Since 1971, TBE Architects has become one of the most well-known hospitality and gaming design firms in North America. Having designed more than 300 casino projects and 400 hotel projects, "All Hospitality, All the Time" is much more than our firm's tag line. It is the very foundation of our client base and an integral part of defining our team's solutions-based culture.

Rich Emery, AIA, NCARB, LEED-GA is the President and Design Principal of TBE Architects. Rich graduated from the University of Kansas in 1984 with two degrees in Architecture. Over the course of his career, he has been instrumental in the completion of hundreds of commercial and Tribal hotel and casino resort projects throughout North America and overseas.

In addition to his vast knowledge of casino and resort design, Rich has been at the cutting edge of CADD technology, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and Virtual Reality, enabling him to develop accurate fast-tracking and phasing of projects. 

David Nejelski is both the Creative Director and a Principal owner of TBE Architects. With over 28 years at the firm, David has worked on countless hotel, casino, and resort projects, designing "WOW" spaces that blur the line between architecture and art. David's approach to creating unique guest experiences is especially evident within Tribal gaming projects, where there is an opportunity to represent the Tribe's culture, customs, and heritage in a stylized or abstracted way.  

Recent noteworthy projects that feature David's skill include: We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort's Garden Court Atrium, the grand entry at Harrah's Ak-Chin, and the new Family Entertainment Center at Wildhorse Resort & Casino.

Charles "Chief" Boyd is one of the founding Principals of TBE Architects, and a member of the Cherokee Nation. With a career spanning nearly 60 years, working largely on Native American projects, Chief Boyd has played a significant role in helping our firm understand the significance of Tribal Sovereignty and the respectful representation of heritage through design.

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Under his guidance, TBE Architects is honored to have worked with 123 Tribes and First Nations throughout North America. Though no longer actively involved in the day-to-day design process, we adhere to his philosophy:

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"My passion is to help Native Tribes build financial independence, to strengthen their sovereignty, and improve the quality of life for Indian people."

1. Experience- Our design team is focused 100% on gaming and hospitality. Our firm has completed well over 300 casino and 400 hotel projects.

2. Knowledge- We know how to maximize ROI for our clients and can provide dozens of examples of successful projects.

3. Culture- We have partnered with 123 Tribes & First Nations and numerous commercial properties to represent their heritage and culture throughout design process.

4. Efficiency- We don't over-design, spending money only where you need it. With our firm there is no wasted money and no wasted space.

5. Open Communication- Our leadership team is always available to take your calls and answer your questions.

6. Quality- More than 80% of our current projects are with prior clients.

7. We Listen to our Clients, to their management teams and Tribal Councils, and design to meet YOUR unique needs.