
Federico Toresi (Chair)
Global VP, Design, Luxury & Premium Brands - AccorFederico is a qualified architect with over twenty-five years of crafting exceptional guest experiences worldwide. As Global Vice-President of Design and Design Strategy for Accor’s Premium brands, he sets product strategies, establishes concept guidelines and leads initiatives that elevate performance and guest satisfaction.
His portfolio spans brand creation and reboots and lobby and room transformations, uniting behavioural scientists, biophilia specialists, experience designers, F&B experts and branding strategists to create clear, actionable frameworks that ensure consistent narratives and forge memorable journeys.
In depth research drives every concept: sustainability, wellness and technology are embedded from the outset to deliver immersive, personalized guest stays.
He balances creativity with operational realities, guiding projects from briefing through completion. He cultivates collaboration, accountability and creative excellence.
As Chair of AHEAD Europe’s judging panel, he champions designs that blend narrative depth with operational rigour—projects that innovate, resonate emotionally and shape hospitality’s future.

Ali Çalışkan
Co-Founder & Head of Design – GEOMIMAli Çalışkan is a Turkish architect with two decades of international design experience across a broad spectrum of project types and scales. He is the Co-Founder and Head of Design at GEOMIM, an Istanbul-based architectural practice to creating meaningful, sustainable, and culturally rooted spaces.
Before establishing GEOMIM in 2022, Ali spent over 17 years at Tabanlıoğlu Architects, where he held a senior role as a key member of the design development team. His portfolio spans a diverse range—from masterplans and high-rise buildings to cultural institutions, stadiums, and high-end hospitality projects—guiding each from concept through realisation.
Ali’s work has been recognised with numerous awards, beginning with the Archiprix Turkey Prize during his student years, and most recently the prestigious Europe 40under40® Award for 2023–2024, which honours emerging voices in global architecture and design. His latest project, Scorpios Bodrum, was awarded 1st place at the 2024 AHEAD Global Ultimate Accolade, further establishing his reputation in the field of hospitality design. At GEOMIM, Ali leads with a design philosophy that prioritises human connection, local context, and environmental sensitivity. His approach blends contemporary expression with the spirit of place, aiming to revive the relationship between people, nature and tradition.
In addition to his practice, Ali regularly teaches and serves as a guest critic at universities in Turkey. He continues to explore the intersection of architecture, art, and technology through photography and film, bringing a rich, multidisciplinary perspective to his work.

Charlie North
Global VP, Design – EnnismoreCharlie is an experienced Interior Designer with a passion for working in the hospitality industry. With 20 years industry experience Charlie has worked at a handful of London’s most coveted studios before joining Ennismore in 2015. He now touches all of Ennismore’s brands in a global capacity to make sure the Interior Design is aligned with the over arching brand principles. Charlie also runs Ennismore’s own award winning international Interior Design function called AIME Studios, notable projects include the refurbishment of The Gleneagles Hotel, the creation of Gleneagles Townhouse, as well as a catalogue of restaurant concepts and Hoxton Hotels, including most recently Vienna and Florence and Edinburgh.

Dan Hinch
Managing Principal, Planning & Landscape (EMEA) – WATGDan is the Managing Principal, Planning and Landscape (EMEA) at WATG, bringing over 15 years’ experience in master planning and landscape architecture. Originally from New Zealand, his portfolio spans the UK, Europe, Middle East and Australasia, in the areas of boutique hospitality and leisure, golf and ski resorts, educational, retail, residential and large-scale urban mixed-use.
Recent projects include the Sharaan Nature Reserve in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, The Viceroy at Ombria, Algarve, The Waldorf Astoria Hotel and Villas in Lusail, Qatar, as well as multiple hospitality projects for WATG’s long-term client, Mitsis, across Greece – including Mitsis Summer Palace, Mitsis Rinela and the under-construction Grand Rhodes Hotel.

