Las Vegas, NV (April 3, 2024) – Bergman, Walls & Associates (BWA), the award-winning Las Vegas-based architecture and interior design firm known for its expertise in hospitality, dining, and entertainment, today announced a strategic leadership reorganization. The reorganization is intended to further strengthen the company as it celebrates its 30th anniversary, and to position BWA for continued success in the future and ensure its legacy of design excellence and innovation.

"BWA’s reorganization reflects our commitment to continued growth and excellence as we celebrate 30 years of success,” said Leonard Bergman, AIA, CEO, BWA. “By aligning our leadership structure with our strategic goals, we empower each partner to leverage their unique strengths and experience to propel BWA forward. I am confident that this new chapter will allow us to deliver even greater value to our clients supporting them in the creation of new, iconic and impactful projects."

BWA’s leadership changes include:

• Leonard Bergman, AIA, will remain as CEO, providing strategic direction and oversight for the entire firm.
• George Bergman, AIA, will transition to the role of President, taking on increased responsibility for the firm and direct oversight of the design studio, ensuring BWA continues to deliver cutting-edge and award-winning design solutions. George will also be overseeing Business Development activities working to promote the firm and our services throughout the United States and Internationally.
• James Horvath, AIA, is elevated to Executive Vice President – Architecture & Finance, leveraging his expertise to oversee BWA’s business operations, while continuing to contribute to the development of innovative architecture.
• Kenny Banks becomes Executive Vice President – Operations, utilizing his extensive experience to manage the production side of the firm, ensuring seamless project execution and client satisfaction.
• Eric Russell has been named Executive Vice President – IT, where he will oversee all aspects of the BWA organization's Information Technology (IT) infrastructure and operation including Cybersecurity, Software and Hardware asset Management.

"I am excited to take on the role of President. and to work closely with our talented team of Architects and Designers to continue BWA's legacy of design excellence,” said George Bergman, AIA, President, BWA. “The reorganization allows us to focus on the core elements that make us unique – creative vision, operational efficiency, and a collaborative spirit. We remain committed to delivering exceptional experiences for our clients and shaping the future of the hospitality, dining, and entertainment landscape."

"I'm incredibly energized about this new chapter for BWA, said James Horvath, AIA, Executive Vice President – Architecture & Finance, BWA. “This reorganization is about strategically aligning our talents and expertise to create a more seamless and dynamic experience for our clients. By integrating architecture and finance under one leadership umbrella, we intend to foster a deeper understanding of project needs and translate them into even more innovative and financially sound solutions for our clients. I'm confident that this collaborative approach will fuel our continued growth and solidify BWA's position as a leader in the hospitality design industry."

“As a part of the BWA team for almost three decades, I have witnessed the development and growth of the firm” said Kenny Banks, Executive Vice President – Operations. “BWA has always prided itself on operational excellence, and we will continue to build upon that legacy. By streamlining our processes, fostering collaboration across teams, and leveraging innovative technologies, we can enable the BWA team to address specific project needs and exceed client expectations. This reorganization will allow BWA to continue to provide excellent service and deliver exceptional results.”

"It's hard to believe I've been with BWA for nearly two decades,” said Eric Russell, BWA Executive Vice President – IT. “Witnessing the firm's growth and evolution firsthand has been incredibly rewarding. This latest reorganization speaks volumes about our commitment to staying ahead of the curve and embracing new opportunities. As technology continues to revolutionize the design industry, I'm excited to leverage my expertise to keep BWA at the forefront of innovation. From BIM and VR to cloud-based collaboration tools, I'm eager to explore how these advancements can further enhance our design process and client experience. The future of BWA is brimming with possibilities, and I'm proud to be a part of shaping it."

About Bergman, Walls & Associates:

Bergman, Walls & Associates (BWA) is a leading architectural and interior design firm specializing in hospitality, dining, and entertainment projects. Founded in Las Vegas in 1994, BWA has established a reputation for creating iconic and innovative designs that push the boundaries of what is possible. With offices in Las Vegas, Minneapolis, and Seattle, BWA serves a diverse clientele across the globe. For more information, please visit www.bwaltd.com.

