Contemporary Resort Architecture Inspired by the Mountains of Baguio

Discover the Baguio Mountain Boutique Resort, a hospitality architecture project in Baguio, Philippines featuring resort design, master planning, and interior design by VCBO Architecture.

Baguio Mountain Boutique Resort | VCBO Architecture

A contemporary mountain resort in Baguio, Philippines that combines architecture, master planning, and interior design to create an immersive hospitality destination.

Located within the pine forests of Baguio, this boutique resort is centered around a natural spring and envisioned as a secluded retreat focused on rest, wellness, and rejuvenation. The mountainous setting fosters a strong connection to nature, offering fresh alpine air, forested surroundings, and a quiet, immersive guest experience.

Organized as a private enclave woven throughout the valley, the resort integrates amenities and guest experiences into the natural terrain. Wellness-focused features include a spa, swimming pool, hot tub, fitness center, and an extensive network of hiking trails with yoga platforms and intimate gathering spaces positioned along the creek.

The 190-key resort includes a diverse range of food and beverage experiences, from specialty dining venues to more casual offerings such as a café and poolside bar. Additional amenities include outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, and a speakeasy-style lounge designed to support a variety of social and restorative experiences.

The architectural approach draws directly from the surrounding mountain landscape and forest environment. Conceived as a contemporary interpretation of a mountain lodge, the design utilizes wood, stone, and glass to create layered, light-filled spaces that strengthen the connection between the interior experience and the natural character of the site.

This project was completed by FSC Architects prior to joining VCBO.

Changbaishan Preservation District Long Tang Real Estate Development LTD.

Four-Season Resort Village Designed for Mountain Living

VCBO designed the master plan for Changbaishan Chixi Ski Resort, a four-season mountain destination featuring a pedestrian resort village, mixed-use residential development, and outdoor recreation.

Changbaishan Chixi Ski Resort | Resort Master Planning | VCBO Architecture

A four-season mountain resort master plan that combines residential neighborhoods, a walkable resort village, retail, dining, and outdoor recreation within a forested alpine landscape.

Designed as a four-season mountain destination, Changbaishan Chixi Ski Resort brings together recreation, residential living, hospitality, and retail within a walkable alpine community. The master plan emphasizes a strong connection between architecture and the surrounding forest landscape, creating an environment that supports outdoor recreation throughout the year.

Curving roadways follow the natural terrain, slowing arrival and revealing views through the forest while minimizing the visual impact of development. At the center of the community, a pedestrian-oriented resort village creates an active gathering place where restaurants, cafés, bars, and boutique retail frame plazas and outdoor terraces designed for year-round activity.

Mixed-use buildings ranging from three to four stories combine retail and dining at street level with vacation residences and multifamily accommodations above, creating an active village environment from morning through evening. The compact scale encourages walking while supporting a vibrant public realm for residents and visitors.

Beyond the village core, the development transitions into quieter residential neighborhoods with single-family homes and a private clubhouse that offer a more secluded alpine experience. Open green spaces, including the central Villa Green, strengthen connections between neighborhoods while providing places for recreation, relaxation, and community events.

By combining residential, hospitality, and commercial uses within a landscape-centered master plan, Changbaishan Chixi Ski Resort creates an all-season destination that supports skiing, hiking, cycling, lakeside recreation, and outdoor gathering while celebrating the character of its mountain setting.

Explore Bountiful Elementary School, a 91,785-square-foot K–12 education project with 32 classrooms and energy-efficient building systems.

Bountiful Elementary School | VCBO Architecture

Replacing the oldest school in the District, the new Bountiful Elementary School provides a modern learning environment designed to serve students, educators, and the surrounding community for years to come. The 2-story elementary school brings together 32 classrooms with a separate multipurpose room and cafeteria, creating dedicated spaces for learning, gathering, dining, and school activities.

Energy-efficient systems are integrated throughout the building. A ground-source heat exchange system uses the earth’s relatively constant temperature to heat and cool the school, while rooftop photovoltaic panels help offset electrical use. Together, these systems support a more energy-conscious approach to the school’s daily operations.

The new school was constructed on the playfield west of the former building, enabling the existing school to remain in use during construction. After students and staff moved into the completed facility, the former school was demolished to make way for a new playground and field.

The completed campus also separates parent and bus drop-off areas, supporting organized circulation during busy arrival and departure periods. With new learning spaces, renewed outdoor recreation areas, and energy-efficient building systems, Bountiful Elementary School replaces an aging facility with an educational environment built to support the community’s next generation of students.

A Civic Landmark Rooted in Lehi’s History

Lehi City Hall & Library brings government services, community gathering spaces, and an expanded library together in a civic center inspired by the historic Lehi Tabernacle.

