Will Spurzem has spent more than 20 years designing places that put the landscape first. His work runs from resorts and wineries to three years as Senior Design Director at AutoCamp, one of the best-known names in upscale outdoor hospitality. Four years ago he founded Boundary Works, an architecture firm that supports outdoor hospitality projects from early development through full architectural services.
Boundary Works is a small, nimble firm, and that shapes how it works with owners. The team can take a project one step at a time rather than requiring an all-or-nothing scope, which suits developers still testing a site or a concept. They also bring experience operating and developing properties, not only designing them, so plans account for how a resort will actually run day to day. That extends to the units themselves: Boundary Works helps with cabin and unit design and sourcing, has worked with most of the major manufacturers, and has designed more than 20 custom units.
That operator’s view carries into how Will reads the market. He sees the industry splitting between the high and low ends, with little left in the middle, and at a $200 to $300 nightly ADR, he argues the difference between surviving and thriving comes down to careful design and well-planned staffing. We talked with Will about two recent projects: The River Electric, a 40-tent camp resort and swim club that opened in Guerneville, California in 2025, and Ofland Smoky Mountains, a 75-key resort now under construction in Townsend, Tennessee. We also covered what changing work and travel patterns mean for the next generation of resorts.
Key Highlights
- Founded four years ago by Will Spurzem, AIA, LEED AP, whose 20+ years of experience span resorts, wineries, and outdoor hospitality projects across the country
- Three years as Senior Design Director at AutoCamp
- Early development support, concept design, and full architectural services
- Phased scopes that let smaller projects move forward one step at a time
- Operating and development experience that informs design, from housekeeping to guest-facing amenities
- Cabin and unit design and sourcing, with more than 20 custom units designed and experience across most major manufacturers
- Recent work includes The River Electric in Guerneville, CA and Ofland Smoky Mountains, a 75-key resort under construction in Townsend, TN
- A 120-key resort in upstate New York planned for 2028
Q&A with Will Spurzem, Founder at Hospitality Across America
Background
Tell us a bit about your company’s history?
Boundary Works is a 4 year company founded by Will Spurzem AIA LEED AP with more than 20 years of experience. From designing resorts and wineries to Will’s 3 year stint as the Senior Design Director at AutoCamp, we have worked on a broad range of project types across the country.
What inspired you to work in outdoor hospitality?
Outdoor hospitality is the perfect interaction of two of my greatest interests: creating beautiful spaces that celebrate the landscape, and exploring outdoors.
Services and Expertise
What services do you offer, and what sets your approach apart?
We offer a broad range of early development support, concept design, and full architectural services. Our small nimble firm can tackle smaller projects one step at a time vs a full all or nothing scope. Similarly, we have experience operating, designing, and developing projects, so we can bring some extra knowledge specific to this industry. Lastly, we can also help with cabin/unit design and sourcing. We have worked with most of the major manufacturers, and have designed more than 20 custom units.
How do you address current trends in the industry?
The current industry seems to be splitting between the high and low end, without much in the middle. The difference between surviving and thriving at that $200-$300/night ADR comes down to careful design, and really well thought out staffing. We are here to add a bit of refinement and extra design consideration to your project, from housekeeping to the flashier amenities.
Projects and Achievements
What’s a standout project your team has worked on?
Ofland Smoky Mountains is a 75 key resort under construction right now in Townsend TN, hot on the heels of The River Electric Opening last year in Guerneville, CA.
What outcomes do your clients achieve with your help?
High quality buildings and site layouts that are tailored to the needs of the client.
Sage x Boundary Works
How has your partnership with Sage Outdoor Advisory impacted your work?
Sage Outdoor Advisory is an invaluable source of knowledge and connection in this industry. From specialized knowledge to their vast network, Sage has helped many clients move forward with better vision and clarity.
What do you enjoy most about collaborating with us?
The team at Sage Outdoor Advisory is always pleasant, professional, and kind.
Looking Ahead
What exciting projects are on the horizon?
We are looking forward to a unique resort project with 120 keys in upstate New York in 2028.
How do you see your role (or your company) in shaping the future of outdoor hospitality?
The standard resort/hotel experience is evolving as work/travel patterns change. We are here to find new solutions that better address how people are living and working on the road.