K2M Design Approved as Preferred Designer & Architect for Hilton Worldwide

K2M Design is now approved as a Preferred Design Consultant Partner for Hilton Worldwide, marking a major milestone that reflects the firm’s commitment to elevated hospitality design, brand-forward thinking, and operational excellence.

With a thriving portfolio of Hilton projects, K2M Design has demonstrated a deep understanding of brand design, guest experience, and operational efficiency, now formally recognized within Hilton’s global design standards.

Portfolio Highlights

Among K2M’s Hilton collaborations, a standout focus is the design of dual-branded focus service hotels, a rapidly expanding sector that leverages efficiencies and strategic guest segmentation by pairing two Hilton brands under one roof. According to Hilton, dual-brand properties “offer owners unique solutions to save on operational costs and the flexibility to meet different sources of demand” (Hilton Stories).

K2M Design has been at the forefront of this evolution, delivering thoughtful and efficient designs that align with Hilton’s vision for flexible, guest-centric properties.

A highlight within K2M’s Hilton portfolio is the Tempo by Hilton Louisville Downtown NuLu, located in Louisville’s vibrant New East Market (NuLu) district. Serving as Interior Designer for this six-story, 130-room property – one of the first Tempo by Hilton hotels in the U.S. – K2M Design translated the brand’s ethos of “Wellness. Elevated. Engaged.” into a built environment that celebrates the local culture, supports guest wellness, and meets operational goals.

From a brand standpoint, Tempo represents Hilton’s emerging lifestyle-forward, upper-midscale category, bridging business and leisure travelers. K2M’s design captures this duality through dynamic spaces that seamlessly transition between productivity, social engagement, and rest.

What This Approval Means

Becoming a Preferred Design Consultant places K2M Design within a select network of firms pre-qualified by Hilton to collaborate with owners, developers, and franchisees on both new construction and renovation projects, with the ability to provide Architecture, Interior Design, and Engineering services. This recognition underscores K2M’s proven ability to deliver hospitality environments that strengthen brand identity and optimize the guest experience.

Looking Ahead

With this new designation, K2M Design is energized to expand its work across Hilton’s full brand spectrum, including additional dual-brand configurations, flagship full-service hotels, and lifestyle-driven properties.

“This recognition by Hilton is both an honor and a testament to our team’s passion for hospitality design,” said Kelli Schaffran, Interior Design Principal at K2M Design. “We’re excited to continue collaborating with Hilton’s strategic partners to create spaces that define the next generation of guest experiences.”

On behalf of the entire K2M Design team, we extend our gratitude to our clients, collaborators, and Hilton’s leadership for their partnership and trust.

About K2M Design

Founded in 2001, K2M Design is a full-service architecture, interior design, and engineering firm dedicated to creating environments that inspire and perform. With a diverse portfolio spanning hospitality, aviation, workplace, and healthcare sectors, K2M brings a people-first approach to design that drives innovation and value for clients worldwide.