An Inside Look at Hotel Renovations with the Digney York Associates Construction Team
Featuring insights from Tony Coons, VP of Construction
When thinking about a hotel renovation, what comes to mind? Demolition crews, new finishes, or maybe tight construction deadlines? At Digney York Associates (DYA), we believe something even more critical lies at the heart of every successful hotel transformation: our people.
For over 40 years, we’ve done more than renovate guest rooms and public spaces. We’ve built a culture rooted in relationships, communication, and a commitment to excellence that extends from our headquarters to every jobsite. Every renovation at DYA is a true partnership with our clients, driven by collaboration and a focus on creating a memorable experience for our clients’ guests.
To better understand what drives the concierge-level service we’re known for, we took a closer look at the construction team and how they consistently deliver on that promise. We spoke with someone who witnesses it all in action every day, our Vice President of Construction, Tony Coons.
Tony Coons, VP of Construction
When asked what makes DYA projects so successful, Tony didn’t mention his role or the field's strategy. Instead, he immediately highlighted the people behind the projects and the powerful partnership between our experienced superintendents and detail-driven project managers.
Behind every successful DYA renovation is a seasoned construction team, led by superintendents and supported by project managers, working together to bring each project to life. Superintendents lead on-site execution with precision, adaptability, and a problem-solving mindset. Project managers provide structure and coordination and ensure every detail stays aligned with client expectations. This close collaboration forms the backbone of every renovation.
These teams bring deep experience, clear communication, and a shared commitment to quality that defines the DYA approach. “It’s this partnership that allows us to consistently deliver exceptional results in active hotel environments, time and time again,” Tony explains.
From state-of-the-art remodels to complex phased renovations, we go beyond design to create experiences guests will remember. No one sees this dynamic more clearly than Tony, who works alongside the people driving each hotel renovation forward. Read on to see how this collaboration powers our hotel renovation projects and why it makes all the difference for our clients and their guests.
On-site Problem Solvers: DYA Superintendents
The first to arrive and the last to leave, Digney York Associates’ superintendents are the boots on the ground and the driving force behind the daily execution of hotel construction projects. Their days begin by reviewing the plan, attending daily meetings with subcontractors, and aligning priorities for the day ahead. From there, they walk the jobsite to assess quality, monitor progress, and flag potential issues.
“Superintendents constantly look ahead,” Tony explains. “They’re thinking two weeks out, adjusting material orders, and lining up subcontractors to ensure seamless execution.”
When something unexpected comes up, as it often does in hotel renovation work, superintendents are the first to identify it. They document the issue, submit a Request for Information (RFI) with supporting photos, and coordinate with the project management team to resolve it quickly. This real-time problem-solving helps prevent delays and keeps communication clear across all teams.
Many of DYA’s superintendents bring decades of experience to the field, some having over 30 years in the industry. “That depth of knowledge means they have encountered nearly every condition a renovation can present,” Tony said. “When something unexpected arises, they know to approach it with sound judgment and a clear focus on keeping the project on track.”
Their expertise and leadership allow DYA renovations to progress confidently, even in complex construction environments.
Digney York Associates Project Manager
Coordinating the Bigger Picture: DYA Project Managers
While superintendents lead the day-to-day jobsite activity, project managers provide the structure behind the scenes. From preconstruction planning through final turnover, they handle the documentation, contracts, and logistics that keep everything organized, allowing on-site construction teams to execute without disruption.
“There’s mutual trust and mutual accountability,” Tony shares. “Everyone is working toward the same outcome: a successful renovation that respects the guest experience and exceeds client expectations.”
Project managers ensure the operational framework stays organized and aligned with the client’s expectations. Their attention to detail and logistical oversight help hotel renovation companies like DYA maintain efficiency and consistency throughout even the most complex hospitality renovation projects.
One Team, One Goal: Why Alignment Makes the Difference
Unlike many hotel general contractors, Digney York Associates doesn’t operate in silos. Superintendents and project managers work as a unified team, aligned around a shared goal: delivering high-quality hotel renovations on time, with minimal disruption to operations.
“We work very well together,” says Tony. “There are no silos of information; we openly share any knowledge we have.”
According to Tony, the dynamic built on trust, transparency, and continuous communication is what truly sets DYA apart. That level of openness creates efficiency not just internally, but with clients as well. The team adapts quickly when unexpected challenges arise, as they often do in hotel renovations. Whether it’s adjusting timelines, reworking logistics, or aligning with hotel staff, the team’s coordinated effort ensures progress continues without compromising quality.
Hotel operators recognize and value this kind of coordination. It demonstrates that their renovation partner has an in-depth understanding of construction and honors the guest experience.
A Hotel Operator’s Mindset
Having a hotel operator's mindset is another reason why DYA is different from other hotel renovators. We don’t just see hotels as project sites. Our construction team understands that hotels aren’t only a jobsite, but an active, guest-facing environment that must continue to function smoothly throughout the renovation process. That awareness drives every on-site decision.
From coordinating daily activities with hotel staff to working with project managers, the construction team prioritizes minimizing disruption at every corner. Whether it is scheduling work around high-traffic areas or sharing access to the freight elevator, every on-site decision is guided by the goal Limiting impact on hotel operations.
“This level of excellence is built into how we operate,” Tony said. “We understand the guest experience because we make it part of our construction approach.”
Looking for a Hotel Renovation Partner Who Understands Guests?
Planning a hospitality renovation in an occupied hotel? Digney York Associates will support you without disrupting guests. Our experienced construction team and project managers have a proven track record in hotel renovation services, making us the right partner for your next project.
Contact us today to learn more about our specialized approach to keeping renovations on schedule, minimizing disruptions, and delivering results that meet your guests’ expectations.
ABOUT DIGNEY YORK ASSOCIATES
Digney York Associates is a hotel construction company based in Washington, D.C. They have dedicated the last 40 years to the hospitality industry, specializing in guest room renovations for luxury hotels and resorts. The company offers hotel renovation services that span from pre-construction through the construction phase of renovations, in addition to specialty services. Digney York has long-term relationships with the hospitality industry’s premier brands. They consistently deliver high-quality hospitality renovations, which increase overall property values and enhance the guest experience.