Maria Vafiadis Discusses the Links Between Luxury and Sustainability

A hugely experienced interior designer within the high-end hospitality sector, Tony leads a team within SHH’s hospitality arm. He is a creative interior design professional with 20 years’ experience in leading prestigious high-end hospitality, restaurant and residential schemes globally. A client-facing creative and technical designer with an extensive knowledge of the Interior Design process. He is a motivated design leader to develop complex, large and small scaled projects. He believes in a complete multifaceted holistic approach to design that is reflected in the consideration of every experience down to the finest of details.

Carolina has more than a decade of experience on the design and implementation of high-end interior design and architecture projects in London and around the globe. Trained as an architect, she established her own architectural business in her native country Brazil before moving to London 15 years ago. Her passion for design excellence and extensive knowledge in the luxury global market, makes it possible for her to transform any client’s aspirations into a truly bespoke luxurious space. Her architectural background gives her a combination of creative design skills with a wide range of technical knowledge. She is the Creative Director at the award-winning luxury design studio Casa Forma’s and is responsible for delivering leading-edge residential schemes for international high net worth individuals and property developers.

Darren is an Architect and the Chief Executive of international architectural and interior design practice Scott Brownrigg. He has Strategic Board responsibility for the quality of design across the practice and has been at the forefront of many of the practices high-profile projects within the UK and internationally. With experience in a broad range of sectors including commercial, education, residential, hospitality and retail, Darren instigates a fresh enthusiasm for modern architecture, innovative ideas and a sensitive concern for the environment. Darren is an established voice within the design industry, with recent thinking on the future of office design published on a range of media outlets including The Guardian Newspaper, Sky News, ITV and the BBC. More recently he has been working on how to encourage vitality back into our Cities, creating alternative uses for empty retail units and how to provide healthy destinations that support new existing and businesses.

Dr Ning is the President of Wanda Hotels & Resorts. During his tenure at Wanda, he has led the design, construction and operation management of over 100 upscale and luxury hotels. Under his leadership, these hotels have won many prestigious international design awards, including the SBID Awards, Gold Key Awards, IIDA-Best of Asia Pacific Design Awards, Hospitality Design Awards and many more.

Dr Garaj is Head of Brunel Design, where he also teaches on the Professional Design Studio module, a part of the MSc Integrated Product Design programme. He has co-ordinated a number of live project briefs across design fields, with organisations including Cancer Research UK, NHS, Pan Macmillan, Help for Heroes, Friends of the Elderly, Corney & Barrow, Shell, Ibis and BT. Dr Garaj’s research is aimed at design, development and evaluation of innovative systems, products and services, with the focus on digital and digital-physical domains and the application of the latest technologies.

Gary is an architect with a passion for sustainable architecture and has over 30 years continually sought to bridge academic research, teaching and practice to create a sustainable future. In his role as Principal Lead for Science and Technology at HOK, his aim is to deliver a sustainable future not only in the science and technology but across all sectors of the construction industry. Gary has collaborated and led sustainability with a number of leading practices including Wilkinson Eyre, Bennett’s Associates and Hopkins Architects. These collaborations have delivered award winning sustainable buildings across a range of sectors from Higher Education, Academic Research, Residential mixed use, Office and Cultural Buildings. His academic experience includes teaching and research positions at The University of Cambridge, The University of Edinburgh, Robert Gordon University Aberdeen, Heriot Watt University Edinburgh, and Oxford Brookes University. Gary’s honorary positions include: – Appointed Chair of the RIBA Sustainable Futures Group in October 2018. – Appointed Visiting Professor of Sustainable Architecture at Robert Gordons University Aberdeen in 2016. – Past Chairman of the Usable Buildings Trust and BSRIA Soft Landings User Group from 2009 until 2016 His work has been recognized by many awards, including awards from the Civic Trust and the RIBA.

Gill is a dynamic, passionate, and highly motivated Construction Cost and Procurement Professional who has specialised in the Hotel, Hospitality and Residential Sectors, predominantly in the UK and Europe, as well as internationally, including postings in Toronto and Singapore. Currently a Director for Gleeds Cost Management Ltd, and a member of the London Senior Leadership Team, Gill assumes operational responsibility and leadership of the Gleeds Futures & Innovation panel. Gill is committed to the continuous development of the industry and is actively involved in research and Thought Leadership with regular contributions to both in-house and external publications. Gill has had her articles published in journals including Construction Manager and Building Magazine. Gill’s reviews have included topics such as BIM, the Private Rental Sector (PRS / BTR), Residential and Serviced Apartments, Net Zero Carbon and Sustainability.

Hans J. Galutera – Founder and CEO of HG DesignWorks LLC, has recently been nominated and elected on the Board of Education for New York State. Being in the design industry for over 25 years, Hans has been a co-founder and principal of New York-based BG Studio International, Inc. and is the past president of the Board of Directors for the International Interior Design Association IIDA New York Chapter. He is an Advisory Board Member for the International Council for Caring Communities (ICCC-UN Habitat) and a professional member of the Design Institute of Australia (MDIA). Hans is also recognized on the Executive Board for the Society of British International Design (SBID) based in London as the International Education Ambassador. As one of the NYSED Board Members he will serve and be one of the overseer of the district’s affairs (specifically interior design education and licensure). The NYSED Board has specific responsibilities to approve curriculum, employ a superintendent and submit a proposed budget to the district voters for their approval. He will continue to maintain the value of the interior design profession with ongoing outreach with various organizations such NY11+ which is dedicated to promoting public awareness of the interior design profession by providing a platform to showcase student work from prestigious New York State institutions.

Henry is Director of Design at InterContinental Hotels Group. He is responsible for creating the interior design and guest experience for IHG’s Kimpton and Hotel Indigo brands across Europe. Since joining IHG in January 2015, Henry has worked across some of IHG’s most celebrated and award-winning design projects, including the launch of the first Kimpton hotel outside of the Americas – Kimpton De Witt in Amsterdam. He has led the teams responsible for the design of all new Hotel Indigo properties over the last 5 years. As well as designing new hotels in IHG’s pipeline, Henry has worked on more than 20 refurbishment projects across IHG’s existing hotels. Before joining IHG, Henry was Associate Director at for people, and Creative Director at numerous agencies cross London. Henry studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bristol, followed by an MA in Industrial Design at Central Saint Martins. Over the course of his career, he has been a lecturer and agency creative working in a wide variety of sectors from automotive, events, retail, and consumer goods before dedicating his time to hotel interior design.

