Pacific Business News Architecture Report: Q&A with Ryan Marzzarella

July 1, 2024

By Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros – Associate Editor, Pacific Business News, Jun 13, 2024

The Hardy Group, a 32-year-old hospitality firm headquartered in Atlanta, will make 10 years in Hawaii this year. It’s in the business of designing hotels, including retail and restaurant spaces.

Pacific Business News asked Ryan Marzzarella, The Hardy Group’s managing director of Los Angeles and Hawaii, more about his favorite projects, top market trends and what most energizes him about his job.

Ryan Marzzarella is an expert in project and construction management. In Hawaii, he’s worked on projects such as the Four Seasons Resort Lanai, the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, the Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort Lihue, Four Seasons Maui, Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort and the Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kaanapali.

What recent Hawaii projects are you most proud of? We had many exciting projects, but our Westin Maui project in Kaanapali was an incredible transformation. Not only did we give over 500 rooms in the Kukahi Tower a clean, bespoke and much-needed face-lift, we built a new bowling alley and arcade called Hana Hou, which is unlike anything else on Maui. We faced numerous challenges, including being under construction during the Lahaina fire [in August 2023], which required the hotel to house displaced residents and emergency workers. Despite these obstacles, we delivered a successful project. I’m proud of what our team accomplished during such a catastrophe. While it offers little relief to the thousands who lost their homes and loved ones, I feel we gave something back to the community — a social and entertainment space they can enjoy, and an improved experience for the tourists that Maui’s economy depends on.

What are the top trends you’re paying attention to in this market and beyond? We are seeing a significant increase in branded residential developments in the luxury space on the Mainland, and I anticipate this trend will extend to Hawaii. In fact, this isn’t entirely new; I believe The Ritz Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach opened nearly a decade ago. [Marriott’s] Renaissance Residences opened earlier this year and more developments are in the pipeline, so I expect this trend to continue. These residences offer owners the unique opportunity to own a home in a resort setting, which is particularly appealing in Hawaii’s real estate market.

We have been actively involved in and monitoring select-service and extended-stay properties. We’re noticing a surge in new developments featuring dual and even tri-branded hotels on the Mainland, where one building offers multiple brand experiences. This approach creates operational and development efficiencies while providing guests with more options. I anticipate this trend will increasingly emerge in Hawaii, as well.

What are currently your biggest challenges and opportunities? Interest rates are the current “boogeyman,” stalling out a lot of the larger developments. Many large and exciting developments have been delayed due to financing challenges, particularly because of interest rates being as high as they are. While the construction industry remains busy in Hawaii and on the Mainland, I anticipate a slowdown in new developments in early 2025. However, every challenge brings opportunity. Since hotels are performing well and should continue to do so, it will be an excellent time for hotel owners in Hawaii to capitalize on the market and get in, renovate and upgrade their hotels.

What do you enjoy most about the work you do? I’m so fortunate to do something I love: working in a paradise like Hawaii on some of the most beautiful hotels on earth, alongside some of the most talented people in the industry, creating places people want to be. We build places where people make memories — where they spend time with their family, where they get married, or where they go to relax and unwind.

What advice would you give to the next generation of architects? For the next generation, I hope you find some joy in what you do. We face a lot of stress, pressure, challenges and complexity, so it’s important to like what you do and to give back whenever and wherever you can.

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