VMSD Announces its 2026 Designer Dozen

VMSD recently announced its 2026 Designer Dozen Awards. Maria Barrios, MG2 Architectural & Interior Designer, made the list!

Maria shared “From a very young age, I was immersed in the fine and performing arts (painting, dance and drawing) which later evolved into formal studies in graphic design, interior design and architecture. Retail design felt like the perfect intersection of all those disciplines. It combines storytelling, branding, spatial awareness and human psychology. I was especially drawn to how global retail brands can connect with people across cultures through physical space. Retail allows me to design environments that are not only functional, but emotional and experiential.”

MG2’s Flight Club Project Opens in Seattle’s South Lake Union Neighborhood

New eatertainment venue offers a multi-player darts experience combined with dining and socializing.

SEATTLE, WA—March 26, 2026—Global architecture and design firm MG2 announces the opening of its latest project, State of Play Hospitality’s Flight Club, located in Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood. Flight Club is a fast-paced, multiplayer darts experience with groundbreaking tracking technology and instant scoring.

Leveraging the MG2’s expertise in experiential hospitality and restaurant design, Flight Club partnered with the firm to bring the concept to life, translating Flight Club’s social darts experience into a dynamic, high-energy venue. The Seattle venue is MG2’s second Flight Club opening in the U.S with additional locations coming in 2026.

“Hospitality today is about creating memorable experiences, and this project was an opportunity to collaborate in the design of a space that truly brings people together,” says Nick Caputo, MG2 Principal. “Working closely with the Flight Club team, we focused on crafting an environment that balances atmosphere, functionality, and a strong sense of place.”

Flight Club is part of the growing eatertainment category, described in the MG2 Advisory report, For the Thrill of It: Eatertainment Experiences that Cater to All, as “a welcoming destination to convene with others, offering a unique blend of entertainment, dining and social experiences that foster a sense of community and belonging.”

“We’re proud to partner with State of Play Hospitality to bring their immersive Flight Club concept to its newest venue in Seattle,” adds Caputo. “Our collective goal was to develop a space that enhances the guest experience while supporting the energy and vision behind the brand ethos.  What is special about the team at State of Play is that they are considerate of each element, which ultimately shapes a destination that will resonate with guests and the surrounding community.”

ABOUT MG2

Guided by our vision to create transformative experiences that foster and elevate healthy communities, MG2 has been delivering award-winning projects and programs for over 50 years. We partner with some of the world’s most recognizable companies and brands to bring exceptional design solutions to life through full architectural, strategic planning, cost management, interior design, brand strategy, and program consulting services. Our seven offices in the U.S. and China—Seattle, Portland, New York, Washington D.C., Minneapolis, Irvine, and Shanghai—integrate building performance and social responsibility into every project. At MG2, our greatest strength lies in our people, our clients, and our commitment to helping them succeed. We are purpose-driven by nature, data-driven by design. MG2 is an affiliate of Colliers Engineering & Design.

Bill Sleeth Speaking at SPECS

MG2 Principal Bill Sleeth is speaking at SPECS on March 9 alongside VASA Fitness Chief Growth Officer Christopher Tarrant on What is Old is New (And Valuable): Adaptive Reuse Strategies.

Flight Club

Flight Club is an upscale, technology-enabled Social Darts concept that delivers a premium experience blending elevated food and drink with an innovative take on the classic game. MG2 partnered with State of Play to bring the brand’s newest location to Cincinnati, Ohio.

Inspired by the charm of a Victorian-era pub and the whimsy of British fairgrounds, the interior is warm, inviting, and playful. Decorative elements sourced across England reinforce an authentic and immersive atmosphere. Overhead, large suspended ring lights infuse the space with energy, enhancing social interaction.  The central bar, featuring cabochon lights and surrounded by black-and-white checkered tile, establishes a vibrant focal point that defines the heart of the venue.

Beyond Cincinnati, MG2 continues its collaboration with State of Play, launching future Flight Club locations in major cities across North America, including Seattle, Dallas, and Minneapolis.