Eva Longoria
Principal & Studio Leader – Rockwell GroupEva is a Principal and Studio Leader of Rockwell Group’s Madrid studio, where she has contributed to a diverse portfolio of hotels, restaurants, and residences across the globe. Her Rockwell Group projects include Nobu Hotel Barcelona, Posada Terra Santa hotel (Mallorca), Seda Club Hotel (Granada), Jacqueline restaurant (Barcelona), JW Marriott Madrid, Gran Hotel Inglés (Madrid), The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, Virgin Hotels Chicago, a private villa in Portugal, and several restaurants and hotels under development in Europe, including W Naples. Prior to her role at Rockwell Group, Longoria founded her own firm, Marañón Longoria. Eva was also part of the Rockwell Group team in New York from 1995-1998. Eva graduated from New York’s Parsons School of Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design and studied at Escuela de artes Decorativas in Spain.

Juan Sainz de los Terreros
Director, Design (South Europe & North Africa) – Hilton WorldwideJuan is Director of Design at Hilton Worldwide, where he leads the design strategy for hotel projects across Europe and North Africa. Since joining Hilton in 2022, he has played a key role in the rollout of the company’s lifestyle brands in the EMEA region, including the launch of Tempo by Hilton and the evolution of the Canopy and Motto brands. He has overseen the design of landmark new properties such as Canopy by Hilton Cannes, LXR Sax in Vienna, and Waldorf Astoria Rabat, and contributed to the transformation of iconic hotels including Hilton Munich Park and Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona.
With more than 15 years of experience in hospitality design, Juan combines strategic vision with a deep understanding of architecture and interiors. Before joining Hilton, he led award-winning projects with renowned studios in Barcelona, including the hospitality portfolio of Jaime Beriestain Studio and earlier collaborations with architect Manel Brullet. His previous work includes hotels for Hyatt, Radisson, and Hilton, as well as high-end residential projects across Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas.
Juan brings a design-driven approach to hospitality, with a focus on innovation, brand identity, and guest experience — always grounded in sustainability and ESG principles.

Katja Margaritoglou
Executive Creative Director & Co-Founder – Block722Katja Margaritoglou is the Executive Creative Director and Co-Founder of the acclaimed architectural practice Block722, based in Athens. Together with architect Sotiris Tsergas, she established the studio in 2009, shaping a distinctive design language rooted in simplicity, authenticity, and the seamless blending of diverse cultural references.
With a deep passion for the Mediterranean spirit and a lifelong curiosity about global cultures, Katja brings a unique cross-cultural perspective to her work. Her approach is informed by her Greek-Swedish background, which translates into a creative fusion of sensibility and precision. Drawing inspiration from both the emotional richness of Greek nature and heritage, and the balance and refinement of Scandinavian design, she consistently crafts serene and timeless environments that speak to the senses.
Over more than a decade, she has infused Block722’s architecture and interiors with a sense of understated luxury and holistic design thinking. Her intuitive and human-centered vision shapes the studio’s ethos and design philosophy, which has earned international recognition for projects across Europe, the Middle East, and Australia.
Katja’s nomadic nature and collaborative mindset have allowed her to cultivate long-term relationships with developers, designers, and artisans worldwide, contributing to the studio’s global presence and creative evolution.

Margarita Boulaki
Manager, Architecture Design Services (Europe) – Four Seasons Hotels & ResortsMargarita is a Manager in the Design Services team of Four Seasons, which oversees all new developments across the region of Europe. The team provides guidance and support throughout all design stages, working closely with the Architects, Interior Designers, and the broader design team on each project.
Originally from Greece, she has a broad academic background spanning Architecture, Sustainable Design, and International Relations and Diplomacy. Prior to joining Four Seasons, she worked in Belgium, Denmark, and now the UK, including roles at GA Design and, most recently, as an Associate at Squire & Partners in London, where she focused on luxury hospitality projects across Europe and internationally.

Maria Garcia-Arribas
Studio Director, Madrid - BAR StudioOver the past two decades, Maria has forged an impressive career in international hospitality design. After completing her qualifications in Spain and Italy, and gaining experience on Italian residential and hospitality projects, Maria’s spirit of exploration and cultural curiosity took her to the Asia-Pacific. There she joined a boutique firm in Melbourne, Australia, contributing to regional builds in Taipei and Shanghai, including the acclaimed The PuLi Hotel and Spa.
Maria joined Melbourne-based BAR Studio in 2010, where she has worked across all aspects of the award-winning practice, from leading teams in developing concept designs to seeing projects through to successful completion. Later, after a return to her home city, Madrid, Maria collaborated with BAR to establish the studio’s first European base. Today, Maria oversees BAR Studio’s European operation, serving as a client liaison and project lead on the firm’s luxury hospitality projects in the region.

