LAS VEGAS—Nadel, an international architectural design firm headquartered in Los Angeles, recently hired Andrew Simmons as director of the firm's hospitality studio, working out of its Las Vegas office. GlobeSt.com caught up with the source, who has more than 20 years of experience working within hospitality design and development and eightyears in the Las Vegas market.

GlobeSt.com: How is retail affecting today's hospitality market; and vice versa?

Andrew Simmons: As retail moves closer to the forefront of hospitality design (particularly in the gaming industry), a parallel shift in retail is occurring—with hospitality concepts gaining momentum in retail and mixed-use developments nationwide. Retail and the hospitality market have always had a symbiotic relationship starting with simple sundry outlets within a hotel, to defined branded destination outlets integrated into larger developments. From incorporating luxury boutique designer brands into gift shops, to the new trends of pop-up retail and grab-and-go markets, the relationship between retail and hotel brands are evolving based on the associated level of service. This is taken even further with an established online presence, including Shop Marriott, Westin Store and the Ritz-Carlton Shops, where the offerings are growing from more than bedding and linens into accessories, clothing and décor where customers can participate without staying at a property – the “Hotel Brand” has become a retail product.