News & Events - Kollin Altomare

International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC)

Welcomes Michael Kollin as new member

December 30, 2020

Michael Kollin is honored to be welcomed as a member of the International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC). Established in 1988 by a small group of leading hospitality consultants, ISHC has become the world's greatest source for hospitality expertise and counsel, represented by over 200… (more)

Frenchman’s Reef Marriott Resort, St. Thomas Construction Underway

$300 million resort renovation set to open summer 2022

November 1, 2020

Our project team recently returned from a site visit in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands to access the construction progress at the Frenchman's Reef Marriott Resort, and Noni Beach, a St. Thomas Resort. Check out the progress video to see the amazing views and amenities at… (more)

San Gabriel Plaza Receives Development Approval

Mixed-use condominium and retail

October 28, 2020

The City of San Gabriel Design Review Commission has unanimously approved the design for the development of San Gabriel Plaza – a mixed-use condominium and retail development at 220 South San Gabriel Blvd. Kollin Altomare has completed final revisions to the design concept and entitlement… (more)

Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point Conversion

Rebranding to Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort

September 30, 2020

We're thrilled to begin working with Ohana Real Estate Investors on the iconic Monarch Beach Resort conversion project. Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Hilton's iconic luxury hotel brand, recently announced the upcoming debut of the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club in Dana Point,… (more)

Behind the Design

New video highlights the people and culture at Kollin Altomare

September 26, 2020

While it’s rewarding for us to showcase our projects, we feel it’s equally important to shine the spotlight on our company’s most important asset—the people behind the projects. After all, it’s their creativity, imagination, and talent that brings our projects to life. We’re excited to… (more)

Summer Soiree

At the Shorebreak Resort

September 24, 2020

Several members of our Long Beach office toasted farewell to summer at the Kimpton Shorebreak Resort | Pacific Hideaway in Huntington Beach. Situated at the center of Surf City USA just steps from the sand and pier, this boutique beach resort with its spacious open-air… (more)

Ocean Institute’s Sahm Marine Education Center

Anticipated to open later this year

August 21, 2020

We recently completed the Ocean Institute's new Sahm Marine Education Center, anticipated to open later this year in Dana Point, CA. Part of the Institute's shark education program for visiting students and the public, the center will provide engaging educational experiences that promote science, technology,… (more)

Outer Reef Restaurant at Laguna Cliffs Marriott

Sneak peek at renovation nearly complete

July 30, 2020

The new Outer Reef restaurant is set to open soon at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa in Dana Point, California. We recently completed a $3+ million renovation of the hotel’s restaurant and bar, renamed Outer Reef, which features a new 1,000-gallon saltwater aquarium… (more)

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Receives Smart Stars Award

As the Best Desert Hotel by Smart Meetings

June 11, 2020

We're pleased to share that the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has received a Smart Stars Award in the category of Best Desert Hotel by Smart Meetings magazine - Reader’s Choice for Brilliant Places. We’re proud to have been involved in the design of this outstanding property.… (more)

Melissa Palomares Promoted to HR & Business Manager

Long Beach Office

May 22, 2020

We're pleased to announce that Melissa Palomares has been promoted to HR & Business Manager. Melissa ("Mel") joined Kollin Altomare in 2005 as office administrator and quickly transitioned into an office manager position before taking on her current role in Human Resources and Business Management.… (more)

The Advancement of Wellness – Spa Concepts of the Future

Mike Dalezman Shares Insights

May 1, 2020

Our Mike Dalezman recently joined fellow hospitality industry experts Stephanie Rest of Caribbean Wellness & Education; Lynn Curry, CMC, ISHC of Curry Spa Consulting LLC (now Resources For Leisure Assets); and Clark A. Smillie of VITA Planning & Landscape Architecture for an intriguing discussion on the… (more)

Paying It Forward

Sharing the good during the pandemic

April 7, 2020

Did you know that the act of giving can actually boost your immune system? Several members of our staff felt inspired to try to do their part to help others during the pandemic. We wanted to share these Top 20 Acts of Kindness / individual… (more)

Chicago Office Make-Over

Workspace rejuvenation

March 2, 2020

Our Chicago office renovation is now complete. A three-month demolition and remodel of the interior space by our design team allowed us to incorporate many of the same features enjoyed by our Long Beach office. The new and improved space now includes a large open… (more)

Salon Drew LBX Completed

A New-Drew

February 26, 2020

We're excited to announce the completion of our latest project in Long Beach, CA. Salon Drew at the LBX opened its doors in February and looks amazing! Our clients Scott and Michelle Shelton of the D+D Group wanted to create a new boutique salon to… (more)

We Have a New Company Video!

