Hudson Valley Lighting Group's new CEO, Crate & Barrel appoints a design director, and more. From PR executives to architecture and interiors hires, read on for BOH's monthly roundup of arrivals and departures in design, manufacturing, media and more. Retail & Manufacturing German kitchen and bath brand Duravit appointed Oliver Bleich as president of its Duluth, Georgia-based Americas division succeeding Robert Downie. He was most recently executive vice president of Fermob USA. Duravit also welcomed Dean Camastro as vice president of sales for North America and promoted Kurt Raabe to vice president of product strategy and key accounts for North America. Camastro was previously the director of commercial sales for the Eastern U.S. at Infinity Drain, and Raabe was the VP of sales and business development since joining the company in April of last year. Hudson Valley Lighting Group announced that Malaina Matheus will become its new CEO on September 1, with founder and CEO David Littman transitioning to the role of executive chairman. Matheus joined HVLG as vice president of business development in 2010, and became president of the Wappingers Falls, New York-based company in 2020. In a press release, the company called her transition into the CEO role "thoughtfully planned," and noted that she had helped guide recent acquisitions of Sonneman and Schoolhouse. Crate & Barrel welcomed Becca Crawford as its new design director for textiles. Crawford joins from Havenly, where she was the senior design manager for textiles and soft goods. Mélodie Froment, who previously served as senior creative director for textiles, Crate & Kids and personalization, now covers the latter two. Outdoor furniture brand Summit hired Jim Baranska as its outside sales representative for Arizona, California and Hawaii. He was previously a field rep for Perennials and Sutherland. On August 26, brand and web designer Nikki Mihalik explores the role branding plays in shaping perception before the initial consultation even takes place. Attendees will learn how clear positioning, thoughtful messaging and a strategically constructed website work together to build trust, differentiate your firm and create an online presence that supports not only discoverability, but also better business outcomes. Click here to learn more and remember, workshops are free for BOH Insiders. Toronto-based workplace furniture manufacturer Teknion hired Koorosh Sharghi as chief brand and product officer. He will continue to serve as president of the Teknion brand Studio TK, a position he has held since 2023. British luxury bed brand Savoir appointed Antoine Nicolay sales director. He joins from Italian furniture company Natuzzi, where he was country manager for the U.K. and Ireland. To the Trade New York-based textile brand Swavelle Group promoted Matt Goldfarb to director of national accounts. Goldfarb joined the company in 2024 as a sales executive. Design & Architecture HKS hired Jessica Martin as vice president and studio practice manager for the architecture firm's Culture division, based in New York. Martin is a founding partner of Martin Bentley Architects in Tulsa. Gensler, the global architecture and design firm, welcomed Fady Barmada as the head of health strategy and spatial intelligence. He is a co-founder of the Washington, D.C.-area health tech firm Pivotal Analytics. D.C.-based architecture and design firm //3877 made three new additions to its New York office: senior architect Julian Sanchez, senior interior designer Lauren Coley and designer Lance Parisot. Media & PR British magazine Homes & Gardens announced Benjamin Reynaert is its new U.S. editor. Reynaert, who is also a creative consultant and interior stylist, was previously market editor at Elle Decor and is also a co-founder of the art and design fair The Ticking Tent. Luxe made two new hires. Phil Harkenrider joined as senior vice president of sales, having held the same role at The Knot; and Lisa Heissan is now the title's associate publisher for Greater New York and Connecticut, after serving as account director at Cottages & Gardens. Jennifer Bett Communications promoted Andrea Baule to director of the New York firm's home and interiors team. Baule joined the company in 2022 as a public relations intern. PR firm Sharp Think hired Julia McColligan as account supervisor for events and PR. She previously spent more than four years at Hearst, most recently as senior manager of account strategy and marketing for magazines like Elle Decor, House Beautiful and Veranda. The Consultancy PR welcomed four new additions. Senior account executive Mimi Federer joins from Bresler PR, where she was a senior account coordinator; Isabella Cosentino is now an account executive after serving as brand communications assistant at Conti Communications; Nick Boksa joins as an account director after serving as senior account manager at Dada Goldberg; and account coordinator Lindsey Riddell arrives from an internship at Ballantines PR. Hello PR Group hired Alina Heim as vice president of digital. She joins from Dada Goldberg, where she was associate VP. The firm also welcomed new account coordinator Grace Burns, a recent graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder. Want to stay informed? Sign up for our newsletter, which recaps the week's stories, and get in-depth industry news and analysis each quarter by subscribing to our print magazine. Join BOH Insider for discounts, workshops and access to special events such as the Future of Home conference.

