The Brit List 2025

Championing change

Well I didn’t think we’d top last year, but 2025 has proved to be a bit of a mega year – with plenty of lovely surprises along the way.

As you know, 2025 has delivered our 10th anniversary – and brought about plenty of celebrations. Events for the Hotel Designs team this year have been off the chart, as we’ve delivered a number of our own and been invited to collaborate at so many others.

One of my proudest moments has been in launching and carrying out three installations of our new series of live discussions: Accessible Design Talks, which prompted the creation of new Brit List Award category, Best in Accessible Design. This is a topic we’re aiming to champion, and we hope you’ll join us in learning more about and helping to improve accessible design in the hospitality industry as we move forward.

Talking of championing change, this year’s Brit List entrants have done plenty to impress me and my fellow judges. So many have shown us not just their own talents in the beautiful projects they have helped bring to life, but the candidates who really caught our attention were the ones going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure their teams were being supported to shine, too.

So as the year draws to a close and we begin the festivities with our own momentous party, we want to take a moment to celebrate you, to celebrate each other, as we invite our top class of 2025 to Take a Walk on the Wild Side!

Sophie Harper Editor, Hotel Designs

The Brit List Interior Designers of 2025

The Brit List Architects of 2025

Meet Trailblazing Art Group and Showcase Partner: Creative Debuts

Meet Pioneering Flooring and Showcase Partner: Amtico

meet the judges

Sophie Harper, Editor, Hotel Designs

Sophie is an established travel and design journalist and has worked on some of the UK’s most reputable publications and award-winning media campaigns over the last 15 years. As both a writer and editor, Sophie has specialised in hospitality design over the last decade, and has interviewed and hosted events with some of the most influential personalities in the industry.

Jacu Strauss, Creative Director, Lore Group

Jacu is an architect, interior designer, furniture designer and artist, as well as Creative Director of Lore Group. He has designed award-winning hotels for his group including: the Pulitzer in Amsterdam, Riggs in Washington DC, One Hundred Shoreditch in London and more recently, Hotel Park Ave in New York.

Emma King, Head of Premium, Luxury, and Lifestyle DesignEurope, IHG Hotels & Resorts

Emma is responsible for the design, development and product quality of all new openings and refurbishments. Emma is at the forefront of shaping the look and feel of IHG projects, as well as being a known authority in the industry.

Jessica Morrison, Senior Associate, GA Group

Jessica brings over a decade of experience in highend hospitality design as a senior associate at GA Group, one of the world’s leading interior design studios. Her portfolio spans luxury hotels, resorts, and bespoke residential projects across international markets.

Sophie Borel, Project Planning and Design Manager, Cheval Collection

Sophie is an accomplished interior designer specialising in the luxury hospitality industry, with a fervent passion for creative design and the art of crafting memorable guest experiences.

Jane Simpson, Architect and Managing Director, Jane Simpson Access

Jane is an architect and an NRAC-registered Access Consultant with over two decades of experience in inclusive design.

Danny Pecorelli, Managing Director, Exclusive Collection

Last year’s Outstanding Contribution winner, Danny is actively involved in the wider hospitality industry and has a passion for developing the talent of the future.

Pauline

Lauren

Isabelle

Carla Duaso Graphic Designer

Katy Phillips Publisher

Thackeray Senior Marketing Manager

Sophie Harper Editor

Marsh Production Manager

Brettell Writer Meghan Taylor Deputy Editor

The wild side of design, the smart side of hygiene.

Sustainability, skincare expertise, and ultimate hygiene customised to your hotel brand with the SmartCare cosmetics dispenser.

designers OF 2025 THE BrIT LIST

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designers OF 2025

Andy Goodwin, Director and Co-founder, Fettle

Andy Goodwin and Tom Parker founded Fettle in 2015 and are excited to be celebrating the studio’s tenth anniversary this year.

From their offices in London (led by Andy) and Los Angeles (led by Tom), they provide a full spectrum of services, from space planning and project feasibility studies, to bespoke lighting and furniture design.

Andy believes in a very honest, direct, design-led approach, based around the functional aspects of the spaces he designs. his intrinsic understanding of the requirements and operations of hospitality venues around the globe allows him and his team to work with clients in a structured, efficient way, from the initial concept stages through to the construction process. By balancing the importance of design work with the understanding of the process, Fettle is able to deliver stunning spaces that are both economically viable and functional.

James Thurstan Waterworth, Founder, Thurstan

James Thurstan Waterworth founded Thurstan with a mission to create eclectic and original interiors true to the client brief and in keeping with their architecture and surroundings.

The former European Design Director at Soho House, James worked on houses in Istanbul, Miami, Barcelona and London giving a strong emphasis to comfort, practicality and the origins and history of a building. In 2018, he left Soho House to set up Thurstan with a goal of creating beautiful hospitality projects across Europe and further afield using the knowledge he had built but also with a new creative mindset.

Thurstan offers a design-led practical based offering to hospitality clients – and although there are similarities in the approach James takes in researching the local area, the history of the building and the product on offer, Thurstan’s ethos is all about creating a strong DNA for each individual project.

THE BrIT LIST

designers OF 2025

Una Barac, Founder and Executive Director, Atellior

Una leads the creative design process within Atellior and is currently working on a large number of luxury residential and hospitality schemes across the UK and Europe, ranging from the refurbishment and restoration of existing listed buildings to the design, fit out and dressing of spectacular new builds.

Una has led award-winning design projects for Hampton by Hilton Park Royal which was shortlisted in Hotel Public Space Design category at SBID International Design Awards and Atellior’s residential project Saffron Wharf at London Dock which won the Gold Award for Best Interior Design at the 2021 WhatHouse? The project was also shortlisted at British Homes Awards 2022, alongside Royal Arsenal Riverside luxury apartment. Additionally, Le Meridien Lav hotel won the award for Best Hotel Suite Interior at the European Property Awards 2023-2024.

Tom Thorogood, Partner and Co-head of Interiors, Studio Moren

As part of the leadership team at Studio Moren, Tom’s versatility shines through. He has a natural ability to seamlessly adapt to various design elements and effortlessly infuses projects with inspiration tailored to each project.

Since joining Studio Moren, Tom’s unique impact on projects has been unmistakable. His influence is evident in the chic Hyde London City and a range of 5-star luxury hotels and resorts in Stratford-upon-Avon, Portugal, and Nigeria, leaving an enduring mark on each space.

Recently, Tom led the interior design team in the renovation of the 111-room Hyde London City. The design draws inspiration from the Victorian Era, encompassing everything from colour palettes and architectural details to the era’s discoveries and inventions, all while honouring the building’s heritage. The hotel opened last year and is the first UK outpost of the Hyde brand.

THE BrIT LIST

designers

OF 2025

Toni Black, Interior Director & Partner, Blacksheep

With more than 25 years of industry experience working with worldclass brands across the globe, Toni Black leads the interior design team at Blacksheep, specialising in directing hotel and luxury hospitality projects. Across her career, her diverse and impressive portfolio ranges from luxury palaces and private residencies through to shopping outlets, restaurants and unique hotel destinations.

Her highly acclaimed projects at Blacksheep include Montcalm East Hotel London, St. Regis San Francisco, Noxe at the W Barcelona and Prince De Galles Luxury Collection Hotel in Paris, among many others.

Toni Black is an avid storyteller with the kind of energy that steers, inspires and encourages her designers to always push the bar on their creative output and design thinking. Her impeccable eye for detail ensures each interior narrative is uniquely expressed and followed through in every aspect of the design scheme.

Matt Hulme, Design Director, Dynargh Design

Falmouth School of Art graduate Matt Hulme cut his design teeth at Urban Outfitters, Hotel du Vin and Malmaison before establishing his own practice, Dynargh Design, in 2011.

The team have designed and decorated some of the most desirable hotels in the UK, most notably Another Place in the Lake District and Cornwall’s Watergate Bay Hotel.

Matt’s most recent work on SeaScape has rewritten the rulebook for typical seaside hotel design in the UK. The building, its structure, design and functionality have made this possible; bold designled interiors, community-enriching spaces, fully equipped apartments, and accessible units to serve all audiences.

EGGER is a global manufacturer of wood based materials for interior design, furniture, flooring and construction.

EGGER LONDON is its immersive, creative design space in the heart of Clerkenwell, brought to you by designers, for designers.

Find out more

Getting to know… Danny Pecorelli

Danny Pecorelli has been at the helm of family-owned Exclusive Collection since 2001, and with a highly conscientious approach to business, he has steered the brand to be one of the most respected independent companies in the hospitality sector.

Danny has developed a culture built on the pillars of wellness, innovation, people, and planet, acknowledging that people are Exclusive’s greatest asset, which has led to him spotting talent and encouraging progression.

A visionary and advocate of socially conscious businesses, Danny has a reputation amongst his peers for championing the hospitality sector, which has resulted in the founding of and raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for hospitality charities.

Under his leadership, Exclusive Collection was the first UK hotel group to become a Certified B Corporation – ensuring the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

This time last year, we announced Danny as our Outstanding Contribution Award winner due to his exceptional leadership, charitable work, support of his team, innovative approach to business, and commitment to sustainability. This year, he returns to cast his own judgement over The Brit List applications.

When asked what he found most challenging about the judging process, he said: “For me it was the quality and the diversity of entries, so I had to really think about the merit of each entry within each of the categories.”

Exclusive Collection

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designers OF 2025

John Paul Pederson, Creative Director, Wimberly Interiors

Since graduating from Drury University in Springfield, Missouri, John Paul has conceptualised, presented, designed and implemented hospitality projects all across the globe, ranging from small boutique hotels to large-scale resorts and casinos. He has worked on all phases of the design process from the initial client pitch and presentation through to final installation and on-site coordination.

Having worked extensively on international projects prior to joining Wimberly Interiors London, John Paul has developed and strategised with design teams on the demographic, locale and sociopolitical aspects of a particular project before the implementation – something which is demonstrated clearly in his work throughout the United States, Europe and the Middle East. John Paul’s focus, aside from the conceptualisation and management of a project, has been on the space planning and FF+E design, utilising his passion for detail.

Tolù Adẹ̀kọ, Founder & Creative Director,

& Co

Tolù Adèkó, the visionary behind Adèkó & Co Studio, takes a holistic approach to design management, collaborating with artisans, craftsmen, and makers who are renowned in their respective fields, resulting in a unified aesthetic that’s both timeless and innovative.

With roots that lie in designing major hotels and luxury cruise ships, Tolù is best known for his work in the hospitality sector but takes on a select number of residential commissions too. “Storytelling is at the heart of everything: I’m always exploring how space can communicate memory, heritage and identity, whether that’s through an unexpected material pairing or the quiet elegance of a considered detail.” As part of the studio’s ten-year celebrations, Tolù is creating a ‘dramatic and immersive’ VIP Lounge at Decorex in October.

Tolù is dedicated to creating immersive experiences for everyone, and believes great design is inclusive in every respect. Currently, Tolù and his team are working with IHG on a research project to ensure accessible design is implemented across the group’s global portfolio.

THE BrIT LIST

designers

OF 2025

Caitriona McGachy, Head of Design, The July

Caitriona McGachy currently serves as the Head of Design at The July since January 2021. Prior to this role, Caitriona held the position of Associate at Martin Brudnizki Design Studio from March 2014 to January 2021.

Her experience in the hospitality design industry and previous work at leading interior design studios has equipped her with the vision alongside a passion to bring beautiful design to every project she works on.

The July London Victoria, Caitriona’s most recent project, opened in June and has already received a lot of positive attention from the press and design critics alike. Under her guidance and collaboration with interior design studio Fettle, the hotel’s design has helped bring vibrancy to the capital and a popular European brand to the UK’s lifestyle market for the first time.

Rachael Gowridge, Founder, Rachael Gowridge

Rachael Gowdridge is a London-based interior designer whose hospitality work sets a new standard for creativity, emotional depth, and guest-centric design. With a background that includes high-profile roles at The Hoxton Hotels, Gleneagles, and separately under the creative direction of Martin Brudnizki, Rachael honed her skills in narrativeled interiors, strategic storytelling, and experiential design before establishing her own studio in 2022.

