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EDITOR’S LETTER TO THE BRIT LIST 2020

While the world wakes up from its forced hibernation, hotels around the world have taken a battering, and the majority are still performing with less than 50 per cent occupancy due to the Covid-19 crisis*. Major cities that were once dominating tourism hotspots have found themselves in unfamiliar territories; vacant and, on the surface, without purpose.

in international hotel design and hospitality. For that reason, our annual nationwide search to find the most influential designers, architects and hoteliers has remained the same, with all of our resources poured in to ensuring that our widespread quest is purposeful, diverse and fair in order to identify those who are the real leaders and visionaries.

The hotels within these metropolis’ that were designed to cater for substantial demand are currently uninhabited. And yet, the magic and power of hospitality has kept the industry’s spirits alive.

Just when Covid-19 slapped us across the face with a wet fish, we opened the applications and nominations process for The Brit List Awards 2020. And with each completed application form that landed in my inbox, the team and I were reminded why Britain is – and will always be – regarded as a leading hotel design and hospitality hub.

During the peak of lockdown in the UK, wonderful and innovative initiatives emerged from hotels up and down the country, with the unanimous aim to support key workers during turbulent times. Hoteliers utilised the situation and started to focus their attention locally, and as a result produced new and improved sustainable ways to operate.

In total, more than 120 individuals and projects were shortlisted across eight categories for The Brit List Awards 2020. It was then down to our expert panel of judges (who you can meet on page 5) to decide who among them would make it into the pages of The Brit List 2020, our annual publication that proudly profiles the 75 individuals who, along with their fresh ideas, are leading the interior design, architecture and hospitality scene in Britain and beyond.

Meanwhile, designers and architects were able to exhale from travelling and attending back-to-back client meetings and pitches. Instead, although being away from their creative studios was not ideal, they were able to focus on drawing up new meaningful spaces suitable for a post-pandemic world.

Hamish Kilburn

It is therefore more important now than ever before to recognise and celebrate the individuals in Britain who are leading the way *A report published by STR.

Editor, Hotel Designs

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MEET THE JUDGES Lester Bennett, President, British Institute of Interior Design - As a chartered designer with 30 years’ experience, Lester Bennett, who recently started his presidential year at the BIID, has covered many areas of design from running his own practice to being Design Director for the residential development company Westcity. He has built up a stunning portfolio of high-profile residential developments both in the UK and overseas.

Harriet Forde, Past-President, British Institute of Interior Design and co-host, DESIGNPOD - Harriet Forde, who was an instrumental judge last year for The Brit List Award, has recently been named co-host of DESIGNPOD with editor Hamish Kilburn. Past President of the BIID, Forde is the Founder and Director of interior design firm Harriet Forde Design.

Alon Baranowitz and Irene Kronenberg, Co-Founders, BARANOWITZ + KRONENBERG - BARANOWITZ + KRONENBERG, which was co-founded and is led by Alon Baranowitz and Irene Kronenberg, consists of a group of talented architects and designers, all of whome have graduated from institutions around the globe, bringing their worldly cultural experience to the studio’s creative work activity.

Erik Nissen Johansen, Founder and Creative Director, Stylt - Erik Nissen Johansen is the Founder and Creative Director of global award-winning hospitality design studio Stylt in Gothenburg, Sweden. For more than 25 years, Stylt has combined concept development, interior architecture, design and branding to create unique hotel and restaurant experiences for clients all over the world. Under Johansen’s leadership, Stylt has won a plethora of awards for his portfolio that includes more than 400 restaurants and 250 hotels.

Ivaylo Lefterov, Hotel Development Director, Miris - With more than 23 years’ experience in the luxury hotel development and management industry, encompassing everything from site allocation and acquisition, hotel design and construction to operations and marketing/sales, Ivaylo Lefterov has an eye for quality design and hospitality. His experience covers the establishment and development of small boutique hotels and large scale resort projects and is currently is working as Development Director of SVART, a 99-key hotel that will become the world’s first energy positive hotel (see page 20). Hamish Kilburn, Editor, Hotel Designs - Hamish Kilburn, head judge, is the editor of Hotel Designs, the leading international hotel design website. In his role, Kilburn has travelled the globe to far-flung destinations in order to review some of the world’s most impressive hotels, and has interviewed the masterminds behind their creations. As a result, he has gained a detailed understanding as to what it takes to be at the forefront of the industry’s development and evolution.

THE BRIT LIST DESIGNERS OF 2020

Albin Berglund, Managing Director – Bergman Interiors Albin Berglund is the co-founder of Bergman Interiors. He leads a team of designers with Marie Soliman that is unquestionably making ripples in London’s – and now the world’s – luxury interior and architectural design arena. With more than 25 years’ combined experience, Berglund and Soliman have built up an enviable portfolio of projects, spanning London to St. Petersburg, Qatar to New York. The studio’s dynamic approach is to clearly define where design can have the maximum benefit and impact on our guests’ wellbeing and focus on these key wellness elements. Currently, the firm is working on a seven-star spa hotel in Norway. It contains guest villas, a luxurious spa and common areas such as restaurants and bars. Berglund’s answer to the project has been to coherently formulate the spaces so that guests can read a continuous language throughout, drawing on nature to tell the story of both the hotel and its setting.

Carolynne Shenton, Founding Director – Studio Mica Carolynne Shenton is the creative force at the core of the interior design team at Studio Mica, and has been the principal designer behind some of the most prestigious interior projects including the award-winning Nobu Hotel Shoreditch. Her most recently completed project is a new build, two-storey hospitality villa in Ibiza. The studio was responsible for the interior design and furniture specification. The floor area of the villa is 1,000 sqm and the design features master and guest suites, internal and external bathrooms, dual-family and catering kitchens, bars, open-plan living with panoramic sea views, studio cinema, a gym, a spa with an infinity-edge lap pool, landscaped gardens, al fresco dining and roof terraces. As well as this, Shenton is also currently working on the interiors and furniture fixtures and equipment for a new 85-key boutique hotel with a restaurant, members club, gym and spa in East London.

THE BRIT LIST DESIGNERS OF 2020

Charlie North, Design Director – Ennismore The multifaceted approach to Charlie North’s design style has allowed him and his team to create award-winning interior schemes for Ennismore-owned brands such as Gleneagles and Hoxton Hotels. Most recently, North led the team to complete Hoxton Southwark, a 192key hotel, which features restaurants, bars, function rooms and 4,000 sqm of flexible co-working office space – all of which are stacked within and sheltered inside a slender 17-storey building. The Hoxton Southwark places an emphasis on British-led design with antique and bespoke fixtures dotted throughout the hotel. The design scheme of the urban hotel, where possible, also brings the outdoors in, which gives each area a new depth entirely.

Clinton Freeman, Design Director – IHG Former Design Director of David Collins Studio and former Senior Design Director of EU at Hilton, Clinton Freeman was appointment Design Director of IHG in September of 2019. The hotel group has been included in The Brit List for a number of years, with Henry Reeve being named highly commended in the Interior Designer of the Year category last year, and Emma King being shortlisted the year before. The IHG Group is expanding at a rapid rate, with an emphasis on lifestyle hotels in new destinations, and is rapidly influencing a new breed of boutique hotels. Hotel Indigo, for example, currently has 104 hotel openings in the pipeline in the next three to five years.

THE BRIT LIST DESIGNERS OF 2020

Dale Atkinson, Founding Director – Rosendale Design Dale Atkinson has dedicated his life to his passion and takes pride in the design aesthetic he creates. Rich in tradition, and yet creatively contemporary, Atkinson utilises research as the bedrock of all projects, allowing each space to evoke a unique environment. Next year will see the opening of the newly refurbished restaurant at the renowned Santa Marina Resort, Mykonos. The studio was commissioned to create spaces both internally and externally that celebrated Greek culture. Due to Covid-19, the project’s completion has been delayed until May 2021.

Damien Follone, Senior Associate & Senior Designer (F&B) – Wimberley Interiors Damien Follone brings more than ten years of architectural and interiors knowledge to the Wimberly Interiors’ team as a Senior Associate and Senior Designer of Restaurants + Bars at the firm’s London studio. His design approach and critical thinking ensure that each project is strategically positioned from inception through to delivery with emphasis on hotel food and beverage experiences. Follone is at the forefront of experiential design, exploring how F&B concepts and brands come together with products and personalities to create enjoyable and authentic guest experiences. 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 F&B offerings to be successful and relevant in the local market.

THE BRIT LIST DESIGNERS OF 2020

David Mason, Director of Hospitality – Scott Brownrigg Following four years as a Project Director in Interior Design for Scott Brownrigg, in 2019 David Mason was promoted to become Director of Hospitality at the firm, and made his debut in The Brit List as a result. Mason has worked steadily to authentically grow Scott Brownrigg’s profile within the market place. As a global design leader, ranked 11 in the UK and within the global top 100 architectural practices, the firm’s interior design team have worked on projects for brands including Hilton, Hard Rock Hotels, Radisson Blu, Hyatt Regency & Assembly. In the past four years, Mason’s team has created a budget hotel, Assembly London, behind the Odeon Cinema in Leicester Square. The project was praised by British GQ as one of its top 10 places to visit in London. Last year, the studio completed its work on Hard Rock Hotel London in Marble Arch, which became the city’s new destination venue. Mason led a team, designing all the public spaces for the hotel. Most recently, Mason and his team have been working on the re-development and re-branding of two existing hotels in East London, with its launch this year delayed due to Covid-19. The team are fortunately now heading back to site with the first phase launch anticipated for January 2021.

David T’Kint, Partner – Hirsch-Bedner Associates As a Partner at Hirsch-Bedner Associates EMEA, David T’Kint is responsible for overseeing a team of designers and creatives. Driven by creativity and in response to the evolution of luxury design, his regional team brings together the talents and specialties of his global team to enhance the firm’s 360-degree service, creating a one-stop-shop for inspired hospitality design. In December 2019, the studio completed on the interiors for Great Scotland Yard Hotel; a landmark development in London’s City of Westminster. Once the London’s Metropolitan Police headquarters, the listed building’s latest chapter is a 152-key luxury boutique hotel, in which the stories of the building’s past unfold through exquisitely sculpted interiors and eclectic decorative elements. Transforming this historical space into a welcoming place for discerning travellers, T’Kint expressed the individuality of Great Scotland Yard through an unexpected play of Edwardian-inspired hues and patterns, conventional Whitehall, and colours that relive the timeless elegance and sophistication of the era with a flair of contemporary details.

THE BRIT LIST DESIGNERS OF 2020

Dennis Irvine, Founder / Creative Director – Dennis Irvine Studio Dennis Irvine has consistently designed for world-renowned operators and high-end luxury private residences. As a voice and presence within the hospitality industry he remains respected for his ‘sense of place’ design aesthetic and relevant project design narration. Irvine continues to champion attention to detail and craftsmanship with local and international artisans, which often result in unique interiors both in the UK and globally. A regular speaker, Irvine attends industry events and offers views on topics such as hospitality design evolution, advice to those starting their careers in the industry and sensitive historic restorations. Irvine continues to be recognized in many publications including the Robb Report, Forbes, Harper’s Bazaar and Architectural Digest amongst other well-known hospitality publications to ensure British design is recognised and respected globally.

Edward Davies, Managing Director & Principal – G.A Design London With more than 17 years’ experience working in the super luxury hospitality arena, Edward Davies has a meticulous eye for detail, and understands the high expectations of high-net worth individuals. Whether that is in the craftsmanship and detailed design of a hotel suite, or the personal service provided by the G.A Group. Always pushing the boundaries of design and encouraging clients to take the leap into the unexplored, Davies isn’t afraid of dreaming big. An inspiring leader, Davies enables his team to take creative control and ownership of the luxury hospitality projects he oversees, whilst providing intuitive and inspiring direction. He manages to distil the client brief in a succinct way, with clarity. This combination of trust and creativity makes him a wonderful visionary of designers. Working as the London Managing Director at G.A Group, Davies runs the day-to-day management of the 90-strong London-based studio, whilst also acting as Principal across a number of high-profile interior design and architecture projects worldwide. Current projects overseen by Davies include a new luxury hotel brand in Southeast Asia, the latest new offerings from Corinthia Hotels in Rome and Moscow, and the 184key 1 Hotel in Mayfair, London. Each a unique brief and challenge, Davies approaches them equally with the same verve and vigor.