Refreshed for the new decade

January 25, 2020

To kick off the new year and new decade, we’re pleased to announce the release of our new company video—a visual short story about the history of our firm and the people and projects that make it special. Let us take you on a 4.5-minute… (more)

Sip & Support Event for Live Love Animal Rescue

Holiday Wine Tasting Fundraiser

December 21, 2019

We had a fantastic time hosting this special wine tasting fundraiser event, co-hosted by Mercury Wine Club to support Live Love Animal Rescue (LLAR) of Long Beach and their amazing 🐶 dog rescue efforts. Guests enjoyed tasting a variety of wines from Mercury Wine Club,… (more)

Plans Approved for The Lasky Hotel, Beverly Hills

A new 66-room boutique luxury hotel

November 18, 2019

We received unanimous approval from the City of Beverly Hills last week to move forward with modified plans for the Lasky Hotel, a new 66-room boutique luxury hotel to be located at 140 South Lasky Drive in Beverly Hills, CA. The new four-story hotel to… (more)

Boats n’ Barks Pawty

Live Love Animal Rescue Fundraiser

October 15, 2019

We attended the Boats n’ Barks gala and silent auction at the Boathouse on the Bay in Long Beach - an amazing fundraising event to support Live Love Animal Rescue efforts. Themed “Longing to Belong” the event was sponsored by the Karen T. Hilburn Foundation… (more)

Announcing the Return of the Frenchman’s Reef Marriott Resort & Spa and the Debut of Noni Beach Resort

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

October 8, 2019

We are pleased to be working with DiamondRock Hospitality on the highly anticipated return of the Frenchman's Reef Marriott Resort & Spa and a new, adjacent resort under Marriott's Autograph Collection, Noni Beach, a St. Thomas Resort in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Kollin Altomare is the architect… (more)

Highlights from the 2019 Lodging Conference

At the Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort, Arizona

September 30, 2019

We enjoyed another year of participation at The Lodging Conference, including sponsorship of this year's golf tournament, held at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort in Arizona on September 23-26, 2019. Our Michael Kollin and Michael Dalezman attended this sell-out hotel industry event attended… (more)

Four Seasons Hotel Austin Modernization

Wins 2019 ENR Best Projects Award

September 9, 2019

The Four Seasons Hotel Austin Modernization project has won a 2019 Best Projects Award from Engineering News-Record (ENR) in the Interior/Tenant Improvement category- ENR Texas/Louisiana region. An ENR Best Projects Award is considered one of commercial construction’s most prestigious and coveted honors, selected by juries of… (more)

End of Summer Sail

With BKF Engineers

September 6, 2019

Thanks to our partners at BKF Engineers, several of us enjoyed a Friday afternoon "End of Summer Sail" aboard the “Cest La Vie” a 44-ft Beneteau sailing sloop. It was great to relax on the boat in the beautiful Newport Harbor for a few hours… (more)

Columbia’s First Four-Star Hotel

Hotel Anthem, Tapestry Boutique Brand Receives Zoning Approval

August 20, 2019

The Columbia Board of Zoning Appeals approved plans for a height variance paving the way for Columbia's first four-star hotel in South Carolina. Hotel Anthem, a boutique inspired Hilton Tapestry hotel will be constructed in Columbia's entertainment district of Vista at 800 Gervais Street. In… (more)

Southern California Development Forum (SCDF) Los Angeles

Are Boutique Hotels Becoming Mainstream?

