Kamille Glenn to Be Honored with Hospitality Diversity Action Council’s Sixth Annual Awards of Excellence

Kamille Glenn, a visionary designer and founder of dsgnrs.wrkshp, has been named the recipient of the Hospitality Diversity Action Council’s (HDAC) sixth annual Awards of Excellence. This prestigious accolade celebrates individuals and organizations demonstrating exceptional commitment to advancing diversity, inclusivity, and equity within the hospitality sector. Glenn will be formally recognized for her groundbreaking contributions at the upcoming HD Awards ceremony, scheduled for next month in Las Vegas.

A Pioneer in Inclusive Design and Hospitality

The HDAC Awards of Excellence serve as a vital platform to acknowledge those who are actively shaping a more equitable and representative hospitality landscape. This year’s selection of Kamille Glenn underscores her profound impact. Glenn, a proud native of Brooklyn, New York, has cultivated a multidisciplinary design practice that intricately weaves together interior design, furniture creation, and experiential concepts. Her work is distinguished by its profound emphasis on fostering connection, encouraging resistance against exclusionary norms, and championing liberation through design.

Glenn’s extensive career includes seven impactful years as an associate at the renowned Rockwell Group. It was in 2019 that she embarked on a new entrepreneurial path, establishing dsgnrs.wrkshp. This initiative was born from a recognition of the persistent lack of diverse social impact and the often-siloed nature of the design profession. dsgnrs.wrkshp functions as a vital hub, cultivating connections, providing employment opportunities, and facilitating education for what Glenn terms "radical storytellers." Crucially, the collective places a significant emphasis on centering the voices and talents of Black makers from the African diaspora, a demographic historically underrepresented in design leadership.

Expanding Horizons with dsgnrs.studio and Studio Valerius

The evolution of Glenn’s commitment to inclusive design continued in 2025 with the launch of dsgnrs.studio, a direct extension of dsgnrs.wrkshp. This new venture is dedicated to further exploring and expressing design concepts rooted in wellbeing, cultural and epistemic justice, preservation, and the power of imagination. The studio’s inaugural project, the highly anticipated Marcus DC restaurant by acclaimed chef Marcus Samuelsson, was successfully completed in June 2025, showcasing the studio’s capacity to translate its ethos into tangible, impactful hospitality experiences. The project has been lauded for its innovative approach to cultural representation and culinary storytelling within a design framework.

Further solidifying her dedication to harmonious design principles, Glenn joined Studio Valerius in 2026 as a partner. In this role, she continues her advocacy for social and environmental harmony, integrating these critical considerations into the core of design practice. Her academic foundation is equally impressive, holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts with honors in interior design from the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. This rigorous training provided her with the technical expertise to complement her visionary approach.

Industry Recognition and Impact

The announcement of Glenn’s award has resonated deeply within the hospitality industry. Paris Swann, a respected HDAC member and Vice President of Concept Architecture and Resort Development at Universal Creative, offered a glowing endorsement. "Kamille is an inspiration to the community and a creative juggernaut who has authored some of the most iconic moments of our industry," Swann stated. "She has dedicated her career to championing—proving that disruptive thinking and inclusion not only have a place in design but are the creative fuel of the hospitality industry."

Swann’s remarks highlight the transformative power of Glenn’s work, emphasizing how her approach challenges conventional design paradigms and injects vital new energy into the sector. The HDAC’s recognition of Glenn is not merely an individual honor but also a testament to the growing importance of diversity and inclusion as strategic imperatives for business success and societal progress in hospitality.

The HD Awards: A Celebration of Excellence

Kamille Glenn will join a distinguished group of industry leaders at the 22nd Annual HD Awards ceremony. This highly anticipated event will take place on May 5th at the Encore Resort at Wynn Las Vegas, a venue synonymous with luxury and hospitality innovation. The ceremony is held in conjunction with the influential HD Expo + Conference, a premier trade show that draws thousands of professionals from across the hospitality design spectrum.

The HD Awards themselves have a rich history, dating back to their inception as a platform to celebrate the most innovative and impactful projects and individuals in hospitality design. Over the years, the awards have expanded their scope to encompass a broader range of achievements, including those that champion social responsibility, sustainability, and diversity. The inclusion of the HDAC Awards of Excellence within the larger HD Awards ceremony signifies a crucial evolution, acknowledging that true excellence in hospitality design must now inherently encompass principles of equity and representation.

Supporting Data and Industry Trends

The hospitality industry, a significant driver of global economies, is increasingly recognizing the tangible benefits of diversity and inclusion. Studies have consistently shown that diverse teams lead to greater innovation, improved problem-solving, and enhanced financial performance. For instance, a 2023 report by McKinsey & Company found that companies in the top quartile for ethnic and cultural diversity on executive teams were 33% more likely to have industry-leading profitability. Similarly, companies in the top quartile for gender diversity were 21% more likely to experience above-average profitability.

In the context of hospitality, this translates to a deeper understanding of diverse customer bases, more authentic and resonant brand experiences, and the attraction and retention of a wider pool of talent. As the global demographic continues to diversify, businesses that reflect this diversity in their leadership, design, and service offerings are better positioned to thrive. Glenn’s work directly addresses this need, creating spaces and experiences that are not only aesthetically compelling but also culturally sensitive and inclusive.

Broader Implications for the Hospitality Sector

Kamille Glenn’s recognition by the HDAC and her upcoming honor at the HD Awards carry significant implications for the future of the hospitality industry. Her success story serves as a powerful inspiration for aspiring designers and entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds. It demonstrates that a commitment to social impact and inclusive practices can be a driving force for innovation and commercial success.

Furthermore, Glenn’s emphasis on "radical storytellers" and the centering of Black makers highlights a critical need for greater representation within the creative industries. By fostering a network and platform for these voices, dsgnrs.wrkshp and dsgnrs.studio are actively contributing to a more equitable and culturally rich design landscape. This approach moves beyond tokenism, aiming to embed authentic representation into the very fabric of design and hospitality.

The partnership with Studio Valerius further signals a broader integration of social and environmental consciousness into established design firms. This collaboration suggests a growing understanding that sustainable and equitable design practices are not niche concerns but fundamental pillars of responsible and forward-thinking business strategy.

Conclusion: A Beacon for the Future

Kamille Glenn’s journey from Brooklyn to the forefront of hospitality design innovation is a compelling narrative of vision, resilience, and unwavering commitment to equity. Her work with dsgnrs.wrkshp and dsgnrs.studio has not only resulted in exceptional design outcomes but has also actively reshaped the discourse around diversity and inclusion in the industry. As she prepares to be honored at the HD Awards ceremony, her achievement stands as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of design when guided by principles of justice, connection, and liberation. The hospitality industry is poised to benefit immensely from her continued leadership and the ripple effect of her impactful contributions.

Attendees and industry professionals interested in witnessing this celebration of excellence can purchase tickets for the HD Awards ceremony. The event promises to be a significant gathering, bringing together the brightest minds and most influential figures in hospitality design to honor achievements and look towards the future of the industry.