Star Power! Bruno Mars’ new cocktail and jazz lounge, The Pinky Ring, opened at the Bellagio over Super Bowl weekend in Las Vegas. The glamorous space, which captures the acclaimed entertainer’s vision and style, features light golds and earthy colors, a stage in the circular room’s center, and a brightly lit vintage champagne room. The Pinky Ring’s entrance hall also features some of Mars’ Grammy awards on display.

BWA served as Architect and Interior Designer of Record; Interior Design is by Yabu Pushelberg.

Have you dined yet at KYU in the luxurious Fontainebleau Las Vegas? The stunning modern interior includes a living plant moss wall, signature wooden tables, and bespoke mural art throughout the 5,000-square-foot space. BWA served as Architect and Interior Designer for the space.

DISCOSHOW is coming to the Strip! The exciting new Caesars Entertainment offering (the newest effort from ‘Absinthe’ producer Spiegelworld) will open at the LINQ Hotel + Experience in Las Vegas this July. The 70-minute show will feature a soundtrack of classic Disco music and bring the 1970s Disco scene alive again.

BWA is the AOR and Interior Designer of Record for the project.

Hot off the Press! The new digital edition of Gaming America Magazine features BWA project Fontainebleau Las Vegas and an exclusive interview with BWA Partner, Executive Vice President - Architecture & Finance, James Horvath, AIA, regarding the firm’s involvement with the Fontainebleau project.

Elwha River Casino, nestled in the heart of Washington’s Elwha River Valley, is a popular spot for regional gaming. BWA served as Architect and Interior Designer of Record for the casino’s just completed 12,000+ square foot expansion project, which doubled the venue’s size. The project included an expanded gaming area, new entertainment and outdoor dining, and outdoor salmon bake area with event and teaching space for the tribe and guests. Elwha tribal elements are incorporated throughout the property design, creating opportunities to learn about tribal culture. BWA was honored to collaborate with The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, Elwha River Casino, and Casino General Manager Mike Watson on the project. Congratulations on a successful and stunning renovation!

Peter Luger Steak House featured by Eater Vegas as one of Las Vegas’s Most Exciting Restaurant Openings of 2023! Peter Luger Steak House, the New York City restaurant famed for its dry-aged chops, opened at Caesars Palace and originally opened in Brooklyn, NY in 1887; the Las Vegas location will be its first U.S. expansion since its Long Island, NY location opened in 1960. The nearly 9,000-square-foot restaurant will feature the classic look and feel of the Brooklyn original with exposed brick, wood paneling, oak floors and tabletops, industrial windows, and a temperature and humidity-controlled facility for its famous dry-aged beef.BWA is serving as Architect of Record and Interior Designer of Record; Jeffrey Beers International is the Interior Designer. BWA is proud to be part of another key project for Caesars Entertainment!!!

Just before Midnight, the long-anticipated Fontainebleau Las Vegas opened to the public. The casino resort features a 67-story, 3,644-room hotel (the tallest occupiable building on the Strip!); 36 bars and restaurants; 150,000 square feet of gaming space housed under 42-foot-high ceilings; a 14,000-square-foot fitness center and 55,000-square-foot Lapis Spa; and an 800-seat, 90,000-square-foot theater. This Spring, Miami nightlife icon David Grutman will unveil a two-story, 35,000-square-foot Liv Beach day club, one of seven pools at the resort, with four bars, two restaurants, and 2,300 square feet of gaming space.

The Fontainebleau brand comes from Miami Beach, where the original, legendary luxury hotel of the same name has been the setting for key scenes in multiple Hollywood movies, including the James Bond movie Goldfinger. The $3.7-billion project is only the second newly built resort to open on the Las Vegas Strip in the past decade.

BWA served as main Architect of Record for the majority of venues within the project, including the hotel tower, podium, and convention spaces. BWA also served as Interior Designer of Record and provided Interior Design services for many of the resort’s spaces.