Since then, she has applied that foundation to a portfolio of bold, soulful, and distinctive hospitality projects that reimagine how spaces can engage, delight and move guests. Her ethos is rooted in emotional intelligence, craft, and contextual relevance. Rachael’s studio does not chase trends; it builds stories. Her interiors are designed to feel lived-in, layered and grounded – each one responding uniquely to the spirit of its architecture and surroundings.

THE BrIT LIST

designers OF 2025

Christina Gregoriou, Partner, Michaelis Boyd

Christina Gregoriou has built an impressive career defined by creativity, leadership, and design excellence. Since joining the practice in 2019, she has risen rapidly from Associate Architect to Director and now Partner, reflecting both her architectural expertise and her ability to guide complex projects with clarity and vision. Her portfolio demonstrates a refined sensibility that blends functionality with atmosphere, ensuring every project tells a story.

Christina’s ethos – balancing narrative, materiality, and human experience – defines her as a designer of distinction. She approaches each commission not as a functional brief, but as an opportunity to shape mood and atmosphere, transforming the way people inhabit and feel within spaces. As a leader at Michaelis Boyd, she continues to push forward projects that celebrate sustainability, craftsmanship, and a deep sense of place.

Damien Follone, Associate Principal & Creative Director, Wimberly Interiors

Damien Follone brings passion for storytelling as well as a wealth of architectural and interior design experience to the Wimberly Interiors team. His design approach and critical thinking ensure that each project is strategically positioned from concept through to delivery with emphasis on hotel food and beverage experiences.

Damien is proficient in understanding the needs of the client and ensuring that the design proposal and detailing of a scheme reflect the brand’s aspirations. He recognises the importance of analysing local and global trends, as well as translating them into a holistic guest experience, from food concept to interior design and tangible layering.

Having worked in architecture in Australia, he brings both high-level resort planning and humanscale design skills from a number of projects in Oceania and Asia. More recently, his hotel experience in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia has allowed him to work with renowned luxury brands to analyse, position and design their food and beverage offerings to be successful and relevant in the local market.

designers OF 2025 THE BrIT LIST

Sameena Singh, Founder, Littlemore

Design

Littlemore is a London based interior design studio founded by Sameena Singh. Empowered by travel that has informed our design, our projects also reach many continents. Our ethos is an elusive harmony between seemingly opposing forces, be it tradition and modernity, minimalism and embellishment, or indeed ‘little’ and ‘more’.

Design led by a process of curiosity, with meticulous research into history, narrative and adventure. You will find our spaces in the world of hospitality, F&B, residential, wellness and all the sectors in between.

Having designed luxury hotels and residences for over 15 years with leading hospitality brands such as Fairmont, Ritz Carlton, Jumeirah, Capella and Four Seasons worldwide, Sameena has honed an ability to conceive complex projects as a whole and ensure the concept is nurtured through the completed design.

Karen Taylor, Founder, Pattern Haus

Pattern Haus has emerged as a prominent force in the interior design industry, led by the visionary Karen Taylor, whose extensive experience and collaborative ethos set the studio apart. The firm embodies the belief that design is inherently a collaborative process, bringing together a diverse array of specialists for each project – including project managers, planning experts, materials connoisseurs, and talented designers – to achieve one goal: delivering exceptional results tailored to client needs.

Founded in January 2023, Pattern Haus is the culmination of Karen’s rich career that spans over 25 years in the creative realm. Previously a creative director at DesignLSM, Karen has collaborated with top global design agencies such as Landor and Fitch, accumulating a profound understanding of the nuances in various sectors, including retail, hospitality, and private residential design. Her portfolio boasts an impressive array of projects that span the globe, with notable work in London, the Middle East, and Europe, and includes interiors for high-profile clients and celebrities.

Jane Simpson Getting to know…

Jane Simpson is a British architect and access consultant, and the Founding Director of Jane Simpson Access Ltd. She holds registration with the National Register of Access Consultants (NRAC) and combines her architectural expertise with a deep commitment to inclusive design.

For Jane, great design isn’t just about beauty or innovation – it’s about inclusion. As the founder of Jane Simpson Access Ltd, she’s spent her career proving that accessibility and architecture can, and should, go hand in hand.

Jane’s journey began in the late 1980s as a Heritage Officer in Monmouth, before joining Kirklees Metropolitan Council, where she helped shape access standards across public buildings and schools. Her curiosity and compassion for creating spaces that truly work for everyone quickly became her professional calling.

Today, Jane Simpson Access advises clients across sectors – from heritage and healthcare to transport and education – helping organisations meet the spirit, not just the letter, of equality laws. Whether she’s consulting on a new public space or advising government panels, Jane’s mission remains clear: to build environments that welcome everyone.

Passionate, practical, and endlessly curious, Jane has become one of the UK’s leading voices in inclusive design – showing that accessibility isn’t an add-on to architecture, but its beating heart.

Talking about being a judge on this year’s Brit List Awards panel, Jane said: “Most challenging was judging between such diverse offerings with so many amazing entries. But the favourite was being able to see the importance of inclusivity being recognised in all categories.”

Jane Simpson

THE BrIT LIST

designers OF 2025

Mark Bithrey, Founder, B3 Designers

Mark Bithrey founded B3 Designers in 2002, and has spent over two decades shaping the hospitality industry through thoughtful branding and interior design. B3 Designers’ portfolio includes some of the world’s most iconic hospitality destinations, from Michelin-starred restaurants to visionary hotels and inspiring entrepreneurs who are redefining the dining and travel experience.

Mark’s vision at B3 Designers is to deliver authentic experiences that align design, brand, and ROI. Across the studio’s F&B design, style follows substance. Every space is built on a deep understanding of our clients’ vision, market realities, and guest expectations. Mark leads the team to craft places that are as commercially successful as they are visually remarkable.

Clare McDonald, Founder, Design Command

As Founder of Design Command, Clare has created an environment where her team feel empowered to be genuinely creative, knowing they always have her professional and knowledgeable support behind them. Her leadership skills have built a culture where the team feels trusted, valued and excited about the work they do and the projects they deliver.

Over the last 18 months, Clare has led a range of exciting projects; including working closely with two restaurant brands to develop and roll out cohesive interior concepts across multiple sites. Design Command has also been involved in a major hotel transformation, due to reopen in September which Clare has managed with full team collaboration. She combines creative vision with commercial insight, delivering spaces that are not only visually compelling but also deeply aligned with each client’s brand identity.

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designers OF 2025

Alex Dauley, Owner, Dauley Design

Alex is a storyteller, a visionary, and a passionate advocate for inclusivity in the design world. With a keen eye for detail and an innate ability to understand her client’s desires, Alex transforms spaces into sanctuaries that resonate deeply with those who inhabit them.

Her journey into interior design is unique, marked by her fearless creativity, authenticity, and unwavering commitment to breaking barriers. As a champion for diversity and representation, Alex’s leadership and dedication shine through in every project, creating innovation and change in the industry.

Alex is not only a talented designer, but also dedicates her time to helping young talent from underrepresented backgrounds enter the industry via United in Design - a British diversity, equity, and inclusion charity to create pathways for underrepresented talent in the design industry.

Kiara Jefferies, Founder & Principal Designer, Tone Interiors

For over ten years, Kiara has worked on construction projects in the retail and hospitality sectors. This hands-on experience has taught her how to take a project from concept to completion. She understands both the creative and the technical sides of design, and enjoys working closely with contractors to achieve the best build possible. She now leads projects that reflect both tradition and new ideas.

In 2022, Kiara lost her brother to suicide. This personal loss made mental health a key focus in her life and work. She is now partnering with charities that support mental health and crisis centres. She is designing spaces that support recovery and wellbeing. Her aim is to make these places feel safe, calm, and respectful. Kiara believes that design can support healing through your environment. She brings together strong values and practical skill. Her work is rooted in real-life experience and driven by a desire to help others.

THE BrIT LIST

designers OF 2025

Leanne Armstrong, Founder & Creative Director, Black Ivy Design

In just five years owning her own studio, Leanne Armstrong has established herself as one of the UK’s most exciting and original forces in hospitality design. As Founder and Creative Director of Black Ivy Design, Leanne launched her practice in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic – against the odds and ahead of the curve. What began as a bold leap of creative independence has grown into a multi-disciplinary design studio whose work is defining the visual language of modern British hospitality and retail.

Leanne’s work is united by a deep respect for place, character and experience. Her signature lies not in repetition, but reinvention. This year alone, she has delivered three projects across different sectors – each with a distinct narrative, but all underscored by her studio’s hallmarks: evocative lighting, layered materiality, and an intuitive understanding of how people move through and feel in a space.

Holloway Li are Interior Architects with an established reputation for providing innovative architecture and interior design direction to a growing network of international clients across hospitality, co-living, retail, and private residential sectors. The practice was founded in 2018, and is fronted by Alex Holloway and Na Li.

Alex is responsible for the overall creative output and design direction of the company, and manages the studio’s London and North American projects. Alex has over ten years of professional experience of working on London-based projects - on his own ventures as well as multi-unit projects at large architecture practices.

Alex is a guest critic at a number of leading academic institutions, including The Royal College of Art, The Bartlett School of Architecture, Central Saint Martins, and Chelsea College of Art.

Alex Holloway, Founding Director, Holloway Li

Curious what collaboration with Hotel Designs looks like?

We offer a dynamic suite of brand-building platforms:

Thought leadership in intimate, curated discussions

A behind the scenes sneak peek at who you are, and what you do

Industry insights from top voices in design and architecture

Relaxed, conversational deep-dives with key players

Editorial features that drive meaningful engagement

Through bespoke and strategic solutions, Hotel Designs places your brand at the heart of the design, architecture, and hospitality community.

Let’s talk. Discover how we can tailor opportunities to amplify your presence and connect you with the people who matter.

Contact Katy Phillips, Publisher of Hotel Designs, for further information – k.phillips@forumevents.co.uk

THE BrIT LIST

designers OF 2025

Natalia Miyar, Founder, Natalia Miyar Atelier

Natalia is grounded in materiality, her understanding of proportion, structure, and spatial flow is matched by an instinctive feel for colour, texture, and contrast. As founder of Natalia Miyar Atelier, a globally recognised studio with offices in London and Miami, she leads a team working across high-end residential, boutique hospitality, and bespoke product design.

Her portfolio spans a wide spectrum, from a grand English villa and a Manhattan penthouse to a St. Moritz chalet, a beachside retreat in the Bahamas, and boutique hotels in London and the West Indies. Regardless of location or scale, each project reflects Natalia’s commitment to craftsmanship, context, and character.

In addition to her interiors practice, she has launched collections of furniture, wallpaper, and rugs, each rooted in her signature blend of architectural discipline and layered luxury.

Camilla Clarke, Creative Director, Albion Nord

Across her formative years, Camilla turned a love of art and sketching into a passion for interior design – and, since then, she has worked on everything from contemporary penthouses to Georgian homes. Her strong relationships with suppliers and craftsmen, coupled with her deep knowledge of art and antiques, allow her to craft compelling and unique identities for all kinds of interiors.

Camilla’s impressive grounding in art includes not only a qualification in Fine Art and Photography from City & Guilds of London and a History of Art Degree in Oxford, but also a Diploma in Architectural Interior Design at the prestigious Inchbald School of Design. Her knowledge and love for her subject, along with her dedication to her craft, is apparent in every project.

Speaking about recent project, Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train, Camilla said she enjoyed the opportunity to tell a new story of British luxury - one rooted in craft, landscape and character with interiors taht were refined yet bold, timeless yet unexpected - much like Britain itself.