Monica Vinader

Luxury jewelry brand Monica Vinader is known for its modern design and commitment to ethical materials, creating everyday pieces that celebrate individuality. MG2 partnered with the brand to bring its refined aesthetic to Nordstrom NYC.

Situated in Nordstrom’s new jewelry hall, the shop-in-shop offers a uniquely elevated experience for shoppers. Working closely with Nordstrom, Monica Vinader, and premium vendors, MG2 ensured that every design element was executed seamlessly. The intimate, sophisticated space combines dark painted walls, warm wood accents, metallic screen dividers, wrapped columns, and large street-facing windows. Custom fixtures display jewelry with elegance, while bespoke stools create inviting moments for customers to explore personalization services. Every detail is thoughtfully curated to make visitors feel both welcomed and inspired.


Research & Insights – January 2026

Young in Age, Mighty in Impact: Gen Alpha is Rewriting the Rules for Brands

Gen Alpha is ready to be taken seriously.

With the oldest among them just 14, they are already shaping how brands and stores show up, even without their own credit cards. They have more choice than any generation before them, and with fluency across smartphones, tablets, computers, digital worlds, virtual reality, and AI tools, they are quickly surpassing Gen Z and Millennials in their adaptability and expectations for ease and efficiency. They move naturally between digital and physical spaces, and their cultural and commercial influence is accelerating, making it essential to understand not only what they respond to today, but what they will expect from brands and retailers in the years ahead. This research explores how Gen Alpha first discovers brands, how they want to engage beyond a transaction, and why their ability to inspire and influence cross generational purchase decisions cannot be overlooked.

The full report is available for download at the bottom of this page. Take me there now!

What We Learned

Based on our findings, Gen Alpha consumers shared the following key insights on what matters most to them through in-store design and programming. Overall, they want to engage with brands meaningfully, take an active role in the shopping journey, and make their influence on household purchase decisions clear.

Co-Creation Collaboration

97% of Gen Alpha want to help brands make design decisions, from testing new products and informing product development to shaping the look and feel of store environments, showing a strong desire to be active members of the brand community.

Tactile Experiences

73% of Gen Alpha prefer shopping in-store to fully immerse themselves in a brand’s environment. They value hands-on test-and-try experiences that let them explore products, validate purchases, and connect with the brand on a deeper level.

Snack & Shop Offerings

3 in 4 Gen Alpha say in-store food and beverage offerings drive them to spend more time in the store. These experiences make shopping more enjoyable, encourage exploration, and provide social moments that strengthen their connection to the brand.

Exploration & Navigation

66% of Gen Alpha rely on clear in-store signage to guide their shopping journey, balancing predictability and discovery and reflecting the simplicity they have come to expect from their online engagement.

Cross-Generational Influence

70% of Gen Alpha report that adults in their lives often purchase items they suggest, supporting that they not only influence household buying decisions but are also shaping trends and brand loyalty across generations.

Three Personas Defined

39%, The Confidence Chooser

Defined as individuals who want to make their own decisions and prefer stores that help them stay focused. They shop with a clear sense of purpose and confidence.

39%, The Transition Tween

Defined as individuals who notice style and pay attention to whether a store treats them like real shoppers. They want to feel seen, valued, and not just viewed as an extension of their parents.

23%, The Expressive Explorer

Defined as individuals who want brands to recognize their interests and who they are becoming. They look for stores that reflect their personality and avoid labels that limit them.

Shaping the Future: How Gen Alpha’s Curiosity, Creativity, and Influence Redefine Brand Engagement

Gen Alpha may be the youngest consumers today, but their influence is already reshaping how brands and retailers think about engagement. This generation values autonomy, curiosity, and play, moving seamlessly between digital and physical worlds while expecting experiences that are clear, interactive, and meaningful. They seek hands-on exploration, personalization, and opportunities to contribute, driving deeper connections and shaping household purchase decisions across generations. Trust is earned through authenticity and visible action, not promises, and technology must enhance rather than distract from the brand experience. Stores that empower Gen Alpha to explore, test, and participate will win their attention and loyalty. By designing experiences that balance predictability with discovery, brands can cultivate lasting relevance with a generation whose impact is already being felt.