Marie Soliman
Co-Founder & Creative Director – Bergman InteriorsMarie is Founder and Creative Director of Bergman Design House and Njord by Bergman and is an award-winning designer with 20 years of design experience in the hospitality, commercial and residential sectors.
An avid visual artist as well as a designer, Marie’s keen eye for the timeless and the well-crafted has guided her on journeys around the world to spearhead such globally recognised projects as The Other house Hotel, South Kensington, The Other house Covent Garden, BXR London, Fairmont UK, Waldorf Astoria, NOR hotel Norway, and Eagle Lodge in Botswana, among others.
Dubbed a “chameleon of design” by British GQ magazine, Marie’s vision stems from her belief in the vital spark of adventurous souls who are willing to take risks and try and test new ideas in the service of creating fabulous and engaging experiences. Her goal is always to bring fresh ideas to the fore, while revelling in — not fearing — the chaos of creation.
Her latest projects include Scott’s, Sexy Fish, Wagumafia, The Other House Hotel South Kensington, and Laowai, a “hidden restaurant” concept in Vancouver, Canada’s Chinatown neighbourhood.

Matthew Seal
VP, Luxury Brands, Global Design (EMEA) – Marriott InternationalMatthew is Vice President, Luxury Brands, Global design for Marriott International across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Marriott International’s luxury portfolio has eight leading brands including The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, St. Regis, W Hotels, The Luxury Collection and JW Marriott.
Matt oversees the strategic direction and delivery of the company’s diverse luxury hotel and residence projects across the region while harmoniously managing brand distinction and stakeholder relations. He leads a strong team of luxury design specialists working across all aspects of design from feasibility through to completion. Recent highlights from across the region include the exciting arrival of W Hotels in Budapest, proceeded by the St Regis Budapest with its rich architectural and historical heritage and Marriott International’s luxury safari lodges, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, Ritz-Carlron Serengeti and Ritz-Carlton Masa-Mara.
With over 25 years’ experience in hospitality, architecture and interior design, Matt has a global mindset having worked across a range of projects in Europe, the Middle East and Asia both as an international hospitality design consultant for over 16 years and at Marriott International where he has spent the last 11 years.
While design for Matt has been a life-long passion, in his personal time, you will find him escaping to nature, where he can indulge his passions for Mountain and Road cycling, which provides some respite from the fast pace of international travel.

Nini Andrade Silva
President & Founder – Atelier Nini Andrade SilvaNini Andrade Silva graduated in Design from the Institute of Visual Arts, Design and Marketing (IADE), in Lisbon. Simultaneously, she pursued her academic and professional path in diverse locations such as New York, London, Paris, South Africa and Denmark.
Nini has built an impressive international body of work and has been recognised by several prominent institutions. Her work is regularly featured in prestigious international publications such as The New York Times, Financial Times, El País, Wallpaper, Monocle, Condé Nast Traveller, Sleeper Magazine, Harrods and Architectural Digest.
On June 10, 2011, Nini was awarded the Honorary Title of the Grand Order of Prince Henry, with the rank of Officer, by the Presidency of the Portuguese Republic. In 2021, she was appointed Honorary Consul of the Republic of Colombia in Madeira, thus beginning her diplomatic career. That same year, she was also appointed External Member of the General Council of the University of Madeira and Chair of the Council’s Committee on Image, Culture and Heritage.
In 2022, Nini was honoured by the Presidency of the Republic of Colombia with the Orden Nacional al Mérito, in the rank of Caballero. She is also an ambassador for the Funchal Community Development Association – Garouta do Calhau, a social solidarity institution whose mission is to promote the integration and social development of disadvantaged and at-risk social groups.