MEET TRAILBLAZING ART GROUP AND SHOWCASE PARTNER: CREATIVE DEBUTS

Founded in 2013, Creative Debuts is committed to reshaping the art world by empowering artists, designers, and creators while serving as a bridge between emerging talent and established brands and businesses…

The platform facilitates the commissioning of bespoke artworks and the purchasing and renting of incredible pieces, enriching corporate and public spaces with meaningful art. Creative Debuts has collaborated with prominent brands like adidas, LinkedIn, Disney, Crown Estate, Hugo Boss, Instagram, and Spotify, enhancing the overall experience for audiences and communities alike.

Calum Hall, the Founder and Creative Director of Creative Debuts and an honouree of Forbes 30 Under 30 in the Arts and Culture category, passionately advocates for marginalised artists in the workplace. Hall believes that ‘art opens our hearts and minds, creates a dialogue, and brings people together’, highlighting his mission to integrate art into everyday spaces to foster connection and wellbeing among communities.

“We are committed to connecting people not only with jaw dropping art, but to the artists behind the pieces,” he says. “Through hosting events, exhibitions and workshops as well as curating artwork for spaces, we are experts in experiential immersive and community focused activations.”

When people visit hotels one thing that is important to them is understanding where they are and what makes the location special. A fantastic way of doing this, and the first nonverbal way for a hotel to connect with its guests is through the artwork on the walls and how it makes the guests feel.

“When it comes to working with artists, it can sometimes be a little like herding cats!” Adds Hall. “Creative Debuts is there to support everyone during the process, from curation to installation, and even content creation, we have everything covered and are here to help.”

Creative Debuts continues to push creative boundaries while inspiring conversation and raising awareness for important causes. The platform has developed sold-out exhibitions and activated flagship retail spaces, creating a vibrant community that champions emerging talent.

Looking to partner with progressive, design led, engaging and pioneering hotels, Creative Debuts can offer installations that stand out from the crowd through dynamic art curation backed up with the option of cultural programming.

This year, Creative Debuts is embracing The Brit List Awards’ ‘Take a Walk on the Wild Side’ theme with live art installations created in front of your very eyes at Ministry of Sound.

Image credit: Creative Debuts

THE BrIT LIST

designers OF 2025

Joanne Aitken, Associate Designer & Procurement Specialist, LXA

Joanne Aitken’s background in Technical Theatre and Theatre Design at Rose Bruford College brings a unique spatial and material sensitivity to her work. Her early experience as a stage designer gave her a strong command of mood, storytelling, and detail qualities that still define her interior design approach today. Since joining LXA, Jo has brought that same creative discipline to the interior environments she crafts, consistently delivering intelligent, elegant spaces that respond closely to client briefs.

She has been an integral part of LXA since 2011, shaping the creative heart of the studio for over a decade. Her influence has touched every part of the business, from concept development through to procurement and delivery, across a wide range of sectors including hospitality, private education, high end residential and hotels. She is a consistently outstanding designer, a generous mentor, and one of the key voices behind LXA’s evolving creative direction.

Ramona Bittere, Founder, Monce Designs

Latvian-born designer Ramona Bittere is known for her immersive and sensory approach to spatial design. She holds degrees in Interior Architecture from London Metropolitan University and Architecture from the University of Greenwich. Before founding her own studio, she honed her craft as Senior Interior Designer at Muza Lab, where she contributed to high-end hospitality and residential projects across the globe.

In early 2025, Ramona established Monce Designs, a creative studio driven by the belief that design should engage all five senses. Her work moves beyond traditional notions of interior design – expanding it into an exploration of perception, emotion, and experience.

Ramona views her practice as a multidisciplinary dialogue between art, architecture, and storytelling. She describes herself as a sense stimulator, detail-obsessed enthusiast, visual storyteller, sound architect, and curator of experience. Through Monce Designs, she aims to redefine the relationship between people and space – not simply shaping walls, floors, and ceilings, but crafting environments that resonate on a sensory and emotional level.

THE BrIT LIST

designers OF 2025

Beverly Bayes, Creative Director, Sparcstudio

As creative director, Beverly Bayes is the creative driving force within award-winning Sparcstudio. An expert on spa and hotel design, she has extensive knowledge of spa and wellness operations and requirements.

Opened last year, Sparcstudio designed the stunning eco-lodges that make up The Reeds at South Lodge in Sussex - in collaboration with Felce and Guy Architects. Perfectly placed on the edge of the lake, the eight eco-lodges are double-height sanctuaries with their own private decks cantilevered over the water’s edge. Biophillic design principles have been used throughout to immerse guests in the restorative power of the surrounding landscape, whilst following sustainable construction processes, materials and finishes.

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architects OF 2025 THE BrIT LIST

THE BrIT LIST

architects OF 2025

Eoin Carroll, Associate, Studio Moren

Eoin is a distinguished architect whose contributions to hospitality design have left a lasting mark on the built environment. With a career defined by the delivery of exceptional, technically rigorous, and culturally significant projects, Eoin has consistently demonstrated excellence in both creative vision and technical execution.

Throughout his career, Eoin has successfully delivered projects that span the full spectrum of the hospitality sector—from high-end luxury to mid-range and budget brands. His holistic understanding of hotel design and operation allows him to respond to the specific needs of each brand, while always preserving a strong architectural identity. Working with iconic global names such as Hilton, Marriott, Taj Hotels, Westin, and Hotel du Vin, Eoin has cultivated a nuanced, client-focused design approach. He combines creativity with an exacting attention to detail, which ensures his buildings not only look beautiful but function seamlessly.

Nick Carrier, Principal, Architecture, WATG

Nick Carrier has over 20 years of experience in architectural design, management and project coordination. As a studio leader, he has been involved in numerous new build and renovation resort, hotel, urban mixed-use and residential projects across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australasia, the South Pacific and the Caribbean.

At WATG, he has delivered a luxury integrated Ritz-Carlton Reserve at Tamuda Bay, Morocco; a boutique luxury hotel for Lopesan in Gran Canaria; and a redevelopment of a key piece of Casablanca’s urban edge with the Atlantic Ocean in the Casablanca Marina project.

More recently, Nick has designed a luxury Grand Hyatt resort in the Caribbean; an ultra-luxury confidential resort in KSA, and the renovation of several properties on the Greek Islands for the Mitsis Hotel group.

THE BrIT LIST

architects OF 2025

Paul Gallacher, Design Director, EPR Architects

Hospitality architecture has been Paul’s primary focus throughout his career, during which he has contributed to some of the UK’s most ambitious and innovative hotel projects. His design leadership is defined by creativity, technical rigour and sharp commercial awareness – ensuring every scheme is both operationally intelligent and architecturally distinctive.

As Design Director, Paul plays a pivotal role in shaping EPR’s design direction across a growing global hospitality portfolio. He leads complex projects from early client engagement and concept development through to detailed design and on-site delivery. Working across all of EPR’s hospitality schemes, he leads a team of designers working on multiple workstreams to maintain the highest standards of creativity and quality.

Na Li, Job Managing Director, Holloway Li

Having worked across both the construction and interior architecture industries, Na Li is the managing director of Holloway Li, where she oversees business development and consults international clients on projects spanning retail, hospitality and private residential sectors. Informed by her previous experience at prestigious firms Teatum & Teatum and Michaelis Boyd, Li’s design approach embraces warm, stripped-back interiors, a playfulness of proportions and high-quality finishes, the likes of which are evidenced across Holloway Li’s ever-expanding portfolio of imaginative commercial spaces.

She has a significant experience in the role of Development Manager and Client Representation. Na’s skill in communication and management has helped the business form established partnerships with a stable team of experienced consultants. More recently she has been focusing on developing our business offering for bespoke Client Rep services for HNWI and investment vehicles.

THE BrIT LIST

architects OF 2025

Kay Curtis, Architect, HKS

As an architect, Kay specialises in the hospitality sector with previous experience in architecture for the healthcare sector. She graduated in 2019 from Tulane University with a Master’s of Architecture and a Bachelor’s in Spanish. At HKS, Kay is a designer and a leader dedicated to fostering design excellence across the company. Her role on the firmwide planning committee for the Global Design Fellowship Event is a testament to her commitment to empowering young designers to address pressing global issues through design.

Kay has also been the lead designer for several luxury resorts in Texas, contributing significantly to the design team for luxury brands like St. Regis, J.W. Marriott, Auberge, and independent brands. Currently, she is working on an exciting beach club design in Jeddah aimed at wellness-focused millennials, which is an opportunity to challenge the status quo by integrating younger generations into target markets.

Emma Low, Associate Director, MSMR

Emma first joined MSMR in 2011 as a part 1 architectural student. She quickly established herself as a highly competent member of the team with a keen interest in all aspects of architectural and interior design. Emma subsequently re-joined the practice in 2015 having completed her master’s degree at the University of Sheffield where she received a number of awards in recognition of her design and management skills.

Over the years Emma has worked on many different aspects of MSMR’s portfolio. She has been instrumental in the design and delivery of a number of important projects for some of teh studio’s key clients such as The Royal Norwegian Embassy and The Crown Estate. Emma is a highly skilled designer with experience at every stage of project development. As a result of her well organised, holistic attitude to the design process and her comprehensive and rigorous approach to matters of detail design, Emma has become an invaluable part of the team. She is also a visiting design critic at the University of Sheffield.

THE BrIT LIST

architects OF 2025

Ayomide Ogundeyin, Senior Architectural Designer, 1508 London

At 1508 London, Ayomide contributes to high-profile, luxury residential, hospitality, and multi-unit development projects, where design is not just about form but narrative – integrating history, geography, context and craftsmanship.

Ayomide is not only a designer but has held project management roles. Her ability to see a project through from concept to delivery – including architectural design, interiors, procurement of finishes and furniture, detail design is a major strength. Her energy and enthusiasm for her work is a constant inspiration to the rest of the team.

Ayomide Ogundeyin’s work bridges the worlds of heritage and contemporary luxury with excellence in design, craftsmanship and project leadership. She displays rare versatility, a strong design sensibility, and the professional maturity to deliver across scales and cultures.

Trevor To, Hospitality Leader, Design Manager,

Senior Associate, Gensler

Trevor is a creative integrator who brings together internal and external talent to craft forward-thinking, holistic design solutions focused on sustainability, community engagement, multi-sensory experience, and guest loyalty. As a dedicated hospitality architect, he works with clients and the wider community to elevate performance at all scales of design.

Trevor manages all stages of projects, from concept design to project coordination and construction management. He has been instrumental in delivering some of Gensler’s landmark developments, including The Residences at The St. Regis Jakarta, St. Regis Langkawi, Burj Alshaya & Four Seasons in Kuwait City, and Custom House Quay in Cork.

Passionate about knowledge sharing and growing the next generation of talents, Trevor gives guest lectures to the Hospitality and Tourism Management post-graduate students in the University of Surrey, UK, sharing Gensler’s perspective on hospitality design.

THE BrIT LIST

architects OF 2025

Having previously worked and studied in Italy and Chile, Umberto joined Aukett Swanke in 2014 and has been a key part of the studio since, constantly pushing the way in which the team thinks about and delivers their work.

Umberto is a creative yet methodical designer who, drawing from his experience in different sectors, delivers for his clients buildings, which are fresh and forward thinking. He believes strongly in communicating the architectural process clearly and concisely, so that his clients are able make considered and decisive decisions at each stage of the project.

José Esteves de Matos, Director, De Matos Ryan

José was educated at the University of Cambridge and GSD Harvard where he received a first class degree. He qualified as an architect in 1998 and has considerable experience of working with listed buildings and particular expertise in unlocking complex and difficult Planning and Listed Building permissions.

José has been project director on museum, hotel, restaurants and school projects, coordinating design, procurement and execution often within environments where occupation of the site is required to continue with minimum level of disruption.

A sustainable approach is Jose’s default setting, and it is up to clients to opt out rather than in. Benefits in terms of reduced energy consumption and improved natural comfort can be achieved and if incorporated at the outset of a project can provide cost savings rather than additional cost.

Umberto Vallini, Senior Associate, Aukett Swanke

Sophie Harper Getting to know…

Sophie Harper is the Editor of award-winning digital publication Hotel Designs, where she spends most of her time representing the brand speaking at events and discussing the topics that matter most to the hospitality design community.

