The inside story on hospitality facilities: in today's hospitality industry, attention to detail determines distinction. "Lots of people are trying to strengthen their brand identity by making their product a little more unique," says Ron Crawford, senior associate at Atlanta-based Thompson, Ventulett, Stainback & Associates.(HOSPITALITY FACILITIES: Current design, clever use of space, upscale amenities, and sustainable features help hotels cater to guests, putting them in control)

Buildings, March, 2007 by Orsborn, Maureen

"There have been several new brands to come onto the market lately, so there's a stronger need for that these days," he says.

From floorcoverings to furniture in the most upscale properties (and even in some budget-conscious lines), you will find a higher quality of design. "Every brand has its own profile that it's seeking and marketing," explains Stephen Yas, president at Evanston, IL-based YAS Architecture. "You're carefully having your hand on a volume control, and you're turning up the volume or turning down the volume effectively based upon ...