HBA ANNOUNCES LANDMARK VENTURE CREATING GLOBAL POWERHOUSE: HBA ARCHITECTURE World’s Largest Hospitality Design Firm Launches Architecture Arm (New York, New York – October 14, 2012) – Global interior design leaders HBA, Hirsch Bedner Associates, announced today that it is launching a wide-ranging collaborative venture combining more than 50 years of innovative design experience with a cutting edge background of leading architect, Jeffrey M. Williams, AIA. Ian Carr and René Kaerskov, co-CEOs, announced the launch of HBA Architecture. The shared skills, capabilities, and scope of the newly formed HBA Architecture provide a game-changing alternative for property ownership groups across the globe looking to blend the design acumen of HBA with the architectural standards and integrity of Williams’ project experience. Mr. Carr is based in HBA’s Singapore office and is responsible for all design activities worldwide. Mr. Kaerskov is based in their Los Angeles and responsible for all financial & operational activities worldwide. The two have worked as a team to successfully transition the legendary hospitality interior design firm, established in 1964 by Howard Hirsch and Michael Bedner, into the second generation of owners while creating an innovative and ambitious business model that has dramatically expanded the firm’s design services and staff. Accomplished contemporary architect, Jeffrey M. Williams, the co-founder and former director of Studio Aria, will lead this new global powerhouse, HBA Architecture. “This is an extremely exciting opportunity,” enthused Mr. Williams. “I have worked on projects with Ian Carr for over a decade and we embrace the same values and design philosophies, including the importance of creating a sense of place that respects and embodies the unique cultural heritage of a community and offers a vision of its future.” As a partner and director in architecture for over 21 years, Williams has embraced a variety of roles that support his philosophical values and professional development. As a licensed architect in the State of New York, Mr. Williams has extensive design and management expertise gained from being engaged in the activation of master plans, mixed use developments, luxury urban hotels, urban resorts, destination resorts, branded residences, along with offices and retail space. Mr. Williams’ strong pedigree in the architecture industry mirrors the strength of HBA in the hotel arena and compliments the heritage of HBA’s design portfolio that spans the globe. Now a one- stop-shop for design and architecture in a single company, the newly formed HBA Architecture has the distinction of being an industry leader by combining the two dual roles under one roof contrasting itself with a business field that traditionally separates the two. Mr. Williams who to date has secured commissions or assumed the role of project director in the following nineteen countries and regions: Australia, China, Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Qatar, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, USA and Vietnam. HBA Architecture will provide architecture design services for master plans, mixed-use developments, urban hotels, urban resorts, destination resorts, branded residences, urban offices and branded retail. “We launched HBA Architecture in response to our clients’ requests to provide architectural design services at the same high standard of quality and innovation as HBA, while seamlessly supporting and expanding our recognized accomplishments in the hospitality design arena,” said Mr. Kaerskov. “HBA Architecture successfully launched simultaneously in Singapore and Shanghai, with two additional offices in the final planning stages set to launch in the first quarter of 2013.” HBA Architecture provides architecture design services for master plans, mixed-use developments, urban hotels, urban resorts, destination resorts, branded residences, urban offices and branded retail. Mr. Carr added “We have been working towards HBA Architecture for a decade. We share a common passion and commitment to continually revolutionizing hospitality design, while maintaining a standard of enduring quality on a worldwide scale. Our mission is to create a seamless extension of the established HBA brand, built upon the foundations of experience, creativity and client service.” HBA Architecture entrusted seasoned veterans, well known in the global hospitality architecture design industry, with the important assignment to establish and expand this new venture. Jeffrey M. William has been appointed as the Managing Director and Yann A. Leroy as the Design Director for all global activities of HBA Architecture. HBA has sixteen offices globally, with over one thousand talented design professionals. Additional expansion plans will be announced in the near future. ### About HBA World-renowned as the “Number 1 Hospitality Design Firm” (Interior Design) and honored in 2011 by the Perspective Awards, the Boutique Design Awards and the European Hotel Design Awards; HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates, unveils the world’s most anticipated hotels, resorts, and spas. Leading the hospitality interior design industry since 1965, HBA remains keenly attuned to the pulse of changing industry trends governed by today's sophisticated traveler. The company’s international presence, depth of experience, and detailed industry knowledge enables them to identify interior design trends at their source, make definitive predictions about new directions and innovations, and influence design standards at a global level. HBA’s ultimate objective is to add value, raise standards and enhance the brand of a project's owner and operator. HBA creates the signature look of traditional luxury brands, independent contemporary boutiques, urban resort spas, world-class residences, restaurants, casinos, and cruise ships. From continent to continent, each HBA interior is the result of a unique and sensitive response to location, architecture, and client vision. With over 900 designers around the globe in 16 offices and a recent expansion in Asia, HBA is a true global company with more than 75% of its employees now outside the United States. HBA’s international presence, combined with its extensive knowledge of the interior design industry, has facilitated the ability to rewrite the language of design with each new project. For HBA in Los Angeles, Atlanta, San Francisco, London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo, Singapore, Brisbane, Melbourne, New Delhi, Dubai Moscow, Istanbul, Thailand and Manila, visit www.hba.com. Contact: Lemor Moses Director of Public Relations [email protected] .