An established travel and design journalist, Sophie has worked on some of the UK’s most reputable publications and award-winning media campaigns over the last 15 years. As both a writer and editor, she has specialised in hospitality design over the last decade and has interviewed and hosted events with some of the industry’s most influential personalities.

Sophie’s experience and knowledge have placed her in high demand as a consultant and she currently sits on a number of advisory boards and judging panels within the industry.

This year, she has spearheaded conversations on inclusive design with the launch of Hotel Designs’ new series, Accessible Design Talks. A topic close to her heart, Sophie is passionate about using her platform to voice the need for change and to introduce a more collaborative approach to educating and solving access problems in the hospitality sector.

An advocate for rising talent, Sophie says: “I enjoy the judging process immensely, but this year’s candidates haven’t made the job easy. We’ve been so impressed with the calibre of entrants this year and are looking forward to celebrating everyone’s achievements. The bar has been set – I’m not sure how we’re going to top this!”

Hotel Designs

THE BrIT LIST

architects OF 2025

Alejandra de Cordoba Estepa, Principal of Architecture EMEA, HBA

Alejandra de Cordoba Estepa is an accomplished architect and design leader whose career embodies innovation, cultural sensitivity, and design excellence. As Principal of Architecture for HBA in the EMEA region, she has consistently redefined the boundaries of hospitality, luxury, and sustainable architecture. With more than two decades of professional practice, Alejandra has led the creation of landmark projects across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa that set new standards for functionality, beauty, and cultural resonance.

Alejandra’s leadership is characterized by a rare ability to combine conceptual creativity with pragmatic execution. She is equally adept at guiding visionary design concepts as she is at ensuring their delivery with the highest architectural integrity. At HBA, she has championed collaborative design practices that integrate interiors, architecture, and landscape into cohesive and memorable built environments.

Philip Atkinson, Founder, Orbit Architects

Philip studied architecture at the University of Nottingham, graduating with a first class degree many years ago. Prior to founding Orbit Architects, he worked for a major London practice gaining extensive experience and worked with major blue chip commercial clients. He was at the forefront of the Puprose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) sector, and also involved in several iconic hotel developments. Philip set up orbit in 2006 with a wish to get back into practicing architecture and engaging with Clients and Design Teams once again.

Philip has led, and been totally engaged with, every project at Orbit – be it a small toilet refurb or a large multi-million pound new-build. He understands that an architect is in a unique position to be able to makes things better, whether it is creating a beautiful inspiring space, adding value, harmony in an elevation, or a unique detail that makes you smile. Philip’s energy drives the company forward and makes Orbit a great and enthusiastic team.

MEET PIONEERING FLOORING & SHOWCASE PARTNER: amtico

Amtico pioneered luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring back in 1964 and proudly marked its 60th anniversary in 2024. As a British manufacturer, design is at the heart of everything we do –from creating new collections and palettes, to capturing photography, supporting bespoke requests, and helping clients shape standout floors. Our LVT collections combine beauty with durability and performance, making them the perfect canvas and a trusted choice for hospitality spaces worldwide. Six decades on, Amtico continues to lead the way in design-led LVT, while also progressing on the journey to net zero, with sustainability shaping the way design, manufacture, and responsible recycling are approached for the future…

What makes Amtico unique to the hospitality industry?

Hospitality design demands flooring that looks striking and performs well under pressure –and that balance is where Amtico excels. Our LVT offers unrivalled creative freedom, with laying patterns, textures and palettes that bring personality to interiors, paired with durability, acoustic comfort and enhanced slip resistance. More than just a manufacturer, we’re a design partner, helping clients bring their unique visions to life. Whether through our curated selection of Designers’ Choice floors, bespoke precision cutting or technical expertise, Amtico floors deliver statement design that is trusted to perform.

Tell us about your latest product range

Our latest launch is a selection of nine new product

combinations for our popular Designers’ Choice collection. Created with hospitality in mind, the new curated designs make it simple to specify bold, design-led floors, providing hotels with a fast route to impact without compromising individuality. Designers’ Choice sits alongside Endless Possibilities and our bespoke offering, giving clients three ways to transform a space. We’re also innovating with sustainability through Amtico Bio, a lower-carbon LVT option that’s traceable and certified. Together, these products reflect our commitment to providing hospitality designers with both the creative freedom and the responsible choices necessary for projects today and in the future.

Tell us about your partnership with The Brit List Awards this year

For us, the theme was an invitation to be bold. We have designed a bespoke Amtico Signature floor for the stage (designed, manufactured and precision cut in our Coventry factory) – we’re literally setting the stage – inspired by the Brit List’s animal-print motif, so every winner’s first step into the spotlight reflects the spirit of the night – taking a walk on the wild side. It’s a statement piece that shows how flooring can be more than a backdrop – it can be playful, create atmosphere and make memorable moments. By blending intricate design with precise cutting, the installation highlights the creativity and expertise at the heart of Amtico, and it’s a fitting way to celebrate creativity with a sense of fun. We’ll also be showcasing the versatility and beauty of our LVT woods and stones with playful table features. Above all, we’re excited to celebrate the people whose ideas and projects continue to push hotel design forward.

Image credit: Amtico

THE BrIT LIST

architects OF 2025

Stuart Forbes, Founder & Managing Director, Stuart Forbes Associates

Stuart established Stuart Forbes Associates in 2005 after a 15-year career at the renowned Richard Rogers Partnership (now RSHP), where he worked on landmark projects including the Millennium Dome and Heathrow Terminals 1 and 5, as well as major international projects.

Stuart’s wealth of experience and technical expertise, combined with an exacting, calm and thoughtful design philosophy, has meant that under his leadership, the practice has built a reputation for delivering refined, high-end architectural and interior projects.

Known for his personable and professional approach, Stuart excels at leading projects with clarity and vision. His passion for design and collaborative spirit inspire the team, ensuring a creative and confident studio culture that consistently produces exceptional results. Most recently, Stuart has directed the vision for the refurbishment of The Metropole Hotel Switzerland, transforming the historic property into a modern luxury lifestyle destination while preserving its rich heritage.

Philip Shelley, Senior Architect, RGA

Philip joined RGA in 2024 to contribute to the long-term direction of the practice, as an accomplished designer of projects involving the transformation and adaptive re-use of historic buildings and complex estates. His particular approach involves the careful and sympathetic investigation of buildings and their environments. He has enjoyed a varied career in practice and academia, both in the UK and in Switzerland.

He studied architecture at the University of Cambridge and ETH Zurich, where he studied Historic Building Research and Conservation, and for a decade afterwards worked for Baumgartner Loewe Architekten in Zurich developing numerous competition designs, resulting in a series of built works. At RGA, Philip is leading the conversion of Custom House, London, transforming the Grade I listed, former government building. He also leads the project for the transformation of the Grade II* listed Charles Barry Holy Trinity Church in Islington.

Jacu Strauss Getting to know…

Jacu Strauss, Creative Director at Lore Group, believes every building has a story waiting to be told. From transforming Amsterdam’s canal houses into the award-winning Pulitzer Amsterdam, to breathing new life into Riggs Washington DC and One Hundred Shoreditch in London, his designs celebrate history, character, and human connection.

Born in the Kalahari Desert in South Africa, Jacu grew up surrounded by open landscapes and imagination. With limited materials but endless curiosity, he learned to create from what was around him – a spirit that still defines his work today.

After studying architecture in London, including at the Bartlett School of Architecture, he worked with Tom Dixon, honing a deep appreciation for

design that blends narrative with practicality. At Lore Group, Jacu leads Lore Studio, crafting each project from scratch – no templates, no formulas. He immerses himself in local culture, often living in the cities he designs for, to understand their rhythm and soul. His philosophy is simple yet profound: authenticity over artifice, story over style.

Every space he creates feels both timeless and personal – a mix of contrast, craft, and curiosity. Whether it’s a plush hotel suite or a hidden reading nook, his interiors invite discovery and delight.

He tells us: “My favourite aspect of being a judge this year for The Brit List was the variety of projects and seeing so much young talent doing amazing things.”

THE BrIT LIST

architects OF 2025

Elyse Howell-Price, Associate Director, Orms

Elyse joined Orms in 2023 after 17 years at Grimshaw, where she led conservation teams on several listed 20th-century projects and served as the heritage lead on several major infrastructure projects in London. Her diverse sector experience spans masterplanning, commercial, leisure, transport and higher education, with notable expertise in adaptive reuse of heritage assets. At Orms, she leads the Grade I listed Custom House hotelled conversion and Grade II* Waterhouse Square mixed-use development, bringing specialist knowledge in building fabric analysis, documentary research and contextual design solutions. This approach, as well as her work for Historic England Heritage at Risk team, led to her being recognised in the Architect’s Journal 40 under 40 list in 2021.

Speaking on historic buildings, Elyse says: Historic buildings are ultrapractical! The fact that many of them have been around for tens if not hundreds of years means that they have already demonstrated their value and adaptability.

Stuart Wilson, Senior Architect, Lawray Architects

Stuart joined Lawray in 2022 as a Senior Architect based in our London Studio. He brings more than a decade’s experience working for architectural practices, in Belfast, Glasgow, and Northern Ireland, as well as project management on the contractor-side. His experience spans multiple sectors including healthcare, residential, industrial and commercial and he was involved in the award-winning Titanic Visitor Centre in Belfast.

He has a particular interest in sustainability and urban environments and admires the architecture of Mies van der Rohe, Norman Foster, Richard Rogers and Zaha Hadid. Stuart is a real team player, and an advocate for supporting upcoming talent. He acts as a mentor to junior members of the team and is a font of knowledge within the studio.

THE BrIT LIST

architects OF 2025

David Nartey-Tokoli, Senior Architectural Designer, 1508 London

David Nartey-Tokoli exemplifies the next generation of architectural excellence through his commitment to design innovation, cultural sensitivity, and sustainability. As a Senior Architectural Designer at 1508 London, David has contributed to transformative projects across residential, hospitality, and commercial sectors, blending functionality with timeless elegance. His international experience – spanning the UK and Ghana – has shaped a design philosophy rooted in context, community, and the ‘physical fabric’ of place, ensuring that every project enhances both user experience and environmental performance.

Educated at The Cass and Oxford Brookes University, David has consistently pushed boundaries in architectural thinking, embracing sketching, modelling, and photography as tools for deeper exploration of form, space, and human interaction. His collaborative spirit and leadership on highprofile developments, from private members’ clubs to luxury hotels, have earned him recognition within the industry.

Jennifer de Vere-Hopkins, Associate Director, Jestico + Whiles

Jennifer has been an associate director at Jestico + Whiles since 2018. She has developed her experience in the hospitality sector over more than a decade, more recently bringing this knowledge to workspace and residential projects. Building relationships with brands and operators is central to Jennifer’s role. Guiding teams in translating the essence, culture and brand standards of a company into design is at the core of her work.

Jennifer demonstrates remarkable versatility, delivering architecture that spans from landmark hospitality projects to intimate, bespoke interiors. Her work on the Iona P&O Cruise Ship and W Edinburgh showcases her ability to craft spaces that are simultaneously grand in vision and meticulous in detail. Her strength lies in translating brand identity, operator requirements, and cultural narratives into cohesive architectural solutions. Jennifer’s projects are immersive, seamlessly blending form, function, and storytelling to create spaces that resonate emotionally.

Emma King Getting to know…

Emma King is the Head of Premium, Luxury & Lifestyle Design for Europe at InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), where she oversees design, development and product quality for all new openings and refurbishments.

Since joining IHG (in 2013/2014) she has become a pivotal force in shaping the company’s design strategy across its top-tier brands. Her remit includes the transformation of IHG’s major capital projects, including flagship hotels such as InterContinental London Park Lane, InterContinental Paris Le Grand, and Regent Berlin.

Emma also leads innovation in brand repositioning, such as rolling out the new generation Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza brands, and the emergence of newer conversion/lifestyle brands like voco and Vignette Collection. Under her leadership, Hotel

Indigo has been given a fresh ‘neighbourhood story’ design identity, and moments in IHG’s long-stay offering (Staybridge Suites) have been redesigned with investment potential in mind.