Herbert has extensive experience of working on complex mixed-use developments on challenging sites. Along with a strong awareness of stakeholder aspirations, he has a proven ability to convert constraints into opportunities. Herbert is a graduate of Westminster University and the Architectural Association in London, and the National University of Singapore. He joined DMA in 1999 as a Project Architect and was appointed a Partner in 2008. In 2018 he secured planning consent for the 252-room Bicester Heritage hotel, on a former RAF base in the heart of “motorsport valley”, close to a number of Formula One teams and the Silverstone Circuit. More recently in November 2019, he achieved consent for the third and final major phase in the refurbishment and expansion of the Mandeville Hotel in Marylebone, London. Herbert has also brought his hospitality experience into the multi¬family residential/PRS sector in Canary Wharf, and has been the design leader for several hospitality schemes in North Africa and Nairobi.

Rigby & Rigby CEO Iain Johnson has been a pivotal part the growth of the firm since its inception, dynamically executing the vision of a truly integrated design and delivery studio with full-service capabilities. A champion of the studio’s expansion, he has helped it to become a leading multiaward- winning name in ultra-prime delivery. Accredited in every division, the firm’s extensive expertise extends across development management, architecture, interior design, construction delivery and private client services, to create the most exceptional properties in the world. Johnson leads and oversees the group’s operational strategy and creative division – ensuring the brands individual identity, heritage and expertise is maintained and delivered as a complimentary offering, he is also creating collaborations with some of the world’s best architects and interior design studios providing clients a unique opportunity of choice within the full-service delivery model. At the heart of Rigby & Rigby’s approach is Johnson’s profound commitment to the client experience. Architecturally trained with 20 years of industry leadership and experience, Iain’s ability to understand every facet of the design process ensures he is perfectly positioned to support clients throughout their development journey. This includes Rigby & Rigby’s award-winning Special Projects division, where Iain leads a dedicated development and delivery team undertaking the most complex signature new build and heritage restoration projects, requiring an additional level of attention and care. Creatively Iain’s passion lays in driving innovation through research-based methodology, influencing the architectural and interior design studios to be more experimental and to maximise the client experience and enrich the user journey. The product being perfectly resolved residences, with a style defined as understated refined luxury, delivered with a service that is second to none.

Katharine Pooley is one of the most sought-after interior designers working internationally today. Recently named ‘British Interior Designer of the Decade’, ‘International Designer in Asia of the Year’, and ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’, her design ethos is both highly respected and uniquely far reaching. Her eponymous Knightsbridge Design Studio was established over 15 years ago and continues to create unmatched luxury interior designs for landmark commercial and residential projects in London and Worldwide for the most discerning clients. Overseeing her team of 47 interior designers and architects Katharine’s highly personal approach – she immerses herself in every detail of her client’s complex project – ensures a loyal international fan base for her impressive designs. Katharine’s aesthetic is very much client driven and she prides herself on being a complete design chameleon.

With over 17 years’ experience in the luxury interiors industry Letitia heads-up Harrods Interior Design, a multi-disciplinary bespoke design service by Harrods. In her previous role within the Harrods Home buying team, Letitia worked on redeveloping the home and furniture offering to provide carefully curated products that hero provenance, craftsmanship and heritage in helping to shape Harrods Home into the exciting design hub it is today. Letitia and her team of design experts travel the world in search of beautiful designs, the latest trends and the highest quality fabrics and products. Letitia’s design ethos centres around two key factors: relevance to the client and their lifestyle, and harmony of the design with its surrounding environment.

Lucy is a Design Principal at 1508 London, an interior and architecture design studio that creates exceptional spaces worldwide. Specialising in exclusive residential, hospitality and branded developments, the designs she produces are not formulaic or style driven, but derived from measured principles. Originally trained as an architect at the university of Toronto, where she developed strong skills of spatial awareness, conceptual approach to design and passion for materiality, Lucy has honed her skills through her transatlantic experience working alongside some of the world’s leading figures in design, delivering luxurious private residences, hotels and developments for a discerning international clientele. With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality and luxury residential design industry, Lucy leads her teams at 1508 in realising prestigious homes, hotels and premium branded developments globally. At the heart of her work is a passion for harmony, purity of materials, understated luxury and bespoke details that lend a unique character and authenticity to every project.

Maria is an established thought-leader within the hospitality design world, admired for her roll call of exceptional and award-winning projects, sought out by discerning property owners and respected for the value she brings to all her work. She is as confident in imagining large, imposing spaces as she is in creating cosy niches; whether designing the boldly contemporary or within the classical genre, she draws on location and cultural heritage to create something unique. An architect by training and an interior designer by choice, she combines visionary use of space with design that reaches out beyond trend, that is commercially astute, innovative and delightfully surprising. Maria established MKV Design in London in 2000 after an early career which had taken her from Athens to Milan and onto the UK. Since then, she has cultivated a business which has worked across Europe, in the Middle East and in Africa. Current/recent projects include: Bürgenstock Resort in Switzerland; Costa Navarino, Greece; Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Budapest; the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane; Grand Hyatt Athens; Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort; Athens Capital Centre Hotel – MGallery Collection; Grand Hyatt Hotel & Residences, Abu Dhabi; and Hôtel Royal Savoy in Lausanne.

Samantha Drummond has lived and worked in Asia, Europe and the Middle East as well as in her native Australia. In the process, she has delivered design management and interior design in excess of US$25 billion, working alongside clients and hospitality visionaries to create resorts, restaurants and bars that are game-changing for their country and she has collaborated with the elite amongst architects, artists, chefs and luxury brands. In 2016, Sam established her own interior design firm, Habitus Design Group, which now has studios in London, Singapore and Denmark, and she is currently forming Husk, bringing together strategists, Michelin star chefs and design specialists to devise and deliver F&B concepts across the Globe. Sam’s wide skill set, design instinct and appetite for innovation mean that her current projects range from two new resorts in the Philippines and a hospitality development in Cape Verde to a fine dining restaurant and an exclusive menswear store in Copenhagen.