5 MINUTES WITH: LESTER BENNETT, PRESIDENT, BRITISH INSTITUTE OF INTERIOR DESIGN

Following his inauguration as President of the British Institute of Interior Design, Lester Bennett joins the judging panel of The Brit List Awards 2020… Lester Bennett, the new President of the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID), has 40 years’ experience gained from running his own practice, being a design director for a plc residential developer, a founding partner of Folio Design LLP and now an independent consultant.

interiors that stretches back many centuries and it is partly this heritage that inspires and informs our designers of today. HK: What major themes did you see in this year’s entries? LB: There were three themes that I noticed running through the entries this year: sustainability issues, partly tackled by sourcing craftspeople, materials and goods locally; accessibility for all and designing accessible spaces that apply good aesthetic values and finally the application of smart technology, helping us to communicate in new ways post Covid-19.

As part of his role as President of the BIID, Bennett joined the judging panel of The Brit List Awards 2020, and brought to the table a holistic approach when casting his eyes over this year’s entries. Hamish Kilburn: What is it about Britain that makes it one of the world’s most desired design hot spots?

HK: How can the design and hospitality industry recover from the impacts of Covid-19?

Lester Bennett: Firstly, we have amazing educational resources for design, from universities and art colleges to private interior design schools, all of which are attended by students from all over the world. This in turn creates a design community which absorbs influences from all cultures in a wonderful melting pot, enriching our design ethos like no other country.

LB: There is no easy or short answer to this. At the BIID, we have been involved many webinars discussing this and trying to help by offering advice to our members gleaned from other members’ past experiences of recessions and so forth, but I would say that flexibility is probably the key – adopting new ways of working, new ways to communicate, new sectors to move into, and finding and creating new niche markets arising from the impact of the pandemic.

Secondly and possibly because of the above, we just seem to be a country that produces great architects and designers and thirdly, we have a passion for architecture and

THE BRIT LIST DESIGNERS OF 2020

Ed Warner, Founder & CEO – Motionspot Hotel Brooklyn is regarded as the UK’s most accessible design-led hotel. Bringing New York flare to Manchester, the hotel provides 189 rooms that are set across 10 storeys with conference rooms, a restaurant and bar on the ground floor and mini cinema in the lobby. But what really makes this hotel special is its commitment to designled accessibility. Ed Warner is the founder of Motionspot, the design studio responsible for creating Hotel Brooklyn’s accessible solutions. This was central to the design and build of the hotel, which shelters nine wheelchair accessible bedrooms – including the first hotel in Manchester with ceiling track hoists – and nine ambulant accessible bedrooms. Accessibility isn’t just limited to the bedrooms, as attention was paid to the communal spaces too, to ensure that guests with a range of physical, visual and cognitive access needs could enjoy all the hotel has to offer.

Elizabeth Lane, Partner – RPW Design Highly accomplished designer Elizabeth Lane has been essential in many of RPW Design’s projects with her abundance of design expertise acquired from her work around the globe. A Partner at RPW Design, Lane is renowned for ensuring beautiful interiors and operational functionality work in complete harmony. The designer’s 16-year tenure at the company has included welcoming current Managing Director Ariane Steinbeck and supporting a smooth transition as RPW founder Jan Wilson took a step back from the helm of RPW Design in late 2015 whereupon she became a Director and Partner in the firm. One of her recent projects was spearheading the renovation of Four Seasons Hampshire. As well as being responsible for designing the guestrooms inside the hotel, Lane excelled in ensuring elegance and functionality throughout the renovation of the hotel’s conference and banqueting space and continually provides steady leadership in a complex project team of owners, operators and consultants. It was a project that Lane describes held true to their convictions as a firm. The results, she says, are a testament to RPW Design’s ability to deliver projects that will stand the test of time.

THE BRIT LIST DESIGNERS OF 2020

Emma Farren, Senior Designer – DesignLSM Emma Farren is a strong, creative leader at DesignLSM and professionally manages her own projects, consistently working hard to push new ideas and active design solutions for clients. Farren’s conceptual approach and technical ability, combined with her passion for all things design related, provides her designs with a strong sense of refinement and flexibility. Since joining the team back in 2016, she has built up a vast portfolio of award-winning work that most recently includes the design evolution of Gaucho restaurants. Farren worked in close collaboration with Gaucho CEO, Martin Williams, and his team helping them to evolve the Gaucho brand through a new creative direction that moves away from the cowhide of old and on to a more refined aesthetic that celebrates the modern-day Gaucho. Immersing herself into the brand story, she drew her inspiration from the visual narrative of Argentina and the Gaucho way of life, considering its spirit and stunning landscapes - from the dramatic mountain landscapes to the Pampas region through to the high-altitude vineyards. The design results for the first site in Charlotte St London reflect the raw, majestic nature and cultural energy of Argentina through an elegant and sophisticated aesthetic that captivates guests as soon as they step through the door. Geraldine Dohogne, Founder – Beyond Design Geraldine Dohogne does not fit the traditional mould of a designer since she, in her own admission, stumbled into this profession driven by passion. As a result, perhaps, there’s no such thing as copy and paste in Dohogne’s work. On the contrary, every project she touches offers a new story. The same core values are always respected, but each and every new project is thought through individually. This is the process that enables the former Head of Design a Zannier Hotels to grow personally as well as professionally. Beyond Design is Dohogne’s recently launched studio. Much more than solely concentrating on the interior design, the designer prides herself to handpick every single object and source local craftspeople whom themselves form an integral part of the place in question. As a result, every project represents a marathon across flea markets and meeting with local artisans and artists in order for the result to tell a genuine narrative that makes people reflect and appreciate a place even more.

A VIRTUAL MEET THE BUYER EVENT

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THE BRIT LIST DESIGNERS OF 2020

Hamish Brown, Partner – 1508 London Having been involved since 1508 London’s inception, Hamish Brown has been pivotal to the growth of the company and has championed the studio’s expansion from private residential into multi-unit developments and hospitality. As a result, Brown has helped 1508 London become one the world’s most revered architecture and interior design studios. As an interior architect, Brown’s ability to understand every facet of the design process ensures he is perfectly positioned to help support clients throughout their journey. His profound commitment to clients’ experiences has installed a dedication to the creation of timeless, elegant spaces of the highest quality, all of which are informed by a unique narrative, grounded in functionality with no one set style. The studio was responsible for the interior design scheme that is sheltered in The Lanesborough Club & Spa, which is referred to as the world’s best hotel spa because of its innovative design. Projects that are currently heading towards completion include The Carlton Tower Jumeirah and Rosewood Doha.

Henry Reeve, Director of Interior Design – IHG Henry Reeve, last year’s Highly Commended in the Interior Designer of the Year category in The Brit List Awards 2020, continues to drive the boutique and lifestyle sector forward in what has been an incredibly difficult year for the industry. Opening the luxury Kimpton ViviDora in early Q1 was a real highlight for the group in 2020, creating a hotel that felt both special and luxurious whilst fully integrating itself into the youthful, urban, raw and authentic Gothic quarter of Barcelona. What’s more, during lockdown Reeve innovatively utilised his skills and craftsmanship to launch Made by Henry, designing handcrafted homewares and accessories for all. With the mantra, “measure twice, cut once,” Reeve continues to lead a new wave of designers.

THE BRIT LIST DESIGNERS OF 2020

Lindsey Bean-Pierce, Partner & Head of Interiors –Dexter Moren Associates Lindsey Bean-Pearce, Partner, is responsible for running the interior design team at Dexter Moren Associates, managing a talented group of ten designers across a diverse and varied portfolio of headline projects and ensuring a high level of design consistency throughout. Currently she is working on the Autograph Abastumani Hotel & Spa in Georgia, the Westin Verdelago Resort Hotel & Village Club in Portugal, the conversion and refurbishment of the Malmaison York, Accor’s first Movenpick Hotel in Italy, the Pamphili Rome, as well as the refurbishment of a Victorian hotel in London’s Paddington and a new-build boutique hotel in Dubai. Prior to this she most recently led the completion of the International Hotel & Property Award winning boutique Vintry & Mercer Hotel and the Clayton Hotel New Drum Street, London. Boasting more than 15 years’ experience running projects in the UK and Europe, she brings considerable creative flair and strong conceptual and technical abilities to a role in which no two days are the same. As head of a team of talented creatives from all sectors of expertise and experience, Bean-Pierce takes great pride in mentoring her more junior colleagues, watching them flourish into stand out designers, and ensuring that each is constantly growing and expanding their design knowledge.

Mark Bithrey, Founder & Creative Director – B3 Designers Since founding B3 Designers in 2002, Mark Bithrey has worked on the interior design for iconic hospitality brands across the UK and Europe. B3 Designers has, under Bithrey’s creative direction, developed an impressive, diverse and award-winning portfolio. The most recently completed hotel project is The Prince Akatoki, London. The hotel, part of the APAC hotel management group StayWell, launched in September 2019. The brief was to refurbish the 82-key former Arch Hotel in the heart of the West End, with a focus on bringing Japanese design and hospitality ideals to the West. The scope included the bedrooms, reception, sanctuary, communal workspace, corridors, lift lobby, TOKii (restaurant), and The Malt Lounge and Bar.

CHALLENGING CONVENTIONAL WELLNESS

As we prepare to operate in a post-pandemic world, Ivalyo Lefterov, Development Director at Miris and a judge for The Brit List Awards 2020, explains how one hotel is aiming to change the perception of wellness in hospitality forever... SVART is a 105-key hotel in Norway that is slated to open in 2022. Positioned atop of the Holandsfjorden Fjord to frame unparalleled 360-degree views of the Svartisen Glacier, the architectural masterpiece is being developed by MIRIS with concept design by Snøhetta and interiors by Space Copenhagen. Entering a new era of sub-zero wellness, SVART is aiming to be the first energy-positive hotel and fully off-grid within the first five years of operation, with its core pillars of sustainability, nature, innovation and technology taking a fundamental role in the development of guests’ wellness journey experience.

“By introducing our “TEST Wellness Clinic Concept”, a three-tier philosophy of climatise, condition, and evolve, we aim to enhance guest experience. We are doing this by utilising science and technology to intuitively predict and design, for example, guests’ food menu, wellness and spa programme and other adventures and experiences along the way.” Now more than ever, touch is a vital concept in hospitality, both physically and mentally. Taking the newly adopted and growingly accepted touchless technology, SVART is leaping a few steps further by utilising technology where every guestroom becomes a wellness concierge by allowing it to adapt to guests’ conditions and provide intuitive options activated and expanded by the guest only. “The key is seeing the person as a human being with a focus on their transformative experience and being in the centre of the journey,” added Lefterov. With SVART now taking shape, architecturally and in hospitality concept form, it is preparing to show the world how non-invasive technology can indeed enhance the guest experience to evoke a deeper sense of wellbeing while leading a new wave in sustainability.

“We are looking at wellness not just as a spa product but as a fully integrated philosophy through the design of the hotel, both in architecture and interior design,” said Ivaylo Lefterov, Development Director at Miris. “This will also be implemented in the operation to evolve the guest experience. Utilising innovation and technology, the hotel will provide a more intuitive holistic service. “We will demonstrate to guests how, through simple daily lifestyle changes, they can achieve and live a healthier, more sustainable life,” Lefterov added.