August 13, 2019

This annual hospitality event by SCDF (Southern California Development Forum) focused on the increased popularity of the boutique hotel industry – defined as independent, lifestyle and soft-brand collections. We sponsored this breakfast meeting at the City Club Los Angeles on August 13th moderated by Bruce Baltin, managing… (more)

HPS Conference, San Diego

Marriott Bayfront Hotel

August 6, 2019

Michael Kollin spoke on a hospitality design panel at the second annual Hospitality Product Supply (HPS) Conference held at the Marriott Bayfront hotel in San Diego August 6-8. Principal architect Christopher Alex also attended. The HPS Conference & Summit is a unique hospitality supplier trade show and conference… (more)

Michael Dalezman Promoted to Managing Director

Chicago Office

July 3, 2019

We're pleased to announce that Michael Dalezman has been promoted to Managing Director of our Chicago office. Michael joined Kollin Altomare in 2017 as senior project manager and brings to the team more than 15 years of architectural and management experience on a wide range… (more)

Long Beach Office Open House & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Grand Opening Celebration

June 20, 2019

Together with our clients, collaborators, staff and friends, we celebrated the opening of our new corporate office in the Terminal at Douglas Park, just down the street from the Long Beach Airport. The Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce was on hand to mark the special occasion… (more)

AIA 2019 Conference on Architecture

Las Vegas Convention Center
"Blueprint for a Better Future"

June 6, 2019

Six members of our firm attended today's AIA Conference on Architecture 2019 in Las Vegas. This year's theme is "Blueprint for a Better Future." Designing a better future means taking on the critical challenges facing cities—and our world—today. Beyond its excess, extremes, and appetite for… (more)

Chair Design Project

Wilson High School Mentor Program

May 21, 2019

Architecture instructor Jeffrey Jackson at Wilson High School in Long Beach presented Kollin Altomare with a Design Linked Learning Partner Award. Over the last several years, Michael Kollin and architectural designer Bryan Pliez have made it a priority to participate in the school's Architecture mentor… (more)

Hospitality Design magazine’s CitySCENE: Chicago

Cabra at The Hoxton, Chicago

May 29, 2019

Several of our Chicago staff members attended Hospitality Design magazine's annual CitySCENE: Chicago on May 29th at Cabra at The Hoxton Chicago. (Pictured from left: Ron Javier, Michael Dalezman, Sarah Clark, David Smith) This networking event provides the perfect atmosphere for us to get out,… (more)

HDexpo 2019 Las Vegas

Hospitality Design Treasures Around Every Corner

May 17, 2019

This year's HDexpo Las Vegas revealed so many eye-popping hospitality design treasures, with "ooh's and ahh's" around every corner. Logging nearly 20,000 steps (8 miles) across the 2-hall expo floor, we managed to just about cover it! Several of our designers attended and received inspiration from… (more)

Fast Cars and Hospitality Industry Professionals Merge

at Track Days - Benefit for Good360

May 5, 2019

What do fast cars and hospitality industry professionals have in common? They were both the center of Track Days 2019, a two-day charity benefit event for Good360 at Pueblo Motorsports Park in Colorado, sponsored by leading hospitality companies. The event is focused on high-performance driving instruction, skill… (more)

HVS Chicago Hotel Investment Summit (CHIS)

Kimpton Gray Hotel, Chicago

April 5, 2019

Michael Dalezman from our Chicago office, and Paul Altomare attended the Chicago Hotel Investment Summit (CHIS) in Chicago on April 5, hosted by The Langham Hospitality Group. The greater Chicago market has experienced a period of economic strength in commercial real estate, evidenced by the… (more)

Kollin Altomare Designer Racing in Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach

April 12, 2019

Our most recent designer to join our team, Nicolai Elghanayan, will race in the 45th Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach with the Pirelli GT4 America series April 13-14. Nicolai invited Michael Kollin to test the track with him on Media Day to experience the… (more)

Viceroy L’Ermitage Beverly Hills Receives Forbes Travel Guide 2019 Five-Star Award

Verified luxury for 19th consecutive year.