Monumental Sports & Entertainment unveils bold vision for brand-new Capital One Arena. Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) and Capital One have unveiled the next chapter of Capital One Arena: a world-class, next-generation sports and entertainment destination built to bring fans, athletes, businesses and the broader Washington community together in the nation's capital. The transformation represents a significant investment in the District, and a shared commitment by two organisations deeply rooted in the national capital region to create a lasting community asset that will serve residents and visitors for generations to come. As part of the arena's next chapter, MSE and Capital One have entered into a 20-year naming rights extension for the reimagined Capital One Arena, reinforcing Capital One's long-term commitment to Washington, D.C. and the greater Washington area. With the completion of the arena transformation just over a year away, MSE has released new renderings showcasing the building's iconic new exterior and a first look at the upgraded experiences on the District Level (previous 100 Level) and Terrace Level (previous 400 Level) slated to debut ahead of the 2027 season. Jim Van Stone, President of Business Operations and Chief Commercial Officer at MSE, said: "Washington is entering an extraordinary new era, and the completely reimagined Capital One Arena will reflect the ambition, energy and global stature of the city it represents. From our unmatched collection of iconic teams to the storytelling power of Monumental Sports Network, we're creating an experience in the heart of the nation's capital that connects fans everywhere - whether they're visiting from around the world or just a Metro stop away. We're excited to partner with Capital One, a leading financial institution founded and headquartered right in our backyard, to bring this vision to life in the decades to come." Byron Daub, Vice President, Sponsorships and Experiential Marketing at Capital One, said: "Capital One has called the Washington region home for more than three decades, and we're proud to continue investing in its future. Strong communities create economic opportunities for the people who live and work in them. This revitalisation can help strengthen the surrounding neighbourhood, support local businesses and create new opportunities across this important region. Capital One Arena is more than a sports and entertainment venue - it's a place where people come together to create long-lasting memories and an anchor of Washington, D.C.'s economic and cultural vibrancy. We're excited to continue our partnership with Monumental and look forward to creating even more opportunities to deliver meaningful experiences for our customers and support the continued vitality of downtown Washington." The 2026 SVB LIVE Conference & Exhibition - focused on elevating the live experience - is being hosted at Everton FC's spectacular new Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool, UK, Oct 1st and 2nd, with an Opening Night Icebreaker at Liverpool FC's iconic Anfield Stadium, Sept 30th. Transforming Capital One Arena. Capital One Arena anchors MSE and Capital One's shared vision for a dynamic sports, entertainment and business district in the heart of the nation's capital, created in partnership with the District. Once the $1 billion+ project is completed, the transformed Capital One Arena will host approximately 250 events annually, serving as the home of the NHL's Washington Capitals, the NBA's Washington Wizards and Georgetown men's basketball, while also hosting a slate of games for the WNBA's Washington Mystics and a world-class lineup of concerts, family shows and premier live entertainment. Notably, the venue is set to host the 2027 NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Championship ("Frozen Four") and 2028 NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Regional ("Sweet 16" and "Elite 8") in coming years. With Phase Two of construction underway, the full transformation remains on schedule for completion ahead of the 2027-28 NBA and NHL seasons. The arena's multi-phase transformation in partnership with the District will deliver a fully reimagined experience for all fans, bringing together thoughtful hospitality, innovative technology and enhanced amenities to create a more connected, seamless and inspiring destination. Upgrades include a reimagined District Level and Terrace Level, a premium culinary and beverage program for every guest, expanded entrances and easier-to-navigate connection points, and