Emma leads a design team that includes interior designers and architects focused on both new builds and the existing portfolio. She has also been closely involved in the development side at IHG – helping to write design briefs, RFPs, and securing new hotel signings for the Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio.

She is an acclaimed designer and a wellknown authority in the hospitality design space, regularly speaking at events and offering her guidance to the industry – what she doesn’t know about design probably isn’t worth knowing! If you really want to get her attention, show her something new in sustainability for her to consider with IHG’s ‘Green Gang’.

MEET THIS YEAR’S ECO-CONSCIOUS TROPHY MAKERS: egger

EGGER is an industry leading, global manufacturer of wood-based materials for interior surfaces, furniture and flooring. The company is founded on the ethos of waste wood being far too valuable a resource to throw away, and as part of its commitment to circular economy, turns over 350,000 tonnes of end-user recycled timber annually in the UK into high quality decorative panel products that serve the commercial interiors industry. Renowned for market leading service and product innovation, EGGER’s materials are specified in hotel guestrooms, bars, restaurants and amenity spaces in projects all over the world…

In 2025, EGGER introduced the Flooring Collection 25+, launching the AquaDura and AquaDura+ ranges as environmentally sustainable and cost-conscious alternatives to traditional LVT or ceramic tile.

Engineered to face the wear of high traffic hotel interiors, the ranges promise 24 and 72 hours of water resistance respectively, perfect for a robust solution in guestroom and public bathrooms. Coming up, the Decorative Collection 26+ is set to expand EGGER’s range of furniture finishes with innovative additions to stone and woodgrain reproduction, luxurious matt and gloss designs, and a trend leading colour palette, perfect for elevating hotel interiors with exceptional design concepts that are not beyond budget.

EGGER is committed in its pursuit to achieve Net Zero by 2050, a journey that the company has been documenting publicly since it began in 2022. ‘Net Zero the EGGER Way’ is an ambitious and comprehensive climate strategy to reduce the company-wide carbon footprint on a global scale, not only directly within the Group’s 22 manufacturing

facilities, but indirectly through the upstream and downstream value chain. Defining milestones along the route, EGGER invites the industry to follow its progress, beginning with ambitious targets to achieve a 30% reduction in scope 1, 40% reduction in scope 2, and 10% reduction in scope 3 by 2030.

In 2025, EGGER launched EGGER LONDON, its immersive design space in the heart of Clerkenwell. Made by designers, for designers, the facility supports the global design community with hands-on product expertise, large format samples, collaboration space and specification guidance. EGGER LONDON is a space to watch for anyone active in the interiors industry, as the evolving space adapts and grows to the designers, architects and specifiers working within it. There are over 450 decorative surface finishes to explore, large format samples and real product application in creative installations up to 6 metres tall in its double height atrium. Flooded with natural light, it’s the perfect space for design!

Currently undergoing a small refurbishment, the showroom will launch the Decorative Collection 26+ from November 2025 in a revamped hospitality area that is not be missed.

EGGER is delighted to partner with the Brit List Awards 2025 as this year’s trophy sponsor, providing each of the deserving winners with a bespoke award expertly crafted in EGGER materials. This has provided the perfect opportunity to explore the event theme and get creative with bold designs and animalinspired prints! The creative trophies are designed to demonstrate the unique versatility, strength, and surface quality of EGGER Laminate, while presenting every winner with a beautiful and tangible keepsake of the evening and their remarkable achievements.

Image credit: Egger

THE BrIT LIST

architects OF 2025

Nathmya Saffarini, Studio Design Leader, HKS

Nathmya Saffarini is a Studio Design Leader, Hospitality at HKS. Based in the London office, she is passionate about creating unique and impactful places that drive extraordinary guest experiences, brand loyalty and lasting value. Her well-rounded experience as a designer, architect and strategic thinker gives her a comprehensive understanding of complex hotel and mixed-use projects.

Among her most notable contributions, Nathmya has led projects that redefine how architecture interacts with its users and surroundings. From cutting-edge civic spaces to transformative urban developments, her work reflects a rare combination of creativity, technical mastery, and strategic vision.

Sylwia Mazurek, Architect, Purcell

Sylwia Mazurek is an Architect at Purcell, based in the firm’s London studio, where she contributes to projects that blend contemporary design with heritage conservation. Trained at The Bartlett School of Architecture (UCL), she brings a strong academic and technical foundation to her work, combining creative design thinking with a deep understanding of architectural history and sustainable practice.

At Purcell, Sylwia works within multidisciplinary teams on projects that balance sensitivity to historic context with innovative, future-focused design solutions. Her role involves supporting all stages of the architectural process – from concept development and planning coordination to detailed design and delivery. Known for her collaborative approach and attention to detail, she contributes to projects that reflect Purcell’s ethos of protecting and reimagining the built environment.

MEET THIS YEAR’S HEAD

With a heritage of over 120 years, Hypnos handcrafts mattresses that bring comfort to some of the most iconic hotels and residence around the world. Based in the heart of Buckinghamshire, the fifth-generation familyowned British company invests in traditional skills that complement its pioneering approach to decarbonisation and sourcing with integrity. Hypnos has recently become Planet Mark Certified – Net Zero Committed with a target of 2040 to be a net zero business. A royal warrant holder for almost a century, Hypnos is appointed by His Majesty King Charles III with a Royal Warrant as Manufacturers of Beds, Mattresses and Upholstery. We caught up with Hypnos Managing Director, David Baldry, to find out more about The Brit List’s headline partner…

What best connects your business to the hospitality design industry?

Our focus on providing an incredible guest sleep experience, alongside offering expert guidance and service to partners throughout the project. Hypnos has developed partnerships through shared values of responsible British handmanufacturing, quality and expertise. As well as ensuring our materials are ethically sourced through initiatives like RWS we also take part in industry events to support the next generation. We’re passionate about bringing the best of British design to hotels and residences across the world. Hotel Hypnos celebrates the finest hotels and our Pillow Talks interview series offers insights from the people behind them.

What was your motivation for supporting this year’s Brit List Awards and what are you most looking forward to at the event?

It’s an inspirational and fun event bringing the best of the industry together and a real opportunity for people creating amazing hotel spaces to be recognised, as well as to celebrate the expertise of manufacturers and the passion of hoteliers. The industry is full of creative talent, and we’re excited that many of our customers are in the running for an award. I for one, am looking forward to seeing our clients and creating memorable moments on the dance floor with our Hypnos bed!

Which recent hotel projects can we see your products in?

Personal favourites of mine include our Eden Harmony mattress specified at voco Zeal’s first net zero hotel in Exeter. We supply amazing hotels internationally, including the Zannier Omaanda in Namibia and Hilton Curio Rhodes in Greece. In the UK, our mattresses can now be found in Langdale Chase, named as one the UK’s top three places to stay by The Times and Sunday Times, as well as being named the North Hotel of the Year and Countryside Hotel of the Year. We’ve also recently seen our mattress chosen by The Store, an independent hotel that has reimagined one of Oxford’s most iconic addresses, Boswells of Oxford, the world’s second ever family-owned department store. We’re also in partnership with Hand

LINE PARTNER: HYPNOS

Picked Hotels, providing luxury to some of the UK’s best heritage and countryside stays.

What’s the best thing about working in the hospitality design industry?

The hospitality industry is a great place to be. We’re surrounded by a diverse mix of people that are truly inspiring. The creativity of designers and the ability of hoteliers to realise beautiful places for people to stay is nothing short of impressive. Being a core part of that guest experience is an honour and partnering with hotels to help define comfort for their guests is a real privilege.

Tell us about your latest product range and why we should be excited about it

Hypnos is renowned for making exceptionally comfortable mattresses, we have relaunched a completely new look expanded collection,

formed around the new hotel experience and market, which have been very well received. They are designed to offer choice and quality at different price points, and more importantly, to serve different demographics. The Eden Project Harmony mattress is a real highlight and we’ve just released it in a firmer Eden Project Harmony Ortho specification that’s perfect for an international audience.

How are you interpreting the Brit List Award’s ‘Take a Walk on the Wild Side’ theme?

As you would expect from Hypnos, we’re planning something fun with the Hotel Designs team and, of course, looking at what we’ll wear for the evening – our feature bed will be dressed up too. You’ll just have to wait and see – or even better, take a selfie with us on the bed!

Tell us why you’re the best at what you do

The Hypnos team are passionate about helping hotels to provide the perfect guest sleep experience, creating comfort with integrity for the wellbeing of the people and the planet. Our firm focus on creating comfortable sustainable sleep, and with our mattresses renowned for quality and comfort in this sector, Hypnos helps to deliver a better return on investment for our hotelier partners. Hypnos gives hoteliers and designers a unique opportunity to provide the ultimate in guest comfort with a more sustainable and ethically made product.

hypnoscontractbeds.com

Image credit: Hypnos

THE BrIT LIST

architects OF 2025

Elaine Henderson, Associate Director, Hopkins

Elaine Hopkins is an Associate Director at Hopkins Architects, where she leads multidisciplinary teams on high-profile public and commercial projects. With a pragmatic design approach and a strong commitment to sustainability, she guides projects from concept through delivery, balancing innovation with technical rigour. Elaine is known for her collaborative leadership, mentoring junior staff and fostering cross-disciplinary coordination with engineers, clients, and consultants.

Her portfolio spans urban regeneration schemes, cultural buildings, and complex mixed-use developments, emphasizing material honesty and contextual sensitivity. Elaine champions lowcarbon strategies and resilient design, integrating passive systems and lifecycle thinking into practical construction solutions. She is adept at client engagement, procurement processes, and quality control, ensuring projects meet programme, budget, and sustainability targets.

James Dilley, Director, Jestico + Whiles

James is a director at Jestico + Whiles, heading the practice’s hospitality studio. Under his leadership, the studio has won an international reputation for excellence for its design of hotels, restaurants, clubs, casinos, cruise ships and specialist retail.

James’s experience reads as a running series of ‘once in a lifetime’ projects across the world, from Abu Dhabi to Lodz and from Luzerne to London, for clients including Mandarin Oriental, Kempinski, and W (Marriott).

Always evolving, in recent years his work has become increasingly ‘blended’, with hospitality functions infused into other typologies from work-space to retail and residential.

Trained as an architect, with a particular interest in interior design, James enjoys working on projects that unite these to create holistic, cogent and happy experiences for the user.

Sophie Borel Getting to know…

Sophie Borel is a highly regarded interior professional, serving as Project Planning & Design Manager at Cheval Collection, a London-based luxury serviced apartments operator.

Originally from France, Sophie spent part of her early life in Portugal before settling in London about a decade ago. She holds educational credentials from CREAD School of Interior Design, and has steadily built her reputation in hospitality and residential interior design.

Sophie joined Cheval Collection in 2019, where she plays an integral role in shaping the design direction, coordinating project strategy and ensuring that each property reflects both elegance and functional excellence.

Under her stewardship, Cheval has advanced projects such as Cheval Phoenix House, which reopened in 2024 to great anticipation.

Beyond her work within Cheval, Sophie is active in the wider design community – moderating panels, participating in industry roundtables, and lending her voice to conversations around the future of hospitality design, which she has done a number of times with Hotel Designs

Her perspective frequently emphasizes adaptability, bespoke layering of interiors, and the blending of residential and hospitality functions in a changing urban context.

Sophie is known for her refined eye, thoughtful project leadership, and her commitment to evolving design to meet modern expectations of flexibility, comfort, and style in high-end living environments.

Talking about The Brit List Awards, she said: “The judging is very challenging… so many brilliant projects and people! You can feel the passion and the love.”

Cheval Collection

THE BrIT LIST

architects OF 2025

With a strong command of Revit and BIM, hands-on construction experience, and an innate ability to collaborate across disciplines, Farran represents the next generation of architects who are not only shaping spaces but shaping the profession itself.