Interested in More? Download the Full Report!


MAC Cosmetics

MG2 partnered with Estee Lauder to bring their global beauty brand, MAC Cosmetics, to Nordstrom’s New York City flagship. Prominently located in the heart of the store, the shop-in-shop offers an immersive experience that invites shoppers to explore the brand’s full product range and enjoy personalized makeup consultations.

Designed to capture MAC’s bold, modern identity, the space features distinctive consultation tables with integrated product displays, custom wood fixtures, and LED screens that enhance both visibility and engagement. Playful, oversized elements—such as sculptural makeup brushes forming a brand sign and a giant lipstick anchoring a featured display—add a dynamic, unique touch.

In collaboration with Estée Lauder’s US Retail Design team and key vendors, MG2 developed highly detailed millwork solutions to bring the design vision to life. The team engineered a concealed operable swing door within the primary display wall to provide access to back-of-house storage and crafted a custom fixture precisely aligned with the dimensions of the existing wall frame. Through careful coordination and thoughtful consideration of strict leasing parameters, MG2 developed an efficient, elevated layout that maximizes both functionality and brand expression within a compact space.


2026 Retail Predictions: More AI, Yes, but That’s Not All, Folks

In a recent Retail TouchPoints article by Editor Adam Blair, MG2 Principal and Founder of MG2 Advisory Melissa Gonzalez explores 2026 Retail Predictions.

“The next era of retail will be shaped by a collective and growing longing for restoration. After years marked by fatigue, chronic stress and emotional overload, consumers are moving toward brands that actively safeguard their wellbeing. They are seeking products, services and environments that preserve energy rather than depleting it, in spaces that help them regulate, reset and return to themselves. Retail that prioritizes emotional clarity and nervous system health will become a decisive differentiator.”

The Retail Sector: Designers’ Perspective: Experience is Currency for Brick-and-Mortar Retailers

MG2 Senior Project Designer Eladio Victoria and Principal Melissa Gonzalez spoke with Jessica Chevalier at Floor Focus Magazine, sharing their perspectives on the retail sector as designers.

“We build connection by creating emotional touchpoints through flooring,” says Eladio Victoria, senior project designer with MG2. “We are combining the floor and ceiling to create some hot spots or experiential locations within the retail space and also with a connection to the community, trying to evoke a presence with flooring using local materials so the consumers understand the space they are in.”

Two Minute Tour: Brooklyn, New York

Our Nordstrom Local project in Brooklyn, NY, was featured in an issue of VMSD edited by Editor-in-Chief Carly Hagedon.

“‘The design of this Nordstrom Local store has an intentional balance of warmth and modernity, reflecting the ease that the concept brings to the customer’s life – all while delivering an elevated experience,’ says Melissa Gonzalez, Principal at Seattle-based architecture and design firm, MG2.”

The Power of the Pause: Why Slowing Down Fuels Stronger Leadership | Melissa Gonzalez

MG2 Principal and The Purpose Pivot author Melissa Gonzalez joined Bill Sherman on an episode of Thought Leadership Leverage to discuss how moments of pause can redefine leadership, and why vulnerability, intuition, and well-being are essential to building clarity, resilience, and purpose-driven careers.

Where Data Meets Dinner: The $11,000 Battle for America’s Grocery Dollar

In a recent Colliers Knowledge Leader article, Anjee Solanki examines how shifting consumer habits and data insights are redefining the U.S. grocery landscape.

“Convenience continues to shape how Americans shop. Nearly half (47%) of U.S. consumers identify as “Quick Trippers,” favoring short, efficient grocery runs and stores with intuitive layouts and frictionless checkout, according to MG2 Advisory’s latest grocery report.”

