At Becker & Frondorf, we understand delivering a successful hospitality project takes more than vision—it takes strategic coordination, clear communication, and expert guidance. As the Owner’s Representative for Hotel AKA Alexandria, we were proud to provide oversight in the transformation of this luxury hotel, ensuring that every detail aligned with the client’s vision while maintaining the highest standards of quality and efficiency.

Our work, alongside a world-class team of designers and contractors, helped shape Hotel AKA Alexandria into a premier destination. The hotel’s recognition as Best New Hotel in DC Modern Luxury’s 2024 Travel Awards and Best Domestic Hotel Transformation at the Best of the Year Awards 2023 is a testament to the dedication and expertise of everyone involved.

Photos © Jeffrey Totaro

A Vision for Modern Hospitality  

Located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, Hotel AKA blends sophisticated design with contemporary luxury. The project encompassed:

• 163 guestrooms
  

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• 28,810 SF of public space, amenity space, and exterior upgrades
  

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• A refined design by Lissoni & Partners with executive architecture by Ian J. Roberts (Interiors) and HGA (Exterior)
  

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• Expert construction teams including Digney York (Guestrooms) and McDonald Building Company (Public Spaces & Exterior)
  

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From high-end finishes to custom design elements, every aspect of this project was meticulously planned and executed to elevate the guest experience.

Project Management in Hospitality: Key Considerations  

Managing a hotel renovation requires a deep understanding of both construction logistics and operational needs. Our role as Owner’s Representative involved coordinating multiple teams while ensuring that the project remained on schedule and within budget. Some of the most critical considerations included:

1. Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality: Luxury hospitality projects demand an exceptional level of design coordination. Our role was to ensure that the vision of the designer — Lissoni & Partners – with executive architecture by Ian J. Roberts and HGA — was seamlessly integrated with practical construction requirements. This meant reviewing materials to meet both aesthetic and durability standards, as well as ensuring that spaces were designed for both comfort and operational efficiency.

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   Managing Multiple Stakeholders: A project of this scale involves collaboration between owners, designers, construction teams, and brand representatives. Acting as the central point of communication, we facilitated decision-making, resolved challenges, and ensured that all project goals were aligned throughout each phase.

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3. Navigating Compliance and Permitting: Every hospitality project must adhere to strict regulatory requirements, including building codes, ADA compliance, and environmental sustainability standards. Our experience in project oversight allowed us to anticipate potential permitting challenges and proactively address them to avoid delays.

The End Result: An Award-Winning Destination

With its sleek interiors, thoughtfully designed public spaces, and a commitment to guest comfort, Hotel AKA Alexandria has set a new standard for modern hospitality in the Washington, D.C. area. We are honored to have played a role in bringing this project to life and proud to see it recognized among the best new hotels.

Ready to Elevate Your Next Hospitality Project?
At Becker & Frondorf, we bring the same level of precision, collaboration, and strategic oversight to every hospitality project we manage. Whether you’re renovating a boutique hotel or developing a new luxury destination, our team is here to ensure your vision is realized—on time, on budget, and with an uncompromising commitment to quality.

Connect with us today to learn how our project management expertise can support your next hospitality venture.