April 1, 2019

This luxury boutique hotel continues to exceed expectations as it earns the prestigious Five-Star Hotel Award by Forbes Travel Guide for the 19th consecutive year. Named a five-star award winner by Forbes Travel Guide since 2000, Kollin Altomare’s $20 million renovation helped the Beverly Hills retreat… (more)

BDwest, Boutique Design Trade Fair

Los Angeles Convention Center

March 14, 2019

To help us stay up to date on the latest hospitality design trends, products and technology, several of us attended this two-day conference at the Los Angeles Convention Center. BDwest - Boutique Design Trade Fair is the premier trade fair and conference for hospitality design… (more)

GROHE Facility Tour, Germany

“Pure Freude an Wasser”
(“The Joy of Water“)

March 2, 2019

We were invited by GROHE, the leading global brand for complete bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings, to be immersed in the GROHE philosophy of product design and execution. And what better way to understand as a design professional what it takes to develop and stay… (more)

BoConcept’s New SOCO Showroom Celebration

Urban Danish Design Furnishings

February 8, 2019

We were invited to celebrate the opening of BoConcept's new showroom in Costa Mesa, CA at SOCO Collection in Orange County on January 31st. Several of our design staff, (pictured from left): Bryan Pliez, Kira Hutnick, Linda Perez, and Jasmin Esquivel attended the “Galette des… (more)

Rogers Middle School “Jeopardy” Tournament

Supporting the academic competition that celebrates knowledge and learning

January 31, 2019

CLUE: A fast-paced, 3-day academic competition. ANSWER: What is Rogers Middle School’s “Jeopardy!” Tournament? Rogers Middle School students (Mustangs) took a 40-question, fill-the-blanks qualifying test (the JQ). The top 18 scores in each grade (6th through 8th) then moved on to 3-days of preliminaries and… (more)

ALIS Conference 2019

At the JW Marriott and Microsoft Theater, Los Angeles

January 30, 2019

Michael Kollin and thousands of hotel executives, investors, developers, and hospitality professionals from across the country gathered at the JW Marriott & Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles for the 2019 Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) Jan 28-30th. According to James Burba, chair of ALIS and… (more)

Paws for a Cause

Supporting Our Four-Legged Friends

January 9, 2019

As animals are very near and dear to our hearts at Kollin Altomare, we are proud to support a number of pet rescue organizations. As pet parents of seven rescue canines of all sizes, Paul Altomare and his wife Raquel have been leading the effort… (more)

Our New Long Beach Office

Now Open in the Terminal at Douglas Park

February 18, 2019

We're pleased to announce the opening of our new office in Long Beach at the Terminal at Douglas Park, just down the road from the Long Beach Airport. This new facility accommodates our expanding team, clients and projects, and offers a creative office environment focused… (more)

World Architecture Festival, Amsterdam

November 30, 2018

Michael Kollin, Paul Altomare and Christopher Alex attended the 2018 World Architecture Festival (WAF) at the RAI in Amsterdam November 28-30. WAF is a three-day event where architects, interior design professionals and the world architecture community meet to celebrate, learn, exchange ideas and be inspired.… (more)

New Look & New Logo – Announcing a Revitalization Project of Our Own

November 20, 2018

Kollin Altomare Architects - Redesigned! We are pleased to announce the completion of our rebranding efforts and launch of our newly renovated website. After 20+ years of renovating hospitality, retail, residential, and mixed-use projects, we felt it was time for a revitalization of our own.… (more)

San Gabriel Plaza Mixed-Use Condos & Retail Set to Rise

November 13, 2018

We recently completed revisions to the initial concept/entitlement package presented to the City of San Gabriel for this mixed-use condominium and retail development at 220 South San Gabriel Blvd. The proposed development for San Gabriel Square, LLC will replace a series of single-story commercial buildings,… (more)

Williamsburg Inn Receives Forbes Travel Guide 2018 Five-Star Award

October 27, 2018

Kollin Altomare’s resort-wide redesign helped the historic Williamsburg Inn in colonial Williamsburg, Virginia earn a Five-Star Award and place on Forbes Travel Guide’s inaugural Verified List of the world’s most luxurious hotels in 2018! Congratulations to The Colonial Williamsburg Company, Geller Investment Company, and special thanks… (more)

