MEET THE GUILD HAUS
CREATIVITY
EXPERTISE
Founded on the belief that exceptional spaces are created through collective expertise, The Guild Haus is a multidisciplinary creative studio uniting hospitality design, architecture, product design, branding, and construction management under one collaborative vision.
Each project is guided by a curated team model, assembling the right blend of designers, architects, strategists, makers, procurement specialists, and construction partners to meet the unique goals, scale, and ambition of every client.
We remove unnecessary layers in favor of clarity and intention, carefully assembled expertise, purposeful collaboration, and a commitment to meaningful work across every touchpoint.
The Guild Haus exists to redefine the traditional design model through collective expertise, purposeful collaboration, and multidisciplinary thinking.
We create meaningful spaces, brands, and experiences by bringing together industry specialists, creatives, and visionaries in a collaborative environment where innovation and authentic ideas thrive.
Better ideas emerge through collaboration.
Design should create meaningful impact.
Expertise should be curated, not standardized.
Every project deserves a tailored approach.
Our Approach
Curated Expertise - Tailored To Every Project
We assemble specialized teams for each engagement, aligning designers, strategists, makers, and partners to the scope and ambition of the work. Supported by a globally connected network across hospitality, commercial, residential, and lifestyle sectors, our model blends deep expertise with broad perspective to deliver highly tailored, collaborative outcomes.
Unlike traditional firms layered with account management and complex communication structures, clients work directly with founders and design leadership. This direct connection creates greater clarity, faster decision-making, and a more hands-on, collaborative partnership throughout every phase of the project. With minimal overhead and no rigid corporate structure, we remain agile, intentional, and fully invested in each engagement—resulting in a more responsive, aligned, and elevated experience for clients and collaborators alike.
Direct Access to Leadership
The Guild Haus operates beyond traditional interiors, offering a multidisciplinary approach that connects branding, architectural collaboration, custom product design, procurement strategy, capital planning, and construction management. This integrated model ensures seamless alignment from concept through completion.
Beyond Interior Design
THE BEST HOTEL ISN'T DESIGNED BY ONE FIRM, IT'S BUILD WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE AT THE TABLE.
With a boundless vision that challenges convention, we are a studio collective built on connection, collaboration, and shared success, while embracing modern-forward thinking that integrates innovation with a human-centered approach.
We move with curiosity toward what is next. By blending human insight, creative intuition, and intelligent tools, we shape spaces, brands, and experiences that feel forward-looking, meaningful, and intentionally ahead of the curve.
WE DON'T COLLECT PROJECTS. WE GATHER BRILLIANT PEOPLE.
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WE DON'T COLLECT PROJECTS. WE GATHER BRILLIANT PEOPLE. ·
Lorraine Francis
Lorraine Francis is a visionary hospitality design leader with more than 25 years of experience shaping hotels, resorts, and guest experiences worldwide. As Principal of THE GUILDHAUS, she guides design strategy across architecture, interiors, and green consulting, creating purposeful spaces that balance beauty, functionality, sustainability, and profitability. Previously, she served as Regional Director of Hospitality Interiors at Gensler and remains widely respected as a practitioner, speaker, researcher, and award-winning author. Her portfolio includes work with Marriott, Belamar Hotel, Tova Hotel, Xanterra Resorts, Cambria Hotels, Sheraton Sonoma, and Zhao Residence. Driven by research and innovation, Lorraine has explored biophilic design, Airbnb’s impact on hospitality, textile performance, design science, modular building, and sustainable best practices through initiatives such as Hotels+Green. She is also an active contributor to the design community through NEWH, AIA, and industry events including Green Lodging, BDNY, HD Expo, Bitac, and NEWH Green Voices.
Principal, Architecture & Design
Shannon Suess
Shannon Suess is an award-winning interior designer with more than 25 years of experience creating memorable hospitality, mixed-use, and landmark destinations around the world. As Director of Interior Architecture & Design at THE GUILDHAUS in Seattle, she leads projects with a focus on creativity, collaboration, cultural authenticity, and sustainable design.
Throughout her career, Shannon has held leadership roles with globally recognized firms including WATG and MG2, where she led luxury hospitality, retail, and mixed-use developments across Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. Her portfolio includes notable projects such as Bardessono Hotel & Spa in Napa Valley, Grand Hyatt Kauai, Salish Lodge & Spa, and the award-winning restoration of Seattle's iconic Fairmont Olympic Hotel.
Known for blending local storytelling, historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and contemporary design, Shannon creates environments that foster meaningful connections between guests, communities, and place. Her work is driven by a belief that thoughtful design can elevate experiences, celebrate culture, and create lasting value.
Beyond her project work, Shannon is an active contributor to the design industry through mentorship, speaking engagements, and professional organizations including NEWH, NAIOP, CREW, and the Urban Land Institute (ULI) National Product Council TETC.
Director, Interior Architecture & Design
With more than two decades of experience spanning interior design, product development, business development, and brand strategy, Erica Puccio brings a distinctive blend of creativity, leadership, and purpose-driven vision to The Guild Haus.
A designer by training and creative strategist by evolution, Erica is passionate about using design to empower and inspire, enrich spaces, connect people, and create meaningful change. Her approach bridges creativity and strategy while championing collaboration, community, and purposeful growth.
At the heart of her work are four guiding values: Creativity, Collaboration, Community, and Care, and a belief that great design goes beyond how a space looks to how it connects, inspires, and ultimately makes people feel.
Creative Ambassador, Brand & Product Erica Puccio
WE DON’T DESIGN SPACES; WE TELL THEIR STORIES.
We lead with integrity, accountability, and clarity. Every partnership and project is guided by a steady commitment to thoughtful decision-making, disciplined execution, and a responsibility to deliver work that is both precise and enduring.