Sharon Lillywhite is Founding Partner of Oliver Burns, a multi-award-winning architectural interior design studio that thoughtfully designs the world’s finest homes. Working across an exclusive portfolio of international turnkey projects, the team has a world- class reputation for bespoke commissions, super- prime developments and elegant spaces that are synonymous with a luxury lifestyle. Their exceptional architectural, creative, and development credentials together with the highest levels of personal service, enable them to act as trusted advisors to discerning private clients, developers and luxury brands. The concept of ‘Thoughtful Luxury’ underpins their approach. It is reflected in their designs, from the concepts they develop, through to the thoughtfully layered details they create with artisans and craftsmen. It is demonstrated in the unique understanding they have of their discerning clients and translated in their vision of client care. This approach ensures that all of their projects are thoughtfully designed, thoughtfully built and thoughtfully finished.

Stella Gittins is the Co-Founder of AGC, London’s fastest-growing portfolio of international award-winning Interior Design companies. Creating the benchmark in luxury living, the Accouter Group of Companies which is home to Accouter Design, A. LONDON and BoxNine7, delivers world-class interior architectural and furnishing services to the global property market and private clients. With 15 years of experience mentoring and directing diverse teams within the field, Stella has spent 7 years building AGC which has been voted one of the best places to work in property on multiple occasions. Taking a lead creative role for the Group, Stella is responsible for all aspects of brand and design and has published four bespoke publications that discuss every corner of luxury life. Featuring the inspiration behind Accouter Design’s schemes and collaborating with iconic brands such as Rolls Royce and William & Son, the fifth publication is due for launch in 2020.

Terry joined Richmond International in 2002 with a background in leisure and retail consultancy. He has travelled the world and was based in the Far East and Middle East during the early years of his career. Now a Director of Richmond International, Terry is responsible for the company management, liaising with clients and has a very hands-on role throughout the design process. Terry has steered a range of Richmond International’s most notable projects with multinational brands and independent owners that have been honoured with awards and accolades across the hospitality design space, including Richmond International’s successful cruise ship design projects. Taking a personal and open approach to projects and forming great relationships with clients is integral to Terry’s way of working. He takes the time to understand the client’s needs, by discussing the brief, interpreting ideas and sketching concepts to ensure Richmond International’s high standard of work is delivered.

Alicja started her career in the built environment back in 2003 working for construction companies in Europe, USA and Caribbean assisting on delivery of commercial and residential build projects. In 2010 graduated with honours from the University of Greenwich in London with a degree in Estate Management and since then, worked as a commercial property surveyor in private and public sector, covering professional work, land acquisitions and disposals, compulsory purchase, Landlord & Tenant, asset management and strategy. Joined the DfE’s Property Services team in 2015 to manage property aspects of the Free Schools delivery, mainly land acquisition and asset management to support this fast-paced programme. Departments’ Free Schools Programme delivered over 800 new schools across the country to date, providing diversity and improved quality of education for primary and secondary aged children.

Andrew is a partner at Prospect Hotel Advisors LLC, which is a hospitality asset management firm. Prospect Advisors is responsible for The Blackstone Groups hotel portfolio globally and oversee the exclusive consultant partners that support the portfolios as well as providing third party asset management services for other Real Estate firms. As part of this role, Andrew oversees, Axios Hospitality Real Estate. Axios is the London based provider of Asset Management Services to The Blackstone Group in Europe and the UK, where they own 60 hotels. Prior to this position Andrew was Senior Vice President of Asset Management for Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide. Prior to that Andrew has a long career in hospitality in operations having started his career at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City and as the General Manager at various renowned locations.

As Executive Editorial Director of WGSN Bethan oversees the content produced by WGSN. Collaborating with a global team of senior strategists, analysts, and consultants, Bethan is the lynchpin working across content, marketing and product, ensuring that WGSN continues to lead the way as a world-class trend forecasting service. Bethan has over 20 years’ experience as a design, luxury and lifestyle journalist, contributing to numerous publications include Architonic, Hole & Corner and The Observer Design magazine and holding senior positions at Telegraph Luxury, Wallpaper* and ELLE Decoration. She has provided copywriting services for globally renowned brands including Absolut, The Rug Company, David Collins Studio and Exit Here and moderated talks for events including 100% Design, London Design Festival, Clerkenwell Design Week, Hotel Olympia and Milan Design Week. A design-lover, Bethan has written several books on hospitality interiors and sporadically hosts a podcast interviewing female architects and designers.

Carlo Castelli is an architect and masterplanner. He holds a Master Degree in Architecture with distinction in 1999. In 2011 he completed a Master in ‘City Design and Social Science’ at the London School of Economics and Social Science. His experience as an architect spans across sectors and includes important contributions to the design process of internationally renowned buildings such as the Tennis Centre and International Broadcasting Centre for Rio Olympics 2016 and the 437m-high West Tower in Guangzhou, China. His focus in recent years has been on urban and regional projects. As Head of Cities Solutions at Jacobs Built Environment, Carlo leads multi-disciplinary teams and stakeholder engagement processes. Carlo is currently involved in the Edinburgh City Centre Transformation Plan, a mixed use, residential development in Dublin and a new city in Morocco.

Carol is a senior interior designer, who has been involved in the design of healthcare environments for nearly 40 years when healthcare facilities were bland, uninspiring places to receive treatment, not places of wellness and engagement as they have become today. Project experience includes hospitals in small communities and large metropolitan areas, outpatient offices for single providers as well as multi-discipline ambulatory care centres with places for engagement and education as well as long term care communities where our seniors live in a variety of settings. The challenge of creating safe, healthy places for people to receive the care they need, for staff to feel supported in the often-stressful work that they do and that are also beautiful “distractors” is what healthcare design is all about. Carol is accredited by exam and experience as a certified healthcare interior designer.

After graduating in Product Design and Visual Communications, Cassiano founded, run and sold a successful digital agency in the early 2000s. Since then he acted as graphic designer, art director and creative lead for more than 22 years, working in São Paulo, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Miami for major advertising agencies like Ogilvy, Publicis, DDB and RG/A. He’s done award-winning work for brands such as Nike, Google, Dove, Netflix, Schweppes, MasterCard, Adidas, IBM, Levis, Motorola, AIG, PepsiCo, LG, and Intel. In 2015 he joined Apple as a Creative Lead for Latin America and Caribbean. In a parallel life he tempers with natural materials, technology and product design.