HX: The Hotel Experience + BDNY

November 12, 2018

Brian Husting and Ron Javier attended HX 2018 and BDNY held concurrently at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York Nov 11-12. The two day Hotel Experience focused on Future Trends, Technology, and Operational Excellence in Hospitality. Key takeaway's: Future = Environmentally conscious hotels and health care facilities… (more)

BITAC Purchasing and Design West Conference

October 23, 2018

Our Ron Javier, architect and senior project manager, was invited to join an elite group of 50 prestigious decision-makers at this year's BITAC Purchasing & Design West conference at La Quinta Resort – a Waldorf Astoria Resort, Palm Springs, California Oct 21-23, 2018. The event includes 2+ days of… (more)

Kollin Altomare Joins AHLA

October 3, 2018

Kollin Altomare has joined the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) as an allied member. Membership gives us access to AHLA’s information Center with working files on over 1,000 topics related to the hospitality industry, as well as AHLA’s Allied Council where we can identify… (more)

Reimagined Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa Completed

September 5, 2018

The team at Kollin Altomare worked in collaboration with interior design firm, Design Atelier to complete this $25 million renovation project in Dana Point, CA, which included a complete makeover of 378 guestrooms and 15 ocean view suites. Special thanks to our team members: William… (more)

2018 Waterton Annual Leadership Learning Conference

August 21, 2018

As a valued business partner and supplier, Kollin Altomare was invited to participate in Waterton’s Annual Leadership Learning Conference outside Chicago at the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort and Convention Center in Oak Brook, IL held August 21 – 23. Michael Kollin attended the event… (more)

HPS Conference in San Diego

August 10, 2018

Michael Kollin (far right) was a key note speaker on a hospitality design panel at the first annual Hospitality Product Supply (HPS) Conference held at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina August 8-10, 2018. The HPS Conference Summit is a unique supplier trade show and conference providing attendees with… (more)

Sheraton Los Angeles San Gabriel Grand Opening

March 1, 2018

The staff at Kollin Altomare celebrated the grand opening of the Sheraton Los Angeles San Gabriel on February 22, 2018. The 288-room, five-story art deco hotel and conference center opened to the public on Feb 13th. We worked closely with Pyramid Hotel Group to bring… (more)

Apuane Spa at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita Receives Accolades

January 1, 2018

The Apuane Spa at the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita was named the Spa of the Week by Elite Traveler magazine, and featured on the Forbes Travel Guide website. The multi-million-dollar renovation at this water-inspired destination spa created 21,500 SF of wellness and relaxation, all… (more)

Making Connections in the Windy City at Local Events

CitySCENE and AIA-Chicago Firm Awards

April 18, 2017

Our Chicago team including Ron Javier, along with our collaborators from Whitespace Interiors, attended Hospitality Design's CitySCENE event at the Boleo Bar and Restaurant at the Kimpton Gray Hotel in Downtown Chicago. Our Chicago team is working hard to make their presence known in the local… (more)

KAA Staff Volunteer at Holiday Event for Local Charity

December 19, 2016

‘Tis the season for helping others, and Kollin Altomare Architects staff showed their holiday cheer this month by volunteering with Friends & Helpers, a local nonprofit organization, in El Segundo earlier this month. Friends & Helpers was started in 1992 in Southern California by a… (more)

Design comes to life at Four Seasons Punta Mita

September 17, 2016

The team at Kollin Altomare has been working diligently for some time on a new vision for Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita in Mexico. The enhancements will bring fresh and innovative spaces to the Resort’s already magical landscape, ideal for beachfront meetings, weddings and private events,… (more)

Make-A-Wish Los Angeles Event

February 2, 2016

As much as we love working on hospitality and commercial projects, it's also very important to us to participate in charitable work that positively impacts our community. One of our current projects is a collaboration with Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Los Angeles to design a fanciful… (more)