Meet Our Team

Bill Sleeth

Principal

With a career shaped by curiosity and a relentless drive to elevate everyday experiences, Bill Sleeth brings a visionary approach to restaurant and retail design. Drawing on 25 years of leadership at brands like Starbucks, Panera Bread, and Sweetgreen, he masterfully bridges strategy and storytelling to transform abstract ideas into engaging, human-centered environments. Bill thrives in collaborative settings, guiding teams through bold thinking and calculated experimentation—always in pursuit of meaningful, memorable customer moments.

Creatives Shaking Up The Industry

Retail Design Institute honored MG2 Chief Creative Officer MJ Munsell with induction into the Retail Design Legion of Honor.

MJ is recognized for more than three decades of leadership in retail design, guiding award-winning project teams for brands including Nordstrom, Anthropologie, Victoria’s Secret, and Tommy Bahama.

NEXCOM/The Navy Exchange

MG2’s partnership with The Navy Exchange (NEXCOM)—the organization overseeing more than 300 retail stores across 92 naval bases worldwide—began in May 2020 and has grown into a trusted, collaborative relationship centered on the sailors and families NEXCOM serves. Our Advisory, Design, and Architecture teams have worked together to reimagine everything from departments to full-store environments. Beyond traditional site visits, our on-base tours and stays at Navy Lodges immerse us in sailors’ daily lives, how they move through spaces, shop, and connect with their environment, so we can design solutions that reflect their needs and values. This approach has given us meaningful insight into how retail can support sailors at every stage of life, from new recruits to retirees. Our goal is to create environments that are convenient, intuitive, and welcoming, while offering both efficiency and moments of delight.

The MG2 Advisory team, in partnership with our Design team, took a multi-pronged approach to assessing how each department could best support consumer needs. 

This included:

  • An audit of brand insights (both qualitative and quantitative), as well as competitive benchmarking analysis
  • Evaluating consumer trends
  • Surveying the NEXCOM consumer audience as it relates to opportunities to elevate in-store experiences and identify key drivers to make the Navy Exchange their shopping destination
  • In-person field interviews – immersing ourselves on base with new recruits and sailors, and talking with store management to learn first-hand where they are seeing gaps both experientially and operationally in the store
  • Environmental evolution of color pallets featured in-store, fixture and signage packages, lighting and flooring optimization, and department-specific design needs to support a more elevated and customer-centric approach

This evaluation identified opportunities beyond price to deliver value across the fleet of locations. Through a deep dive analysis into trends, customer pain points and desires, including areas that provided demystification, we could identify drivers and preferences to inform the in-store experience evolution, allowing the Navy mission to be more deeply reflected in the spaces visited by sailors and families.

Based on the insights and research the MG2 Advisory Team brought forward, MG2 designed stores that provided greater space for storytelling, fostering excitement and a sense of community. As a result of these findings, the NEXCOM team revamped each department, reimagining the customer journey, merchandising, wayfinding, and operational change.

Store Departments Redesigned to Date (Advisory/Design)

  • Beauty
  • Consumer Technology
  • Essentials
  • Food Hall/Provisions
  • Everyday Home
  • Health & Wellness
  • Home Gallery
  • Jewelry
  • Kids
  • Men’s Apparel
  • Women’s Apparel
  • Surf Shop
  • Navy Pride
  • Package Store

Frameworks Articulated to Date (Advisory/Design):

  • Madix Playbook (fixture programming)
  • Dropzone Playbook (modular kit of parts)
  • Signage in the Lobby/Directory
  • Signage Framework Package
  • Shoppable Showroom
  • Mobile Retail Facility (MRF)

Flagship Environments Redesigned to Date (Advisory/Design/Architecture Review)

  • Jacksonville, FL
  • Pearl Harbor, HI

Discover additional impact MG2 Advisory had on NEXCOM Beauty here.


Fashion, Identity, and Digital Life Collide: Why Brands Must Listen, Collaborate, and Co-Create With the Next Generation of Youth

In this episode of Retail Refined, MG2 Principal Melissa Gonzalez sits down with Brieane Olson, CEO of Pacsun, to explore how Gen Z and Gen Alpha are redefining creativity, consumption, and connection—and what it means for brands hoping to stay relevant in a culture that’s evolving faster than ever.