Lehi City Hall & Library brings civic services, community gathering spaces, and an expanded public library together in a new civic center designed to serve Lehi’s growing community while honoring its history.

Developed through collaboration with city leaders and stakeholders, the design draws inspiration from the historic Lehi Tabernacle, once a cultural center for the community. Its Romanesque Revival architecture influenced the civic center’s prominent central tower, corner towers, masonry arches, and overall composition, translating familiar historic elements into a contemporary civic building.

Inside, the facility brings together city offices, an Information Center, expanded council chambers, flexible community rooms, and a new library with dedicated spaces for children, teens, and adults. Study areas, programming spaces, and a recording studio further expand resources available to residents.

As a centerpiece of Lehi’s civic campus, the building creates a welcoming destination for public services, civic engagement, learning, and community connection.

Yunnan State-owned Capital Operation Co., Ltd 

Contemporary Resort Architecture Inspired by Hainan's Native Seabirds

Inspired by Hainan's native seabirds, this 250-room Curio Collection by Hilton resort features contemporary regionalism architecture, ocean-view public spaces, a conference centre, spa, and signature rooftop bar overlooking Yazhou Bay.

Curio Collection by Hilton Sanya Yazhou Bay Resort | Resort Architecture | VCBO

Curio Collection by Hilton Sanya Yazhou Bay Resort

A contemporary regionalism resort inspired by Hainan's coastal landscape and native seabirds, featuring 250 guest rooms, ocean-view gathering spaces, wellness amenities, and memorable hospitality experiences.

Inspired by the graceful seabirds native to Hainan Island, the Curio Collection by Hilton Sanya Yazhou Bay Resort draws its architectural character from the elegance and motion of a bird in flight. Its sweeping rooflines and sculptural forms create a memorable silhouette overlooking Yazhou Bay while responding to the tropical climate and coastal setting through a contemporary regionalism approach.

Located within Creative New Town in Sanya, the five-star resort features 250 guest rooms, two restaurants, a conference centre, and dedicated spa and fitness facilities designed to create an elevated guest experience. Public spaces are organized to celebrate the site's ocean views while encouraging exploration and relaxation throughout the property.

Guests arrive through an ocean-view lobby where an indoor garden anchored by soaring 10-meter palm trees creates a dramatic sense of arrival. Above, the Starlight Bar becomes a signature destination with panoramic 180-degree views across the coastline. Its retractable roof transforms the venue from an enclosed lounge to an open-air gathering space, connecting visitors with Hainan's tropical climate and evening skies.

Throughout the resort, architecture serves as both landmark and experience. Curving forms, generous glazing, and carefully framed views reinforce the project's connection to the surrounding landscape while expressing the fluid movement that inspired the design. The result is a hospitality destination that balances contemporary luxury with a strong sense of place, creating memorable spaces for leisure, dining, wellness, and events within one of Hainan's premier coastal destinations.

Fujian Huaxintong International Tourism, Co, LTD

Discover the Renaissance Xiamen Resort & Spa, a contemporary tropical resort featuring 188 guestrooms, 12 villas, ocean-view amenities, and immersive hospitality architecture in Xiamen, China.

Renaissance Xiamen Resort & Spa | Xiamen Resort Architecture | VCBO

A contemporary tropical resort where architecture, landscape, and ocean views create memorable hospitality experiences.

Inspired by the sweeping wings of Hainan's native seabirds, the Renaissance Xiamen Resort & Spa blends contemporary tropical architecture with immersive guest experiences that encourage exploration. Rather than treating circulation as simply a way to move through the property, the design transforms each journey into an opportunity for discovery.

The resort features 188 guestrooms and 12 private villas, with most accommodations oriented toward ocean views. Public spaces are organized as a connected sequence of indoor and outdoor environments where guests can move naturally between pools, restaurants, gardens, and gathering areas. One of the resort's defining experiences is the ability to swim through portions of the building, creating a unique relationship between water, architecture, and landscape.

A multi-level event stair serves as the central organizing feature of the resort, linking major public destinations while creating opportunities for social interaction and memorable views. Above, a dramatic wing-inspired roof shelters the ocean-view lobby, establishing a striking arrival experience and reinforcing the architectural concept inspired by the region's coastal wildlife.

Amenities support a wide range of guests with a full-service spa, Kids Club, health club, indoor and outdoor pools, pool bar, restaurants, meeting rooms, and tropical gardens with direct beach access. These spaces are carefully connected to encourage movement between recreation, dining, wellness, and relaxation.

Designed in a contemporary regional style, the resort responds to its tropical setting through architecture that frames ocean views, strengthens the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, and creates memorable experiences throughout every stage of the guest journey.

