HBA Americas Announces Senior-Level Promotions in San Francisco and Atlanta

Posted in News, People on 20 August, 2023

Furthering its commitment to fostering leadership growth, award-winning hospitality design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) has promoted Sarah Hullinger and Brian Schaer from Senior Project Designers to Associates in San Francisco and Atlanta.

“Sarah and Brian have made tremendous contributions in their careers at HBA to date, from design creativity and project management to cultivating client relationships and the development of our talented team of designers,” said HBA Americas President Meghann Day. “It is an honour to see Sarah and Brian rise as senior leaders. Their achievements and ongoing dedication to quality and excellence will continue to benefit our clients as well as HBA Americas for years to come.”

Sarah Hullinger, Associate, HBA San Francisco
Hullinger has more than two decades of experience in hospitality, commercial and residential design, with 10-plus years at HBA San Francisco. Her design perspective, marked by simplicity and high-level aesthetics inspired by the beauty of nature and local culture, has contributed to the success of recent projects such as Elusa Winery at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley and The Lodge at Pebble Beach.

As Associate, Hullinger continues to serve as a lead designer, overseeing projects from concept to installation in luxury hotels, resorts and residences around the globe. In creating one-of-a-kind, engaging spaces, she additionally works closely with owners and operators to source local materials, fabricators, and artists. Hullinger is currently leading the guestroom design at Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa Valley; The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sarasota Bay; the Vanderbilt Residences in Puerto Rico; and five-star renovations in Hawaii, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Brian Schaer, Associate, HBA Atlanta
Schaer has spent the majority of his 24-plus-year design career immersed in the world of luxury design, working with many of the industry’s most esteemed brands, operators and clients. With a primary passion for food & beverage design, Schaer transforms metaphysical ideas into functional, culinary-centric experiences with creative vision, contextual sensitivity, and a sense of sophisticated playfulness. His projects range in complexity and scale from extravagant, sculptural champagne bars to the humblest café where luxury is in the details.

An adaptable designer, Schaer’s experience also encompasses hotels, resorts, country clubs and, most recently, the multifamily sector. In his Associate role, Schaer is a driving force behind big-picture vision while mentoring young design professionals and remaining actively involved in every stage of the design process. His project history includes Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers in Azerbaijan; The St. Regis Abu Dhabi; and the former BLT Prime by David Burke in Washington, D.C. Among Schaer’s current projects are Modera Parkside in Atlanta and Modera McGavock in Nashville, Tenn., both luxury mixed-use apartment communities by Mill Creek Residential.

About HBA Americas
With a primary specialization in hospitality design, HBA Americas transforms the built environment with narrative-driven spaces that evoke emotion, bring a sense of wonder and inspire discovery. Each project for HBA Americas is a new opportunity to develop one-of-a-kind creative design solutions with integrity and collaboration. Boutique in its approach while international in reach, HBA Americas has offices in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami, and San Francisco and is enhanced by the depth of skill and resources of a global company. HBA Americas has been honored by Interior Design’s Best of Year Awards, Hospitality Design’s HD Awards, and Boutique Design’s Gold Key Awards and Boutique 18, to name a few.
For more information, visit www.hba.com.