CHICAGO, IL, September 25, 2007. An expanding list of projects, which are predicted to grow hospitality design and architecture firm Gettys by 50 percent in the next two years, indicate big changes for the Chicago-based company. Projects throughout North America, the Caribbean, and Asia have created an opportunity for Gettys to open offices in Irvine, Calif., and Miami, in addition to its Chicago headquarters and broaden their reach for hospitality interior design, architecture and procurement management services. The firm also has created six positions to accommodate its growth, as well as adding industry veteran Mike Maurer, who joins as principal.

An office is opening in October 2007 in Hong Kong as the firm enters the Asian fold because of the immense opportunity in this flourishing global market.

“Gettys is firmly planted on the global stage. We have accepted the invitation to work overseas and are pleased to offer more resources to our clients,” says Andrew Fay, president and COO, Gettys. “Our firm delivers creative processes and solutions and our focus has evolved to designing a wider variety of projects in more diverse locations throughout the world.”

Gettys is adding a new principal, the first person hired at this level from outside of the firm, with nearly two decades of experience. Mike Maurer, previous associate in charge of project and firm management for Lucien Lagrange Architects, brings with him 16 years of experience in hospitality architecture and design. He formerly worked on Elysian Hotel and Private Residences in Chicago, Sixty West Erie in Chicago, and Sleepy Hollow Resort Cottages in South Haven, Mich. as well as on projects such as Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino, the Riviera Hotel & Casino, and Luxor Hotel & Casino.

Gettys also has created a new level of directors to accommodate the demands of its growing business. Those promoted are Will von Hartz, information technology director; Kate Cropsey, studio director of the Chicago office;Amber Naslund, client services director; Jens Boecher, purchasing director;and Estefania Bortolin, financial director. In addition, Karrie Drinkhahn, studio director of the Miami office was promoted to Vice President and Principal, and Maureen O’Grady was hired as Vice President of Business Development to continue spearheading Gettys’ global growth.

“This is a landmark moment for Gettys in all aspects of our business,” says Fay. “Our success during the past 18 years has created brand awareness of our capabilities that is being rewarded with new opportunities with our existing and new clients. We truly are in a position to serve our clients well.”

Established in 1988, Gettys is an award-winning interior design, design architecture, and fulfillment firm based in Chicago with offices in Miami, Irvine, Calif., and Hong Kong. Work across North America, Asia, and the Caribbean has earned Gettys a reputation as one of the finest hospitality design and fulfillment firms in the world. For more information about Gettys and a sampling of their extensive portfolio, visit www.gettys.com.