Fujian Huaxintong International Tourism, CO, LTD

Xiamen Marriott Hotel & Conference Center

Drawing on the character of a grand seaside hotel, this tropical resort combines formal symmetry with a relaxed coastal approach. The architecture reflects China’s cultural heritage, integrated with influences from Southeast Asia and Hawaii to create a contemporary regional expression that is both refined and welcoming.

Arrival is designed to create a sense of transition, with a gently sloped drive that builds anticipation and provides separation from the surrounding context. The experience culminates at a covered porte-cochère and ocean-facing lobby, oriented to highlight key views and establish a strong first impression.

The resort includes 300 guest rooms and 13 private villas, offering a range of accommodations to support diverse guest needs. A conference center accommodates business and event functions, while a variety of resort amenities provide opportunities for relaxation and recreation.

Together, these elements support a balanced guest experience and long-term operational flexibility.

Explore Clearfield High School’s CTE Center in Davis County, Utah, designed by VCBO for hands-on career and technical education programs.

Clearfield High School CTE | VCBO Architecture

The Clearfield High School CTE Building is a forward-looking educational environment designed to inspire students as they explore career pathways and develop practical, industry-relevant skills. The new two-story, stand-alone facility brings the school’s Career and Technical Education programs together under one roof, with purpose-built spaces supporting automotive, engineering, welding, food science, textiles, and other hands-on programs.

In response to Davis School District’s goal of unifying and elevating its CTE offerings, VCBO led a collaborative programming and design process with faculty, administrators, and industry advisors. Each space was carefully planned around curriculum, equipment requirements, workflow, safety, and industry standards. The resulting facility creates a cohesive educational hub where students can collaborate, experiment, and build technical skills in environments that reflect the industries they may enter after graduation.

As the first phase of Clearfield High School’s replacement, the CTE Building was also thoughtfully positioned to support the campus’s continued evolution. Design decisions considered future connections, circulation, and infrastructure without compromising the needs of the facility today. The result is a highly visible CTE center that expands educational opportunities and provides students with modern spaces for career-focused learning.

A Mountain Resort Framed by Panoramic Views

Explore the Radisson Blu Chongqing Resort, a 280-room mountain resort in Chongqing, China featuring panoramic views, private villas, and hospitality architecture that connects guests with the surrounding landscape.

Radisson Blu Chongqing Resort | Hospitality Architecture | VCBO

Designed to celebrate the Chongqing mountain landscape, this resort combines panoramic views, guest-focused hospitality design, private villas, and memorable gathering spaces.

Radisson Blu Chongqing Resort | VCBO Architecture

Set high in the Chongqing Mountains, the Radisson Blu Chongqing Resort is designed to immerse guests in expansive views of rolling mountains and tranquil lakes. The resort takes full advantage of its elevated setting, with architecture carefully organized to strengthen the relationship between the buildings and the surrounding landscape.

Arrival begins with views across a grand entry lake before guests reach the lobby lounge, where panoramic mountain vistas become the focal point of the experience. Public spaces continue this visual progression throughout the resort. The all-day dining venue overlooks the scenery below, while the specialty restaurant occupies the highest public level, providing an elevated dining experience framed by sweeping natural views.

The resort includes 280 guest rooms, 10 private villas, and an iconic wedding pavilion that serves as a destination for celebrations within the mountain setting. Guest accommodations are positioned to maximize connections to the surrounding environment while providing privacy and comfort.

Rather than competing with the landscape, the architecture reinforces it. Building forms, public gathering spaces, and outdoor experiences are organized to celebrate the site's natural topography and lakeside setting, creating opportunities for relaxation, connection, and memorable guest experiences throughout the property.

The result is a hospitality destination where architecture and landscape work together to create a resort experience defined by panoramic scenery, carefully choreographed arrival sequences, and spaces designed for both everyday leisure and special occasions.

ENR Mountain States Best Projects 2019: Award of Merit Government/Public Building

The Provo Fourth District Courthouse, a civic and judicial building designed by VCBO Architecture in Provo, Utah. View project photography and details.

Provo Fourth District Courthouse | VCBO Architecture 

A civic landmark in downtown Provo, the Fourth Judicial District Courthouse unites multiple judicial services under one roof while embodying dignity, accessibility, and security. The eight-story facility houses Juvenile and District Courts, along with support programs such as the Guardian Ad Litem, Juvenile Probation, and Mediation Services. With sixteen courtrooms and capacity for future expansion to twenty, the courthouse occupies an entire city block, reinforcing the urban fabric of downtown and providing space for long-term growth.

Designed to balance function with presence, the courthouse emphasizes daylight, clarity of circulation, and enhanced safety. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring natural light into most courtrooms and frame views of the surrounding mountains, while careful planning ensures secure inmate circulation, protected parking, and acoustic separation of sensitive spaces. Integrated technology, modern amenities, and thoughtful detailing create a facility that reflects the permanence of the judicial system and will serve the community for decades to come.

