Ensuring Smooth Renovations – How Digney York Associates Operates
Renovating an operating hotel requires more than construction expertise. It demands an understanding of how hotels function and a commitment to adapting every decision around that. That’s the foundation of our approach at Digney York Associates (DYA). With over 40 years of experience in occupied hotel renovations, we’ve developed a process that prioritizes the guest experience at every stage.
As Tom Kelley, President of DYA + EIS Hospitality, says, “We don’t think like a general contractor; we think like a hotel operator. That’s what really sets us apart.”
This mindset leads to a hotel remodeling process that feels smooth, intentional, and often invisible to guests.
While we offer a full range of preconstruction and construction services, the true difference lies in how we deliver them: with concierge-level service, operational awareness, and a deep respect for those running the property. This commitment to exceptional service starts long before construction begins. Through structured, detailed planning, we ensure that every decision supports a smooth hotel renovation process, from initial design to final execution. By working closely with hotel leadership and considering the unique needs of each property, we align our approach to complement their daily operations, ensuring minimal disruption and a seamless transition.
This focus on service and collaboration sets us apart and guarantees that each hotel renovation project is completed on time, within budget, and exceeds expectations.
Digney York Associates site superintendents meet at Vienna, Virginia, office.
Setting the Stage: Planning for Success
At the heart of every successful DYA renovation lies a meticulous planning process that ensures seamless execution. From accurate preconstruction estimating to thorough preplanning, each step is strategically designed to eliminate surprises, minimize disruption, and ensure alignment with the hotel’s operational needs. By anticipating challenges and carefully coordinating each phase, we create a smooth and efficient renovation experience, ultimately delivering results that exceed expectations without compromising the hotel's day-to-day operations.
Preconstruction Services: Building Confidence Early
A successful renovation starts long before construction begins. At DYA, our preconstruction services are designed to bring clarity, reduce risk, and align all stakeholders. We work closely with ownership to review design intent, define scope, and develop accurate budgets that support planning and approvals.
This early involvement allows us to anticipate operational challenges and address them before they become costly on-site issues. Through thoughtful scheduling and value engineering, we help ensure each decision made during preconstruction supports the project's goals and the hotel's day-to-day operations.
Viewline Resort Snowmass, Autograph Collection | Snowmass Village, Colorado
Preplanning: Respecting the Project
Preplanning begins once the scope is set, and this is where our hotel operator mindset becomes most evident. We plan for construction and continuity. That means coordinating closely with hotel leadership to align on phasing, deliveries, access points, and traffic flow before any work begins.
Our team considers occupancy patterns, event schedules, and staff routines to ensure construction activity fits around, not through, the property's daily rhythm. By mapping logistics in advance and thinking like hotel operators, we reduce disruption and maintain a professional on-site presence from day one. Our commitment to detailed preplanning ensures that every phase is executed efficiently, allowing hotel operations to continue smoothly while the renovation occurs. We take pride in preserving the guest experience while delivering on time and within budget.
Culture and Service: The Digney York Difference
While careful planning is essential, hotel teams remember our service the most. At DYA, we don’t approach hotel renovations like outside contractors but integrate as part of the hotel team. Our approach is rooted in collaboration and partnership, ensuring every decision is made considering the hotel’s needs.
Our team moves intentionally, communicates respectfully, and prioritizes the guest experience at every step. We understand that hotel renovations can disrupt daily operations, so we take extra care to minimize that impact by being flexible, responsive, and always mindful of the guests and staff we’re working alongside. From the planning phase to the final touches, we focus on delivering a renovation that enhances the property, not just in design but in how it continues to serve guests. Our dedication to a smooth service truly sets us apart and makes every hotel renovation a success.
Meredith King, Assistant Project Manager
Experience That Shapes the Work
Many of us come from hospitality backgrounds, which gives us a firsthand understanding of the pressure hotel operators face and the standards guests expect. Assistant Project Manager Meredith King is one of them. With a background in hospitality operations, she transitioned into construction by bringing her organization and service skills to DYA, first as a purchasing agent and now as part of our project management team. Below, she shares how we show up for our clients.
“Working in a Forbes 5-star hotel with impeccable service provides valuable insights into delivering high-level project management services with a luxury feel,” Meredith said. “I’ve worked in a handful of them nationwide and deeply understand what high-level project management should be about. Both environments require exceptional attention to detail, anticipating client needs, and maintaining a high-quality standard at every touchpoint.”
That kind of interaction reflects the culture we’ve built, one rooted in empathy, professionalism, and a deep understanding of hospitality. At DYA, renovations are more than construction projects. They’re opportunities to enhance the guest experience and support hotel teams in maintaining the level of service their guests expect.
Every detail we plan, every conversation we have, and every decision we make is guided by respect for the operation. We work alongside hotel staff with the same level of accountability and care, ensuring the property functions smoothly throughout the renovation.
What Lasts Beyond the Project
For over 40 years, this approach has helped us build lasting partnerships with hotel owners and operators, fostering trust and collaboration along the way. Our commitment to thoughtful planning, detailed execution, and attentive service continues to set the standard for low-disruption renovation projects that transform spaces while preserving the reputation of our clients. By managing every detail with care, we ensure that each renovation is successful and strengthens the long-term value of the property. If you need a hotel renovation contractor, rest assured that Digney York Associates will be with you every step of the way, providing consistent support and expertise.
Because the objective measure of success isn’t just what changes; it’s what remains consistent: the guest experience. Ensuring guests enjoy a high-quality stay throughout the renovation process is our ultimate priority, ensuring that your hotel remains a destination of choice, even during the transformation.
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.