meet market demands. Expertise spans renovations, new builds, and brand transitions.
FF&E Procurement
Our team manages full FF&E procurement, securing high-quality furnishings, fixtures, and equipment tailored to hospitality needs. We streamline vendor coordination, ensuring timely delivery, budget adherence, and compliance with brand specifications.
Brand Prototype Design
We specialize in executing franchise brand prototypes, maintaining consistency across properties while optimizing layouts for local contexts. Our solutions ensure alignment with corporate guidelines and guest expectations.
Customized Design Solutions
For unique projects, we develop bespoke designs that reflect owner vision and market identity. This includes independent hotels and properties requiring creative adaptations beyond brand templates.
Hotel Renovations
We handle renovations from minor updates to full-scale overhauls, revitalizing spaces to meet current standards. Our process minimizes disruptions while enhancing guest experiences and preserving brand integrity.
People
Andrea K. Gillespie
Owner & Design Principal
Founder Andrea K. Gillespie established AKDG in 2002, bringing decades of hospitality design leadership. Her expertise in brand compliance and NCIDQ-certified background drive the firms creative direction and client success.
David Gillespie
Owner & Chief Financial Officer
David Gillespie oversees AKDGs financial operations, ensuring strategic growth and resource optimization. His leadership in fiscal management supports the firms long-term stability and project excellence.
Darby McKnight
Director of FF&E Procurement
Darby McKnight leads FF&E strategy, leveraging industry networks to source premium furnishings. Her focus on efficiency and quality ensures clients receive cost-effective, brand-aligned procurement solutions.
Sarah Garcia
Senior Designer
NCIDQ-certified Senior Designer Sarah Garcia specializes in translating brand standards into compelling interiors. Her attention to detail ensures spaces are both visually striking and operationally functional.
Kylie Worman
Project Designer III
Project Designer Kylie Worman manages complex design workflows, balancing creativity with practical execution. Her work supports seamless project delivery across diverse hospitality environments.
Questions
What hospitality brands does AKDG work with?
We specialize in Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, and IHG franchises but have experience with 25+ hospitality brands across the U.S. and Canada.
Can AKDG handle both renovations and new hotel builds?
Yes, our expertise includes ground-up construction, brand conversions, re-licensing upgrades, and renovations at any scale.
Do you incorporate local design elements into brand prototypes?
Absolutely. We integrate regional character into brand-compliant designs, creating spaces that reflect local markets while meeting corporate standards.
What areas does AKDG serve?
We operate nationwide in the U.S., including 40+ states, and in two Canadian provinces, adapting to diverse geographic and cultural contexts.
Are your designers NCIDQ-certified?
Several team members hold the NCIDQ certification, ensuring rigorous professional standards and expertise in hospitality interior design.