Master-planned luxury resort on Vatulele Island featuring 80 beachfront, cliffside, and overwater villas designed to preserve the island's landscape while celebrating Fijian culture.

Vatulele Island Resort | Fiji Luxury Resort Architecture | VCBO

A boutique island resort where architecture responds to Fiji's coastline through site-sensitive planning, contemporary regional design, and immersive guest experiences.

Vatulele Island Resort | Luxury Resort Master Planning

Stretching along 850 meters of white sand beach and extending another 600 meters across limestone cliffs overlooking the Pacific, Vatulele Island Resort is planned as a boutique destination shaped by the island's natural landscape rather than imposed upon it. The master plan preserves existing coastal features, mature trees, and dramatic topography to create a resort experience rooted in its setting.

The resort includes 80 villas positioned across three distinct environments: beachfront bures, cliffside retreats, and overwater bungalows. Each accommodation type responds to its surroundings, offering guests a different relationship with the island's beaches, elevated ocean views, or calm coastal waters while maintaining privacy and a strong connection to nature.

Seven food and beverage venues are distributed throughout the property to encourage exploration while taking advantage of changing views, light, and atmosphere throughout the day. From beachfront dining to elevated gathering spaces overlooking the cliffs, each destination contributes to the overall guest experience and reinforces the site's varied character.

Arrival is organized around a mature Vesi Tree, an important cultural symbol in Fiji. Its distinctive leaf inspired the arrangement of a collection of pavilions housing the arrival court, lobby, restaurants, retail, and guest amenities. Rather than creating a single monumental building, the arrival sequence is composed as a village of interconnected structures that reflects regional architectural traditions while providing contemporary hospitality spaces.

Throughout the resort, architecture and landscape work together to preserve the island's identity. Buildings follow existing landforms, circulation responds to the terrain, and panoramic ocean views become part of the guest experience without overwhelming the natural environment. The result is a master-planned resort that celebrates the character of Vatulele Island while offering a refined interpretation of contemporary regional resort design. 

A coral-inspired resort master plan integrating luxury hotels, residences, a marina, mixed-use village, golf course, and sustainable planning strategies into a cohesive island destination.

Tropical Island Paradise Resort | Resort Master Planning | VCBO Architecture

Discover a coral-inspired island resort master plan that integrates hospitality, residences, marina, recreation, and sustainable planning into a unified luxury destination.

Tropical Island Paradise Resort Master Plan

Inspired by the natural geometry of surrounding coral reefs, Tropical Island Paradise Resort is a master-planned luxury destination where architecture, landscape, and infrastructure work together to create an immersive island experience. The plan organizes hospitality, residential, recreational, and marina uses into a cohesive community that responds to the island's coastline while preserving a strong connection to its marine environment.

Distinct hotel districts are shaped by coral-inspired forms, creating individual identities while contributing to a unified resort experience. Hundreds of single-family and multi-family residences are woven throughout the development and connected by a road network derived from the branching patterns of fan coral. At the center of the island, a mixed-use village combines retail, dining, gathering spaces, and pedestrian courtyards that encourage exploration and social activity. A marina and championship golf course expand the range of guest and resident amenities while establishing the island as a destination for both leisure and extended stays.

Arrival is designed as part of the experience. Guests enter through a network of canals before moving throughout the island via quiet electric transportation, reducing the visual and environmental impact of conventional vehicles while reinforcing the resort's relaxed atmosphere.

The master plan also incorporates sustainability strategies intended to support long-term environmental stewardship, including renewable energy, water conservation, desalination, and other integrated infrastructure systems described as part of the project's vision. Throughout the development, the planning approach reflects the forms and rhythms of the surrounding coral ecosystem, creating an integrated resort community where hospitality, residences, recreation, and the natural landscape are carefully connected.

Hard Rock Coconut Beach Resort is a Hawaii hospitality destination with 326 guest units, oceanfront architecture and 3 distinct pool experiences.

Hard Rock Coconut Beach Resort | VCBO Architecture

Set along Kauai’s windward shore, this oceanfront hospitality development brings together a Hard Rock Hotel and timeshare resort across 20 acres with more than 600 feet of beachfront. The resort includes 326 guest units arranged in low-rise, 3- and 4-story buildings, creating a more open relationship between the architecture, landscape, and coastline.

The site plan organizes the resort around 3 distinct courtyard zones, each centered on a different guest experience. A primary resort pool creates an active social setting, while a dedicated kids’ pool supports families and an adults-only pool provides a quieter retreat. Together, these outdoor spaces establish a range of experiences within a cohesive resort environment.