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THE BRIT LIST DESIGNERS OF 2020

Marie Soliman, Co-Founder – Bergman Interiors Marie Soliman is the Co-Founder of Bergman Interiors, and leads a team with Albin Berglund that is making ripples in London’s – and now the world’s – luxury interior and architectural design world. With more than 25 years’ combined experience, Soliman and Berglund have built up an enviable portfolio of projects, spanning London to St. Petersburg, to Qatar to New York. The studio’s dynamic approach is to clearly define where design can have the maximum benefit and impact on our guests’ wellbeing and focus on these key wellness elements. Currently the firm is working on a seven-star spa hotel in Norway, which contains guest villas, a luxurious spa and common areas such as restaurants and bars. Soliman’s approach has been to coherently formulate the spaces so that guests can read a continuous language throughout, drawing on nature to tell the story of both the hotel and its setting.

Martin Brudnizki, Founder – Martin Brudnizki Design Studio (MBDS) Martin Brudnizki’s love for design started from a young age. His mother was a stylist and his father a mechanical engineer; the combination of these elements embedded a deep understanding of aesthetics alongside a grounding in functionality. Following a number of successful positions at renowned interior design firms, Brudnizki established his eponymous Studio in London in 2000 and a New York Studio in 2012. The designer has become a symbol – no, an icon – in F&B design because of his ability to sensitively uplift public areas and transform into becoming destinations within their own right for both travellers and locals alike. Statement examples include The Ivy, London; The Beekman in New York and Scarfes Bar inside The Rosewood London – he is currently working to complete new F&B spaces inside long-awaited Four Seasons Madrid. Since winning Interior Designer of the Year at The Brit List Awards 2018, MBDS (a team of more than 70 talented members) has proven time and time again, through the projects it has completed, that the firm is leading the way in hospitality design on an international scale.

THE BRIT LIST DESIGNERS OF 2020

Martin Goddard, Co-Founder – Goddard Littlefair As a designer, Martin Goddard is not afraid – in fact it’s one of his favourite parts of a project – to roll up his sleeves and relate directly with contractors on site. He overcomes the challenge of being perceived as the interior designer when contractors hear him slip seamlessly into their language and demonstrates that he understands the technicalities of their craft. Most recently, Goddard and his team completed the interiors inside The Mayfair Townhouse, London. Curious, engaging and witty, the hotel is said to deliver the unexpected and redefines what it means to be a London hotel – think Oscar Wilde meets Alice in Wonderland. Other projects that Goddard and his team have completed include Villa Copenhagen, Hilton Vienna, Chelsea Barracks, Belvedere Gardens and Spa, The Biltmore Mayfair, Sheraton Grand Warsaw, The Imperial Dubrovnik Restaurant, South Bank Place Spa and Corinthia Malta Spa.

Michael Bories, Design Director & Project Management – Marriott International Michael Bories became Director Design & Project Management for Marriott International in 2017, following previous roles at Emaar Hospitality Group and Foster + Partners. Matching last year’s ambitious growth strategy, Marriott International aimed to open 30 new luxury hotels in 2020. The global company currently encompasses a portfolio of more than 7,400 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 135 countries and territories. Recent projects that have emerged this year from Marriott International include W Ibiza, Abu Dhabi’s debut The Luxury Collection, The Ritz Cartlon Nikko in Japan, Aloft Bali, Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel and Aloft Tokyo.

THE BRIT LIST DESIGNERS OF 2020

Oliver Redfern, Interior Designer – Squid.inc Squid.inc is a leading interior design firm, which specialises in hotels, restaurants and clubs. Interior designer Oliver Redfern led the interior design project of Brooklyn Hotel in Manchester.Strategically located for both convenience and luxury, right in the heart of Manchester, the hotel provides ample opportunity to experience the vibrant city in whichever direction you choose. Brooklyn’s public areas offer an atmosphere of irresistible familiarity. It’s the unplaceable yet undeniable sense of belonging, where outsiders become insiders, that defines Brooklyn as a destination of true Mancunian hospitality; everyone welcomed exactly as they are. It’s a sanctuary of the urban explorers; a living room away from home, a workplace away from the office, a place where inspiration waits to be discovered and interpreted into an adventure of guests’ own making. Simon Rawlings, Creative Director – David Collins Studio As Creative Director of David Collins Studio, Simon Rawlings has overseen the realisation of some of the world’s most iconic hospitality, residential and retail spaces. In the course of two decades at The Studio, he has collaborated with clients such as Harrods, Alexander McQueen and Mandarin Oriental, both in reinventing prominent buildings and establishing important new landmarks. His most recent headlinegrabbing project is Nobu Hotel London Portman Square, which applies a contemporary approach to both aesthetics and hospitality, and has just opened. The hotel’s design takes cues from Japanese architectural disciplines and minimalist design, whilst utilising a refined colour palette influenced by heritage Japanese colour combinations. Located in the heart of central London’s vibrant Marylebone area, the new luxury hotel features 249 guestrooms and suites, Nobu’s world-class restaurant, a ballroom and meeting spaces – all beautifully conceptualised by David Collins Studio with Make Architects. Tina Norden, Partner – Conran and Partners Tina Norden, Partner at Conran and Partners, led the interior design refurb of a building that was known locally as Prague’s most established boutique. Redesigning the 71-key Maximilian Hotel called upon experienced designers to sensitively reimagine and redesign the hotel’s interiors. Norden’s design approach reflects the cultural and architectural heritage of its urban context, referencing Czech modernism and the progressive art movement influenced by famous avant-garde artist and architectural writer, Karel Teige. The design team wanted to retain a strong element of Teige’s poetic modernism while creating a sense of place rooted in the city and the neighbourhood. This involved drawing upon the iconic pastel colour palette of Prague’s architecture and local crafts – including weaving and glass-making – for the materiality of the design.

THE BRIT LIST Architects OF 2020

THE BRIT LIST ARCHITECTS OF 2020

Alex Holloway, Creative Director – Holloway Li In tandem with his founding partner Na Li, Alex Holloway operates at the forefront of a new wave of designers and architects, blurring the boundaries between historicism, decoration and digital process. With an eye for detail, Holloway looks to create intricate, engaged and impactful interiors that invoke fresh and contemporary forms of experience ¬– his designs frequently center around a key moment that holds a filmic quality, working to unlock the space. Placing sustainability at the core, this September Holloway revealed the design for apart-hotel brand Locke’s latest opening – an urban, eco oasis in the heart of Bermondsey in South East London. Looking to highlight how a circular material economy can generate an incredibly unique aesthetic and a new kind of living experience, the 143-key hotel design has been brought to life with repurposed construction materials. For example, concrete test cubes destined for landfill find new purpose, serving as plinths for six-metre-long terrazzo tables in the ground floor workspaces.

Ben Adams, Founding Director – Ben Adams Architects Ben Adams, a regular name featured in The Brit List, used his more than 20 years’ experience of working on large-scale and complex urban projects to design the building that shelters Nobu Hotel Shoreditch. The first Nobu hotel in Europe, the property occupies in a tight urban plot. The building follows the street line and accents its strong linear form with horizontal steel and concrete fins at each floor level. A playful, informal grid of board-marked concrete panels and generous full-height glazing expresses the range of activities contained within the hotel, dematerialising at its sloping southern end to give sculptural presence to a lush sunken pocket park.

THE BRIT LIST ARCHITECTS OF 2020

Catarina Pina-Bartrum, Project Director – Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands Architects Catarina Pina-Bartrum has been part of the team developing a mixed-use development on Hanover Square; a retail-led project on Oxford Street in central London. As well as working on an indoor sports facility for the University of Birmingham, she was part of the design team responsible for Hoxton Southwark, a mixed-use hotel and office development, which has quickly become a new destination hotel in London. Prior to joining Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands in 2014, Pina-Bartrum worked with Daniel Gusmão in Rio de Janeiro on the design and development of the broadcasting centre for the 2016 Olympic Games.

Christopher Webb, Vice President (Architecture & Design) EMEA – Hilton Hotels Making his debut on The Brit List, Christopher Webb leads Hilton’s architecture and design team across multiple offices, overseeing and guiding design projects across Hilton’s Europe, Middle East and Africa region. Webb has been designing and shaping international luxury, lifestyle, and full-service hotels for a wide range of owners, developers, hospitality companies, celebrities and brands for more than 20 years. Directing the design of all Hilton branded hotels in the region, he led the design of the first Waldorf Astoria, as well as most recently the ‘category defining’ Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre – Hilton’s first lifestyle hotel. Webb is currently working on defining the design for the landmark Waldorf Astoria at Admiralty Arch in London.

INVISIBLE TECHNOLOGY

Hamilton Litestat’s ‘invisible’ wiring accessories have allowed The Waterside Inn’s stunning refurbishment to take centre stage… Often an afterthought, wiring accessories can provide the perfect finishing touch to elevate an incredible design scheme. But when you’ve invested in a breath-taking wallpaper or mural wall, how do you ensure that its impact isn’t compromised by a socket or switch?

switches and sockets to sit seamlessly alongside metalwork within the décor. The chrome finish matches the Samuel Heath door furniture, along with the chrome fixtures and fittings in the ensuite bathrooms, giving each a fresh and contemporary look.

Hamilton Litestat, provider of decorative wiring accessories, has the answer, as illustrated at The Waterside Inn. This threeMichelin-starred ‘restaurant with rooms’, run by Chef Patron Alain Roux, recently renovated four of its stunning guestrooms with en-suites. Each now features Hamilton’s Perception CFX, a high-quality transparent wiring accessory with concealed fixings.

To add intrigue and a playful touch, Toggle Switches were used throughout to complement the tactility of the rooms’ fabrics and textures, providing another layer of luxury, charm and interest. Additionally, Hamilton created bespoke Perception CFX plates: eight single sockets with USB charging functionality sit at each bedside, while ‘blank’ plates that could be adapted on-site to accommodate third-party temperature control sensors for the heating also feature in each room. Made to order at Hamilton’s Bristol-based manufacturing facility, they meet the specific requirements of The Waterside Inn and elevate the guest experience. “The plates are beautiful yet surprising since it is unlikely anyone would find them in a domestic setting,” adds Laura Roux. “Their transparency gives them a magical quality; they seem to disappear only to re-emerge when your hand or eye turns expectantly to find a switch or use a socket.

Perception CFX has snap-on clear front plates in a stylish and minimalist design that allows for a section of the wallpaper to be inserted so the plate discreetly blends with the interior décor. “The beautiful Perception CFX clear plates enhance rather than detract or distract from the impact and design of the spectacular wallpapers and paint treatments,” explains The Waterside Inn’s in-house designer Laura Roux. “We have carefully chosen outstanding designer wallpapers to make strong statements in each room and set the theme. This is why the choice of sockets have been so integral, since they do not detract or spoil the impact at all.”

“The novel beauty of their designs transforms these functional, ubiquitous fixtures into works of art in their own right.”

Perception CFX has been complemented with Hamilton’s Sheer CFX design in a Bright Chrome finish, which has created accent

Hamilton Litestat is an Event Partner for The Brit List Awards 2020.

THE BRIT LIST ARCHITECTS OF 2020

Christos Passas, Project Director – Zaha Hadid Architects Christos Passas was the Project Director for Zaha Hadid Architect’s latest hotel project in Dubai. Spanning 84,300 sqm, the Opus in Dubai was designed as two separate towers that coalesce into a singular whole – taking the form of a cube. The unique cube shape has been ‘eroded’ in its centre, creating a free-form void that is an important volume of the design in its own right. The two halves of the building on either side of the void are linked by a four-storey atrium at ground level and are also connected by an asymmetric 38-metre-wide, three-storey bridge, which is 71 metres above the ground. The structure’s double-glazed insulating façades incorporate a UV coating and a mirrored frit pattern to reduce solar gain. Applied around the entire building, this dotted frit patterning emphasises the clarity of the building’s orthogonal form, while at the same time, dissolving its volume through the continuous play of light varying between ever-changing reflections and transparency. Simply put, the mesmerising building is an epic example of modern, iconic and timeless architecture.