Most notably, she recently led a prestigious hotel development, The July Victoria, from the planning stages right through to successful delivery. She was the central figure overseeing the project’s trajectory. From coordinating consultants during the early stages, to resolving complex site issues during construction, Farran demonstrated initiative, tenacity and dexterity. Her leadership ensured that the design intent was maintained without compromising on budget, timeline, or buildability. The result is a finished building that is not only elegant and contextually intelligent, but also practical and operationally sound – a rare combination in hospitality architecture.

Maria Cheung, Partner, Squire & Partners

Maria Cheung is a Partner and Head of Interior Design at Squire & Partners, a London-based architecture and design practice renowned for its innovative and sustainable approach to interior environments. With a career spanning over two decades, Maria has led the design of award-winning projects across commercial, hospitality, and residential sectors. Notable works include The Department Store and The Studios in Brixton, which exemplify the firm’s commitment to community-focused, flexible workspaces that prioritize wellbeing and sustainability. She has also contributed to projects for developers such as Ministry of Sound, x+why, and Derwent London.

Her design philosophy emphasizes storytelling, cultural context, and the transformative power of design to enhance user experience. In November 2024, Maria was promoted to Partner at Squire & Partners, reflecting her significant contributions to the firm’s success and her leadership in shaping the future of design.

Farran Keenan, Senior Architect, Studio Moren

MEET INNOVATIVE TILE PROTECTORS AND SHOWCASE PARTNERS: SCHLÜTER-SYSTEMS

For architects and designers, reliable detailing behind the scenes is as critical as the finishes guests see. Schlüter-Systems, a global leader in tile and stone protection, has long worked alongside the architecture and design community to deliver integrated solutions that ensure performance, durability, and peace of mind. Its expertise played a pivotal role in one of London’s most ambitious hospitality redevelopments: the transformation of the former Old War Office into The OWO, home to Raffles London…

Completed in 1906, the Grade II listed landmark is steeped in history. Once Winston Churchill’s wartime headquarters and the inspiration for Ian Fleming’s James Bond, it has now been reimagined for the 21st century. EPR Architects led the restoration, with a vision, as Director Geoff Hull explains, “To preserve the historical features of The OWO, whilst creating a contemporary design with modern-day innovations.” The interiors were shaped by an international roster of designers, including The Office of Thierry Despont for the hotel.

To support this meticulous transformation, Schlüter-Systems supplied a full range of waterproofing solutions. Beyond the OWO Residences by 1508 and the penthouse by Winch Design, its systems were also specified for the hotel’s 120 guestrooms and the expansive spa.

Each bathroom installation relied on SchlüterKERDI-BOARD, a versatile tileable backerboard

that provides a strong, even substrate ready for tiling. To ensure lasting protection, sealing products including KERDI-KEBA, KERDI-FIX, and KERDI-COLL-L were used to secure junctions, penetrations, and connections – areas most vulnerable to water ingress. By specifying a complete system from a single manufacturer, the project team ensured all components would work together seamlessly.

In the shower areas, Schlüter’s KERDI-LINE-H 50 G2 linear drain and KERDI-SHOWER tray were installed. These allow a continuous surface finish across the shower floor while delivering discreet, reliable drainage – meeting both technical and aesthetic requirements.

The spa, designed by Goddard Littlefair, features nine treatment rooms, a 20-metre pool, and an eight-metre vitality pool. Here, two layers of KERDI-BOARD were used to construct the pool walls, later clad in stone. Specialist contractor EDM precision-mitred and polished the edges to create a dramatic feature wall, marrying engineering excellence with design intent.

The redevelopment of The OWO demonstrates how heritage preservation and modern innovation can be brought together successfully. By integrating Schlüter’s proven waterproofing systems, the design team ensured that the building’s new chapter will be defined not only by visual splendour but also by long-term resilience – qualities that residents, guests, and visitors will appreciate for generations.

THE BrIT LIST

architects OF 2025

Robert Lunn, Architect, Make

Robert Lunn is an architect at Make Architects, a London-based practice renowned for its design excellence across various sectors, including education, research, hospitality, and commercial developments. Since joining Make in 2006, Robert has contributed to a diverse range of projects, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to highquality design. Notably, he served as the project architect for the 20 and 22 Ropemaker Street development, a significant office scheme completed in 2023. He also played a pivotal role in the design and delivery of LSQ London, an award-winning office building located at Leicester Square.

Robert is a registered architect with the Architects Registration Board (ARB), underscoring his professional standing and adherence to industry standards. His work continues to influence the architectural landscape, contributing to Make Architects’ reputation for innovative and sustainable design.

Scan here to find out more…

Jessica Morrison Getting to know…

is

GA Group, where she specialises in hospitality design and project delivery for some of the world’s leading hotels, resorts, and luxury lifestyle brands.

With more than a decade of experience in interior design and project management, Jessica has built a reputation for creating spaces that blend aesthetic excellence with operational functionality.

At GA Group, Jessica leads multidisciplinary teams through every stage of the design process – from concept development and spatial planning to on-site coordination and client liaison. Her expertise lies in translating brand identity into immersive guest experiences, ensuring that every design detail reflects the client’s vision while meeting the highest standards of quality and sustainability.

She has contributed to landmark hospitality projects across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, earning recognition for her thoughtful approach and meticulous attention to detail, including the accolade of Interior Designer of the Year at The Brit List Awards 2023.

Jessica is passionate about fostering creative collaboration and mentoring emerging designers within the firm. Her blend of creativity and client-focused leadership continues to shape GA Group’s reputation as a global leader in hospitality design.

Talking to Hotel Designs about this year’s judging process, Jessica said: “Taking part in the Brit List judging panel was a real pleasure. It was fantastic to see the people and projects within our industry that have strong creativity and impact, as well as demonstrable commercial insight and success. A fine balance to strike.”

Jessica Morrison

a Senior Associate at

GA Group

Meet the Rising Stars of

Aybek Altay, Architectural Technician, ReardonSmith Architects

Since joining the firm in 2022 as an Architectural Technician, Aybek has consistently demonstrated a level of commitment and capability that far exceeds expectations for someone at this stage in their career. His initial contributions to the project at 2 Providence Court, located behind the prestigious Beaumont Hotel in Mayfair, laid the foundation for what would become a remarkable trajectory.

Sanjana Virwani (Sanj), Junior Interior Designer, OBMI

Already having worked on one of OBMI’s most complex projects, a confidential private island destination with wellness spaces, overwater lounges and cultural pavilions, Sanj has moved across the project with fluidity and purpose, supporting on spatial planning, FF&E, and concept design with a keen eye and quiet determination. From materials research, storyboarding, to developing guest journey narratives, she has approached every task with intention and follow-through.

Dinemis Balkaroglu, Interior Designer, Studio Moren

Since joining Studio Moren, Dinemis has become a valued and trusted member of the team, contributing to several key hospitality projects including voco and Hotel Indigo Waterloo Hub, as well as Bertrand’s Townhouse in Bloomsbury. Her thoughtful approach to design, strong technical grounding, and collaborative nature have made a meaningful impact across the studio.

Sophie Gibbs, Designer, IA Interior Architects

Sophie Gibbs is a fresh and vibrant voice in the IA Interior Architects Hospitality EMEA team. Originally from New Zealand and based in London, she brings with her a powerful mix of technical talent, design sensitivity, and fearless enthusiasm for new challenges. Sophie has already made a meaningful impact within IA’s hospitality team, both in her project contributions and in the culture she helps to build. She’s a team player, a problem-solver, and a rising talent who approaches every challenge as an opportunity.

Abbygayle Long, Bar Supervisor, Waldorf Hilton London

Abbygayle Long is not just a bartender – she is a rising star and a vital presence at The Waldorf Hilton, whose passion, creativity, and leadership shine through in everything she does. As Bar Supervisor for The Wild Monkey bar, and a key support for Good Godfrey’s, Abbygayle consistently raises the bar –quite literally – for cocktail excellence, guest experience, and team collaboration.

Sebiha Macit, FF&E Designer & Procurement Manager, LXA Sebhia Macit joined LXA in May 2023 as an FF&E Designer and Procurement Manager, bringing with her a unique background that bridges creativity with commercial expertise. Originally trained in Furniture Design and Manufacturing at Buckinghamshire New University, Sebhia went on to develop her skills at Clippings, rising from FF&E Specialist to Senior Specification Manager before moving client-side to LXA.

The Brit List Awards 2025

Sanjana

Shenoy,

Junior Designer, IA Interior Architects

Sanjana Shenoy is a bright emerging force within the IA Interior Architects Hospitality EMEA team. Originally from India and now newly based in London, she brings a rare combination of technical discipline, cultural fluency, and a deeply human approach to design. With her sweet nature, ambitious mindset, and unmistakable passion for growing her role and career, Sanjana is poised to become one of the defining young voices in hospitality interiors.

Erica

Takawira, Junior Interior Designer, Design Command

Erica’s approach to design is imaginative and bold. She consistently brings fresh concepts that push boundaries while remaining thoughtful and purposeful. Whether collaborating on team projects or taking ownership of her own responsibilities, she demonstrates creativity and professionalism always. She fully immerses herself in every project, listens carefully to client and team needs and is always energised and excited to contribute new ideas.

Francesca Cane, Interior Designer, TGP International

Francesca has recently marked a key milestone with the opening of a Bagel shop on The Strand in London, a testament to their growing influence in the hospitality design space. Their notable project experience includes working on the store design of two London-based quick service Bagel restaurants and a food hall in Saudi Arabia, demonstrating both local and international reach with the ability to adapt to diverse cultural and operational requirements.

Laurie Thomas, Sous Chef, Waldorf Hilton London

Laurie began his culinary career at 16 with an apprenticeship at Westminster Kingsway College. He honed his skills at the London Hilton on Park Lane, rising to sous chef and leading key kitchen operations. Committed to growth, he completed a Level 4 Chef Management Programme and recently advanced his career by joining The Waldorf Kitchen team.

Eden Parnell, Junior Designer, Sibley Grove

Eden has developed interior schemes for the Drayton Court hotel, developing timeless palettes, furniture designs, and curated artworks. The success of this project has led to her taking a prominent and influential role in the design development for an ambitious and highly detailed project: a 49-bedroom luxury neo-Gothic hotel. This project showcases her exceptional ability to balance historical context, narrative, sustainability and guest experience.

Development Assistant, TGP International

Maria helps to create immersive, human-cantered experiences where narrative, culture, and operational excellence intersect. She has worked across a number of hospitality projects to bridge concept and delivery, ensuring seamless alignment between design, brand, and operations. Guided by human-first design, storytelling, cultural sensitivity, and collaborative creativity, Maria consistently delivers hospitality experiences that are operationally precise, emotionally engaging, and globally relevant.

Maria Del Mar Alvarado, Brand

Trusted supplier to leading hotels for over a decade

Luma Mirrors by GEMM London specialises in the supply and installation of premium, bespoke mirrors designed for the hospitality sector. We provide guest bathroom LED mirrors, shaving mirrors, full length bedroom mirrors, and elegant vanity desk mirrors. Beyond mirrors, our products extend to bespoke shower solutions and solid surface vanities.

Every bespoke mirror is crafted with precision and enhanced safety features. Clients can choose from a diverse illumination range, the latest integrated technologies, and an array of stunning finishes all tailored to meet the highest modern hospitality brand standards.

Luma Mirrors by GEMM London is trusted by leading brands including IHG,Hilton, Accor, Leonardo Hotels, Maybourne Hotel Group and many more.

Contact our office today to request our latest brochure, sample book, or a personalised digital catalogue.

Marian Martinez McGregor

hoteliers OF 2025 THE BrIT LIST

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Guy Hilton, Area General Manager, The Waldorf Hilton, London

Joining in October 2016, The Waldorf Hilton is Guy’s sixth Hilton property. Due to his outstanding commitment to hospitality and the hotel, Guy was promoted to Area General Manager in January 2023, and is now responsible for The Waldorf Hilton, Hilton London Hyde Park and Curio Hart Shoreditch and Guy won the Hilton UKI Special Recognition Awards – London Luxury, Ireland. Always community-minded, Guy has agreed partnerships with a variety of charities, including St Martin in the Fields, The Passage, Workfit and Springboard to name a few.