Damien is currently the Director of Major Programme at the British Council. Amongst other projects Damien has just delivered the relocation of the British Council’s HQ to the Olympic Park in Stratford. He is currently in the process of delivering the relocation of the British Council Art Collection to the former IKEA building in the centre of Coventry. Prior to this, Damien worked at Tameside Council from 2012 – 2017 and in that time delivered a number of key schemes in Tameside (Tameside One, Ashton Old Baths, Godley Hill Road and others). Prior to this he was Chief Executive of Blackpool Fylde and Wyre Economic Development Company. During his career, Damien has also undertaken roles with the Northwest Regional Development Agency and with the Cabinet Office where he worked in the PM’s Strategy Unit as well as the Home Office for Jim Reid and Charles Clarke. Damien has considerable expertise in economic growth and development, strategic policy and planning and in local and national government.

Daniel has spent his entire working life in the furniture and interiors industry, initially combining his study of International Economics at London’s Middlesex University with the manufacture of hotel and commercial furniture. His family operated a manufacturing business that supplied hotels across the UK and Daniel expanded this business with a truly international outlook; by the time the business was sold in 2001, more than two hundred staff were employed making upholstery and casegoods within their Derbyshire factory. Daniel has worked on hotel projects in more than 40 countries around the world, regularly speaks on panels at investor and design conferences and is a member of the International Society of Hotel Consultants.

David Kaufman is Architectural Digest’s Global Digital Director. Prior to AD, Kaufman was most recently the founding editor-in-chief of Knewz.com, the search and discovery platform from News Corp, is a former New York Times Editor, the former Global Lifestyle Editor at Quartz and spent nearly five years at the New York Post where he was Travel, Home + Design Editor as well as Editor-in-Chief of Alexa, the Post’s lifestyle publication. Kaufman was responsible for growing both Alexa’s edit and advertising presence and developed new issues focused on topics ranging from Art Basel Miami Beach and the Frieze Art Fair to Design, the Hamptons and LGBT Pride. Kaufman has contributed culture, lifestyle and political pieces to publications ranging from The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times and AirMail to Monocle, Wallpaper, Esquire and The Hollywood Reporter.

Debansu has nearly two decades of experience in the UK housing sector. He passionately advocates sustainability & modern methods of construction. He has rich experience in UK offsite sector and is actively involved with several modular homes development projects. He has worked with numerous offsite contractors – from SMEs to established ones. On client-side, he works closely with senior housing professionals and key stakeholders to overcome barriers in embracing offsite, achieve sustainability goals and deliver “inclusive” design for new homes. He is also the Chairman of “Housing Diversity Network”, a leading social enterprise, for last 5 years and an active member of Housing Panel of Construction Industry Council. He champions “equality and diversity” in both construction and housing sectors. In the past, he was a Product Manager with blue chip companies like Philips and received numerous awards including “Marketer of the Year” & “European Marketing Excellence Award 2012”.

Dr. Shamir Ghumra leads the global BREEAM portfolio of sustainability standards which has been driving global improvements in buildings and infrastructure for over three decades. Shamir is an experienced ESG and sustainability leader with a strong belief in empowering others for commercial success. In his current role leading the Building Performance Services Division at BRE, Shamir supports the BRE mission “to be the world-leading innovation, science and data hub for the built environment.” Shamir is a Fellow of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, a Chartered Environmentalist and a Visiting Professor at the School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering at Loughborough University in the UK. Shamir is also a member of the Institute of Directors and the vice -chair of the Leicestershire and South Midlands Branch. Shamir also takes an active interest in Green Finance; Global Infrastructure programmes and sits on the advisory panel of numerous projects.

Elise joined MAF-Majid Al Futtaim Group in 2020 in the role of Interior Design Director, handling the Owner’s private projects worldwide. Previously, Elise headed the Design Studio at the “Engineering Office”, a multi-disciplinary company handling the various projects for the Dubai Royal Family. Born in Beirut-Lebanon, Elise has an immense familiarity of the region’s culture. She led a team of international Designers, building a coherent and skilled Design Studio powerhouse, delivering top notch, high profile Residential, Key commercial and Hospitality projects; entrusted by some of the leading hotel operators to design and execute large-scale projects. Elise is driven by her passion for Design with a sharp eye for details and proportions and an innate sensibility to colours and textures. She seeks her inspiration and creativity from all what she encounters throughout the day, anchored with her in-depth knowledge and understanding of every facet of the Design industry. Elise believes in the power of the human connection first, mediating balance between people and spaces, poetry, and logic; the recipe for a well-concocted collaboration and great achievements.

Francesca Berriman has been Chief Executive at CIAT since 1995 and has worked within the Architectural Technology and built environment sector for over 30 years. Amongst her many achievements, Francesca led the Institute in gaining its Royal Charter in 2005; and also its recognition as a Competent Authority within the European Union. In 2008 she undertook the first built environment UK Institute AGM in Hong Kong. In addition to this Francesca is: a Trustee of the Building Research Establishment (BRE) and current Chair of its Programmes Committee; a Council member of (and former Vice Chair of both) the Society for the Environment (SocEnv), the Construction Industry Council (CIC); and is a member of Edge, a think tank for the built environment. Francesca has been a judge for a variety for awards such as the Women in Construction and Engineering Awards, and the Landscape Institute. She also sits on Panels and speaks at events and seminars internationally, most recently related to the Grenfell Tower fire and COVID-19. Francesca was made an MBE in Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II’s 2012 Birthday Honours for services to the Architectural Technology profession; in 2014 she received an Honorary Doctorate of Technology from Southampton Solent University; and was the keynote speaker at the 2016 National Building Design International Conference in Australia.

Helen Brocklebank is CEO of Walpole, the trade body for the British luxury industry. Helen is a specialist in luxury media brands, building her career at Esquire and Harper’s Bazaar. During her ten year tenure, Helen founded the highly successful, multi-platform brand extension ‘Bazaar At Work’ for Omega and created enduring content partnerships with iconic brands including Bentley’s sponsorship of Bazaar Art and Esquire’s Man at the Top Awards for Glenmorangie. Most recently Helen established a content consultancy for luxury brands working predominantly with retail and media clients, including Liberty and Boat International. She brings to Walpole a deep understanding of, and passion for, the business of luxury, an unerring ability to conceive creative and impactful initiatives and an entrepreneurial spirit that drives their successful delivery.

Ingrid Abramovitch is a New York City-based design journalist and the executive editor at ELLE DECOR. A former staff writer and editor at House Beautiful, Veranda, and House & Garden, she has written widely on design, architecture, and lifestyle for a wide range of publications. She is also the author and writer of several books including her townhouse renovation guide Restoring a House in the City.