Ciaran O’Brien, Founding Director – Red Deer Graduating from the University of Edinburgh with First-Class Honours degree before completing his Masters, Ciarán O’Brien’s research in architecture has focused predominantly on how industry, craftsmanship and the handmade mediums can inform, stimulate and invigorate the design process in an ever-evolving digital age. With a mix of interior designers and architects, O’Brian’s ‘herd’ as the firm refers itself as was responsible for the interior design scheme that is now sheltered inside Birch, a new sustainable hotel that has recently opened on the outskirts of London. Reusing and repairing the existing site’s materials, the team stripped back clutter and unnecessary furniture to create more thoughtful spaces.

A FIRST FOR W AND IBIZA

When the disobedient W brand announced plans to arrive onto the spiritual island of Ibiza, it was down to Tel Aviv-based design and architecture studio BARANOWITZ + KRONENBERG to ensure its landing – and its design scheme – was smooth. The firm’s directors, Alon Baranowitz and Irene Kronenberg, both on the judging panel for The Brit List Awards 2020, explain how the Ibizan dream became a reality… Previously a beach front Balearic structure from the 1980s, we have transformed W Ibiza into a 162-key social hub that connects with guests, sets the scene and sparks imagination, while incorporating the bold and playful theme characteristic of W Hotels.

This spatial arrangement is set between a concrete floor and steel-wired hand-woven laced ceiling; two dominating features which define an inspiring stage for self-expression. Amongst these two dominating surfaces, colours and textures inspired by the Balearics and Ibiza’s culture appear and define the different platforms to connect, relax and play.

We set out to design a hotel to match the relaxed pace and cosmopolitan attitude of Santa Eulalia; resulting in an idyllic escape injected with the playful charm of Ibiza.

Paying homage to the island’s bohemian heritage and capturing the free spirit of Ibiza were central to the story we wanted to tell. ‘Flower Power’ led our design strategy, combining subtle references to the past with state-of-the-art furnishings, expertly curated street art, and spectacular lighting that resulted in a truly unique experience for the first International hotel brand in Ibiza.

The bohemian theme which is synonymous with the island, is handled with a refined sophistication, amplified through the spatial arrangement and choice of materials and finishes. The overall impression is of a refreshing and engaging simplicity, expressed by a minimum of means: colour, sun and shade.

The food and beverage offerings are naturally infused as anchoring bays rather than destinations. The pool and rooftop bars, La LLama restaurant, Ve Café and Chiringuito Blue set on the white sands of the beach, make for cutting-edge individual F&B concepts that spark hearts and minds and bring people together. Each with its own character and mind-set, the venues cater for any mood from sunrise to sunrise.

Inside, we have meticulously modified the existing structure to introduce a dramatic ascending section of the entire ground floor that follows from the main entrance esplanade to the outdoor pool and sea; a tour de force of ascending amphitheatre platforms that entice to connect and engage, celebrate life or just exist alone together.

THE BRIT LIST ARCHITECTS OF 2020

Dan Hinch, Associate Vice President and Senior Planner – WATG Capturing a 75-year legacy has driven Dan Hinch to inspire a better world through the power of holistic design. As the Associate Vice President and Senior Planner at the global multidisciplinary design firm WATG, Hinch is not only a design lover, but also a leader on how it is packaged and experienced through the end user. Based in London, Hinch leads a team of master planners and landscape architects. He challenges his team to drive good design across all disciplines rather than breaking each practice out as its own entity. “People are evolving, and the way we travel has changed and will continue to change,” says Hinch. “We need to be flexible enough and approach design from a holistic point of view that incorporates architecture, interiors and landscape as one entity.” Hinch’s recent projects include the Aqua Residences at the Regent Hotel in Porto Montenegro, a world-class marina destination; the Porto Elounda Resort in Crete, Greece; Al Bustan Palace Ritz-Carlton in Oman and Ferney Resort, Mauritius.

David O’Shea, Founder & Director – ODOS Architects The Mayson is an exciting restoration project and a redevelopment of No.81 and No.82 North Wall Quay. Designed by ODOS Architects, which has studios in Dublin, London and New York, both buildings were in a dilapidated condition and had not been used in over two decades. The concept, with architecture led by David O’Shea, was to redevelop these strikingly unique buildings by drawing on their existing, inherent characters. The ambition for No.81 was to retain a public house on the ground floor, resulting in minimal intervention to the existing structure and restoring the original features. No.82 is one of the few remaining warehouse structures on the north quays and presented a rare opportunity to establish this forgotten building as a new Dublin landmark. The 4,180 sqm of the Mayson is home to 94 guestrooms and suites, bars, restaurants, event space and outdoor courtyard.

MATT BLACK IS BACK IN THE BATHROOM

New for 2020, hansgrohe expands its FinishPlus range to include on-trend Matt Black for an extended number of product lines…

hansgrohe’s latest additions to the FinishPlus range of showerheads, basin and bath mixers, shower hoses and accessories allows for a seamless and cohesive design aesthetic across the whole bathroom.

means contrasting finishes can be contrasted for a truly unique visual effect. All FinishPlus surfaces offer exceptional robustness, durability and scratch-resistance; the result of the exhaustive research and development of the wider Hansgrohe Group.

Perfect for styling with white or coloured ceramics, crittal-style shower screens and statement lighting, Matt Black offers pared-back, refined elegance; emphasising the striking silhouettes of hansgrohe’s award-winning brassware.

Produced in hansgrohe’s state-of-the-art PVD (physical vapor deposition) chambers, the surfaces are hand-finished by expert technicians. Brushed or polished until immaculately smooth, they offer the perfect finishing touch to any luxury bathroom. Since the finishes are manufactured at hansgrohe’s own plant, all products can be reproduced in the same surface finish for up to 15 years after purchase.

When opting for FinishPlus, users are guaranteed to enjoy all the quality features they have come to expect from hansgrohe. Offering the ultimate in bathroom customisation, FinishPlus provides modern alternatives to the classic chrome standard, elevating bathroom design and welcoming individuality.

FinishPlus is comprised of five colour options that suit a range of bathroom styles, including: Matt Black, Matt White, Gold Optic, Bronze and Black Chrome. All colours are also available in both the polished and brushed finishes, to ensure maximum personalisation when designing a new or renovating an existing scheme.

With FinishPlus comes the opportunity for a homogeneous design scheme. From the basin mixers and showerpipes, through to overhead showerheads and valves, hansgrohe ensures all brassware parts are available in one consistent colour. Alternatively, the flexibility of FinishPlus

hansgrohe is an Event Partner for The Brit List Awards 2020.

THE BRIT LIST ARCHITECTS OF 2020

Geoff Hull, Director – EPR Architects Last year’s Highly Commended candidate in the Architect of the Year category at The Brit List Awards 2019, Geoff Hull is a director with more than 30 years’ experience. He specialises in hotels and hospitality, including new builds, conversions, refurbishments, restorations and heritage schemes in listed buildings for budget, boutique and luxury brands. Previously, Hull was responsible for the multi-award-winning Rosewood London, as voted for by the readers of Ultratravel as “The Best New Hotel in the World” at The Telegraph ULTRAS Awards in 2014. Hull continues to oversee a number of high-profile hotel projects of varying scale and complexity, and his latest project exemplified this Located in the Trafalgar Square Conservation Area, the now Great Scotland Yard Hotel has breathed new life into a neglected Edwardian building. The sensitive conversion and extension maintained the principle elements of the original building, replaced the 1980s addition and added new attic storeys over the whole building with basements below. As a result of EPR Architect’s sensitive approach, the design retained and complemented the style of the original building and, using traditional materials, sits comfortably in its surroundings.

Gordon Ferrier, Head of Hotels – 3DReid As Head of Hotels at 3DReid, Gordon Ferrier brings more than 30 years’ hospitality design experience on a wide range of hotel projects, covering both new build and refurbishments and conversions. Ferrier has worked with a number of prominent hotel brands including Goodwood, Gleneagles, Cameron House, Dakota, Malmaison, Principal and De Vere and has worked internationally on projects across Europe, UAE, the US and Africa. Currently, 3DReid is working on Goodwood Hotel, Gleneagles Club in Edinburgh, Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire, Malmaison in Edinburgh and Cameron House Hotel at Loch Lomond.

BOLD & DISTINCTIVE BATHROOM DESIGN

The hospitality industry demands some of the most aesthetically pleasing environments with regards to interior design. With so much depending on guests’ first impressions and their overall experience, hotel interior design schemes – and in particular bathrooms – are becoming bolder and more unique to ensure they leave a lasting impression. Bathroom Brands Group Projects explores…

In a world where every guest documents their travels and hotel visits on social media, making a striking statement with hospitality interiors has become a priority for many of the sector’s designers, specifiers and architects.

to sumptuous designs, the Group is able to meet the requirements of all projects with ease. With the growing need for bolder, more distinctive interiors has come the increased desire for more colour, unique decorative detailing and true customisation. This year, Bathrooms Brands Group Projects introduced a new collection to meet those demands. Representing a new era of classic bathroom design for the leaders in traditional bathrooms, Bespoke by Burlington is a collection of coloured and hand-decorated ceramics. Providing an unsurpassed level of individuality, the collection places Burlington at the forefront of modern- day bathroom design, whilst remaining true to its historic influences and style.

For a number of years, hotel décor has adopted a more open approach to design, in particular within new boutique hotels – creating suites that each have their own individual style. Providing more of a ‘home from home’ feel and an added element of uniqueness, this approach to hotel design has led to the increased demand for products that are truly distinctive, as well as high in quality. From Crosswater’s leading brassware and furniture ranges to Burlington’s beautifully traditional designs and Clearwater’s luxurious baths, Bathroom Brands Group Projects’ diverse and extensive portfolio provides hotel design professionals with an unrivalled selection of traditional and contemporary products. From bold finishes

Marking an exciting turning point for the Group, the collection offers the hospitality market even more choice when it comes to personalisation, whilst maintaining the enduring quality and sought after authentic

enduring quality and sought after authentic traditional style that Burlington has become known for.

Lettering collection provides the ultimate opportunity for personalised bathroom design. Designers and specifiers may choose from three typefaces: Modern, Traditional or Script, in two places on the basin, either across the front edge or for a subtler option, under the overflow across selected sizes in the Edwardian basin collection. From rural seaside retreats to sleek city hideaways, the bespoke lettering caters to all styles and settings, and introduces the possibility for truly bespoke design.

Burlington’s products, in particular the Edwardian collection, have long been favourites of design professionals within hospitality, and the new Bespoke collection now takes it that extra step further. Uniqueness defined, it brings you traditional, but as you’ve never seen it before. Guaranteed to make a statement in any bathroom, the collection draws its inspiration from the decorated and coloured ceramics of bygone eras. Created in collaboration with British designer Julie Ingham, the products are made to order by skilled craft workers in Staffordshire, England, using the finest materials. Presented on a selection of Burlington’s best-selling Edwardian basins and WCs, the ceramics will bring a twist of contemporary traditional flair to hotel suites as well as the communal restroom facilities.

From the intricate hand-illustrated patterns of the Art Deco, Floral, Seascape and Cityscape decorated designs to the bold and captivating shades of the Confetti Pink, Alaska Blue and Moon Grey ceramics, the wide choice of stunning pieces broadens Burlington’s portfolio to now encompass bolder colours and exquisite decorative details. Whether teamed with contrasting colours or luxurious finishes, the collection provides the gift of choice to designers and is certain to create bathroom schemes that will standout for all the right reasons.

A varied range both in design and colour, Bespoke by Burlington is suited to any manner of hospitality project. Offering new levels of customisation, the Bespoke

Crosswater is the Headline Partner for The Brit List Awards 2020.

THE BRIT LIST ARCHITECTS OF 2020

Graham Barr, Associate – jmarchitects Set behind a striking façade of Scottish stone at the point where Edinburgh’s historic Old Town meets the New Town, Market Street Hotel, designed by jmarchitects, emerges as a cultural gateway to both the city’s storied past and its pulse-quickening present. The visual concept of the 98-key hotel pays homage to the capital’s character and historic narrative, while simultaneously exploring Scottish cosmopolitanism. Cracked, earthen walls are juxtaposed against the clean, minimalist lines of contemporary furnishings, and unexpected bursts of traditional tartans and heritage fabrics provide an experiential element to the hotel’s aesthetic. A modern take on Baronial materiality and composition also provides the inspiration behind Market Street’s 98 guestrooms and suites. Organic, natural materials such as oak and locally sourced stone provide a tactile canvas for modern design classics from the likes of Fritz Hansen and Saint Luc, alongside custom-made furniture and handcrafted local pieces.