Contemporary plantation-style architecture responds to the tropical setting while maintaining the character and energy associated with the Hard Rock brand. Buildings are positioned to preserve open space, capture island breezes, and take advantage of views across the landscape and toward the ocean. Tropical planting, pedestrian areas, pools, and gathering spaces extend the guest experience beyond the hotel buildings and reinforce the connection to Kauai’s natural setting.

Luxury Resort Architecture Inspired by Tibetan Heritage

Discover the Hilton Linzhi Tibet Resort, a 230-room luxury hotel overlooking the Himalayas. Inspired by Tibetan architecture, the resort blends cultural design, preserved natural landscapes, and exceptional hospitality amenities.

Hilton Linzhi Tibet Resort | Luxury Hotel Architecture

A luxury mountain resort inspired by traditional Tibetan architecture, designed to celebrate breathtaking Himalayan views, cultural heritage, and an immersive guest experience.

Set within the Himalayan foothills overlooking the Brahmaputra River, the Hilton Linzhi Tibet Resort was envisioned as a luxury destination that reflects both the dramatic landscape and the cultural traditions of Tibet. The 230-room five-star resort draws inspiration from historic Tibetan palaces, interpreting regional architectural forms through a contemporary hospitality experience.

Arrival is centered on panoramic mountain views that frame the guest experience from the lobby outward. While the resort embraces the scale of its remarkable setting, the site is organized into a series of intimate courtyards that create quieter outdoor spaces for gathering, reflection, and exploration throughout the property.

Guest amenities support both relaxation and recreation with two signature restaurants and private dining rooms, a full-service spa, indoor swimming pool, fitness center, games room, conference facilities, cultural center, and a dedicated stargazing tower overlooking the surrounding mountains.

Respect for the natural landscape was a defining design objective. Rather than clearing the site, the architecture was carefully planned around centuries-old trees, preserving them as focal points within courtyards and outdoor gathering areas. This approach strengthens the connection between the built environment and the surrounding Himalayan landscape while reinforcing the property's regional character.

The resulting resort balances luxury accommodations with cultural authenticity and environmental sensitivity, creating an immersive destination that celebrates Tibetan heritage while providing guests with memorable views, carefully crafted public spaces, and a tranquil mountain retreat.

ENR Mountain States Award of Merit in Residential/ Hospitality

University of Utah + State of Utah Division of Facilities & Construction Management (DFCM)

Expanding Campus Living for Students and Families

University of Utah West Village Phase II adds 475 apartments for graduate students, international students, and families in an expanded campus community.

University of Utah West Village Student Housing Phase II | VCBO

University of Utah West Village Family & Graduate Student Housing Phase II

West Village Family & Graduate Student Housing Phase II expands the University of Utah’s on-campus living options with 475 apartments, equivalent to 637 beds. Designed for graduate students, international students, and students with children, the development responds to a growing need for housing that supports a broader range of student lifestyles.

Two residential buildings form the heart of the expanded community, complemented by a standalone daycare facility, multipurpose gathering space, onsite leasing office, central utility plant, and 504 surface parking stalls. Together, these additions roughly doubled the size of West Village while creating more opportunities for residents to connect and access everyday resources close to home.

A 16-month construction schedule shaped an efficient approach to design and delivery. Prefabricated structural wall panels and floor joists were produced offsite and installed in coordinated sequences, helping the buildings progress quickly while reducing demands on the construction site.

More than an expansion of housing capacity, Phase II strengthens West Village as a campus community. Residential, childcare, and shared gathering spaces come together to support students and families through different stages of university life.

ENR Mountain States 2026 Best Project K-12 Education 

Central Cove Early Learning Center in Vernal, UT expands early childhood education through flexible learning spaces and a partnership with Utah State University.

Central Cove Early Learning Center | K-12 | VCBO Architecture

Designed around the idea that learning begins through curiosity, movement, and play, this early learning center creates an engaging environment where young children can explore, connect, and grow. Replacing a 1940s-era facility, the center serves three- to five-year-olds with spaces that support developmental learning, imagination, and a strong sense of belonging. At the heart of the building, a daylit indoor commons brings students together through imaginative play elements, a performance stage, and a looping tricycle path that encourages exploration, interaction, and discovery.

Inspired by the landscapes of the Uintah Basin, classrooms and shared learning spaces support a variety of learning styles and developmental needs while fostering independence, engagement, and social connection. Located on the Utah State University Uintah Basin campus, the center also strengthens partnerships between public and higher education, expanding access to high-quality early childhood learning and supporting the next generation of educators.

Advancing Medical Ideas from Concept to Clinical Application

A collaborative University of Utah facility brings prototyping, laboratories, medical device development, training, and startup resources together in Salt Lake City.