There is a strong DE&I committee and the hotel applies a focus to ESG; team members have organised charity clothing drives and created initiatives to clean up the local area. 2024 was a busy year, once again Guy travelled to China to support the Hilton GM sales mission, and further develop relationships with key partners, whilst continuing to mentor six individuals.

Tracy Lowy , Owner, Director, The Laslett

Lowy’s journey began in 1999 with a vision well ahead of its time. Identifying a gap in the luxury market, she founded Living Rooms to offer modern, fully serviced apartments that cater to travellers seeking the privacy and personality of a home with the convenience of a hotel.

A defining trait of Lowy’s work is her commitment to crafting spaces with soul that reflect and celebrate their local surroundings. Nowhere is this more evident than The Laslett in Notting Hill. Housed within five Victorian townhouses, the hotel, the first for the group, is named after community activist Rhaune Laslett, founder of the Notting Hill Carnival. Inside, the interiors are curated in collaboration with British designers and artists, including the renowned Waldo Works, resulting in a vibrant, authentic expression of the neighbourhood’s cultural legacy. The Laslett isn’t just a place to stay; it tells the story of Notting Hill’s creative history. Celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year, it continues to be celebrated as one of London’s most cherished boutique hotels.

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hoteliers OF 2025

Sama Trinder, CEO, Bingham Riverhouse

In 1984, Bill and Ruth Trinder purchased a trio of crumbling townhouses, transforming them into a family home and B&B. Growing up, their daughter, Sama, recalls counting coins with her father as he did the weekly cashing up, fondly recalling Richmond’s first boutique hotel as ‘a bit of a faulty towers’. Taking over the business in 2001, aged only 22, a lot has changed at Bingham Riverhouse since then, from renovations to the incorporation of Sama’s yoga studio and the opening of a member’s club.

Flash forward to 2024, and under Sama’s guidance, Bingham Riverhouse has become one of the first B Corp accredited hotels in the UK. Nestled on the banks of the River Thames and home to an award-winning restaurant, Bingham Riverhouse is a cherished family-run haven with a commitment to community, sustainability and soulful living.

Samantha van Exter, Head of Hotels, Montcalm Collection

Since her appointment as Head of Hotels at Montcalm Collection in September 2023, Samantha van Exter has redefined what it means to be a modern hotelier; leading with vision, digital innovation, and a deeply rooted commitment to responsible luxury. In a short time, Samantha has revitalised Montcalm Collection, repositioned it for future growth, and embedded sustainability and social purpose into its core. Her leadership has not only elevated the guest experience across the portfolio but also inspired a new chapter of hospitality excellence in the heart of London.

At the heart of Samantha’s leadership is an unwavering dedication to people; whether it’s empowering her team, elevating the guest journey, or supporting communities through thoughtful partnerships. Her style is collaborative, creative and deeply intentional. She balances commercial focus with human empathy, proving that profitability and purpose can go hand in hand in the hospitality world.

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Ben Harper, Group Managing Director, The Watergate Bay Group

As Group Managing Director at The Watergate Bay group of companies, Ben is responsible for delivering the vision and growth agenda across the three businesses: Watergate Bay Hotel, SeaSpace and Another Place. His role is to set the vision and agenda for the three brands, ensuring sustainable growth in line with the group’s Bcorp values.

Understanding that people are the business’s biggest asset, teams at each hotel are supported to progress their careers, whilst ensuring their wellbeing is being looked after. Looking to the future of the business, Ben has spent the last five years locking into a plan and setting up opportunities for growth, and now there is a pipeline for all three brands. They’re all born out of the lifestyle brand positioning, which really connects with people as they look for hospitality experiences beyond a cookie cutter experience they might have been drawn to five or 10 years ago.

Ed White, General Manager, St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London

In the competitive world of luxury hospitality, Ed White stands out as a leader who blends operational excellence with an infectious passion for people. As General Manager of the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London, he has turned a historic landmark into one of the capital’s most sought-after luxury destinations, balancing its Victorian grandeur with a contemporary, guest-centred approach.

The St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel is not just a hotel – it’s an architectural icon. Under Ed White’s stewardship, the property’s heritage has been meticulously preserved while being re-energised with modern luxury touches. From refurbishing heritage suites to reimagining the dining and events spaces, every initiative under his leadership strengthens the hotel’s status as both a historic treasure and a vibrant hub for today’s travellers. Ed’s philosophy is simple: every guest interaction matters. His leadership has elevated service standards, with consistently outstanding guest satisfaction scores and glowing reviews.

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hoteliers OF 2025

Chris King, Founder, Crafted

Crafted is a new collection of life-friendly hotels and clubs founded by Chris King, co-founder of the original Birch hotel. Designed for modern lives craving more connection, creativity, and calm, each location is a reimagined space where guests can rest, restore, and reconnect – with nature, craft, food, and community.

Launching in late 2025 with Crafted at Powdermills, the brand brings together hospitality, wellness, and creativity after a transformation of the hotel in East Sussex. The debut site comprises comprising 55 rooms built around a seven-acre private lake, with access to woodland and wildflower fields. King’s aim is to grow Crafted into a portfolio of hotels and clubs across the ‘UK and beyond’.

Earlier this year, Nicola James took on a new general manager role, heading up the UK debut from a new hotel group, Miiro. After a transformation of seven former townhouses in Earls Court, Nicola oversaw all aspects of Templeton Garden’s opening in the summer.

Nicola joined Miiro last summer from her most recent position as General Manager at Holmes Hotel, which is located on Marylebone’s Chiltern Street. Prior to this she spent more than a decade with Firmdale Hotels in senior management roles at both Charlotte Street Hotel and Covent Garden Hotel. Nicola said: “I am honoured to be here from the very beginning, to be building a passionate team and to be playing a part in shaping the property’s future.” Nicola’s responsibilities include shaping the guest experience, curating the hotel’s F&B spaces and building the team with key members already appointed.

Nicola James, General Manager, Templeton Garden

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hoteliers OF 2025

Robert Godwin, CEO, Lamington Group

Robert Godwin is known for his innovative approach to hospitality and commitment to sustainability. A trained economist and entrepreneur, Robert’s journey includes a background in competitive sailing for Great Britain, showcasing his drive for excellence. With a passion for design, sustainability, and creating exceptional user experiences, he continuously pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in his field.

Robert spearheaded a shift to put sustainability at the heart of the business in 2020, Lamington has since launched its detailed roadmap to net zero by 2030, opened the world’s first whole life net zero hotel in Chiswick in Dec 2021, and committed to only build to this specification going forwards. has plans for further developments across the UK, with vertical gardens incorporated to city lifestyle hotels that sits within the business strategy of continuous investment, innovation and evolution to be at the forefront of accommodation providers.

Mairead Gleeson, Hotel Director, The Ned London

Mairead Gleeson is a shining example of a hospitality professional who has worked their way to the top. Moving to the UK from her native Ireland after university, Mairead began her career in hospitality working front of house at boutique property Malmaison Edinburgh. Mairead hit the big leagues when she became general manager of Shoreditch House, part of Nick Jones’ ever-expanding empire of members clubs. In 2019, she took a break from hotels to become head of operations at Market Halls, a popular street food concept. In this role, Mairead oversaw the launch of the brand’s Oxford Street site, as well as managing overall operations across three locations.

In 2021, she made a return to hotels, being appointed as hotel director of The Pig in the South Downs, which marked the eighth site from Robin and Judy Hutson’s beloved boutique brand and opened to critical acclaim. As of last year, Mairead is now hotel director of The Ned London and is kept busy overseeing the hotel’s 250 rooms, 10 restaurants and 17 bars.

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hoteliers OF 2025

Tessa Gorman, Managing Director, Rosewood London

At the beginning of 2024, Tessa Gorman joined Rosewood London as the hotel’s new managing director, marking a return to her home city after 17 years working abroad. Boasting nearly 20 years’ experience, Tessa has enjoyed an illustrious career within the luxury hospitality sector – inclusive of roles within Aman, Bvlgari and Cheval-Blanc, among many others. She most recently held a general manager position at One&Only Portonovi in Montenegro, and has previously headed up Bvlgari Resort Bali and Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Thailand.

When her appointment at Rosewood London was announced, Tessa commented: “I am thrilled to be joining the Rosewood family, a brand I have long admired, as managing director of Rosewood London. I am incredibly proud to be a part of this beautiful historic property, which has become an integral part of London life.”

Tej Walia, Managing Director, Foxhills Club & Resort

Since joining Foxhills in 2018, Tej Walia has led significant growth at the resort including the build and launch of a new £7m family building, The Pavilion – part of a £25m investment project which also involved renovation and improvement work in the restaurants, bedrooms and golf courses.

After five successful years as general manager, he was promoted to MD in 2023. Since then, Tej has led successful launches of padel and pickleball courts, a state-of-the-art gym refurbishment, and a £2m renovation of the Longcross golf course. The resort also saw record-breaking Christmas success in 2024, with a 43% increase in room occupancy across the festive period and a 146% increase in attendance for its New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Tej, whose career spans more than 25 years across hotels in India and the UK, will continue to oversee investment at the resort, with the launch of a spa garden slated for 2026.

MEET SCENT-SATIONAL SHOWCASE PARTNER: ada cosmetics

ADA Cosmetics is a global pioneer in sustainable hotel cosmetics. For more than 45 years, they have combined innovation, responsibility, and outstanding design to elevate the guest experience. Their award-winning dispenser systems are not only environmentally sound, but also created to enhance interiors with timeless aesthetics. Through collaborations with luxury brands and their own signature collections, ADA Cosmetics ensure that every detail reflects beauty, functionality, and care –helping hotels turn their bathrooms into true brand statements…

Tell us about your latest product range and why we should be excited about it

What makes ADA Atelier truly exciting is the freedom it gives hotels to design their own range. From bespoke dispenser graphics that reflect brand identity or interior style, to selecting a fragrance that perfectly complements the guest experience, ADA Atelier offers unmatched creativity. Available in our awardwinning SmartCare dispenser, it combines this design flexibility with sustainability, hygiene, and safety. Alongside this, our revolutionary ADA Cosmetics Refillution introduces the world’s first automated refill system, saving 95% plastic and 30% product while simplifying operations. Together, Atelier and Refillution empower hoteliers with bespoke elegance and smart sustainability – transforming amenities into a tailored, future-ready solution.

Tell us why you’re the best at what you do

We believe our strength lies in combining global expertise with deep responsibility. ADA Cosmetics is the only hotel cosmetics company worldwide to hold a Cradle to Cradle Certified® Full Scope Silver – proof of our commitment to sustainable innovation. Our partnerships with leading hotel groups and luxury

brands demonstrate trust in our quality, creativity, and reliability. From pioneering dispenser systems to premium collections and refill solutions, every product is developed with equal focus on beauty, performance, and planet. Above all, we are a partner to the industry –helping hotels deliver unforgettable, sustainable guest experiences every single day.

What was your motivation for supporting this year’s Brit List Awards?

At ADA Cosmetics, we believe in celebrating excellence, creativity, and innovation – the very values that The Brit List Awards embody. Supporting this year’s event allows us to highlight the trailblazers shaping the future of hospitality and design. We are particularly excited to connect with forward-thinking hoteliers, designers, and suppliers who share our passion for sustainable innovation. The Awards are a unique platform to exchange ideas, honour achievements, and inspire bold new directions. And of course, being there in person to celebrate with the industry’s best makes the experience even more meaningful.

How are you embracing the Brit List Awards’ ‘Take a Walk on the Wild Side’ theme?