James Dilley, Director – Jestico + Whiles James Dilley has amassed more than 20 years’ experience in this sector working under appointment as either architect or interior designer. He is currently leading the architecture and design scheme of a retail-led development that will transform retailing and leisure within the Scottish capital and is due to complete in 2020. The soon-to-be W Edinburgh has been designed as a bundle of ‘coiled ribbons’, creating a free-flowing and bold building which will complement the development’s elegantly understated masterplan. Imagined in conjunction with Allan Murray Architects, the 12-storey hotel will feature a striking exterior façade, evoking the festival spirit of Edinburgh and creating an outstanding landmark building at the heart of the city.

THE BRIT LIST ARCHITECTS OF 2020

Jonny Sin, Associate Director – ReardonSmith Architects Since joining the firm in 2011, Jonny Sin has led ReardonSmith Architects’ hospitality team into modern times. He was a key member of the awardwinning team who transformed a Grade II listed art-deco style building into the luxury boutique hotel that we know of as The Beaumont Hotel. Other projects include a 173-key hotel in Battersea, London; Adere Manor, Co. Limerick and he is working on a conversion of three buildings in London’s Soho into a 69-key urban lifestyle hotel. Most recently, Sin led an in-house team to create a concept guestroom for a hotel group, which was revealed at Sleep & Eat 2020. The firm collaborated with students from Glion Institute of Higher Education and Hotelschool The Hague led by the directors of hotel creative consultancy, HoCoSo, and the project was branded by Delight Lifestyle Brand Agency.

Luke Fox, Head of Studio – Foster + Partners Luke Fox leads a team of designers in London, Hong Kong and Beijing on a wide range of international projects at the firm. One of the most significant projects he is working on at the moment is Jabal Omar development, a new luxury hotel and serviced apartments complex in the heart of Makkah. Inspired by traditional Arab architecture, its design reinterprets the traditional dense building clusters, creating a new contemporary vernacular that respects its sacred location. Following the mountainous terrain, its cascading vertical elements form a new topography. The new mixed-use development will create a gateway along the route to the Grand Mosque for pilgrims from the world over. Most recently, earlier this year, Foster + Partners were announced as part of the design team responsible for bringing the Six Senses brand to London.

A LESSON ON ISOLATION

Pater Noster is a ‘home on the horizon’ where no hotel designer has dared to design – until now, that is. Editor Hamish Kilburn explores how The Brit List Awards 2020 judge Erik Nissen Johansen and a team of entrepreneurs, hoteliers, restaurateurs and professional sailors have given this island a new purpose…

It is marked by a lighthouse; a masterpiece that gave hope and guided seafarers safely for more than a century. Adjacent to it, the keepers and their families built their home, a small-scale community on an island dictated by the elements that had always been perceived as uninhabitable. Until now, that is.

bowl that is a repurposed piece of driftwood that washed up on the shores as the work was being completed. “When we were completing building the large dining table, a piece of driftwood just floated ashore,” Nissen tells Hotel Designs. “It was as if the island wanted to help.” The washed-up item was upcycled into a fruit bowl that now rests on a large dining table that was so large it had to be manufactured inside the property.

A team of Swedish entrepreneurs, hoteliers, restaurateurs, designers and professional sailors have breathed new life into the lighthouse master’s old home, creating nine design-led guestrooms, accommodating up to 18 guests.

The artwork in the dining hall, shot by underwater photographer Christy Lee Rogers, hangs in a respectful bow to the hundreds of shipwrecks that surround the island. The photographic works together push the possibilities of movement, colour and light.

Award-winning design agency Stylt was responsible for the concept and interior design. “During my 30 years within the hospitality business, I have rarely come across such a unique destination”, says Stylt’s founder and partner in the lighthouse project Erik Nissen Johansen. “It’s all there – the remote location, the fantastic nature, the extreme weather conditions, the thrilling history – and soon, great hospitality with a dash of roughness and low-key luxury.”

Pater Noster is an apt example how to meet the new demands within the world of hospitality, offering genuine guest experiences with a strong cultural heritage. The property is the result of like-minded people, all of whom have different crafts and skills, coming together with a common aim: to put the island on the travel bucket list of all modern travellers and explorers.

The design has been completely inspired by the destination, even down to the fruit

THE BRIT LIST ARCHITECTS OF 2020

Mark Bruce, Main Board Director – EPR Architects Mark Bruce is a Main Board Director and heads the hotels and hospitality team with extensive experience across the hotels and hospitality sector, and particular expertise with listed buildings, refurbishments and resort hotels. Following the completion of the much-talked-about Great Scotland Yard Hotel, Bruce is now, in collaboration with Foster + Partners and AvroKO, working with Six Senses to sensitively inject the luxury brand’s distinctive personality and philosophy into its debut hotel in London.

Mark Kelly, Partner, PLP Architecture PLP Architecture is an architecture firm behind some of the world’s smartest and most sustainable buildings, which will soon include Pan Pacific London. Opening Spring 2021 – and already being described as an ‘architectural marvel’ – the project’s vision is to balance a design that is sensitive to the Asian heritage of the brand whilst creating an ultra-modern, timeless hotel and complex that challenges conventional architecture. Mark Kelly, Partner at the studio, went on the record recently, telling Hotel Designs how the pandemic will impact the industry. “Architecture is an inherently flexible process – always evolving while constantly questioning and reinventing itself,” he said. “As such, it is well placed to respond to the current and seemingly ever-changing Covid crisis and, for that matter, other current and future global concerns such as the climate emergency.

THE BRIT LIST ARCHITECTS OF 2020

Mark Wood, Partner – Dexter Moren Associates With more than two decades of professional experience and in-house knowledge, Dexter Moren Associates’ partner and architect Mark Wood possesses a broad and varied scope of expertise, particularly in hotel, office, mixed-use, residential and sport and leisure projects. Fortunate to have had a career doing what he loves, Wood combines his devotion to architecture and urban design with a passion for travel; holding a firm belief that through travel one can gain a perception for what makes a place special, and translate that knowledge into designing buildings that are not only unique but also intrinsic to their location. Examples of this careful consideration of a schemes wider importance include New Marlborough Yard in the London Borough of Southwark; a radical reinvention of the Premier Inn brand that features a soft landscaped public courtyard and new pedestrian route through the site, while decorative brickwork detailing draws inspiration from the ornate Victorian warehouses and pubs to be found among the surrounding streets. Some of Wood’s other recent projects include the Guardsman in London, the Royal Hotel in Norwich and the Hilton Hotel, Ealing.

Matthew Salter, Associate Director – HGP Architects Matthew Salter is the Associate Director at HGP Architects, and led the architectural project to design Southampton Harbour Hotel & Spa. The yacht-inspired 85-key luxury hotel adjacent to Admirals Quay has become a sought-after destination for city-dwellers and visitors to Southampton. The form of the building takes reference from its nautical setting, providing terraces around each level of the building. The concrete frame hotel is built off of the existing pier to the marina and provides conference facilities, a spa complex featuring a swimming pool and gymnasium as well as a restaurant and rooftop bar showcasing spectacular views of the harbour.

THE BRIT LIST ARCHITECTS OF 2020

Metehan Apak, Senior Interior Architect – Dawson Design Associates As a highly motivated and hard-working interior architect with almost 10 years’ professional experience, Metehan Apak has extensive experience working as part of a team, as an independent professional, as a manager and as a managing partner. Possessing specific interest and expertise in hospitality and leisure projects, he has worked on a variety of high-end and international hotel, spa and wellness centre, office, health centre and private residence projects with budgets ranging from £50K to £200M. Based in Twickenham, the Dawson Design Associates London Studio works fluidly as an extension of its Seattle headquarters and design team in the US. The firm’s London team is a constantly growing group of international designers and architects and serves as the driving force behind emulating the US branch’s long-term record for success, while building DDA’s presence internationally and in the local London market.

Na Li, Managing Director – Holloway Li Born in Nanjing/China, Na Li graduated from University College London (Bartlett School of Architecture), becoming a qualified architect with the Architects Registration Board and chartered member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Li is now responsible for all business development and international projects at Interior Architect studio Holloway Li, having honed her varied and specialist experience prior with developer-led Architects Teatum & Teatum, Wilkinson Eyre, and later Michaelis Boyd where she worked across the Groucho member’s club, and Soho Farm House in Oxfordshire. She was the first Chinese graduate awarded with Dean’s list of Distinction Award and her architectural illustrations were exhibited at the Royal Academy of Art’s prestigious Summer Exhibition. Placing sustainability at the core of her concepts, this September Li in tandem with Alex Holloway revealed the design for apart-hotel brand Locke’s latest opening – an urban, eco oasis in the heart of Bermondsey, South East London.

CONTACTLESS BATHROOM TECHNOLOGY

With concept work starting at the end of 2018, Aqualisa had always ear-marked 2020 for the introduction of its ground-breaking smart shower technology. Introducing the Quartz Collection. Now, as the hospitality sector contemplates the long-term impact of the pandemic, the timing could not have been better to satisfy emerging guest sentiments around hygiene and safety. The new standards of health security and reassurance have spawned both physical changes to hotel design, particularly in the lobbies and restaurants, accompanied by an abundance of new cleaning protocols, but in particular, it is in-room contactless technology that will define the hotel of tomorrow. Already, research is revealing a preference for hospitality experiences now based on a mobile app and the ground shift of Covid-19 is accelerating demand to control the hotel experience from the comfort and relative safety of a phone. While that technology already exists for check-in and room access, the guest bathroom has remained a hotspot of physical contact with any number of handles, levers, knobs and surfaces.

compact control unit that sits neatly flush to the wall. The Quartz SmartValve processor, the brains of the system, which blends the water to a precise and consistent temperature, can be sited up to 10 metres away from the shower area allowing much more design and installation flexibility. Different outlet combinations, whether fixed drencher head, adjustable handset or bath fill, all set up and operated from the same app, cater for a wide range of guest preferences. Water consumption A fixed time duration can be pre-set on the app and at the same time, management has the means to centrally analyse guest behaviours and measure costs. An â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ecoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; setting, that cannot be overridden, can reduce water usage by 30 per cent so as global water use comes under the closest scrutiny, smart showering becomes even more compelling as a sustainable proposition for the hospitality industry.

However, the Quartz Collection from Aqualisa now offers a full menu of shower or bath fill settings which can be individually selected and controlled from anywhere by an app. Fully Wi-Fi connected, hotels can include showering and bathing in a cloud based room management system that guests activate from their personal device or via voice command. As well as a bespoke user experience way beyond a standard, manually operated valve, smart shower technology spawns new design opportunities that can maximise space and freedom of movement in the bathroom, especially the showering area. The heavy brass body valve is replaced by a simple,

If technology is to sit at the heart of the hotel sector recovery, it is the time for innovation and to embrace change. Behaviours are changing irreversibly with app technology becoming a core driver of transformation. The pandemic has catapulted the hotel bathroom, always the acid test for customer satisfaction, to the front of the contact-less revolution and Aqualisa is among the brands leading the way. Aqualisa is an Award Partner for The Brit List Awards 2020.

THE BRIT LIST ARCHITECTS OF 2020

Nathalie Rozencwajg, Founder, NAME Architecture Nathalie Rozencwajg is the founder of NAME Architecture, and an internationally-acclaimed award-winning architect. Rozencwajg began her career working for a number of internationally renowned practices on projects in London, Beijing, Athens and Mecca. She went on to co-found RARE architecture, where she was a Director for 12 years, responsible for a portfolio of award-winning projects. Her clients have included Club Med, Accor and Unlisted Collection, British Airways, Land Securities and the Berkeley Group. She has gained a reputation for her collaborative approach and for creating iconic projects which breathe new life into historic buildings and in conservation areas. Rozencwajg is a regular contributor to architecture and design journals, speaking and lecturing to a wide range of international audiences. This is Rozencwajg’s second appearance in The Brit List. In addition, she was shortlisted for Architect Journal’s Emerging Woman Architect of the Year and identified by The Guardian as one of its ‘10 Women Architects to watch’.