James LeVoy Sorenson Center for Medical Innovation | VCBO Architecture

University of Utah James LeVoy Sorenson Center for Medical Innovation 

Built to advance medical innovation from early concepts through clinical application, this facility brings health, engineering, business, and commercialization expertise together at the University of Utah. Researchers, clinicians, engineers, entrepreneurs, and industry partners have access to specialized environments for developing, prototyping, testing, and refining new medical technologies.

Prototyping and machine shop facilities provide tools for designing, modifying, and assembling medical devices, while 3D printing capabilities support rapid iteration and additive manufacturing. Startup incubators give emerging medtech companies access to shared resources and connections across the university and broader life sciences community.

Specialized environments extend the development process into testing and training. The ASCENT Surgical Lab reflects modern operating room conditions and supports hands-on training, procedural testing, device evaluation, and collaboration with clinicians and other end users. A controlled cleanroom manufacturing lab supports device assembly and verification, while flexible conference and training spaces accommodate demonstrations, educational programs, and professional gatherings.

Workspaces and collaboration areas connect these technical environments throughout the building, encouraging interaction across disciplines. Located on the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City, the facility brings the people, equipment, and specialized spaces involved in medical device development together under one roof.

Kunming Aerospace Science & Industry (CASIC) Investment Development, Co, LTD

An Urban Resort Framed by Hot Springs, Canals, and Mountain Views

Explore HUALUXE Kunming Resort by IHG, a 225-room luxury resort in Kunming, China, designed around hot springs, historic canals, and panoramic Xi Shan mountain views.

Hualuxe Kunming Resort by IHG | Resort Architecture in Kunming, China

A contemporary regionalism resort in Kunming, China, where mountain views, hot springs, and historic canals shape a distinctive luxury hospitality experience.

Set beside a natural hot spring and surrounded by Kunming's historic canal network, HUALUXE Kunming Resort creates a peaceful retreat within one of China's most livable cities. The 225-room resort embraces Kunming's reputation as the "City of Eternal Spring," combining contemporary architecture with regional influences to create a hospitality experience rooted in its setting.

The site's relationship to Xi Shan's dramatic mountain range played a defining role in the planning process. The resort was carefully positioned so guests are greeted with panoramic mountain views immediately upon entering the lobby, establishing a strong connection between the architecture and the surrounding landscape.

Throughout the property, contemporary regionalism informs the design, blending modern forms with materials, proportions, and spaces inspired by local culture. Historic canals surrounding the site further reinforce the sense of place, creating an environment where water, landscape, and architecture work together to shape the guest experience.

The resort offers a diverse collection of hospitality amenities, including two specialty restaurants, all-day dining, an indoor-outdoor spa and fitness center, flexible conference facilities, a rooftop Executive Lounge overlooking the city and mountains, and a private Presidential Villa designed for exclusive accommodations.

Rather than separating guests from the city, the design creates a quiet urban oasis where natural hot springs, mountain scenery, and regional character become integral parts of the resort experience.

The project was designed in collaboration with WATG. James G. Freeman served as Principal and Lead Designer, Benjamin C. Candari served as Senior Designer, and FSC Architects provided partial Construction Documents and Construction Administration services.

Where Garden Traditions Shape Modern Resort Living

Explore VCBO Architecture's Chongqing Yongshan Lake Resort Master Plan, a luxury resort community featuring a boutique hotel, villas, residences, and contemporary regional design inspired by traditional Chinese gardens.

Chongqing Yongshan Lake Resort Master Plan | VCBO Architecture

A luxury resort master plan in Chongqing that blends boutique hospitality, private residences, and contemporary regional architecture within a landscape inspired by traditional Chinese gardens.

Chongqing Yongshan Lake Resort Master Plan

Set within a dramatic lake and mountain landscape, the Chongqing Yongshan Lake Resort Master Plan brings together hospitality and residential living through a master plan inspired by the spatial traditions of the Classic Chinese Garden. The development combines a five-star boutique hotel, private residences, and luxury villas within a carefully organized collection of pavilion-inspired buildings that strengthen the relationship between architecture and nature.

Rather than concentrating development into a single large structure, the master plan organizes the resort as a series of intimate neighborhoods connected by landscaped gardens, pedestrian pathways, and shared outdoor spaces. This approach creates a sequence of distinct experiences while preserving views across the surrounding landscape and establishing a strong sense of place.

The boutique hotel is designed as a collection of private bungalow accommodations that offer guests a quieter, more residential resort experience. Nearby villas and residential buildings echo the same architectural language, creating visual continuity throughout the community while maintaining privacy and a human-scaled environment.