Peter Bundgaard Rützou
Co-founder – Space CopenhagenPeter is co-founder of Studio Space Copenhagen alongside partner, Signe Bindslev Henriksen.
Space Copenhagen is a multidisciplinary design studio established in 2005. The studio operates across architecture, interior design, furniture, lighting, and creative direction, with projects completed in a broad range of international contexts primarily within the discipline of hospitality.
The design approach is defined as Poetic Modernism—an interplay of contrasts such as classic and contemporary, sculptural and minimal, industrial and organic. Projects are developed through a context-driven and intuitive process with a focus on functionality, material integrity, and long-term value.
Celebrated projects include 11 Howard in New York, The Stratford in London, Hotel Toranomon Hills in Tokyo, and The Largo Hotel in Porto. The studio has also designed destination restaurants such as Schloss Schauenstein in Switzerland, Cozinha das Flores in Porto, Apothéose and Le Pristine in Tokyo, Blueness in Antwerp, and Geranium and the original Noma in Copenhagen. Space Copenhagen collaborates with international design manufacturers including GUBI, Stellar Works, Fredericia, &Tradition, and Mater.

Sam Hall
Director, Interior Design (Europe) - IHG Hotels & ResortsWith a career spanning over 25 years, Sam is an experienced interior designer with a passion for the hospitality industry and has established herself as a prominent figure in the field. Sam joined the InterContinental Hotel Group at the beginning of the year and brings a wealth of expertise and creativity to craft remarkable hotel interiors.
Throughout her career, Sam has collaborated with various hotel owners and operators, contributing to the transformation of numerous properties. Notably, she spent a decade at G.A Design, one of the industry’s foremost international hospitality design consultancies. During this time, she honed her skills and played a pivotal role in delivering exceptional design solutions for prestigious hotels worldwide.
With an impressive portfolio of successful projects and a commitment to excellence, Sam continues to shape the world of hospitality design, creating unforgettable spaces that leave a lasting impression on guests and clients alike.

Sarah Doyle
VP, Global Brand Leader – Design HotelsA seasoned brand leader, Sarah oversees the Design Hotels brand, including creative, marketing, communications, PR, partnerships, and community management – paving the way for new innovations within the business.
Sarah discovered her love of hospitality working for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, as Global Brand Director for W Hotels Worldwide, opening many of the brand’s most iconic locations and leading collaborations with the likes of Will.i.am, Billboard Music and the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
In addition, Sarah has also held senior leadership roles at MSC Cruises Explora Journeys, BACARDÍ. Sarah began her career with Momentum Worldwide in New York City, where she led marketing and sponsorships on behalf of American Express across fashion, music and film.
Originally from the US, Sarah currently lives between London and Berlin.

Tiffany Neller
Board Director – EPR ArchitectsTiffany is a Board Director at EPR with over 25 years of experience working on a wide variety of hotel projects both in the UK and internationally. She has been responsible for the delivery of a number of high-profile hotels, including the Kimpton Fitzroy, The Hari and the multi award-winning Ace Hotel London. Her current projects include Six Senses at The Whiteley, The Ritz London and several international schemes. Tiffany has a particular interest in hotel design and function and has enjoyed successful collaborations with many interior designers and operators throughout her career.

Tolù Adẹ̀kọ́
Founder & Creative Director – Adẹ̀kọ́ & CoTolù is the visionary behind Adẹ̀kọ́ & Co. He adopts a holistic approach to design, collaborating with the finest artisans, craftsmen, and makers to create a unified aesthetic that is timeless yet globally contemporary. He’s an expert storyteller who considers and chooses every facet of every project in order to convey its unique narrative.
Born in Nigeria, Tolù moved to London in 1995. In his teens, he was mentored by Design Museum founder Sir Terence Conran on furniture design. He honed his artistic flair at Camberwell College of Arts (now University of the Arts London), and later attained his Interior Design BA degree at Bournemouth University. During his studies he developed a distinctive aesthetic characterised by classic luxury and attention to detail, craft, and functionality.
Tolù has held several senior positions at renowned interior design firms, including David Collins Studio. He has worked on multiple residential, hospitality and maritime projects all around the world. Selected projects include Gordon Ramsey’s Maze Grill Restaurant; The Ritz, Edition, W, Hilton, and Marriott hotels; and MSC, Norwegian, and Viking cruise lines. Tolù is a proud member of the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) and The Society of British and International Interior Designers (SBID).
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