Designing cost efficiencies into the casino resort
RESORT DESIGN
Making It Work
Designing cost efficiencies into the casino resort
BY DIKE BACON
Efficiency in casino resort design is a delicate balancing act . While cost control is essential , it hopefully won ’ t come at the expense of guest experience . We never want to design all the fun out of an entertainment experience . Yet , rising overall development costs , unpredictable material pricing and ongoing labor shortages have forced tribal resort owners to rethink how they design and operate their properties .
Through strategic planning , casino owners and operators can work with architects to streamline operational space , reduce costs , and maximize return on investment — all while maintaining the immersive environments that keep guests coming back .
“ The construction climate we ’ re all dealing with right now is incredibly unstable ,” says Brett Ewing , AIA , principal at Cuningham . “ Product and material availability remains a challenge , even post-Covid . Tariffs are adding significant pressure to our current projects , creating additional financial strain . All of this leads to volatile and unpredictable pricing from our contractors .”
With costs rising , resort owners must scrutinize every square foot of their development . Nathan Peak , AIA , president and practice leader at HBG Design , emphasizes the importance of prioritization . “ To navigate cost challenges effectively ,” he says , “ owners should be strategic in prioritizing front-of-house and back-of-house space essential to the integrity of the guest experience . Striking the right balance is key .”
Casino resorts often contain excessive space in both public and service areas , leading to inflated construction and maintenance costs . Robert J . Gdowski , AIA , principal and director of hospitality design at JCJ Architecture , highlights the need for precision .
“ Construction dollars don ’ t extend nearly as far as they used to , yet market expectations are increasingly more refined ,” says Gdowski . “ More than ever , there is now a ‘ science to the art ’— a demand to pinpoint moments of greatest design impact .”
Instead of reacting to cost overruns late in the process , architects and designers must work closely with tribal operators from the outset . Ewing and Peak stress early collaboration as a key strategy :
“ If we ’ re not proactive , there ’ s a real risk that projects will face significant delays or even cancellations ,” says Ewing . “ It ’ s important to conduct a focused program analysis with the owner very early in the process — ideally at the concept phase .”
Peak emphasizes that decision alignment starting at the project kick-off meeting helps set the stage for success . “ The sooner the project team is on the same page regarding program and cost , the better the outcomes — and the smoother the process .”
The days of overbuilding and layering unnecessary design elements are fading . Gdowski explains that today ’ s design approach is more calculated :
“ Where we once had the luxury of designing in excess , layering on stimulation after stimulation , we now focus on a more strategic narrative . We spend dollars where the design can resonate most .”
Maximizing ROI While Maintaining the Guest Experience A well-planned casino resort isn ’ t just about aesthetics — it ’ s about understanding how to optimize the program with revenue generation . Sometimes this means reallocating investment dollars .
“ When an owner ’ s vision exceeds their program budget , we explore phasing strategies — focusing on what to design and build first while maintaining flexibility for future additions as resources allow ,” says Ewing .
Similarly , Peak emphasizes the importance of working with management teams to refine the program into a long-term plan . “ By prioritizing phased planning , the first phase maximizes revenue generation while setting the stage for graceful expansion . This approach incrementally manages costs while preserving funds to enhance the hospitality experience .”
Designing Out Excess , Designing In Functionality Right-sizing is just one piece of the puzzle . Thoughtful design can improve efficiency without diminishing guest engagement . Peak points to innovative approaches in guest service areas :
“ Superfluous spaces don ’ t just drive costs up , they create operational inefficiencies . Backof-house areas such as storage rooms , staff break areas and service corridors should be designed with operational input to ensure streamlined adjacencies and functionality .”
Front-of-house areas are also evolving . Creative seating arrangements , adaptable F & B service models , and innovative service concepts such as grab-and-go kiosks and automated ordering can help optimize space while maintaining convenience .
Technology is another factor in shaping the future of casino resort efficiency . AI-powered concierge services , robotic room service and automated surveillance are beginning to ease staff workloads , but their full potential is still unfolding . Ewing remains cautious about automation ’ s immediate impact .
“ While automation and robotics will undoubtedly be part of the future , we ’ re still a long way from seeing those solutions fully implemented in a way that truly reduces costs and enhances efficiency ,” says Ewing .
“ Above all , disciplined and transparent communication between the owner , architect and contractor is a must in today ’ s industry . Strong collaboration and early alignment set the foundation for successful project execution , even in an unpredictable construction environment .”
Designing for efficiency in the casino resort industry requires a delicate balance between cost reduction and guest experience . Through strategic space planning , early-stage collaboration , and a program-driven approach to design decisions , developers can navigate today ’ s cost challenges without sacrificing the immersive environments that define world-class resorts .
“ We ’ ll all get through these challenges , but it will require owners and architects drilling down and finding the areas that can achieve the biggest return on design ,” concludes Peak .
Dike Bacon is vice president of development for Fremont-Wright Collaborative .
8 TRIBAL GOVERNMENT GAMING 2025