Nelsen Architects Launches Nomad Hospitality Interiors, Expanding Luxury Hospitality Design Platform with Early Projects Throughout US
Led by Heather Chilton-Gantt, Nomad Hospitality Interiors is already bringing expertise to projects including a historic Southwestern hotel
Nelsen Architects has launched Nomad Hospitality Interiors, a new independent luxury interiors studio led by Heather Chilton-Gantt, with early projects including the La Posada de Santa Fe renovation.
Heather Chilton and Gantt Ryan Langlois — Photo by Nelsen Architects
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. – Nelsen Architects, formerly Nelsen Partners, is proud to announce the launch of Nomad Hospitality Interiors, a new independent interior design studio dedicated to creating engaging, design-driven environments within the luxury and lifestyle hospitality sector.
Guided by exploration and inspired by place, Nomad Hospitality Interiors is rooted in the belief that exceptional hospitality design creates meaningful experiences. The studio specializes in boutique hotels, luxury resorts, wellness spaces, destination restaurants and private clubs, with a focus on environments that feel authentic, memorable and deeply connected to their surroundings.
Among the studio’s initial commissions is the renovation of the iconic La Posada de Santa Fe, a Tribute Portfolio Resort & Spa. Working alongside the new owners, Nomad will shape and execute the design vision for the property’s 157 guestrooms, public areas, and food and beverage offerings, ushering in a new chapter for the celebrated destination.
The new studio will be led by Heather Chilton-Gantt, a respected hospitality designer whose professional journey began at Nelsen Architects more than 20 years ago. After her time at Nelsen, Heather joined Monogram Hospitality Interiors at BBGM, where she spent the next few decades collaborating closely with Nelsen's architectural teams on a range of hospitality projects. When Monogram recently closed its doors, Nelsen recognized a unique opportunity to establish a new interiors studio with a team of talented designers it had trusted and partnered with for years, and the chance to operate independently with partners within and beyond Nelsen’s current portfolio.
Joining Heather from Monogram are Studio Design Lead Ryan Langlois and Senior Designer Lisa Scaffidi, longtime collaborators who bring more than a decade of shared experience delivering exceptional hospitality projects. Senior Designer Kaori Morie also joins the Nomad team from Nelsen, where she has spent several years contributing to a broad range of hospitality-focused work.
Together, the team brings deep expertise across a diverse portfolio of projects, including full-service hotels, lifestyle brands, five-star luxury resorts and destination spa experiences. Their collective experience spans renowned hospitality brands such as Ritz-Carlton, Autograph Collection, Curio by Hilton, Westin, Tapestry Collection and many others.
“I look forward to building a hospitality design studio at Nomad that elevates the client experience. My goal is to bring the same level of design excellence, thoughtful collaboration and dedication that clients have come to expect from Nelsen’s architectural and planning practice to this new interior design team,” said Chilton-Gantt.
While Nelsen Architects has a history in interior design, the launch of Nomad marks a renewed commitment to the discipline after nearly fifteen years, driven by the firm’s expanding luxury hospitality architectural portfolio. By reintroducing a dedicated interiors practice, Nelsen enhances its ability to deliver cohesive, highly coordinated projects that elevate both design outcomes and operational performance.
Nomad Hospitality Interiors will serve independent clients, carrying forward the firm’s ethos of collaboration, service and thoughtful, high-caliber design by engaging with outside architectural firms and connecting directly with clients for stand-alone interiors projects.
Nomad Hospitality Interiors is currently accepting clients. Their office is based in Scottsdale, Arizona, and located at 15210 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 300. For more information on the studio, please visit nomadinteriors.design, or follow along on Linkedin and Instagram.
About Nelsen Architects
For more than 35 years, Nelsen Architects has delivered architecture, interior design, planning, and urban design services for projects across the United States and around the world. From mixed-use developments and master-planned urban centers to retail destinations, office buildings, residential towers, hotels, and restaurants, the firm brings a thoughtful, collaborative approach to creating meaningful places. Grounded in exceptional design and guided by care, curiosity, and collaboration, Nelsen brings together a team of more than 85 professionals who work together as creative problem solvers, pairing seasoned expertise with the fresh perspective of emerging talent. With a commitment to authentic place-making, the firm designs buildings and environments that respond to their context, enrich the human experience, and deliver lasting value to clients and communities. Nelsen Architects has offices in Austin, Texas (119 W. Eighth St., Suite C, Austin, TX 78701) and Scottsdale, Arizona (15210 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 300, Scottsdale, AZ 85254).
About Nomad Hospitality Interiors
Nomad Hospitality Interiors is a full-service interior design studio specializing in luxury and lifestyle hospitality environments. From independent hotels and destination resorts to private clubs, wellness retreats, and celebrated dining venues, our work is rooted in a strong sense of place. We create immersive, authentic interiors that inspire discovery, enrich experience, and leave a lasting impression. Led by Heather Chilton-Gantt, a respected hospitality designer whose professional journey began at Nelsen Architects more than 20 years ago, Nomad's passionate team brings decades of hospitality expertise to every project, designing distinctive spaces that elevate the guest journey while strengthening each client's vision, brand identity, and operational goals. Nomad Hospitality Interiors is based in Scottsdale, Arizona, and located at 15210 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 300, Scottsdale, AZ 85254.