Casino Life sits down with Móz Designs. By Andrew Behan
Casinos like to pretend that they’re egalitarian spaces,none more so than the original Caesars Palace. ‘Every man an emperor’ was creator Jay Sarno’s guiding maxim. But we all know that the care and feeding of high rollers is paramount to the bottom line. This was certainly the case when Harrah’s New Orleans was reimagined into Caesars New Orleans in time for that whale magnet, the Super Bowl. Caesars Entertainment entrusted the design of its new high roller area to Oakland, California based Moz Designs.
To find out what went into the crafting of this special space, Associate Editor Andrew Behan spoke with the company. Their conversation has been edited for clarity.
Móz Designs has worked on a wide range of projects, but casinos have unique design requirements. What were the main goals for the high roller area renovation at Caesars New Orleans?
For the high roller area renovation at Caesars New Orleans, the primary goal was to update the space. We were moving away from the outdated Mardi Gras theme and transitioning to a more modern, luxurious aesthetic that aligns with the Caesars brand. The casino, originally built 25 years ago, required a fresh approach to elevate its appeal.
Privacy is a key element in exclusive gaming areas. How did Móz’s architectural metalwork help achieve the desired level of privacy while maintaining an open, luxurious feel?
I love how our golden, laser-cut panels offer a modern, high-end aesthetic for the cashier cage while maintaining a sense of openness. The rich, gold tones evoke feelings of wealth and luxury, while the intricate patterns provide a refined, sophisticated look. The design effectively balances privacy with an airy, luxurious atmosphere, ensuring that the space feels both exclusive and inviting without being overwhelming.
Casinos are known for their rich visual appeal. How did Móz incorporate its signature balance of color, texture and grain to enhance the high roller area’s aesthetic?
The grain patterns characteristic of our classic colors add visual depth and dimension, creating a dynamic interplay with light. As patrons move through the space, the patterns subtly shift and evolve, infusing the area with a sense of life and energy. This fluid movement not only enhances the aesthetic but also contributes to an exciting, immersive atmosphere that captivates guests.
How did you collaborate with JCJ Architecture and Ryan Gootee General Contractors to bring this vision to life?
This project faced delays due to post-pandemic inflation, which impacted several areas of the renovation. Throughout the process, Móz provided ongoing design and budget support to help navigate these challenges, and find the right solutions. Once the budget was finalized, we worked closely with the designer and owner, offering product samples to fine-tune the finishes and make the final selections.
Additionally, we provided detailed drawings to the contractor, ensuring they had a clear understanding of how each component would arrive and how they should be assembled. This helped streamline the installation process and avoid any confusion. We also coordinated the scheduling of product delivery to ensure everything arrived on time, keeping the project on track and minimizing delays.
Were there any specific challenges in fabricating or installing the metal surfaces for this project? If so, how did your team overcome them?
One unique challenge we faced was that this was the first time we produced our basket-weave product with the Skinz finish. However, the finish proved to be highly compatible, even on the perimeter frame.
The basket-weave product uses set panel sizes that cannot be scaled, so we had to rely on the contractor’s field measurements to ensure the panels fit seamlessly within the space. By working closely with the contractor, we were able to adjust the product to cover as much of the area as possible without requiring any modifications in the field, ensuring a smooth installation process.
What materials and finishes were chosen for the high roller area, and why?
Moz Basket Weave Wall was employed in the high roller area, made up of 143 individual, 14-inch by 30-inch panels in a Skinz Wenge Wood finish, with a matching perimeter frame. For the laser-cut panels of the glass wall in the lobby we provided two sets of six panels (covering 185 square feet), made of aluminum in a custom, laser-cut pattern, finished in Classic Goldrush Coarse gloss on both sides. The design included matching perimeter frames and custom trims to complete the wall. Installation and assembly were performed by others. As for the cashier’s cage panels, four laser-cut panels with perimeter frames and direct fastening were done by others.
Acoustics and lighting play a major role in the casino experience. Did Móz’s metal installations contribute to sound control or enhance the lighting design?
The reflective quality of the metal interacts beautifully with the lighting, enhancing the overall ambiance and creating a dynamic play of light and shadow that elevates the aesthetic experience of the casino.
What trends are emerging in casino and hospitality design that Móz is excited to explore?
We're seeing a strong move toward experiential design in casinos and hospitality spaces – where every detail contributes to a memorable, immersive guest experience. There's a big focus on layered textures, biophilic elements and lighting that can shift atmospheres throughout the day. At Móz, we're especially excited about the trend of using materials that bring both visual and tactile richness to a space. Our metalwork allows us to create dimensional surfaces that play with light and shadow, helping to transform traditional walls or partitions into artful design features. We’re also leaning into modularity and customization, which gives designers more freedom to adapt spaces for different audiences and experiences.
How does Móz Designs cater to the evolving needs of luxury hospitality and gaming environments?
Luxury hospitality and gaming spaces are evolving to feel more intimate, curated and story-driven. Our approach at Móz is to support that evolution by offering a versatile toolkit of metal finishes, patterns, and textures that deliver high-impact visuals while standing up to the wear and tear of high-traffic environments. Whether it's a refined, woodgrain metal for a warm, natural feel or a bold, laser-cut pattern for a dramatic entrance, our materials are engineered to meet both aesthetic and functional needs. We also work closely with architects and designers throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring our products support their creative vision while meeting practical requirements like installation timelines, durability, and maintenance.
Have you noticed a shift in how casinos approach design, especially with the rise of high-tech gaming experiences and immersive entertainment?
Absolutely – casinos are no longer just about gaming; they’re becoming multi-sensory entertainment hubs. With the rise of high-tech gaming and immersive environments, there’s a shift toward creating dynamic spaces that feel fluid and engaging, not static. This is where architectural materials like ours play a big role. Metal surfaces can respond beautifully to integrated lighting systems, adding depth and movement to digital experiences.
With the success of the Caesars project, do you see Móz expanding its presence in the casino and gaming industry?
We have a lot of experience in this industry, and it’s always exciting to have a hand in casino and gaming projects. We look forward to continuing to work in these industries.
What’s next for Móz Designs in terms of innovation and product development?
We have a very exciting launch coming in mid-April. We are leaning into the layering trends we’ve seen lately and are excited to expand one of our collections with dynamic designs.
If a casino designer is looking to integrate Móz’s metalwork into their project, what advice would you give them?
My advice would be to reach out to us! We offer a wide variety of metal styles and finishes, with both standard solutions and customizable options to fit any project. We’re here to collaborate with designers to ensure that the integration of our metalwork is seamless, considering installation timelines, functionality and feasibility, all while preserving the integrity of the design vision. Our team is dedicated to helping bring your concept to life from start to finish.
***This exclusive feature interview was originally published in Casino Life Magazines May 2025 edition Issue 177***