Building orientation was a key planning strategy. Structures are positioned to capture panoramic lake and mountain views while maximizing south-facing exposure to increase natural daylight within guest rooms and residences. This careful siting supports comfortable living environments and reinforces the project's connection to its natural setting.

Inspired by traditional Chinese garden planning and expressed through contemporary regional architecture, the Chongqing Yongshan Lake Resort Master Plan demonstrates how hospitality, residential development, and landscape can work together to create a destination rooted in its environment rather than imposed upon it.

A Dual-Branded Beachfront Resort Designed Around Place and Experience

Discover the Xiamen Resort Master Plan, a dual-branded beachfront hospitality destination featuring Renaissance and Marriott resorts designed around coastal character, guest experience, and thoughtful master planning.

Xiamen Resort Master Plan | Hospitality Master Planning | VCBO Architecture

A beachfront hospitality master plan bringing Renaissance and Marriott resorts together through architecture inspired by the coastal landscape and a shared vision for guest experience.

Designed as a unified hospitality destination, the Xiamen Resort Master Plan brings together Renaissance and Marriott brands within a carefully planned beachfront setting that offers distinct guest experiences while sharing a cohesive vision for the site.

The master plan organizes two complementary resorts around the natural character of the coastline. The Renaissance Resort includes 188 guest rooms and 12 private hotel villas, with architecture inspired by the graceful movement of native seabirds. Light, contemporary forms create a sense of openness that reflects the surrounding landscape and reinforces the brand's focus on discovery and design.

The adjacent Marriott Resort provides 300 guest rooms and 12 hotel villas in an architectural expression that reinterprets the character of a traditional seaside estate through clean contemporary detailing. The design balances a familiar sense of comfort with an elevated coastal experience suited to leisure travelers and destination guests.

Throughout the development, the master plan prioritizes walkability, landscape, and memorable arrival sequences. Buildings, outdoor spaces, and circulation are arranged to strengthen connections to the beachfront while creating a variety of places for gathering, relaxation, and recreation. Tropical planting, open public spaces, and carefully framed views reinforce the identity of the destination and encourage guests to experience the resort beyond their accommodations.

Rather than treating the two hotels as separate properties, the master plan creates a cohesive resort environment where each brand maintains its own architectural identity while contributing to a unified guest experience. The result is a hospitality destination that responds to its coastal setting, celebrates local character, and supports long-term operational success through thoughtful planning and place-making.

Engineering a New Hub for Hands-On Learning

Explore the Scott M. Smith Engineering Building at Utah Valley University, a higher education STEM facility designed by VCBO Architecture in Utah.

UVU Scott M. Smith Engineering Building | VCBO Architecture

Utah Valley University Scott M. Smith Engineering Building 

Designed to bring engineering, computer science, digital media, and culinary arts together under one roof, this four-story facility creates an active, multidisciplinary environment centered on hands-on learning and collaboration. Specialized classrooms, laboratories, creative spaces, and areas for industry and community engagement support connections across a diverse range of programs.

The building’s compact form draws inspiration from engineering and fabrication. Conceived as a solid block that is cut, shifted, and separated, the design creates a connected network of spaces while providing each program with the flexibility and infrastructure it requires. Expansive glazing fills the building with natural light and frames views of the surrounding mountains, Utah Lake, and campus.

A three-story student forum serves as the social and collaborative heart of the facility, providing flexible space for studying, gatherings, exhibits, and informal interaction. A 120-person lecture theater connects to the forum, while specialized environments throughout the building support engineering labs, digital media production, computer science, and culinary education. The upper level includes a culinary arts restaurant and show kitchen, while first-floor engineering labs connect directly to an outdoor engineering yard.

Smart building systems, interactive learning environments, entrepreneurial support spaces, and flexible collaboration areas reinforce an experiential approach to education. Together, these spaces give students opportunities to test ideas, build technical skills, collaborate across disciplines, and connect their education with industry.

Luxury Resort Architecture Rooted in Boracay's Tropical Landscape

Shangri-La Boracay Resort blends contemporary regional architecture, sustainable design strategies, and tropical luxury through a collaborative design with WATG in Boracay, Philippines.

Shangri-La Boracay Resort | Luxury Resort Architecture | VCBO

Discover how contemporary regional architecture, sustainable planning, and tropical luxury come together at Shangri-La Boracay Resort in the Philippines.

Shangri-La Boracay Resort | VCBO Architecture

Set on a forested hillside overlooking the waters of Boracay, Shangri-La Boracay Resort demonstrates how luxury hospitality and environmental stewardship can coexist. The 219-room, five-star resort responds to its tropical setting through architecture that preserves the site's natural character while creating memorable guest experiences.

The resort includes seven dining venues, the CHI Spa, a water sports and marine center, a health club, and entertainment facilities. Thirty-six private villas are carefully positioned within the hillside and elevated among the trees to provide privacy, ocean views, and individual infinity pools that blend into the surrounding landscape.

