Business Details
24 Years
experience
Hospitality Interior Design & FF&E Procurement Experts
Established in 2002 by Andrea K. Gillespie, AK Designs has emerged as a leader in hospitality interior design and furnishings procurement. Our firm specializes in serving major hotel brands including Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, and IHG franchise owners across the United States and Canada. With over 70 years of combined experience, our team of accredited designers and procurement specialists delivers tailored solutions for ground-up construction, brand conversions, and renovations. We maintain strong relationships with franchisors, architects, and contractors to ensure seamless project execution. Our designers hold degrees from accredited universities, with multiple team members achieving the prestigious NCIDQ certification.We approach every project with a commitment to elevating hospitality experiences through innovative design. Our portfolio spans hundreds of completed projects for 25+ hospitality brands, serving REITs, corporate developers, and independent hoteliers. The firm's Nashville, Tennessee headquarters provides strategic oversight for projects nationwide. Our FF&E procurement expertise ensures timely delivery of quality furnishings that align with brand standards and budget requirements. Client satisfaction remains our top priority, evidenced by long-standing partnerships and repeat business.
Services
Hospitality Interior Design
FF&E Procurement
Brand-Compliant Renovations
New Construction Design
Hotel Conversion Projects
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We have completed 200+ hospitality interior design projects across North America
- Our team includes NCIDQ-certified designers with hospitality-specific expertise
- We maintain active partnerships with major hotel franchisors and vendors
- We offer end-to-end FF&E procurement services with nationwide logistics support
- Our designers hold degrees from accredited interior design programs
Associations and certifications
- NCIDQ
Services
Hospitality Interior Design
Our hospitality interior design service creates functional, brand-compliant spaces that enhance guest experiences. We specialize in hotel renovations and new construction projects across major franchise systems. With NCIDQ-certified designers and decades of industry experience, we deliver tailored solutions that balance aesthetic appeal with operational efficiency for properties nationwide.
FF&E Procurement
Our FF&E procurement service manages furniture, fixtures, and equipment acquisition for hospitality projects. We coordinate nationwide logistics, ensure timely delivery, and maintain quality control throughout the procurement process. Our team leverages industry relationships to secure competitive pricing while maintaining strict adherence to brand specifications and budget requirements for hotel developments.
Brand-Compliant Renovations
We specialize in brand-compliant renovation projects that meet franchisor requirements while minimizing operational disruption. Our team coordinates with hotel management, franchisors, and contractors to execute timely upgrades. From guestroom renovations to public area updates, we ensure renovations maintain brand integrity while enhancing property value and guest satisfaction across North America.
New Construction Design
Our new construction design service provides comprehensive interior solutions for ground-up hotel developments. We collaborate with architects and contractors to create functional, market-appropriate designs that meet brand standards. From schematic design through construction documentation, our team ensures seamless integration of interior elements with building systems to deliver successful hospitality projects from concept to completion.
Hotel Conversion Projects
We manage hotel brand conversion projects with expertise in transitioning properties between franchise systems. Our service includes assessing existing conditions, developing conversion plans, and coordinating with franchisors to meet new brand requirements. We minimize downtime during transitions while ensuring full compliance with updated standards, helping property owners maximize returns through successful brand repositioning in competitive markets.
People
Andrea K. Gillespie
Owner & Design Principal
Founder Andrea Gillespie established AKDG in 2002 with over 20 years of hospitality design experience. She leads creative direction and client relations while maintaining NCIDQ certification.
David Gillespie
Owner & Chief Financial Officer
David manages financial operations and business strategy. With 15+ years in hospitality development, he ensures project budgets align with client investment goals.
Darby McKnight
Director of FF&E Procurement
Darby leads procurement operations with expertise in hospitality furnishings logistics. She manages vendor relationships and ensures timely delivery of quality FF&E components across North America.
Sarah Garcia
Senior Designer I
NCIDQ-certified Senior Designer Sarah Garcia develops creative solutions for complex hospitality projects. With a degree from Middle Tennessee State University, she specializes in brand-compliant interior design.
Karen Livaudais
Procurement Project Manager
Karen manages procurement timelines and coordinates with suppliers to ensure project deadlines are met. She also contributes to interior design solutions with 10 years of hospitality industry experience.
Questions
What hospitality brands do you work with?
We specialize in Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, and IHG franchise projects, with experience across 25+ hospitality brands.
Do you handle both design and procurement?
Yes, we provide full-service interior design and FF&E procurement solutions for hospitality projects.
What project types do you support?
We handle ground-up construction, brand conversions, re-licensing improvements, and all renovation scales.
Are your designers certified?
Our team includes NCIDQ-certified designers with degrees from accredited four-year universities.
Do you work outside the United States?
Yes, we serve clients throughout both the United States and Canada.
How do you ensure brand compliance?
We maintain direct relationships with franchisor representatives to guarantee adherence to brand standards.