Richard Coutts, Director, BACA Architects Designer of the UK’s first amphibious house, Richard Coutts recently featured on the Channel 5 documentary entitled “Sinking Cities – The Great Flood of London: Environmental Challenges, Food and Floating”, which referenced Aquatecture (architecture on water) and the need for consideration to be given to intelligent innovative ways of living by optimising water as a resource. From concept right through to completion, BACA Architects, founded and led by the talented Richard Coutts, has been a key collaborator and an inspiration for Tyram Lakes. Tyram is so much more than a hotel, spa and resort. It shelters uncompromised luxury within an eco-friendly and sustainable environment. BACA’s holistic approach is helping to create an environmentally-centred paradise from woodland and quarry pits, fishing and watersport lakes and an abandoned pub named William de Lindholme.

THE BRIT LIST ARCHITECTS OF 2020

Richard Holland, Director, Holland Harvey Architects Richard Holland leads the hospitality team at Holland Harvey Architects – working on early concepts through to turnkey delivery of some of London’s most high-profile hotels, working primarily with the Inhabit brand, now part of the Design Hotels portfolio. The first site having opened in late 2019 and a second, larger, property is due in late 2021. In addition, he is currently working on the re-imagining of the five-star Montcalm hotel in Marble Arch, and a complex planning consent for new boutique micro-hotel in St. John’s Wood. Beyond this, the firm is currently working on hospitality led projects in Mexico, Singapore, France and the Middle East. Simon Whittaker, Associate – Orms Simon Whittaker joined Orms in 2003 and became an Associate Director in 2019 – the same year he was crowned Architect of the Year at The Brit List Awards 2019. With a passion for retro architecture, Whittaker particularly enjoys transforming existing buildings to maximise their full potential, which in London is often on complicated and intricate sites. He has worked on a wide range of projects in the commercial, education and leisure sectors and clients include Great Portland Estates, Crosstree Real Estate (The Standard Hotel London), British Land and Derwent London. His most recent architecture challenge is to restore an iconic site in London’s Holborn, which will also unlock a new neighbourhood. Terry McGinnity, Global Executive Design Director – G.A Design Originally trained as an architect in Australia, Terry McGinnity moved to London to continue his career. After assuming the role of Managing Director of G.A Design in 1998, he has turned it into one of the most dynamic and interesting design firms working out of the UK. He is now the Global Executive Design Director where he oversees the creative output for all G.A projects. With his matched ability in both interior design and architecture, McGinnity is able to adopt a holistic approach to each project he works on – take Park Hyatt St Kitts for example. Sustainably designed with local materials and unique water features throughout, the hotel echoes the island’s rich heritage and culture, and seamlessly intertwines contemporary architecture and colonial design. Timber-clad wall finishes and oversized glass hurricane lanterns remain true to the island’s history with the lattice-work detailing clearly referencing the Caribbean architecture which inspired the design.

A HOST OF EVENTS FOR THE HOSPITALITY AND INTERIORS SECTOR

April 29, 2021 Minotti London

November 26, 2020 Virtual Event

June 28, 2021 Hilton London Canary Wharf

February 23, 2021 Virtual Event

May 6, 2021 Stock Exchange Hotel, Manchester

For more information contact Katy Phillips on 01992 374050 or k.phillips@forumevents.co.uk

THE BRIT LIST HOTELIERS OF 2020

Ayo Akinsete, Area Managing Director – Treehouse Hotel London Located on Langham Place, steps from the BBC headquarters, Treehouse Hotel London was founded on the ideas that inspire a child to build a treehouse. Adventure, independence, cozy spaces and repurposing crafty things are what make a place warm and special. That’s why every Treehouse Hotel – owned by SH Hotels & Resorts – celebrates found objects, nostalgic tunes, handmade details and locally sourced treats. Ayo Akinsete, the Area Managing Director, joined the team in 2019 following his hospitality experience in Los Angles and New York. Barry Sternlicht, Founder and CEO of SH Hotels & Resorts said: “The concept for Treehouse Hotel has been living in my soul for many years. A special place that feels more “home” than “hotel”...cozy, welcoming, warm, and somehow familiar...an oasis after a long day that at once refreshes, inspires, and delights.”

Carl Davies-Phillips, General Manager – Hotel Indigo Stratford-upon- Avon Carl Davies-Phillips has been a great asset to Hotel Indigo Stratfordupon-Avon, and has worked extremely hard through the first year of trading since opening in April 2019 – especially with all the struggles the hospitality industry has faced this year. Davies-Phillips is very caring of the team, and always ensures that staff morale is high. He has helped so many people develop their careers with his skills and knowledge in the hospitality industry and working for IHG. In the heart of this Shakespearean market town is the home of the boutique hotel, surrounded by the wealth of culture this idyllic town has to offer. Steeped in history and home to William Shakespeare, Hotel Indigo shares the neighbourhood with his 16th-century birthplace, as well as one of the most famous theatres in the world; Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

BATHROOMS AND WELLNESS RE-IMAGINED

It has been suggested that, post-pandemic, bathrooms will become personal wellness sanctuaries. To understand how Covid-19 has changed the demands of modern bathroom users, editor Hamish Kilburn speaks to Lee Rowland, Head of Sales at Schlüter Systems… HK: How will this year’s events change consumer demands when it comes to the hotel bathroom?

HK: What bathrooms trends do you expect to emerge next year? LR: Over recent years, there has been a move to more organic, earthy colours. Similarly, a neutral palette is likely here to stay, and a contemporary trend which has taken off is a rustic feel, with copper sanitaryware becoming more popular.

LR: As a manufacturer of tile and stone accessories, it is important for us to look at the needs of architects which will directly impact consumer demands within the hospitality industry. The focus on digital has been a big shift for many businesses, and there have been challenges that come with this. However, in providing more content online (such as our RIBA accredited CPD seminars) we have been able to connect with architects in a different way. There has also been a call for a more unified working model – with many practices having to furlough staff and move those remaining to home working, it has been imperative that Schlüter offer further assistance, for example in the form of a flexible working schedule and later evening calls where requested.

Schlüter has developed Schlüter-TRENDLINE profiles which will complement these styles, offering different colours and textures to the finishes. Whether looking to match the profiles or offset them with contrasting colours, there are many options available to suit every need. These can be accessorised with Schlüter shelves and niches, finished with TRENDLINE profiles which will effortlessly tie the look together. Hamish Kilburn: And finally, what makes Britain such a powerful design hub? Lee Rowland: With a capital city as diverse and vibrant as London, it is no surprise that Britain is considered a leader in this field.

HK: What’s the biggest pitfall designers fall down when looking for a wet room for a project?

Central London’s Clerkenwell is a great example of this as it is completely unique to the UK – nowhere else in the world has such a concentrated district dedicated to architecture and design. This brings in a huge amount of interest and revenue from all over the world.

LR: The two biggest factors which are often overlooked when considering a design project are compatibility and performance – whilst a wetroom must be aesthetically pleasing, the longevity of the installation comes from its foundations. At Schlüter, we offer a single-source solution and our products were designed to work together as a system.

Schlüter Systems is a Showcase Partner of The Brit List Awards 2020.

THE BRIT LIST HOTELIERS OF 2020

Chris King, Co-Founder – Birch Birch is an intervention from the judgements, expectations, and constraints of daily life; an escape for the explorers and a catalyst for the curious. Founded by Chris King and Chris Penn, Birch creates spaces where you can rest, explore, connect, work, taste, move, or dance as you wish – all in one place. For the Birch hotel project, a 140-key hotel that is set within 55 acres of nature just outside of London, architecture and design firm Red Deer deconstructed the meaning of a hotel and pieced it back together to ensure that no element was intrinsic without careful consideration. The obvious need for a bed and bathroom are present, however, more attention was given to the contemporary ‘luxuries’ such as a TV, telephone and smart lighting systems to ascertain their place in a luxury hotel for an increasingly younger generation of guests. The hotel encourages guests to disconnect from the rigours of mainstream daily life, and reconnect to the things that matter most: more walking, talking, touching and tasting.

Conor O’Leary, Joint Managing Director – Gleneagles Since being crowned Hotelier of the Year at The Brit List Awards 2018, Conor O’Leary has continued to perfect the luxury address that is often referred to as ‘the glorious playground’. Gleneagles remains one of Scotland’s – if not Great Britain’s – most adventurous luxury hotels. Set beneath the Ochil Hills, in the heart of Perthshire, it has been the must-go destination for travellers for nearly a century. Beginning its life in the glamorous age of travel when guests arrived in great style at Gleneagles’ very own train station, the 850-acre estate epitomises the natural beauty for which Scotland is famed. Now under new ownership with Ennismore, Gleneagles has enlisted the skills and expertise of some of the UK’s most acclaimed designers including David Collins Studio, Timorous Beasties, Macaulay Sinclair, Goddard Littlefair and Ennismore’s own in-house design studio – with the aim to create designs and spaces that celebrate the rich, glamorous heritage and beautiful architecture for which the hotel is famed.

THE BRIT LIST HOTELIERS OF 2020

Elli Jafari, General Manager – The Standard London Housed in the former Camden Town Hall Annex in London’s thriving King’s Cross neighbourhood, the 1974 Brutalist building has been meticulously restored and sets the perfect stage for The Standard’s first hotel outside America. The Standard London shelters 266 guestrooms in 42 unique styles ranging from Cosy Core rooms to terraced suites with outdoor bathtubs overlooking St Pancras station. The lobby lounge, with a carefully curated library pays homage to the building’s original use, with a sound studio hosting weekly live music and talks. Founded in the late 90s, The Standard’s irreverent and playful sensibility, combined with a careful consideration of design, detail and service, have formed its DNA as a pioneer of hospitality, travel, dining, nightlife, and beyond.

Gary Neville, Co-Founder – Stock Exchange Hotel The Stock Exchange Hotel, co-owned by Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs, opened in November 2019 as a new luxury address in Manchester. The former Manchester United footballers were among the first hoteliers to go above and beyond in the Covid-19 crisis, closing the two properties within their portfolio and offering them, free of charge, to NHS workers. The hotel also vowed to not make any staff redundant or place them on unpaid leave for the duration of its closure. “We have taken this decision as we believe in being proactive and decisive,” said Neville, who added that the hotels would reopen once the pandemic has passed. “We feel that we have a responsibility to protect our team members and as shareholders we have put together the resources to put us in the best position to do this. “Our company’s success is all down to our team and we feel it is critical that we look after everyone in these challenging times.”

ROUNDING OFF THE EDGES

Bathroom manufacturer Duravit has taken the c- shaped technology one step further in the Happy D.2 Plus c-bonded range, in collaboration with sieger designâ&#x20AC;Ś With Happy D.2 Plus, Duravit teamed up with sieger design to realise current trends in colours, design and finishes. The archetypical open oval of the Happy D. design classic runs through the elements of this new, supplementary range.

match the metal console in Black Matt. This continuation of the Happy D.2 Plus series guarantees that the ceramic washbasin and furniture run in perfectly parallel lines with no overhang or recess and a precise gap of 4 mm.

Above-counter wash bowls with precise lines, stand-alone consoles and matching semi-tall cabinets as well as circular mirrors combine to create perfectly harmonised washing areas.

A choice between console version and vanity unit The floor-standing, height-adjustable metal consoles in Black Matt with integrated towel rail can be delivered with an optional shelf or built-in drawer.

Innovative technology, highest possible precision

Wall-mounted vanity units with two drawers provide additional storage space. These are available in a total of 11 carcass surfaces, one can choose between luxury wood or matt surfaces in light or dark. The Graphite Super Matt variant also comes with an anti-fingerprint coating.