The architectural language reflects contemporary regionalism, combining modern forms with locally sourced materials, textures, furnishings, and finishes inspired by the Philippines. Buildings are arranged to feel integrated with the terrain rather than imposed upon it, creating a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Environmental stewardship guided the planning process from the beginning. Existing trees were surveyed before building locations were established, helping preserve the mature forest canopy and minimize disruption to the site. Passive design strategies, including naturally ventilated lobbies and circulation spaces, reduce energy demands while enhancing guest comfort in the tropical climate.

The resort also incorporates solar energy, rainwater harvesting, desalination systems, and composting sewage treatment to support long-term environmental performance. Together, these strategies demonstrate how luxury hospitality can be paired with responsible site planning and resource conservation.

The project was designed in collaboration with WATG and James G. Freeman, who served as the Acting Principal and Lead Designer. 

Where Coastal Hospitality Meets Waterfront Living

Explore the Maoming Resort Master Plan, an integrated beachfront hospitality development in Guangdong, China featuring luxury hotels, residential towers, a marina, retail, and waterfront planning.

Maoming Resort Master Plan | Resort Master Planning | VCBO Architecture

A large-scale beachfront resort master plan featuring luxury hotels, residential towers, marina amenities, and mixed-use waterfront development in Guangdong, China.

Maoming Resort Master Plan | VCBO Architecture

Stretching along Guangdong's coastline, the Maoming Resort Master Plan envisions a large-scale hospitality destination that combines luxury accommodations, waterfront living, retail, and marina amenities within a unified beachfront community.

The master plan is designed to accommodate multiple internationally recognized hotel brands across five primary hotel sites. The program includes three 300-key luxury hotels, one 200-key hotel, one 150-key hotel, and boutique hotel accommodations integrated throughout the development (quantity to be confirmed). This mix of hospitality offerings creates opportunities for visitors to experience different resort environments while returning to the same destination.

Beyond the beachfront hotels, residential high-rise towers introduce seaside living with views of the South China Sea. At the southern end of the development, a commercial district anchors the waterfront with shops, restaurants, and entertainment surrounding a 300-berth marina and modern cruise terminal.

The planning approach organizes hospitality, residential, commercial, and waterfront uses into connected districts that encourage walkability while maximizing access to beaches and marina activities. Contemporary tropical architecture and landscaped public spaces reinforce the coastal setting and create memorable arrival experiences throughout the resort.

Designed as an integrated resort destination, the master plan supports tourism, recreation, and mixed-use development while positioning Maoming as a significant hospitality destination along Guangdong's coast.

Private Resort Living on Hawaii's Kona Coast

One Ocean Lot 1 is an 8,200-square-foot luxury residence within Mauna Lani Resort featuring six suites, expansive lanais, an infinity pool, and panoramic ocean views on Hawaii's Kona Coast.

One Ocean Lot 1 | Luxury Oceanfront Home Hawaii | VCBO Architecture

One Ocean at Mauna Lani Resort, Kona, Hawaii

Explore a contemporary luxury estate designed for indoor-outdoor living with panoramic ocean views in the exclusive Mauna Lani Resort.

One Ocean Lot 1 | Luxury Resort Residence in Hawaii

Positioned within the exclusive Mauna Lani Resort on Hawaii's Kona Coast, One Ocean Lot 1 is a custom luxury residence designed to embrace panoramic ocean and mountain views while creating the experience of a private island retreat. The estate blends contemporary architecture with Hawaii's indoor-outdoor lifestyle, offering expansive living spaces that open directly to the surrounding landscape.

The 8,200-square-foot home spans two levels and includes six ocean-facing bedroom suites, each with its own private bath. A dramatic Great Room anchors the residence, connecting to generous covered lanais that extend the living experience outdoors. The Grand Lanai overlooks an infinity-edge pool complete with an integrated spa, sunken fire pit, and multiple gathering spaces oriented toward the Pacific Ocean and sunset views.

Arrival is framed by lush tropical landscaping and garden courtyards that create privacy while revealing the home's layered relationship to the site. Interior spaces feature warm natural materials, generous glazing, and carefully framed views that strengthen the connection between architecture and the surrounding environment.

Designed for entertaining as well as everyday resort living, the estate also includes a detached four-car garage with dedicated storage and workspace, along with parking for four additional guest vehicles. Every major living space is oriented to capture Hawaii's climate, natural light, and coastal setting while maintaining privacy within the gated Mauna Lani community.

One Ocean Lot 1 demonstrates how contemporary residential architecture can combine luxury, comfort, and a strong connection to place, creating a home that functions as both a private residence and a refined resort-style retreat.

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