The 400,000 square feet BLVD, located near the Harmon Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard intersection, will be a high-profile, high-impact destination, featuring restaurants, apparel, entertainment, tech, and social spaces, including rooftop dining and entertainment areas. BLVD is expected to open in Fall 2024.In addition to Bergman Walls & Associates (AOR), the BLVD project team includes 5+design with Ramon Hone (Design Architects), Grand Canyon Development, PENTA Building Group and Lochsa Engineering. New York-based Gindi Capital is the project’s owner.

Gaming America spoke to casino mogul Derek Stevens, landscape designer Julie-Brinkerhoff Jacobs, and architects George Bergman and John Ruiz about what the successful casino resorts of the future will look like: because several may already be in development right now. Some things never change, though, as no matter how much is included in a casino resort guest’s stay, gambling and alcohol will still be available at their own additional costs.

Cool new classic! The Montecristo Cigar Bar has officially opened at Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. Packed with sultry ambiance, the bar’s French-inspired décor features fresh green tones, warm woods, and stone finishes, along with a state-of-the-art ventilation and air purification system to ensure guest comfort. The 400-square-foot, walk-in, climate-controlled cigar humidor is equipped with custom Spanish cedar shelving. Plan an intimate dining and whiskey or cigar pairing experience in the private room, or enjoy a ‘fan cave’ experience among the 208-inch video wall, leather couches and oversized armchairs. BWA Bergman, Walls & Associates (BWA) served as Architect of Record; 5+ was the project designer.

From Silver Screen to the Strip! Chez Bippy, a new upscale bar, has opened at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Chez Bippy, named after a popular hangout in the 1993 crime drama, “A Bronx Tale,” is nestled inside Luchini, a new Italian restaurant opening simultaneously.The bar’s decor features red velvet drapes, arched bronze mirrors, plush gold banquettes, a ruffled chandelier with a disco ball, and glowing fringed pendants above the bar. A brick portal flanked by candy machines leads to the moody space.Chez Bippy is owned by Tao Group Hospitality. Bergman Walls Associates served as Architect of Record for the project; Rockwell Group was Interior Designer.

Game on! Right on time for the NFL season, Swinomish Casino & Lodge in Anacortes, Washington recently opened its new Unibet Sportsbook.

BWA designed the new sportsbook as a multi-purpose space. During the week, the sportsbook becomes part of the gaming floor, bringing new energy to the entire floor.

BWA served as Architect of Record and Interior Designer for the sportsbook. The firm is proud to continue to serve the Swinomish Casino & Lodge, and the Swinomish Tribal Community.

Exclusive access! The Vault, an exclusive speakeasy located behind an unmarked gold door off the casino floor, is now open at the Bellagio Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.The cocktail club’s design features upholstered walls, black mohair banquettes, bronze metallic accents, soft cove lighting, and pin spotlights. A portal leads to the lounge, with intimate tables and black marble featuring intricate gold veining. A cocktail bar features a glass-globe chandelier. BWA served as Architect of Record and Studio Munge as Interior Designer. BWA was honored to be part of yet another project for MGM Resorts International and the Bellagio.

We’re on the list! BWA is proud to announce that our project, modern Mexican steakhouse Toca Madera (Las Vegas location), is on the shortlist for the 2023 Restaurant & Bar Design Awards. The Restaurant & Bar Design Awards, which recognizes and celebrates the world's most creative spaces and the people behind them, are the most important and influential design competition for food and beverage spaces worldwide.This year’s award winners will be announced on the Award's Instagram the week of Sept. 4. Check out the video for your personal tour of Toca Madera, and be sure to check back here for updates.

Peter Luger Steak House, the New York City restaurant famed for its dry-aged chops, is coming to Caesars Palace! Peter Luger opened in Brooklyn, NY in 1887; the Las Vegas location will be its first U.S. expansion since its Long Island, NY location opened in 1960. The nearly 9,000-square-foot restaurant will feature the classic look and feel of the Brooklyn original with exposed brick, wood paneling, oak floors and tabletops, industrial windows, and a temperature and humidity-controlled facility for its famous dry-aged beef.