In 2020, the series was extended by a new development â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Happy D.2 Plus c-bonded. The innovative, patented c-bonded technology was developed by Duravit in order to meet the highest design requirements in the bathroom. The furniture washbasin is connected almost seamlessly to the vanity unit in a complex process so ceramic and furniture merge to form a single unit. This special look produces an exceptionally-sleek washing area.

A high-class interior furnishing system in Maple or Walnut can be selected as an option. The new washing area variants can be ideally combined with all elements from the Happy D.2 and Happy D.2 Plus design series, ensuring a consistent design for the all bathroom furnishings.

Rounded c-bonded version for Happy D.2 Plus For the first time, c-bonded now comes with a rounded outer edge. The frame can be in the same colour as the vanity unit or

Durvait is an Event Partner for The Brit List Awards 2020

THE BRIT LIST HOTELIERS OF 2020

Grant Campbell, General Manager – Nobu Hotel London Portman Square Earlier this year, Grant Campbell was appointed General Manager at Nobu Hotel London Portman Square, which was due to open in July. Campbell moves in as the 249-key hotel’s pre-opening General Manager, Matthew Beard, becomes the hotel’s Managing Director. Campbell joined Nobu Hotel London Portman Square from Sanderson London, where he led the strategic development of the hotel for more than six years. In his new role, Campbell oversees the opening of the L+R-owned hotel, which will feature a Nobu restaurant, bar, ballroom for up to 600 guests, gym, wellness facilities and meeting spaces.

George Westwell, CEO – Cheval Collection Cheval Collection, the luxury hospitality company with serviced apartment residences across London, announced in February 2020 that The Cheval Gloucester Park, Kensington had reopened following two years of full-scale, multi-million pound refurbishments. The luxury all-apartment residence, has become the collection’s iconic west London property. Cheval Gloucester Park features a combination of one, two and three bedroom apartments, as well as three spectacular five-bedroom penthouses on the upper floors, aptly named Gloucester, Cromwell and Kensington. The building was stripped back to brick by architecture firm 3D Reid and Cheval’s design team has collaborated with London based design studio 1508 on the complete interior re-design of Cheval Gloucester Park, with a focus on 1920s London. The property shelters modernised design and upgraded features, including a beautifully renovated ground floor reception, a new 12-seater ‘cinema room’ for film screenings and private bookings as well as an enlarged fitness centre.

THE BRIT LIST HOTELIERS OF 2020

Guillaume Marly, Managing Director – Hotel Café Royal Guillaume Marly became the Managing Director of Hotel Café Royal in 2017 following on from stints as hotel manager at The Ritz, The Connaught and senior positions at Claridges. Consistently referred to as “London’s grand hotel”, the property is part of The Set: a cluster of luxury hotels in the UK and Europe. The sophisticated hotel straddles the elegance of Mayfair and the raw energy of Soho. Having worked in some of London’s most admired and notable hotels, including Chiltern Firehouse and The Dorchester, Marly brought with him the level of expertise and experience necessary to take on a property of Hotel Café Royal’s size and reputation.

Howard Hastings, Managing Director – Hastings Hotels Group Established by Sir William Hastings in the late 1960s, Hastings Hotels is a family-owned company and the largest independent hotel group in Northern Ireland. Howard Hastings, now Managing Director, joined in 1989 as Operations Director. For the past 25 years, he has been Managing Director of Northern Ireland’s foremost hotel group, representing as they do, 1,100 bedrooms in seven hotels and continuing the clear set of values for which Hastings Hotels has become synonymous. These values encompass not only a strong work ethic, but a focus on heavy yearly investment with the local community, staff and suppliers at the heart of the business. Hastings has been particularly passionate about not only Hastings Hotels but the promotion of tourism in Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland, as well as representing the sector in the wider business such as the Institute of Directors.

THE BRIT LIST HOTELIERS OF 2020

Jannes Soerensen, General Manager – The Beaumont Jannes Soerensen, the General Manager at The Beaumont, is a familiar figure on the luxury hotel scene in Europe. In under two decades, he has worked in some of the finest hotels including Hotel George V Paris, Hotel Arts Barcelona, The Connaught and Le Bristol Paris. In 2014 – the same year as the hotel opened – Soerensen stepped into the role as General Manager to lead The Beaumont into a new hospitality era. Six years later, London’s hotel scene has been drastically impacted from the Covid-19 crisis, and Soerensen is currently using this period as an opportunity. Taking advantage of this unpredictable environment, he is coordinating long-planned work on an extension to the hotel. The renovation will include a soft refurbishment of the Cub Room, the Bar, the Colony and the Spa.

Javier Beneyto, General Manager – COMO Metropolitan London Javier Beneyto has been General Manager of COMO Metropolitan London since 2018, taking over from the previous General Manager who managed the property for almost two decades. Beneyto, born in Madrid, joined COMO Hotels and Resorts in 2012 and has managed a selection of the brand’s international portfolio before taking on his role at COMO Metropolitan London. Beneyto was instrumental in the redevelopment of the hotel’s residences in 2019, which are adjacent to the hotel. These 10 luxury residences were designed by architects and interior designers, Forme UK. During this process, Beneyto worked with numerous UK suppliers, builders and contractors – and being relatively new to the London hotel scene and only a year in the job, this was an enormous project to undertake which came with many challenges along the way. The result is a chic and contemporary cluster of residences in the heart of Mayfair. Beneyto kept his cool throughout the process to bring his European flair to the project and the hotel team who adore him.

THE BRIT LIST HOTELIERS OF 2020

John Scanlon, General Manager – 45 Park Lane Since his arrival at 45 Park Lane as General Manager in 2015, John Scanlon has been committed to ensuring that guests have the best possible stay experience, and has a proven track record of maintaining an enjoyable environment for employees. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Scanlon’s leadership saw a number of initiatives quickly come into fruition. Several colleagues became involved in the Golden Friends scheme via Hospitality Action, making regular check-in calls to hospitality retirees in 12-week isolation. Employees have also pledged their support to the NHS and assisted in the donation and distribution of food and necessary supplies to those impacted by Covid-19. 45 Park Lane, along with sister hotels The Dorchester and Coworth Park, also donated £25,000 to Hospitality Action, to help support hospitality workers who are in need and to help feed their families.

Justin Sailsbury, Co-Founder – Artist Residence When Justin Sailsbury dropped out of university to help out with the family B&B on Brighton seafront, he unexpectedly caught the hospitality bug, and set out to improve the business with very little budget. Inspired by the Brighton art scene, he sent out an ad for artists to decorate rooms. Hundreds of artists soon descended on the place revamping the walls, floors and ceilings with unique murals...and so, Artist Residence was born. Joined by then girlfriend (now wife) Charlie, the pair set about making the concept and hotel a successful business. Three years later, the duo set their sights on their next project, a manor house in the seaside town of Penzance in West Cornwall. The heartwarming business story is mid-chapter, now with five hotel properties (all of which are sheltered inside interesting buildings that have played significant roles within their location). The formidable duo are advocates for upcycling, and the team are regularly invited to discuss his authentic design and hospitality approach at major hospitality events.

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5 MINUTES WITH: HARRIET FORDE, PAST-PRESIDENT, BRITISH INSTITUTE OF INTERIOR DESIGN

Returning to judge The Brit List Awards for the second consecutive year, interior designer Harriet Forde sits down with editor Hamish Kilburn to share her unique vantage point over this year’s entries…

HF: This year, we had some really great interiors that were designed specifically to either the need of the guest (disabled spaces that looked as good as standard rooms) or to reflect the actual environment they were in.

A lot has changed since when I first interviewed Harriet Forde. For starters, social distancing wasn’t a thing and we were both having to carve out time in our busy schedules to meet in person – a precious element that Covid-19 has sadly eliminated in the short term.

We seem to have lost a lot of the homogenisation of hotel design in this group of entries. Roll on creativity!

Following a successful presidency, Forde has stepped into the role of Past President at the British Institute of Interior Design, and returns onto the judging panel to offer her knowledge and expertise to help us decide the winners.

HK: What lessons has the industry learned from Covid-19? HF: Innovation, adaptation and steely grit to get through it!

Hamish Kilburn: How will Covid-19 impact the heritage of British design?

HK: Why is it more important than ever before to celebrate the leaders and visionaries in our industry?

Harriet Forde: Covid-19 will impact us by the complete rethinking of how we use spaces. It’s a great opportunity for British product design to flourish and for designers to implement these innovations into our design schemes.

HF: In the current climate, we all really need to hope and hold onto the belief that we will out the other side and be better for it. This is where we look to leaders and visionaries to express this universal desire in an inspirational way.

HK: What impressed you most about this year’s interior design entries?

THE BRIT LIST HOTELIERS OF 2020

Marco Novella, Managing Director – The Lanesborough With its enviable location at the heart of London in prestigious Knightsbridge, and framing panoramic views of Hyde Park, The Lanesborough, managed by Oetker Collection, has long been considered one of the world’s most luxurious hotels. The hotel’s legacy lies with it having been built on the former home of Viscount Lanesborough and remains one of London’s most revered Regency landmarks. The elegant surroundings, exquisite cuisine, unsurpassed attention to detail and world-renowned service are second to none. The Lanesborough captures the sense of a grand residence and offers 93 guest rooms, including 43 suites, and a personal butler service for all guests across all room categories. Marco Novella joined as Managing Director in 2018. His first position as Hotel Manager at the St. Regis Grand in Rome in 1999 led him to become the General Manager of another Starwood Hotels & Resorts property, The Gritti Palace in Venice. In 2010, Marco became Managing Director of Villa San Michele in Florence, part of Belmond. Prior to joining The Lanesborough, his most recent position was as Managing Director of Brown’s Hotel London in 2016.

Marie-Paule Nowlis, General Manager – Sofitel London St James Marie-Paule Nowlis, who brings with her 30 years’ experience with the Sofitel brand, and a career shaped by international roles, joined Sofitel London St James as General Manager in April 2019. Nowlis led an extensive multi-million pound transformation in 2019, which extended throughout the hotel’s 183 guestrooms and suites, restaurant and bar. The property is a flagship hotel for the Sofitel brand and a cornerstone of London’s luxury hotel scene, with the transformation and refurbishment overseen by Pierre-Yves Rochon ensuring it remains one of the most sought-after destinations in the city. Prior to joining the team at Sofitel London St James, Nowlis was most recently Hotel Manager and Acting General Manager of Sofitel New York, responsible for operational and strategic execution of the 400-room flagship property. She held the position as of February 2016, during which time she was also Acting General Manager for 20 months.

THE BRIT LIST HOTELIERS OF 2020

Michael Bonsor, Managing Director – Rosewood London Michael Bonsor is not only at the helm of one of London’s most successful luxury hospitality establishments, The Rosewood London, but he in his own right is an authentic influencer on the global luxury hospitality scene During the Covid-19 crisis, he led the hotel to launch a competition, giving NHS workers a chance of winning a dream wedding. This initiative formed part of Rosewood Raise, a relief initiative launched by Rosewood Hotel Group developed in support of the group’s staff who have been impacted by Covid-19, as well as the communities in which the group operates. The relief initiative included donating hotel rooms, meal preparation and supplies for essential workers. Other initiatives the hotel was involved with included the Hospitality4Heroes Social Challenge, where Bonsor and his team helped to raise more than £10,000 to support the NHS Charities Together Covid-19 Appeal, while head chef of Holborn Dining Room Calum Franklin and his team have been cooking hearty pies and meals for NHS staff at Great Ormond Street Hospital, a charity that the hotel has supported for many years.

