The Challenge

Remodeling multiple areas of an operational hotel — including the main entry, bar, Aces Lounge, and other public spaces — required careful phasing to avoid disrupting guests and staff. The design had to integrate a dramatic aviation theme in the lounge while upgrading other areas to create a cohesive, high-quality guest experience, all without overloading existing building systems or compromising safety and accessibility codes.

Lauren’s Approach

Lauren began by redesigning the hotel entry to set a welcoming tone that connected visually to the rest of the remodel. For the Aces Lounge, he conceptualized a striking entrance featuring a replica P-51 Mustang buzzing a control tower. Inside, he created a ceiling mural of a P-51 flying through the clouds, surrounding guests in an atmospheric aviation experience. Additional upgrades to the bar and other hotel areas used complementary finishes, lighting, and layouts to unify the spaces. His detailed sketches, perspective renderings, and close coordination with fabricators ensured the large-scale thematic elements were seamlessly integrated with the building’s architecture.

Result

Result: A transformed Holiday Inn experience where guests are welcomed by a refreshed entry and drawn into the one-of-a-kind Aces Lounge. The remodel boosted hotel traffic, expanded the venue’s appeal beyond overnight guests, and established the property as a distinctive destination in Sacramento.