new gathering spaces within the arena complex. Additionally, the building's Capital One cardholder entrance will be relocated to F Street and will be accessible to cardholders for all events, expanding a benefit that was previously available only during Capitals and Wizards games. * Enhanced Concourse Experience: A completely reimagined fan experience that transforms the concourse from a place of passage into a destination in itself. The concourse is no longer what happens between the action of the event. At the transformed Capital One Arena, the concourse is part of the event. * Premium for Every Guest: Elevated culinary experiences, destination bars, and refined hospitality extend premium-quality experiences beyond premium ticket holders, making exceptional food, beverage, and gathering spaces part of every visit. * The Best View Belongs to Everyone: The new Visibowl - developed through a groundbreaking partnership between MSE and Gensler - creates an immersive, first-of-its-kind viewing experience, bringing fans closer to the action than ever before with dramatic sightlines directly into the arena from the heart of the concourse. * One Connected Arena: Expanded entrances, new vertical circulation, and seamless connections between the District Level and Terrace Level create an intuitive, open experience where every level feels connected as one unified destination. * A Place to Gather: Four distinct districts in the District Level, new social destinations, Center Stage Bars, as well as a Food Hall spanning the entire length of the F Street side of the building on the Terrace Level. A foundational partnership for a new chapter. The long-term extension of the Capital One Arena naming rights partnership builds on nearly a decade of collaboration between Monumental Sports & Entertainment and Capital One, two organisations deeply invested in the District, its people, and its future. The comprehensive partnership extends across MSE's integrated sports, entertainment and media platform, including the Capitals, Wizards, Mystics and Monumental Sports Network (MNMT). As part of the agreement, Capital One cardholders will enjoy exclusive access, benefits and experiences at Capital One Arena, including a new and improved dedicated cardholder entrance open for all events at the arena beginning autumn/fall 2027, special discounts throughout the venue, and additional offerings to be announced in the future. Beyond the arena, MSE and Capital One share a longstanding commitment to strengthening the Washington region. Capital One is proudly a significant regional employer, with more than 32,000 local associates who live, work, and commute across the DMV, and in 2025 alone, the company supported the Washington metro area with over $7.2 billion in community development financing targeting the areas of affordable housing, economic development, revitalisation/stabilisation, and community services. This funding included supporting the creation or preservation of over 31,000 affordable housing units. Additionally, Capital One provided $17.2 million in direct charitable contributions and 35,980 associate volunteer and pro bono hours. Through philanthropy, employee engagement, community partnerships and investments that expand economic opportunity, the organisations will continue supporting local neighbourhoods, businesses and residents while contributing to the long-term vitality of downtown Washington. For further information on the Capital One Arena transformation in partnership with the city of Washington, D.C., visit DistrictMomentum.com for the latest updates, renderings, behind-the-scenes previews and more. Clark Construction Group, Gensler and CAA ICON are serving as partners in the delivery of the transformation of Capital One Arena, with CAA ICON the overall project manager, Gensler is leading design efforts, and Clark Construction is overseeing building construction as MSE works to deliver a best-in-class experience for fans working alongside catering partners, Aramark, and a world-class destination for its athletes. Source & imagery, courtesy of MSE SVB LIVE provides an unrivalled global community, with opportunities to network, collaborate and explore new possibilities year-round via the SVB LIVE Business Club. Check out the latest sports & entertainment venue development data from across the globe in the exclusive, subscription-only, SVB Global Report here. #SportsVenueBusiness - The leading global platform for sector news, views & developments. #SVBLIVE - The leading global series of events for the live experience industry.