Justin is the Head of Property and Office Services for the House of Lords, responsible for property and facilities management services to Members and the administration. He also acts as chair and senior responsible owner on large projects across the Parliamentary Estate, either bicameral or specifically House of Lords projects. These have included building refurbishments and the conservation of the historic Westminster Hall, internal hammerbeam roof and two of the internal courtyards within the Palace of Westminster. He also attends bicameral boards for a number of Parliamentary projects including Elizabeth Tower. His previous experience within, projects, property and facilities management has been working for a London Borough and a large County Council.

On becoming CEO in 2016, Linda embarked on a programme to develop the Institute into a modern professional body and re-position workplace and facilities management as a value-creating profession. Today, IWFM provides value to a membership community of around twelve thousand and to the sector more widely. Its vision is to be the trusted voice of a distinct profession recognised, beyond the built environment, for its ability to enable people to transform organisations and their performance. Linda joined the predecessor British Institute of Facilities Management in 2007 where her education strategy enabled the Institute to become a regulated Awarding Organisation. She subsequently led the Institute’s work to develop professional vocational qualifications in facilities management which are now accredited and delivered internationally. She spearheaded the development of Professional Standards for facilities management which are now embedded by employers in the recruitment, development and management of professionals in the UK and beyond.

As Director of Operations for Environments, Mari oversees the team that designs Airbnb’s offices worldwide, and collaborates with real estate developers to create new models of housing that support Airbnb’s goal to make it possible for guests to experience the world in a more authentic, connected way. Before assuming her role at Airbnb Mari held numerous positions within the hospitality design industry. Most recently she was Vice President of Design Services for Hyatt Hotels in Chicago, where she oversaw design for Hyatt’s portfolio of full-service hotel brands throughout the Americas region. Prior to Hyatt Mari was the Group Director, Architecture at Value Retail based in London and Senior Vice President of Design for Morgans Hotel Group in New York. Mari’s first in-house role was as Global Director of Design for St. Regis Hotels. Before transitioning to in-house design roles, Mari got her start as Studio Director for Aero Studios Limited in New York City where she oversaw new construction and renovation projects, both residential and commercial, including the hotel 60 Thompson and Giorgio Armani’s private residence in Manhattan.

Trained as Architect, having to work in both Architecture and Interior Design for over than 20 years, Moel is a Hong Kong based Interior Design who currently holds the position as Interior Design Principal in Walt Disney Imagineering Asia, Ltd. Moel hold BS in Architecture degree from Tarumanagara University, Jakarta – Indonesia. Before joining Disney was working with notable Architecture and Interior Design Firms in Jakarta, China & Hong Kong, mostly working with high luxury residential, Hospitality and Entertainment like Five Stars Hotel and Casinos in Macau. Moel join Walt Disney Imagineering in 2015, from that moment his main specialty is working with amazing talented people from Disney to build thematic and storytelling base interior space, his previous projects included Disney’s Explorer Lodge Hotel, Ironman Experience, Antman and the Wasp “Nano Battle”, and recently open Castle of Magical Dreams all located in Hong Kong Disneyland. Moel has a passion in specialty design, like art glass, themed lighting, and thematic FF&E items. His recent accomplishment is designing Hong Kong Disneyland New Castle of Magical Dream Art Glass, collaborating with Indonesian Art Glass studio.

Nuno lives and breathes design for the past 25 years working in the design and architecture industries in 5 continents in very diverse capacities and in pretty much every sector such as corporate, healthcare, retail, government or education. In his role as Design Director EMEA for the D&B company Tétris his aim was to unify and bring together over 200 architects and designers in almost 20 countries harmonizing relationships of different cultures, languages and processes and pushing the envelope of design excellence no matter the client or location. Over the course of his career he has been a creative designer, a strategist, a project director and a mentor with several articles in the media and a keynote speakers in diverse events. He is a firm believer in the universal power of design to move people into a better life.

Paola Tassara Oromí, AIA, is an architect and designer based in London. Paola started her career working for numerous architecture practices in France and the Netherlands prior to moving to Los Angeles. There, she worked for Frank Gehry, collaborating on the design of several museums and cultural institutions worldwide. Having established a solid foundation in architecture, Paola then began to focus on interior design. With NYC-based ICRAVE Design and later, her own firm, Tassara A+D, her work expanded to restaurant, nightclub, boutique hotel and retail design. Since 2016, Paola has been a Design Director for Starbucks Coffee Company, currently leading the design for the brand’s stores in EMEA.

Peter Exley, FAIA, has established an internationally recognized practice of architecture for children, families, and communities, elevating the standards of design for learning and play environments. He is the co-founder of Architecture Is Fun, a Chicago-based, woman-owned architecture, design, and consulting firm. Dedicated to helping the next generation of architects, Peter has also been an adjunct professor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) for more than 25 years. He led the American Institute of Architects as its 97th President in 2021. The eponymous book, Architecture Is Fun, co-authored with Sharon Exley, was published in 2021.

Peter Exley, FAIA, has established an internationally recognized practice of architecture for children, families, and communities, elevating the standards of design for learning and play environments. He is the co-founder of Architecture Is Fun, a Chicago-based, woman-owned architecture, design, and consulting firm. Dedicated to helping the next generation of architects, Peter has also been an adjunct professor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) for more than 25 years. He led the American Institute of Architects as its 97th President in 2021. The eponymous book, Architecture Is Fun, co-authored with Sharon Exley, was published in 2021.

A hugely experienced interior designer within the high-end hospitality sector, Tony leads a team within SHH’s hospitality arm. He is a creative interior design professional with 20 years’ experience in leading prestigious high-end hospitality, restaurant and residential schemes globally. A client-facing creative and technical designer with an extensive knowledge of the Interior Design process.

Carolina has more than a decade of experience on the design and implementation of high-end interior design and architecture projects in London and around the globe. Trained as an architect, she established her own architectural business in her native country Brazil before moving to London 15 years ago. Her passion for design excellence and extensive knowledge in the luxury global market, makes it possible for her to transform any client’s aspirations into a truly bespoke luxurious space. Her architectural background gives her a combination of creative design skills with a wide range of technical knowledge. She is the Creative Director at the award-winning luxury design studio Casa Forma’s and is responsible for delivering leading-edge residential schemes for international high net worth individuals and property developers.