From Southdale Center to Gen Z: Why the Core Appeal of Malls Endures

MG2 Principal Melissa Gonzalez discussed how Gen Z shapes the future of malls in an ICSC article.

“’Gen Z values community,’ she said, ‘so it’s key to understand what they want out of the communal experience and how malls can tap into culture, curate bespoke programming and design an environment that resonates as a social destination.'”

Regal Greenway Grand Palace

MG2 partnered with Regal Cinemas to develop Regal Greenway Grand Palace in Houston, TX. Through a two-phase renovation, the existing theater was reimagined into a modern entertainment destination, featuring upgraded auditoriums, refreshed concessions on two levels, and a new arcade designed to elevate the guest experience.

The first phase focused on auditorium enhancements, retrofitting 18 of the theaters with a full redesign. Standard seating was converted to luxury recliners for added comfort, with layouts carefully planned to maintain a clear line of sight from every seat. Several specialized theaters were introduced, including 4DX, which features motion-activated seats and environmental effects for an immersive, multi-sensory experience, and RPX, which offers uncompressed surround sound and the largest screen in the theater, showcasing movies in both 2D and 3D formats.

Phase two revitalized the theater’s shared spaces, including the lobby, concessions, and corridors. Sleek new finishes, modernized concession stands, and ADA-compliant renovations create a welcoming and accessible environment. An underutilized retail space was repurposed into a vibrant arcade and gaming area, and digital poster cases were added along the promenades.

In addition to this Houston location, MG2 has worked with Regal on multiple projects across the U.S., including Boise, ID, and Hunt Valley, MD.


MG2 partnered with global fashion retailer H&M to bring their newest store to life at The Original Farmers Market, a historic shopping and dining destination in Los Angeles. The flagship’s elevated design blends refined textures, shapes, and warm finishes, creating an inviting environment that reflects H&M’s evolving brand identity.

Key elements include translucent display walls that filter light while showcasing product, fluted stucco surfaces that bring texture, and modular fixtures that enable the brand to present multiple fashion narratives at once. These layered details required thoughtful coordination across departments and finishes, ensuring a seamless expression of H&M’s latest brand standards while maintaining design integrity.

Among the store’s signature features is the Champagne Pocket, a secluded space finished in stucco and soft neutral tones, designed to showcase H&M’s higher-end collections in a sophisticated setting. Additional highlights include a dramatic LED screen adjacent to the first-floor cashwrap, dynamic wavy panel displays that add movement, and continuous wood paneling across the second floor that ties together the men’s department, fitting rooms, and cashwrap. The integration of wood laminate—particularly across walls, ceilings, and fitting room openings—required meticulous planning to align grains, panel seams, and transitions for a consistent, elevated finish.

The team also discovered a partially demolished abandoned stairway within the existing space, requiring layout changes during construction. Throughout the project, MG2 worked closely to ensure all elements passed Los Angeles’ strict permitting codes and created the final elevated space for customers to enjoy.

In addition to this Los Angeles Flagship location, MG2 has worked closely with H&M on multiple projects across the United States, including FlatIron Crossing in Broomfield, CO, and Northridge Fashion Center in Northridge, CA.


  • Project Details

  • Location Los Angeles, CA
  • Client H&M Fashion USA, Inc.
  • Market Sectors
  • Size 14,500 SF
  • Services
Research & Insights – September 2025

Aisles to Experiences: Rethinking Grocery Design for the Next Era of Convenience & Connection

Grocery shopping habits are evolving.

Shoppers are making more quick, purposeful trips, blending digital and in-store touchpoints, and adjusting what they buy based on shifting needs around budget, time, and lifestyle. At the same time, grocers are under pressure to manage rising labor costs and operational demands, often turning to automation and technology to keep pace. But efficiency alone isn’t enough. Today’s shoppers define value not just by price or speed, but by how easy a store is to navigate, how connected it feels to their lives, and whether it offers moments of discovery along the way. They want a space that’s fast when it needs to be, but also personal, local, and worth coming back to. In this report, we explore how grocery retailers can evolve their physical environments to better support ease, exploration, and meaningful engagement, all while delivering real value rooted in everyday behavior.