Michael Struck, Founder & CEO – Ruby Hotels Although not UK-based, Ruby Hotels has taken the UK market by storm, following the successful launch of its first London hotel, Ruby Lucy, and the announcement of two further London hotel openings in Clerkenwell and Notting Hill. Set in London’s vibrant Southbank, Ruby Lucy, which enjoys a fun carnival theme running throughout the hotel, offers guests the ideal opportunity to explore the area’s entertainment and theatre scene. Unique to Ruby Hotels is Struck’s innovative ‘lean luxury’ philosophy which focuses on providing guests with the essential – a top location, high-quality fittings, and outstanding design – rather than the superfluous, ensuring that travellers are offered a luxurious and unique hotel experience, all at an affordable price point. The model includes a self-check-in system which makes use of tablets to reduce check-in time to under one minute. Additionally, guests have easy access to all of their needs in total privacy, with Ruby Hotels’ galley kitchens and vending machines. The open plan bars, movie lounges, private yoga rooms and spacious rooftop spaces replace traditional spa and gym facilities. As a result, Struck’s fresh and modern take on urban hospitality is challenging the conventional hotel model.

A VIRTUAL MEET THE BUYER EVENT 28TH & 29TH JANUARY 2021 The Hospitality Tech & Innovation Forum is a unique digital event for senior hospitality procurement professionals. Run over the course of two mornings, it allows attendees to meet with innovative and competitive suppliers to the industry via online business meetings and educational live webinars. For more information, please contact Craig Ross on 01992 666726 or at c.ross@forumevents.co.uk

HTIFORUM.CO.UK

THE BRIT LIST HOTELIERS OF 2020

Olivia Byrne, Director – Eccleston Square Hotel To optimise the wellbeing of hotel guests, Eccleston Square Hotel, winner of the Best in Tech Award at The Brit List Awards 2019, now offers complementary Levoit Air Purifiers; these quiet, portable, in-bedroom air filters protect against a wide variety of contaminants such as air pollution, allergens and bacteria including airborne viruses. Designed in California the True HEPA filter is 100 per cent ozone free, offers a whisper-quiet setting and delivers fresh air that’s clean, natural and healthy to breathe. This is in addition to the hotel’s 65-point anti-bacterial surface and point of contact sanitising programme. All bedrooms in the hotel already benefit from HVAC Air Conditioning with air taken from an outside source, it is filtered and cleaned and then directly distributed to each room. Air is simultaneously removed by a centralised mechanical extraction and expelled above the roof. Guests can also be encouraged by the fact that each hotel room benefits from anti infiltration flaps under the door when closed and mattresses are sealed in an Allerguard (TM) anti allergen sack. Being a small, independent boutique property, Eccleston Square Hotel can adapt swiftly to the fluctuating needs and demands of travellers.

Olivia Richli, General Manager – Heckfield Place Winner of The Eco Award at The Brit List Awards 2019, Heckfield Place is a Georgian family home, lovingly restored from its classic origins and rewoven into a luxury hotel, which stands in 400 acres of secluded Hampshire landscape. During a review by Hotel Designs, it was described as a ‘home from home’, somewhere you can simply fall into bed and enjoy a peaceful retreat. Olivia Richli, the hotel’s General Manager, is a breath of fresh air, who along with owner Gelard Chan who plucked Richli from semi-retirement in Sri Lanka, has brought the property into a new era. The hotel’s opening made a lot of noise in the press, receiving a wave of positive reviews and features, highlighting and commending its DNA of sustainable design and conscious hospitality. Most recently, the hotel has completed its certification as a Bio-Dynamic Farm, which is a a major milestone for the estate, and the completion of a four-year purposeful process.

THE BRIT LIST HOTELIERS OF 2020

Ray Goertz, General Manager – The Prince Akatoki London As General Manager, Ray Goertz was asked to sketch out his ideas of how he would transform a quintessentially British boutique hotel in Marylebone into a luxury Japanese inspired hotel. This ambitious concept was to take into consideration how the flow of the hotel design would complement overall guest experience and optimise the daily operation Collaboratively, Goertz created 19 unique selling points that cannot be found in any other luxury hotel in London, varying from service elements to amenities and other unique features. Every element from the colour palette and furniture, to the materiality and lighting has been chosen to emanate luxury, and feel in accordance with nature. Goertz’s role as General Manager on this project afforded him the opportunity to take part in the design of the hotel that would operationally make sense and stand out as something new in the London luxury hospitality arena. Robert Richardson, General Manager – The Cave Hotel & Golf Resort After reaching success as General Manager at The Grand in Folkestone – where he led the hotel to win a plethora of national awards – Robert Richardson is now General Manager of The Cave Hotel & Golf Resort in Canterbury. Regarded as a young trailblazer, Richardson’s fresh approach on hospitality and leadership makes him the ideal person to lead the new tech-savvy, custom-built luxury hotel. The 40-key boutique property takes its inspiration from the best modern luxury hotels operating across the world. Richardson’s plans include repositioning the property for the luxury staycation market whilst developing its reputation for the overseas market, post-Covid. In addition, Richardson is an elected Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality, and a regular speaker at industry events and author of several well-regarded industry articles. Robin Hutson, Chairman & Chief Executive – Lime Wood Group & Home Grown Hotels (THE PIG) Starting in 2009 with the opening of Lime Wood, Robin Hutson set about creating something a little bit different. The aim was to make their guests feel at home wherever they are – from the peaceful New Forest, to the breathtaking mountain scenery of Courchevel Moriond and the stunning beaches of Studland Bay in Dorset. Home Grown Hotels is possibly the most talked-about group of hotels to emerge in recent years. THE PIG is really a restaurant with rooms and the kitchen gardens are at the heart of everything the group does. The concept of THE PIG was created in 2011 and has since been recognised with many accolades and industry awards. The group now consists of seven hotels with the latest additions joining THE PIG, THE PIG-in the wall, THE PIG-near Bath, THE PIG-on the beach, THE PIG-at Combe, THE PIG-at Bridge Place and THE PIG-at Harlyn Bay, with a new addition coming in 2021.

IN THE HIX SEAT

be a case of ‘as we all were’ but with cleaner hands. Many design details have also been discussed, the check-in experience, social distancing and F&B and the death of the buffet. My 10 year old daughter has already expressed fury at this last prediction.

Words by Joel Butler, Founding Director, HIX Event... I was on a zoom call last week with a designer. We were discussing vaccines, tests, curves and tiers (I think he meant tiers and not tears) when he informed me that our respective products were the future, ‘because we both do IRL’. Excited by the dynamism and mystique of this fresh acronym I asked what it meant. ‘In real life’ he replied, ‘events, hotels, travelling, shared experiences...it’s what we do!’.

But beyond the detail shines a star of optimism that the entire community can see and universally agree is worth following - responsible travel. Travel that is respectful towards ourselves, the communities we visit, and to the planet Earth. 2020 forced peace, quiet and reflection onto us all, and as we had no choice but to accept these gifts fish began to swim in the unusually clear water of Venetian canals. The world felt like it was re-setting.

And he’s right of course, both bizarrely and tragically the 50,000 year-old activity of face to face communication has been reduced to a futuristic concept, and hospitality, travel and ‘tangible’ togetherness have all hit pause in the process.

So here’s our biggest hope from what has been an incredibly challenging year: that truly responsible hospitality can be universally demanded by the guest, imagined by designers, championed by owners and delivered by operators. If this new-normal (and we extend these ideals to the events that we create) allows us to share experiences, travel and to explore the world in a way that allows our kid’s kids to enjoy the same privileges then all of the details will take care of themselves.

So how can we understand the current hotel landscape and the hospitality experience that waits for us in our brave new world? We have industry pipelines and reports, the wonder of social media and the insightful views of experts, but of course it’s not until we all get back to ‘In Real Life’ that things will begin to become clear. As event organisers we consider ourselves to be ‘in hospitality’ so we’ve been following these discussions with interest. In answer to the question, ‘what’s next?’ people’s views may vary from the apocalyptic to the utopian. A popular consensus is that Covid 19 has pressed fast forward on the trends that were already happening anyway, then there’s the ultimately pragmatic view that it’ll

So here’s to the big picture and all of the design details, to all attending, and shortlisted for the BRIT List. As we raise raise our glasses to celebrate community and your incredible achievements in such challenging times, we look forward to seeing you IRL. And tell your friends about IRL. It’s the future.

THE BRIT LIST HOTELIERS OF 2020

Robin Sheppard, President – Bespoke Hotels Robin Sheppard, winner of Outstanding Contribution to the Hospitality Industry at The Brit List Awards 2018, co-founded Bespoke Hotels in 2000 and has since grown the business into the UK’s largest independent hotel group. The company now has more than 200 properties spanning the length and breadth of the country and overseas. This has provided him with a platform from which to work tirelessly in the promotion of accessibility within tourism and hospitality, culminating most recently in the launch of the Bespoke Access Awards in April 2016 alongside RIBA and the Design Council. In 2019, the Bespoke Access Awards and the Blue Badge Style Awards merged to form Blue Badge Access Awards (BBAA), with the support of charity Leonard Cheshire. Earlier this year, Sheppard made his vision of cutting-edge accessible hotel design a reality with the launch of Hotel Brooklyn. Opened in February 2020, Hotel Brooklyn is a trailblazer in championing accessible, sexy and modern design for all. Of the hotel’s 189 rooms and suites, 18 are adapted for guests with a need for accessibility: a huge leap beyond the industry norm – providing outstanding accessibility in rooms that are almost unrecognisably different from standard rooms. Thomas Kochs, Managing Director – Corinthia London Winner of Hotelier of the Year at The Brit List Awards 2019, Thomas Kochs is a familiar name and face on the London and international luxury hospitality scene. Kochs joined the brand in 2017 and has been flying its flag sensitively ever since. The hotel, which remains Corinthia Hotels’ flagship property, shelters 283 guestrooms, an award-winning ESPA spa and a public area that works hard to adapt to modern consumer demands. Kochs is rightfully considered one of the best in his field. With an acute eye for detail, and a calm, collected yet dynamic approach to leadership, the hotelier has seen – perhaps it’s more accurate to say led – the evolutions of many hospitality trends driven by consumer behaviour and demands. “Design has evolved,” Kochs told Hotel Designs in an exclusive interview. “10 – 15 years ago, hotels had more opportunities to impress through design. However, a good design formula alone is no longer enough in today’s market. There are some design-driven brands where the customer only checks in because of the design and aesthetic, but we don’t consider ourselves one of them.”

HOTEL DEVELOPMENT ACROSS EUROPE

In order to help the industry navigate these turbulent waters, the data analysts at STR share the latest statistics regarding how Covid-19 has impacted hotel completion time in European projects…

The number of new room openings across Europe has increased consistently over the last decade. Over that span, the industry went from roughly 50,000 – 60,000 new room openings per year to more than 70,000 in 2018 and 2019.

reported the longest completion time, while Poland (31.6 months) also contributed to the higher completion time of the Eastern Europe subcontinent. The United Kingdom and Germany, the two countries in Europe with the largest active pipelines in 2020, came in just below average with projects taking 28.6 and 28.4 months, respectively, over the last decade.

With Europe experiencing substantial growth in supply during the last 10 years, STR’s pool of historical pipeline data provides a great opportunity to analyze the completion time of projects across the continent.

Further down the list, Italy’s projects took on average (around 26.4 months) to complete, contributing to Southern Europe being the subcontinent with the fastest completion time. Ireland completes projects the fastest at 24.5 months, almost two full months quicker than the nearest country (Italy).

The timing for such analysis is useful given the questions around the impact of COVID-19, which is likely to slow overall growth somewhat, but not lead to a total halt. For comparison, when we looked at the number of rooms opened in 2010, only a few years following the global financial crisis, the number of new room openings still hit 60,000—higher than following years.

In a “normal” year, these historical trends on pipeline development can likely offer accurate insights into how future pipeline may develop. This year, Covid-19 has placed additional pressures on hotel development, likely leading to less projects completing in the short term and lockdown restrictions leading to increased delays in hotels being built. Nonetheless, we see different patterns in completion time across Europe as well as different segments of hotels completing faster than others. That is unlikely to change.

Europe’s finalised hotel projects between 2013 and 2019 took 28.8 months on average to complete. When digging deeper into subcontinents, Eastern Europe (32.0 months) showed the longest completion time, while Southern Europe (27.9 months) produced the fastest. To drill down further into completion time by country, we see that Russia (33.5 months)

Read the full article at hoteldesigns.net

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