David Chang, founder of David Chang Design Associates International (DCDA) and registered Professional member of NCIDQ, ASID, SBID and IIDA, has over 25 years of experience in hospitality and high end residential interior design and management experiences in North America and Asia. In 1998, David founded DCDA in Vancouver, Canada, and expanded to China market in 2006, established firms in Guangzhou, Beijing and Taipei, to provide exclusive upscale design services on landmark projects for local top developers. David’s innovative works have won numerous design awards in the UK, Italy, Canada and China.

Dr Ning is the President of Wanda Hotels & Resorts. During his tenure at Wanda, he has led the design, construction and operation management of over 100 upscale and luxury hotels. Under his leadership, these hotels have won many prestigious international design awards, including the SBID Awards, Gold Key Awards, IIDA-Best of Asia Pacific Design Awards, Hospitality Design Awards and many more.

Dr Garaj is Head of Brunel Design, where he also teaches on the Professional Design Studio module, a part of the MSc Integrated Product Design programme. He has co-ordinated a number of live project briefs across design fields, with organisations including Cancer Research UK, NHS, Pan Macmillan, Help for Heroes, Friends of the Elderly, Corney & Barrow, Shell, Ibis and BT. Dr Garaj’s research is aimed at design, development and evaluation of innovative systems, products and services, with the focus on digital and digital-physical domains and the application of the latest technologies.

Gary is an architect with a passion for sustainable architecture and has over 30 years continually sought to bridge academic research, teaching and practice to create a sustainable future. In his role as Principal Lead for Science and Technology at HOK, his aim is to deliver a sustainable future not only in the science and technology but across all sectors of the construction industry. Gary has collaborated and led sustainability with a number of leading practices including Wilkinson Eyre, Bennett’s Associates and Hopkins Architects. These collaborations have delivered award winning sustainable buildings across a range of sectors from Higher Education, Academic Research, Residential mixed use, Office and Cultural Buildings.

Henry is Director of Design at InterContinental Hotels Group. He is responsible for creating the interior design and guest experience for IHG’s Kimpton and Hotel Indigo brands across Europe. Since joining IHG in January 2015, Henry has worked across some of IHG’s most celebrated and award-winning design projects and has led the teams responsible for the design of all new Hotel Indigo properties over the last 5 years, as well as working on more than 20 refurbishment projects across IHG’s existing hotels.

Herbert has extensive experience of working on complex mixed-use developments on challenging sites. Along with a strong awareness of stakeholder aspirations, he has a proven ability to convert constraints into opportunities. Herbert is a graduate of Westminster University and the Architectural Association in London, and the National University of Singapore. He joined DMA in 1999 as a Project Architect and was appointed a Partner in 2008.

Kar first worked with Zaha Hadid Architects in 1985 following his studies with Zaha Hadid at the Architectural Association. After completing his studies in the UK and USA, Kar worked on projects around the world for Kohn Pederson Fox and Louis Vuitton Malletier, with a focus on interior architecture, commercial developments and retail design before re-joining ZHA as Head of Interior Architecture in 2014. His residential interiors, in particular, have won numerous awards and have been widely published.

Katharine is one of the most sought-after interior designers working internationally today. Recently named ‘British Interior Designer of the Decade’, ‘International Designer in Asia of the Year’, and ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’, her design ethos is both highly respected and uniquely far reaching. Her eponymous Knightsbridge Design Studio was established over 15 years ago and continues to create unmatched luxury interior designs for landmark commercial and residential projects in London and Worldwide for the most discerning clients. Overseeing her team of 47 interior designers and architects, Katharine immerses herself in every detail of her client’s complex project.

With over 17 years’ experience in the luxury interiors industry Letitia heads-up Harrods Interior Design, a multi-disciplinary bespoke design service by Harrods. In her previous role within the Harrods Home buying team, Letitia worked on redeveloping the home and furniture offering to provide carefully curated products that hero provenance, craftsmanship and heritage in helping to shape Harrods Home into the exciting design hub it is today. Letitia and her team of design experts travel the world in search of beautiful designs, the latest trends and the highest quality fabrics and products. Letitia’s design ethos centres around two key factors: relevance to the client and their lifestyle, and harmony of the design with its surrounding environment.

As Studio Director of Wimberly Interiors London, Rachel brings more than twenty years of hospitality expertise and leadership to the team. Known for her pragmatic design approach, she has been at the helm of some of the world’s most celebrated projects. Rachel’s acute eye for detail has been cultivated from extensive experience in the design industry. Having worked previously as a contract manager and with more than a decade’s experience in design management, she possesses the vision and foresight to create successful, innovative and authentic projects of enduring value for clients, supported by a unique and in-depth understanding of technical nuances and processes.

Sharon is Founding Partner of Oliver Burns, a multi-award-winning architectural interior design studio that thoughtfully designs the world’s finest homes. Working across an exclusive portfolio of international turnkey projects, the team has a world-class reputation for bespoke commissions, super-prime developments and elegant spaces that are synonymous with a luxury lifestyle. The concept of ‘Thoughtful Luxury’ underpins their approach. It is reflected in their designs, from the concepts they develop, through to the thoughtfully layered details they create with artisans and craftsmen. This approach ensures that all of their projects are thoughtfully designed, thoughtfully built and thoughtfully finished.

Stella is the Co-Founder of AGC, London’s fastest-growing portfolio of international award-winning Interior Design companies. Creating the benchmark in luxury living, the Accouter Group of Companies which is home to Accouter Design, A. LONDON and BoxNine7, delivers world-class interior architectural and furnishing services to the global property market and private clients. With 15 years of experience mentoring and directing diverse teams within the field, Stella has spent 7 years building AGC which has been voted one of the best places to work in property on multiple occasions. Taking a lead creative role for the Group, Stella is responsible for all aspects of brand and design.

Terry joined Richmond International in 2002 with a background in leisure and retail consultancy. He has travelled the world and was based in the Far East and Middle East during the early years of his career. Now a Director of Richmond International, Terry is responsible for the company management, liaising with clients and has a very hands-on role throughout the design process. Terry has steered a range of Richmond International’s most notable projects with multinational brands and independent owners that have been honoured with awards and accolades across the hospitality design space, including Richmond International’s successful cruise ship design projects.

Tim is the founder and leader of Blacksheep, with 25+ years hospitality design experience, launching the studio in 2002. With a background in hospitality and interior design lead him to establish a design agency specialising in hospitality, food and beverage with the aim of bringing a new perspective to the industry. The agency was founded on the belief that a designers responsibility went beyond just interior design; that tailored experiences positively change hospitality businesses, brands and people from within.