The restaurant’s planned opening is this October. BWA is serving as Architect of Record and Interior Designer of Record; Jeffrey Beers International is the Interior Designer. BWA is proud to be part of another key project for Caesars Entertainment!!!

Snoqualmie Casino Resort in Snoqualmie, Washington has released exterior renderings of its expansion project. The expansion (which is currently underway) is featured on the left half of the large exterior image below, including the future 210-room hotel tower. The expansion also includes a spa pool and fitness area, enlarged casino floor, sports bar, indoor/outdoor deck, coffee shop, parking garage, and a new 2,000-seat capacity flexible ballroom and meeting space. Additionally, the project has been designed to elevate the guest experience while showcasing tribal culture through traditional tribal items and artwork.

BWA is serving as Architect and Interior Designer for the expansion project (BWA also designed the original Snoqualmie Casino).

Be sure to check back for more exciting news and images as the project progresses!

Get a first look at the renderings for Snoqualmie Casino’s new destination spa, and imagine yourself in the spa’s luxurious, stress-free zone. The space is part of BWA’s current expansion project at the property, which is designed to further enhance the patron experience and appeal as a sought-after destination for leisure and business.

The expansion also includes a new 212-room hotel, expanded gaming floor, a 2,000-seat entertainment and convention center, parking structure, and new signature restaurants; BWA is serving as architect and interior designer of record for the project. Check back frequently for exciting project updates and new renderings. (All renderings by Bergman Walls & Associates).

Graton Resort & Casino in Rohnert Park, CA recently broke ground on its $1 billion expansion project. Check out this virtual ‘fly-through’ video for a sneak peek of the future renovated property.

The project includes a 144,000 sq. ft. casino floor expansion that will add approximately 2,000 new slot machines, a new poker room, and a new high-limit area; new five-story hotel wing with over 200 rooms; a 28,000 sq. ft. rooftop restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating for 480 guests; a five-level parking structure with solar panels and EV charging stations; and a 3,500-seat theater.

BWA is proud to serve The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria as the project architect and interior designer. The team also includes project developer ECL Development LLC, and general contractor SMC Contracting, Inc.

Congratulations to The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe and Elwha River Casino! BWA is proud to join you in celebrating your expansion Grand Opening on June 8, 2023.

BWA served as Architect and Interior Designer of Record. Elwha River Casino, nestled in the heart of Washington’s Elwha River Valley, is a popular spot for regional gaming. BWA’s 12,000+ square foot expansion project doubles the venue’s size, with an expanded gaming area, new entertainment and outdoor dining, and outdoor salmon bake area with event and teaching space for the tribe and guests. Elwha tribal elements are incorporated throughout the property design, creating opportunities to learn about tribal culture.

Elwha River Casino, nestled in the heart of Washington’s Elwha River Valley, is a popular spot for regional gaming. BWA’s 12,000+ square foot expansion project (BWA served as Architect and Interior Designer of Record) doubles the venue’s size, with an expanded gaming area, new entertainment and outdoor dining, and outdoor salmon bake area with event and teaching space for the tribe and guests. Elwha tribal elements are incorporated throughout the property design, creating opportunities to learn about tribal culture.

Caesars Entertainment has unveiled plans to renovate the Jubilee Tower at its Horseshoe Las Vegas property and integrate it into the Paris Las Vegas (also owned by Caesars), renaming it Versailles Tower. The $100 million renovation will include 756 redesigned luxury guestrooms (select guestrooms will feature balconies overlooking the Strip) and a pedestrian bridge connecting the new Versailles Tower to the Paris.

BWA is proud to be part of this exciting renovation project for the Paris Las Vegas (along with Klai Juba Wald Interiors) and to have worked with Caesars Entertainment on many of their hospitality and gaming properties over the years (BWA was also the original architect for the Paris resort).

