Global design firm HKS has announced the launch of Roam, a new independently-operated design firm specialising in hospitality and residential categories. Previously known as HKS Hospitality Interiors, Roam will be driven under the leadership of design veterans Mary Alice Palmer and Olga Acosta.

The studio’s name comes from its story of discovery, journeys and place – that a life well-lived is one of insatiable curiosity that finds inspiration and creativity through exploration. With this story, Roam crafts its narratives through immersive, multifaceted spaces that evoke a sensory-driven experience, eliciting a sense of luxury with the freedom to relax without a timeline.

The firm’s design team does not fear “jumping into the abyss,” according to Palmer, allowing its instinctual creative direction and innovation to lead on projects. With a natural focus on creating spaces that promote a human centric experience rooted in wellbeing, the team has already established itself as a leader in hospitality, honing in on a collective mindset that allows the creation of something that transcends the individual.

“The ability to establish Roam as an independent practice is a pivotal moment for our team, allowing the opportunity to bring on new, exciting projects with the added flexibility of working with independent brands and architectural partners,” says Palmer, Roam’s Global Creative Director and Founding Principal. “We look forward to continued collaboration with HKS, pushing each other’s project boundaries through innovation and curiosity to achieve extraordinary results for our clients, while allowing Roam to freely compete and establish its own identity within the highly specialised industry.”

Roam’s portfolio includes Bishop’s Lodge Auberge Resorts Collection in New Mexico, Esperanza Auberge Resorts Collection in Cabo San Lucas, W Bellevue in Washington state, and Amaala Triple Bay Yacht Club in Saudi Arabia under its belt. The firm will continue to push the boundaries of design with the forthcoming debuts of The Ritz-Carlton Portland Hotel & Residences located in Oregon, and St Regis Mardavall Es Fum Restaurant and Mar Sea Club in Mallorca.

Olga Acosta, Global Practice Manager and Principal at Roam, comments: “We look forward to continuing to lead with our deeply held ideals of empathetic listening and collaboration as we take on exciting new projects. I believe the establishment of Roam will open doors to interesting new clients, opportunities and talent across the globe, and I look forward to leading that charge alongside Mary Alice and our expert team.”

The firm will operate in Dallas and London with plans to expand to additional international regions in the future. The firm will continue to collaborate with HKS and directly with hospitality owners, brands, operators, developers and architectural partners globally, offering services including interior design and architecture, branding, product and creative direction, as well as strategy, art and accessory curation, and F&B concept development.