The full report is available for download at the bottom of this page. Take me there now!

Today’s Grocery Shopper: Consumer Personas Defined

The Quick Tripper

Defined as individuals who prioritize efficiency over exploration, they seek intuitive layouts and frictionless service that respects their time and purpose.

The Vibe Voyager

Defined as individuals who value atmosphere as much as assortment, they are drawn to curated offerings, impactful design, and amenities that elevate the overall experience.

The Conscious Consumer

Defined as individuals who look beyond the transaction, they are drawn to brands that express clear values and cultural awareness.

The Meal Grabber

Defined as individuals who see pre-prepared food as the focal point, they seek out grocery destinations that make meal solutions inspiring and seamless to them.

Shaping the Future of Grocery: Meeting Evolving Shopper Expectations

Grocery shopping is not just a transaction. It reflects how people live, what they value, and the environments where they want to spend time. Price and convenience remain essential, but they are now the baseline. What truly sets a store apart is how well it blends efficiency with meaningful experience and shows clear relevance to shoppers’ lifestyles. Design elements like clear signage and intuitive layouts, along with local partnerships and smart technology, aren’t just nice touches; they actively shape how shoppers experience and remember the brand. To stay competitive and build loyalty, grocers must take a holistic approach to the in-store experience. The following takeaways highlight where shopper expectations are headed and how retailers can meet them with clarity, focus, and practical innovation.

Interested in More? Download the Full Report!


‘If You’re Not Growing And Changing …’: What Leaders Like Regency Centers Understand About Retail Success Today

MG2’s Chief Creative Officer MJ Munsell spoke with Bisnow’s John Krukowski about the ever evolving retail industry.

“’To create a retail center where people want to return, it’s important to develop a dynamic sense of place with dining experiences, entertainment, surprise and discovery, camaraderie and, of course, shopping,’ said Munsell.”

Making Memorable Bathrooms

MG2 Principal Natalie Hyde shared her insights in Restaurant Development + Design’s recent article “Making Memorable Bathrooms” by Amanda Baltazar.

“Bathrooms, ‘are a great opportunity to punctuate the design of the bar and restaurant,’ says Natalie Hyde, senior interior designer and associate principal, MG2 Design, Seattle. ‘When you’re identifying the design story, it’s an opportunity to go all-out in the bathroom. Not every wall and every fixture, but find one element and really push it, be super bold, super memorable.'”

MG2 partnered with Yaodi, a Chinese based supermarket chain owner and operator, to develop a first-of-its kind Albert Wang Market, located within the CapitalLand Mall in Sun Palace, Beijing. The grand opening of the new organic market drew over one million customers, introducing the community to a fresh, engaging approach to grocery retail. The playful design incorporates bright colors, geometric shapes, and graphic signage, creating a fun and inviting atmosphere.

Vibrant colors and bold patterns are layered throughout the space, creating an artistic, energetic atmosphere that organizes and highlights product displays. Graphic signage acts as a dynamic visual guide, leading customers through the store.

Integrated into the design is the concept of a culinary theater, transforming part of the retail space into an open production area. Here, customers can observe the preparation of baked goods, meats, and fresh fish, enhancing the shopping experience while building confidence in product quality.

The design also adopts a sustainable modular system that aligns with the organic concept of the market, consisting of display components that can be reconfigured, disassembled, and recycled. This approach not only improves the functionality and flexibility of product arrangements but also reinforces the market’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

MG2 and Yaodi collaborated to create an engaging experience that embodies sustainable values and provides its community with a unique grocery store.


The Experience Equation: What Retailers Need to Get Right

In a recent episode of Retail Remix, MG2 Principal Melissa Gonzalez spoke with Nicole Silberstein to share why in-store experiences remain a powerful driver of connection and conversion, and how MG2’s latest research reveals Gen Z is coming to physical retail with clear purpose.