BWA is proud to serve as Architect and Interior Designer for the Snoqualmie Casino expansion project in Snoqualmie, WA. (BWA also designed the original Snoqualmie Casino). The multi-phase casino resort expansion includes a new hotel, expanded gaming floor, destination spa, a 2,000-seat entertainment and convention center, parking structure, and two signature restaurants (with a third to open later).

BWA also created all of the project renderings.

At the recent 2023 Indian Gaming Association (IGA) Tradeshow & Convention, BWA highlighted its expansion projects for Elwha River Casino near Port Angeles, WA, and Snoqualmie Casino in Snoqualmie, WA; both are currently under construction. Both projects are designed to elevate the guest experience and improve profitability, as well as showcase tribal culture and pride, and the importance of the projects in tribal success.

BWA is pleased to announce that the firm is serving as Architect and Interior Designer for the Snoqualmie Casino expansion project in Snoqualmie, WA. (BWA also designed the original Snoqualmie Casino). The multi-phase casino resort expansion includes a new hotel, expanded gaming floor, destination spa, a 2,000-seat entertainment and convention center, parking structure, and two signature restaurants (with a third to open later).

BWA also created all of the project renderings

BWA Principal and Architect Meeta Shah, AIA, shared highlights from her personal experiences as a female in the design and construction industry with an enthusiastic audience during the session, ‘Women in Gaming: Breaking Down the Walls’, at this year’s G2E conference. The session creator/moderator drove the interactive discussion, which featured Meeta and other women panelists relating their gaming career experiences and advice. More than 100 enthusiastic G2E participants attended the session.

Caesars Palace Enhances Guest Arrival Experience with Multimillion-Dollar Main Entrance Renovation.

Following the completion of a multimillion-dollar renovation of its original main entrance, iconic casino dome and porte-cochère, Caesars Palace now offers a lavish arrival experience fit for a Caesar. The redesigned space includes a dramatic entryway with a coffered ceiling, refreshed gaming areas and the new Galleria Bar in the hotel lobby. BWA is proud to have been a part of this addition, renovation, and interior improvement projects at Caesars Palace since 1994 (including the current expansion project).

BWA is proud to announce Big Top Food Court at Circus Circus Hotel and Casino Las Vegas received the Hospitality Tenant Improvement award at the NAIOP (Southern Las Vegas Chapter) 25th Annual Spotlight Awards. BWA served as architect and interior designer. Congratulations to our BWA design team and to all of our project partners! Martin-Harris Construction Lochsa Engineering.

Located at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa (and inspired by the Far East), MOZEN Asian Kitchen’s rich blue and gold color palette complements the décor of the outdoor/indoor space, which features a street-side exposed bar, custom lanterns and pendants, and detailed wood-paneled walls and weaved concrete tiles. BWA worked in conjunction with Kenneth Ussenko Design on the project. The space is featured in the March (NIGA 2022 Pre-show) issue of Indian Gaming magazine's 'Unique Design Elements in Indian Country Showcase, page 41.

If you are in Las Vegas (or planning a visit) and looking for a fun, exciting, family-friendly activity, check out FlyOver, Las Vegas’s brand-new flight simulation attraction. FlyOver makes you feel like you are flying over top landmarks in Las Vegas and the Western United States, including the Las Vegas Strip, Yellowstone National Park, the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, and a floodgate release at Roosevelt Dam in Arizona. BWA served as project architect, and provided interior design for FlyOver’s common areas.

Food offerings play a key role in the casino entertainment guest experience, and buffets are no longer business as usual. For the refresh of the Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace, BWA (in conjunction with designer Tetsuo Aoyagi, of Tokyo’s MUKU Design Studio) created a buffet that showcases food preparation in a strikingly modern upscale setting, with views of nine exhibition kitchens where master chefs make a show of the culinary creative process. Unique, themed dining sections feature cool steel, warm woods, or shimmering layered glass partitions. The Bacchanal Buffet recently reopened.