For us, ‘Take a Walk on the Wild Side’ is about daring design and unforgettable experiences. To mark this year’s Brit List Awards, we created a special ADA Atelier range in our SmartCare dispenser format – combining striking visuals with sustainable technology. This exclusive edition embodies luxury with responsibility, pushing boundaries while showcasing our boldest creativity. To extend the experience beyond the night itself, guests will also receive a gift that captures the spirit of adventurous, eco-conscious hospitality. By blending imagination, elegance, and sustainability, we invite the industry to discover a wilder, more inspiring side of hotel cosmetics with ADA Cosmetics.

Image credit: ADA Cosmetics

THE BrIT LIST

hoteliers OF 2025

Thomas Kochs, Managing Director, Claridge’s

Returning to Claridge’s this year (following directorships at Corinthia and Hotel Café Royal), Thomas Kochs has redefined what it means to lead a world-class hotel, and is set to elevate the London landmark’s reputation as the ultimate address for discerning travellers – seamlessly blending heritage and innovation.

Kochs’ hallmark is service that feels as personal as it is precise. He has cultivated a culture where staff anticipate needs intuitively, ensuring that every guest – from royalty to first-time visitors –feels equally valued. His commitment to staff empowerment, diversity, and professional growth has built one of the most loyal and motivated teams in the industry.

Damien Martin, General Manager, The Parkgate Hotel

Since coming on board as GM in 2022, Damien Martin has steered The Parkgate Hotel to significant growth. His notable wins include transforming a small five-treatment room spa into a £1m operation, with a 23% increase in revenue over two years, and revitalising The Parkgate Hotel’s F&B offering by tracking trends and curating seasonal menus, which led to both increased guest engagement and dining revenues.

The impact of Damien’s leadership goes beyond his own property. He spearheaded the Supported Internship Program – the first of its kind in Welsh hospitality – offering roles to young people with learning disabilities.

Damien also serves as chairman of both the Cardiff Hoteliers Association and the Master Innholders MIALD Alumni. He also pioneered Walk for Wellbeing Cardiff, raising over £10k for mental health initiatives.

THE BrIT LIST

Rike Erdbrink, General Manager, Park Hyatt London River Thames

Rike Erdbrink is the GM of Park Hyatt London River Thames, which opened in October 2024 as the only Park Hyatt property in the UK. Overlooking the River Thames and offering sweeping views of the city’s skyline, the 203-key hotel has quickly established itself among the Capital’s famously competitive luxury hotel scene.

Rike’s career with Hyatt Hotels Corporation began in 2001 as an apprentice at Park Hyatt Hamburg. Throughout her tenure, she has held key leadership positions at prestigious Hyatt properties across multiple continents, including significant roles in Hong Kong and Chicago. She is known for having a passionate and empowering leadership style, and her ability to blend cultural insights with operational excellence has seen her successfully handle pre-openings and operations across diverse markets spanning Asia, the Middle East, and the United States.

Sherene Fuller, Executive Director, Karma Sanctum Soho

Since a part-time job at The Penthouse nightclub in Leicester Square made her fall in love with the scene 20 years ago, Sherene Fuller has gone on to work at some of the hottest venues in the capital. She was part of the opening team at Gilgamesh Restaurant in Camden and also spent six years at celebrity hotspot Zuma. She now finds herself at Concept Venues, who own Karma Sanctum Soho and Sanctum on the Green.

In 2023, Sherene launched the Sanctum’s first ever membership scheme which now has over 1,000 members. She is also an advocate for personalised service and you will often find her chatting to guests.

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hoteliers OF 2025

Silmiya Hendricks, Commercial Director, Iconic Luxury Hotels

Silmiya Hendricks was appointed commercial director at Iconic Luxury Hotels last year, joining from her role as director of member services for UK and Ireland with Relais & Chateaux. Prior to this she spent five years with Lucknam Park, where she implemented systems to maximise profitability and consistently increased revenues across the business.

Now she has joined Iconic Luxury Hotels at a pivotal time for the group, as it embarks on a journey of growth new acquisitions and HMAs. At the time Andrew Stembridge, chief executive at the ILH said that the business was ‘lucky to have such a passionate, energetic, innovative and commercially-savvy hospitality professional to support all its properties’. Silmiya began her career at Hilton in Sri Lanka and came to London for Park Plaza in 2004. Since then she has gained extensive experience with the likes of Millennium and Copthorne and Hilton in London and Doha.

Susanne Traudt, General Manager, The Bloomsbury

Previously Operations Director at The Royal Exchange and then F&B Director at South Place Hotel upon its launch in 2012, Susanne’s leadership helped shape the unique experience at Angler, South Place’s fine-dining restaurant, which won a Michelin star within one year of opening. Soon after, Traudt progressed to Manager and then finally General Manager.

In 2022 Susanne joined The Bloomsbury Hotel, part of The Doyle Collection. Since joining, she has navigated post-Covid strategic growth plans, re-established the core values and DNA of The Doyle Collection into the hotel and has oversen various refurbishment projects within the guestrooms and F&B outlets.

Eljesa Saciri, General Manager, The Zetter Marylebone

Having worked in the industry for close to a decade, Eljesa Saciri has a wealth of knowledge and experience. She previously held a number of roles within The Doyle Collection and in her current role as general manager of The Zetter Marylebone, Eljesa has been integral to the hotel achieving an annual turnover of £2.7 million and a high guest satisfaction rating of 92% on GuestRevu.

In the last two years, Eljesa has played a crucial role in the re-branding of The Zetter, from leading the development of aligning operating assets within the brand, to spearheading a large part of The Zetter Bloomsbury project and other upcoming expansions for the group, ensuring that The Zetter re-birth is seamless.

Karen de Koning, General Manager, Grove of Narberth

Karen joined the Grove of Narberth in 2017 as reception and reservations manager. With experience under her belt at the likes of Gidleigh Park and Cliveden, in the five years following, the promotions came fast and in 2022 she was named Hotel Manager. Her team describes her as a ‘stalwart’ of the hotel and that her dedication, support and continued pursuit of excellence are a ‘joy to work with’.

With a bright future beckoning, her efforts were recognised by the Master Innholders in 2022 and she won The GM of the Future award, beating off stiff competition from around the industry. The dynamic young professional was commended for her extra mile attitude and commitment to becoming a future leader, inspiring others along the way. Last year, Karen was promoted to General Manager, a testament to her hard work and expertise.

THE BrIT LIST

hoteliers OF 2025

Oliver Paolo Gillow, General Manager, Hyde London City

Oliver Paolo Gillow, Hyde London City’s General Manager, is a forwardthinking and commercially astute hotel leader, with two decades of experience shaping high-performing operations in leading luxury and lifestyle brands.

Expert in all phases of hotel development, from pre-opening strategy to driving year-on-year growth and profitability, he is a hands-on General Manager with a strong background in food & beverage, including team building, brand partnerships, and the creation of Michelin-starred dining concepts. Known for building cultures of excellence, optimising operational performance, and delivering guest experiences that drive both loyalty and financial success.

Amy Gleadow, General Manager, The Bird

Since taking the helm at The Bird, Bath, part of the Kaleidoscope Collection, in 2023, Amy Gleadow has spearheaded a remarkable repositioning of the hotel, revitalising its brand and profitability. Her vision has been instrumental in restoring The Bird’s restaurant to its rightful place on Bath’s vibrant culinary scene, attracting both locals and visitors alike.

Recognising the challenges of a saturated market in Bath, Gleadow has championed brand agility, constantly adapting and innovating to drive direct bookings and achieve sustainable growth. Her focus on understanding evolving guest preferences and implementing targeted marketing strategies has resulted in significant increases in direct revenue. She fosters a culture of collaboration and empowerment, inspiring her team to deliver exceptional service and personalised experiences.

And the Outstanding Contribution to the Hospitality Industry Award goes to…

In a world where hotels rise and fall on the strength of their vision, few figures have shaped modern British hospitality with the depth, grace, and quiet determination of Paul Brackley, CEO, Kinsfolk & Co

Brackley’s ascent through the ranks of luxury hospitality reads like a tour through the great hotels of our time. From The Landmark London to Millennium London, and St James’ Court to The Pierre New York, his ability to blend operational mastery with an unwavering focus on guest experience quickly set him apart.

His tenure as General Manager at Crowne Plaza London – The City showcased his adeptness at navigating complex brand standards within the InterContinental Hotels Group, while his leadership at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate and St James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, highlighted his talent for cross-continental collaboration.

But it was his stewardship of The Beaumont Hotel in Mayfair that truly cemented Brackley’s reputation as a visionary. Tasked with opening the 73-room art-deco masterpiece, he crafted an environment where every detail told a story and every guest felt part of one. Under his direction, The Beaumont became a byword for understated luxury, earning international acclaim for both design and service.

When Brackley took the helm at Shangri-La The Shard, London, he literally elevated his

leadership to new heights. Perched above the city skyline, he oversaw one of the capital’s most ambitious hotel operations – a property that demanded not only world-class service but also technical precision, sustainability, and brand finesse. His time there solidified his reputation as a general manager capable of balancing artistry with execution on a global scale.

In 2023, Brackley founded Kinsfolk & Co, a hospitality management and development company rooted in a philosophy he describes as ‘thoughtful excellence’. The company’s flagship project, The Newman in Fitzrovia, is set to open with 81 guest rooms, a wellness-driven spa, and a strong sense of locality – a reflection of Brackley’s enduring belief that the best hotels serve not just travellers, but the cities they inhabit. With further projects planned across Europe, Kinsfolk & Co is poised to become a new force in independent luxury hospitality.

Commenting on his award, Paul Brackley told Hotel Designs: “I’m genuinely so touched to receive this award. It’s an incredible honour, and I’m truly grateful – thank you so much. Working alongside such a passionate and supportive group of people – at Kinsfolk & Co, at our first hotel The Newman, and from across our wider industry – makes contributing feel effortless. Hospitality has been in my heart since I was a teenager, and I’m fortunate it’s been my career passion ever since.”

Kinsfolk & Co

THE BrIT LIST

hoteliers OF 2025

Oliver Milne-Watson, General Manager, The Newman

Since 2020, Oliver held a Director of Operations role at Penshee, working with companies across multiple industries, from London estates to law firms and hospitality groups. He supported these businesses in understanding the emotional intelligence behind world-class service.

Prior to this, he spent five years at The Goring in Belgravia, before opening The Beaumont in Mayfair where he worked his way up to Hotel Manager through various senior commercial and operational roles.

Over the last year, Oliver has been recruiting his senior team ahead of the opening of The Newman, on site constantly overseeing the transition from building site to operational hotel, and promoting the brand. His energy and support of the team is boundless.

Mark Jonathan Heyburn, General Manager, Sir Devonshire

Mark is a results-driven hospitality leader with over two decades of experience in strategic development, marketing, and sales across the global hotel landscape. Renowned for his vision, agility, and peoplefirst leadership, he has held senior roles at some of the world’s most respected brands including The Peninsula Hotels, The Hay-Adams, Dorsett Hospitality, and The Lore Group, where he was instrumental in the successful launch of One Hundred Shoreditch in East London. He is currently the opening General Manager for Sir Devonshire Square, the first UK hotel for Sir Hotels, part of the Sircle Collection, where he is leading the project from pre-opening through to full launch and bringing the brand’s bold creative energy to the London market.

A true expert in hotel openings, Mark has launched five properties across Europe, the US, and Asia, guiding each from concept through to delivery with a sharp focus on operations, branding, and team culture.

THE BrIT LIST

Eugene Leonard , General Manager, Hotel Cafe Royal

Since joining Café Royal, a key priority for Eugene Leonard has been strengthening the internal culture, working hard to foster a sense of purpose among the hotel staff, ensuring they understand and embody the values that define the brand.

Operationally, Eugene has refined several key guest touchpoints – paying particular attention to arrival experiences, in-room moments, and the overall dining journey. Small details, consistently delivered, to elevate a guest experience from good to exceptional. Behind the scenes, Eugene has pushed for more efficient systems, enabling staff to spend more time with guests and less on logistics. “The goal is simple,” he says, “to be more present, more responsive, and more human in every interaction. To stand out, we must remain agile, progressive, and deeply attuned to what matters most to our guests.”

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