About HBA

Our legacy

Poolside scene with striped lounge chairs and pink cabanas under umbrellas. Tall, lush palm trees line the background, evoking a serene, tropical vibe.
THE BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL FORMERLY BEVERLY RODEO HOTEL

For over half a century, HBA has been the leading voice in the world of hospitality and design.

Sketch of the Beverly Hills Hotel, California, depicting a Mediterranean-style building with arches and domes, surrounded by tall palm trees and lush greenery under a partly cloudy sky.
Beverley Rodeo Hotel originally designed in 1965

The partnership between Howard Hirsch and Michael Bedner began when Hirsch hired Bedner as an entry-level “blueprint boy.” In 1965, they founded their namesake firm – one of the world’s first global design firms specialising in hospitality.

At a time when the industry was defined by predictability, their work brought emotion, style, and storytelling to the forefront – transforming hotels from functional spaces into meaningful experiences.

Projects like the Beverly Rodeo Hotel and Chez Voltaire set a new standard, blending narrative and nuance with a sense of place.

Today, that legacy lives on through HBA’s commitment to integrated design, exceptional delivery, and collective excellence. We continue to shape spaces that function intelligently and inspire deeply, carrying forward the vision that redefined an industry.

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Young Michael Bedner and Howard Hirsch, working. Left: Michael Bedner, wearing glasses, on the phone and writing notes. Right: Howard Hirsch, wearing a corduroy jacket, sketching architectural plans, smiling.
Michael Bedner & Howard Hirsch
19
65
1965

Hirsch Bedner Associates is founded in California, by Howard Hirsch and Michael Bedner. Their partnership began a year earlier, marking the beginning of a quietly radical shift in hospitality interiors.

Michael Bedner and Howard Hirsch pose closely, smiling warmly. On the left, Michael Bedner wears a knitted sweater; on the right, Howard Hirsch wears a collared shirt and sweater vest. A brick wall is in the background, creating a cozy atmosphere.
78
1978

HBA opens its first international office in Hong Kong, marking the beginning of a global expansion.

A group of six designers from HBA Hong Kong studio gathers around a table, intently reviewing architectural sketches. The mood is focused and collaborative, emphasizing teamwork in design.
79
1979

HBA expands and opens it's flagship Santa Monica office.

Four designers from HBA Los Angeles studio in business attire engaged in a discussion around a table cluttered with blueprints and papers, conveying a serious and collaborative atmosphere.
86
1986

The first HBA project in China, The White Swan Hotel in Guangzhou was accepted as a member by the "Leading Hotels of the World."

Six men gather around a table on a porch, intently discussing documents about HBA's first-ever project in China. One man writes while others observe. Trees are visible in the background.
87
1987

Expansion into Europe begins with the opening of an office in London.

London's busy street with red double-decker buses and cars on a rainy day. Buildings line the road, adorned with flags. People walk on sidewalks, conveying urban bustle.
90
1990

HBA launches its Singapore studio, reinforcing its presence in Southeast Asia.

Aerial view of Singapore's bustling cityscape with tall, modern skyscrapers. The buildings surround a winding river, and a shipyard is visible in the background. The scene conveys urban vibrancy.
95
1995

A new office opens in San Francisco, extending HBA's reach on the U.S. West Coast.

Steep street in San Francisco, lined with lush green trees and surrounded by modern high-rise and mid-rise buildings under a clear blue sky.
20
00
2000

HBA enters the Middle Eastern market with the opening of its Dubai office.

Skyline of Dubai featuring the towering Burj Khalifa surrounded by modern high-rises and construction cranes under a clear, pale blue sky.
03
2003

HBA New Delhi opens, followed by HBA Mumbai in 2014.

HBA New Delhi opens, followed by HBA Mumbai in 2014.
04
2004

HBA Shanghai opens, establishing a pivotal base in Asia and fueling regional growth.

HBA Shanghai opens, establishing a pivotal base in Asia and fueling regional growth.
06
2006

HBA is ranked #1 on Interior Design Magazine's Hospitality Giants list for the first time - a position the firm has held for 26 years since.

Interior Design Magazine logo.
13
2013

HBA Tokyo opens, bringing our global expertise to Japan’s influential design landscape.

HBA Tokyo opens, bringing our global expertise to Japan’s influential design landscape.
15
2015

HBA celebrates its 50th year milestone.

A diverse group of designers in formal attire pose joyfully on a red carpet, celebrating
18
2018

HBA grows into a full-service integrated design firm, uniting 13 specialist brands under one collective.

HBA grows into a full-service integrated design firm, uniting 13 specialist brands under one collective.
23
2023

HBA Riyadh opens, reinforcing our commitment to the Middle East and its dynamic markets.

HBA Riyadh opens, reinforcing our commitment to the Middle East and its dynamic markets.
24
2024

HBA New York opens, strengthening our East Coast presence.

HBA New York opens, strengthening our East Coast presence.
25
2025

HBA marks 60 years of design leadership, with 25 studios worldwide and over 1,500 specialists united by a shared belief in the power of design to inspire, connect, and shape unforgettable experiences.

This year also marks the opening of HBA's 25th office - HBA Madrid, and 26 years as #1 on Interior Design Magazine's Hospitality Giants list - a testament to our global impact on the world of design and the trust of our clients worldwide.

A large, diverse group of smiling designers from in the HBA London studio raise their arms in celebration, holding an

Celebrating
our 60 years.

Design that gives form to emotion

Our studios

Atlanta

Bali

Bangkok

123 Bangkok Street

Beijing

Clark

Dubai

Guangzhou

Ho Chi Minh City

Level 7, Alpha Tower 1,
151-153 Nguyen Dinh Chieu,
District 3, HCMC, Vietnam

Hong Kong

Jakarta

London

Los Angeles

Los Angeles Info

Madrid

Manila

Miami

Miami Info

Mumbai

New Delhi

New York

Riyadh

San Francisco

Seoul

Shanghai

Shenzhen

Singapore

135 Cecil Street

Units #01/02/03-01

Singapore 069536

Tokyo
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