Trevor became the Managing Director of Areen Design in 1989. The group now employs over 350 people across 6 offices, worldwide. As a director of each Areen Group company, Trevor drives the strategic growth of the Group by fostering the skills and specialisms of each company. At Areen Design, he leads over 120 interior designers, architects and procurement specialists in delivering fast-paced, large scale projects in some of the world’s most challenging regions. From luxury private residential complexes, to international airports and city hotels, Areen Design ensure that every project is carefully considered from initial concept through to turn-key delivery.

Alicja started her career in the built environment back in 2003 working for construction companies in Europe, USA and Caribbean assisting on delivery of commercial and residential build projects. She joined the DfE’s Property Services team in 2015 to manage property aspects of the Free Schools, delivering over 800 new schools across the country to date, providing diversity and improved quality of education for primary and secondary aged children.

Andrew is a partner at hospitality asset management firm, Prospect Hotel Advisors LLC. Prospect Advisors is responsible for The Blackstone Groups hotel portfolio globally, overseeing the exclusive consultant partners that support the portfolios as well as providing third party asset management services for other Real Estate firms. As part of this role, Andrew oversees Axios Hospitality Real Estate, the London-based provider of Asset Management Services to The Blackstone Group in Europe and the UK, where they own 60 hotels. Prior to this, Andrew was Senior Vice President of Asset Management for Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide.

Ben is the Design Director for BuzzFeed News, where he leads the art desk and works across the newsroom to visualize, design, and present our journalism to a broad audience. In his time at BuzzFeed News, Ben worked on the launch of BuzzFeedNews.com, designed and art directed articles that have been won awards from the Society of Publication Designers, American Illustration, and the Society of Illustrators, as well as being selected as finalists for the Pulitzer prize.

As Executive Editorial Director of WGSN Bethan oversees the content produced by WGSN. Collaborating with a global team of senior strategists, analysts, and consultants, Bethan is the lynchpin working across content, marketing and product, ensuring that WGSN continues to lead the way as a world-class trend forecasting service. Bethan has over 20 years’ experience as a design, luxury and lifestyle journalist, contributing to numerous publications including Architonic, Hole & Corner and The Observer Design magazine, holding senior positions at Telegraph Luxury, Wallpaper* and ELLE Decoration. A design-lover, Bethan has also written several books on hospitality interiors and sporadically hosts a podcast interviewing female architects and designers.

Carlo Castelli is an architect and masterplanner. He studied architecture in Genoa, Italy where he completed a masters Degree in architecture and in 2011 he completed a Master in ‘City Design and Social Science’ at the London School of Economics and Social Science. Through 20 years’ experience on diverse urban contexts and complex buildings, Carlo has acquired a great understanding of how the various systems and processes shape the urban environment. He is accustomed to integrated, inter-disciplinary design development at various scales, managing interfaces, coordination and brief interpretation towards the creation of successful urban environments. As Head of Cities Solutions for UK and Europe, Carlo leads the team of urban thinkers, masterplanners and urban designers that deliver exemplary projects in the UK and internationally.

Carol is a senior interior designer, who has been involved in the design of healthcare environments for nearly 40 years when healthcare facilities were bland, uninspiring places to receive treatment, not places of wellness and engagement as they have become today. Project experience includes hospitals in small communities and large metropolitan areas, outpatient offices for single providers as well as multi-discipline ambulatory care centres with places for engagement and education as well as long term care communities where our seniors live in a variety of settings.

Christopher See is a Creative Director at Amazon. Wielding over 10 years of brand identity design experience, he is currently a global design lead for the Prime brand, running onsite experiences, campaigns and retail projects. He has created unique brand visions in 3 different continents, encompassing all touchpoints from print to digital, sonic logos to airline cabin interiors, car launches to the biggest billboards in the world. Prior to Amazon, Chris was the Design director at Hyundai, in charge of crafting and launching the Hyundai rebrand, and a senior designer at branding firm, Landor.

Damien is the Director of Major Programmes at the British Council. Amongst other projects, Damien has delivered the relocation of the British Council’s HQ to the Olympic Park in Stratford. He is currently in the process of delivering the relocation of the British Council Art Collection to the former IKEA building in the centre of Coventry. Prior to this, Damien worked at Tameside Council and during his career, has also undertaken roles with the Northwest Regional Development Agency and with the Cabinet Office where he worked in the PM’s Strategy Unit as well as the Home Office for Jim Reid and Charles Clarke.

Helen Brocklebank is CEO of Walpole, the trade body for the British luxury industry. Helen is a specialist in luxury media brands, building her career at Esquire and Harper’s Bazaar. During her ten year tenure, Helen founded the highly successful, multi-platform brand extension ‘Bazaar At Work’ for Omega and created enduring content partnerships with iconic brands including Bentley’s sponsorship of Bazaar Art and Esquire’s Man at the Top Awards for Glenmorangie. Most recently Helen established a content consultancy for luxury brands working predominantly with retail and media clients, including Liberty and Boat International. She brings to Walpole a deep understanding of, and passion for, the business of luxury, an unerring ability to conceive creative and impactful initiatives and an entrepreneurial spirit that drives their successful delivery.

An Engineer and a futurist, Jalaj Hora is also the Senior Vice President of Innovation, Engineering and Quality at Burberry. Leading a team of professionals to work on luxury products; Jalaj’s most significant achievement has been to enable the convergence of design and engineering for the brand. Jalaj drew on his background in consulting, manufacturing and retail to create an innovation team at Burberry to support the ambitions and to deliver newness for a fast growing and iconic luxury brand. He leads the technical design and product engineering department across all product categories. He also overseas the end to end quality organisation from materials and product to after sales. A champion of responsible manufacturing, he has directed the elimination of hazardous chemicals from Burberry’s supply chain and driving some industry leading work in reducing the water and energy footprint in manufacturing. Prior to joining Burberry, Jalaj was the Senior Group Director of Product Development and Design at Target Corp.

Jenny Kwon is the Manager of Global Store Design at Tiffany & Co., specialising in retail interior design standards and new initiatives, dedicated to the art of storytelling through space. Previously, she was a lead creative and branding expert for experience-driven clients in luxury hospitality and retail, such as The Peninsula Hotel, Hilton, Sephora, Blue Mercury, Museum of Ice Cream, Macys, as well as for high-end residential developments in New York and Hong Kong. She has also completed urban planning projects while living abroad in Montreal, Istanbul, and Rome. Kwon is an architect by training, and received her Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell University. She also finished further education at Mimar Sinan Güzel Sanatlar Üniversitesi and New York University for subjects in marketing and branding.