Fine-Tuned illumination brings an air of sophistication to a cocktail lounge at Pennsylvania's Nemacolin Resort. Farmington, Pennsylvania. August 18, 2026 Architects & firms. Nestled on 2,200 acres of Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands, Nemacolin Resort began as a private hunting retreat established in 1968 by engineer businessman Willard F. Rockwell. The property then opened to the public as the Nemacolin Inn in 1970. A period of expansion in the late 1980s established the campus as a luxury travel destination. Today, it features championship golf courses as well as restaurants, a spa, a casino, and an extensive art collection, set within a maximalist atmosphere. Recently, Gensler partnered with New York City-based Lighting Workshop to renovate and update many of the public spaces, amenities, and guest suites within two of the main buildings, the Tudor-inspired Grand Lodge and the Chateau, modeled after Parisian palaces. "It was nice to touch on a lot of different project typologies, and they all had completely different characters," says Michael Hew Wing, a principal and partner at Lighting Workshop. "Even the lighting is different. There are so many experiences that guests can have, and we were able to bring that to another level." The bar includes banquette seating. Photo (C) James John Jetel For Nightcap, the moody "nighttime refuge" (as Lighting Workshop associate Manisha Van Ecka calls it) located in the Chateau, Gensler didn't want to replicate a certain era but instead borrow from the intimacy of 1920s and '30s jazz clubs, the glamour of classic theaters, and the energy of disco-era nightlife, says Nestor Santa-Cruz, a Gensler design director. "It's less about nostalgia and more about capturing a feeling of sophistication and escape." Pendants illuminate the venue. Photo (C) James John Jetel Working within a "blank box" and a rectangular floor plan, the design team created a bar and small lounge area separated from a performance venue. But, rather than demarcating the two rooms with a conventional partition, the design team created a screen of custom illuminated tubes that acts as both divider and enticement to explore the activity beyond. Inspired by the folds of theater drapery, the installation gives guests a glimpse of the stage and heightens anticipation as they move deeper into the space. "It's a screen, but it's also a threshold," says Hew Wing. "You want to look at it, but you also want to look through it." Achieving that effect required extensive prototyping with manufacturer Ora Lighting. Instead of using a simple frosted diffuser, the team developed a layered assembly consisting of a reeded acrylic tube, an internal prismatic diffuser, and a centrally mounted LED source. The combination produces a warm, diffuse glow while preserving the sparkle and depth of the material, allowing the screen to read more as an architectural veil than a fixture. The stage also required a highly technical approach. The performance area is surrounded by a massive 700-pound custom brass proscenium arch. Nestled within the framework is a series of individually addressable RGBW wall sconces, each detailed with a brass reflector and a satin-finished white globe diffuser. Integrated with the venue's theatrical-AV system, the DMX-controlled fixtures can pulse, shift color, and synchronize with live performances, transforming the room from an intimate cocktail lounge to a cabaret. The lighting team had a chance to test the system with dancers while the resort was filming marketing material, allowing them to demonstrate the flexibility of the installation. Concealed LED strips complement interior finishes (3). The performance area is anchored by a brass proscenium arch (4). Photos (C) James John Jetel Throughout the space, most of the lighting was set at a warm 2,700 kelvin, with high-CRI sources to complement the richness of walnut paneling, velvet drapery, brass detailing, and jewel-toned upholstery. Small-aperture downlights, concealed coves, and gold pendants create distinct scenes throughout the windowless venue. Van Ecka describes the painstaking on-site fine-tuning that her team did to create what Hew Wing describes as the elusive "candlelight feeling." "Seeing and tuning it in person is critical," says Van Ecka. "It makes a huge difference. We like to set them up for success." Credits. Architect: Gensler - Nestor Santa-Cruz, design director & principal; Lester Yuan, design director; Steve Steimer, Mike Terry, project managers; Kevin Nigri, technical director Lighting Designer: Lighting Workshop - Michael Hew Wing, principal & partner Engineer: GHT (electrical) Consultant: NV5 (AV & theatrical lighting) General Contractor: Martik Brothers Client: Nemacolin Resort Size: 7,600 square feet Cost: withheld Completion: June 2024 Sources. Acoustical Ceilings: Armstrong World Industries; Baswa Lighting: i2Systems (cove); USAI (downlights); Omnilight (task lights); Aura Custom Lighting (stage & banquette seating) Plumbing: Kohler Looking for quick answers on architecture and design topics? Try Ask RECORD, its new smart AI search tool. Ask RECORD Looking for a reprint of this article? From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today! Hi there. I'm Ask RECORD. You can ask me anything about architecture and design, and I'll help find the content you're looking for. Go ahead, type something below, and let's get started! Laura Raskin, a former RECORD editor, writes about architecture. She recently moved with her family from Brooklyn, New York, to the Green Mountains of Vermont.