Jeremy is responsible for transforming the Design capability and output of Diageo’s current brands and new products worldwide. Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks business. He is passionate about the impact Design has on business performance and the way Design Thinking leads to breakthrough ideas wherever it is applied. Standout projects include Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Tanqueray 10 and the Johnnie Walker Brand Home in Edinburgh which opens in 2021. Prior to joining Diageo Jeremy was Head of Design for Tesco, responsible for the portfolio of 19,000 private label products and for leading the Store Formats and Design teams. He is a Board Director of the Design Business Association, part of the Design Commission advising the UK government on design policy and a visiting Lecturer at INSEEC Business School.

Kar first worked with Zaha Hadid Architects in 1985 following his studies with Zaha Hadid at the Architectural Association. After completing his studies in the UK and USA, Kar worked on projects around the world for Kohn Pederson Fox and Louis Vuitton Malletier, with a focus on interior architecture, commercial developments and retail design before re-joining ZHA as Head of Interior Architecture in 2014. His residential interiors, in particular, have won numerous awards and have been widely published.

Joe Ferry is a multi-award winning creative leader with extensive experience working within hotel groups and airlines. He is Art and Design Director for Belmond which has a global portfolio of luxury travel experiences including hotels, trains, cruises and safaris in some of the world’s most inspiring destinations such as Belmond Cipirani, Venice, Belmond Grand Hotel Europe, St. Petersburg; Belmond Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro; and the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train. Joe previously served as Head of Design for Virgin Atlantic Airways before becoming SVP of Design for IHG, after which he was Head of Guest Experience for Etihad Airways. He is a passionate advocate for the benefits of good design and has been a trustee of the UK’s Design Council and an executive board member of the D&AD.

Justin is the Head of Property and Office Services for the House of Lords, responsible for property and facilities management services to Members and the administration. He also acts as chair and senior responsible owner on large projects across the Parliamentary Estate, either bicameral or specifically House of Lords projects. These have included building refurbishments and the conservation of the historic Westminster Hall, internal hammerbeam roof and two of the internal courtyards within the Palace of Westminster. He also attends bicameral boards for a number of Parliamentary projects including Elizabeth Tower. His previous experience within, projects, property and facilities management has been working for a London Borough and a large County Council.

Laura specialises in leading and developing the real estate function within corporate organisations to deliver property strategies, in accordance with wider business plans. As the Head of Property at the London Fire Brigade this includes both the strategic development of real estate scenarios, the execution of approved projects and transactions and the delivery of facilities management. She is experienced in leading large multi-disciplinary teams and can manage complex stakeholder environments to effect change. Her previous roles include Deputy Director for Her Majesties Courts and Tribunal estate and the JLL transactions lead for multi-national corporations.

Trained as Architect, having to work in both Architecture and Interior Design for over than 20 years, Moel is a Hong Kong-based Interior Designer who currently holds the position as Interior Design Principal in Walt Disney Imagineering Asia, Ltd. Moel achieved a BS in Architecture degree from Tarumanagara University, Jakarta – Indonesia. Before joining Disney, he was working with notable Architecture and Interior Design Firms in Jakarta, China & Hong Kong, mostly working with high-end luxury residential, hospitality and entertainment. Moel joined Walt Disney Imagineering in 2015, when his main specialty was working to build thematic and storytelling base interior spaces.

Paola Tassara Oromí, AIA, is an architect and designer based in London. Paola started her career working for numerous architecture practices in France and the Netherlands prior to moving to Los Angeles. There, she worked for Frank Gehry, collaborating on the design of several museums and cultural institutions worldwide. Having established a solid foundation in architecture, Paola then began to focus on interior design. With NYC-based ICRAVE Design and later, her own firm, Tassara A+D, her work expanded to restaurant, nightclub, boutique hotel and retail design. Since 2016, Paola has been a Design Director for Starbucks Coffee Company, currently leading the design for the brand’s stores in EMEA.

Taylist Media is the publisher of the leading magazine and event brands in the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom sector. These include Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms consumer magazine, which has been the leading title in the field for nearly 25 years, as well as business title kbbreview which is currently celebrating 30 years in print. Managing director and founder Patrick has over 30 years’ experience in the media industry – spanning magazines, newspapers, TV and radio.

Rav Hayer has 15 years experience deploying global staff and customer engagement programmes for a plethora of different industry sectors; with specialist focus on financial services, technology and online gaming. After working as a graduate in the city Rav went on to become a Director of Red Letter Days leading their B2B business to great success and working with Theo Paphitis. Subsequently he moved to become Senior Vice President of Blackhawk Network, a large San Francisco NASDAQ listed fintech business where his team were involved in the acquisition of Grassroots. This then lead him to a global role at Quintessentially where the company deploy largely customer engagement solutions using their large global footprint of 60+ offices coupled with their concierge, events, travel and agency businesses to look after the world’s leading luxury brands.

Property Director with experience of establishing property functions and capitalising on opportunities to maximise shareholder and stakeholder value during times of change. Tim has variously worked in food and drink, fmcg, leisure, manufacting, financial services, construction materials and automotive; Tim has also spent time working in Central Government and selling country houses. Most recently, Tim was Property Director at the Courts & Tribunals Service, setting up a dedicated property function in support of the £1bn programme of reform – assessing the condition of the estate to lobby successfully for additional investment, creating new design standards and driving value from the sale of assets to part fund the programme. Tim is a Chartered Surveyor and a member of the Government Property Profession and is based in the Thames Valley.

Stefan Sielaff joined Bentley Motors in July 2015 from his previous role as Design Director at the Volkswagen Design Center, Potsdam. Sielaff first joined the Volkswagen Group in 1990 as an interior designer for Audi in Ingolstadt. His career then took him to Barcelona where he became Head of Interior Design at the VW Group Design Center, Europe. Between 1997 and 2003, Stefan returned to Audi where he held the position of Head of Interior Design. After three years with DaimlerChrysler, where he was Head of the Interior Design Competence Center, Stefan returned to Ingolstadt in 2006 to become Design Director at Audi, a position he held up until 2012. It was here that Stefan led a team of over 350 design experts with responsibility for exterior, interior and colour and trim design for the full Audi range, concept and show cars. Alongside his current lead role at Bentley, Stefan is also Head of Group Interior Design Strategy, Volkswagen AG.