Tell us more about the history of your company. What motivated the focus on luxury?
Our story began in 2010 when 1508 London was founded, inspired by a distinctive vision. From the outset, we aimed to redefine the concept of luxury in interior design, driven by a passion for creating exceptional spaces worldwide. We eschew a house style and the designs we produce are not formulaic or style driven but derived from measured principles, inspired by history, geography and the architectural vernacular, creating designs of incomparable value.
Initially, our focus was on designing interiors for some of London’s most prestigious private residences. We quickly gained recognition for our understanding of how people truly live in and connect with their homes, and before long, our reputation flourished. It wasn’t long before we became the go-to design team for residential developments, marking a transformative chapter in our journey with the iconic Chelsea Barracks project.
Being appointed as the interior designers for all four phases of the landmark Chelsea Barracks development in 2017 was a pivotal moment for us. It propelled us onto the global stage and provided an incredible opportunity to expand our expertise. Working at this scale, designing shared spaces such as gyms, spas, and residents’ lounges, ignited our interest in hospitality design.
The Chelsea Barracks project served as a catalyst, sparking our ambition to think beyond residential interiors and dream of creating luxurious, experiential spaces that engage people in new ways. Creatively and commercially, it marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for us.
This new chapter led to our involvement in branded residential projects, such as being appointed to work on The OWO Raffles Residences and The Mandarin Oriental Residences in Beverly Hills. Soon after, we began undertaking high-profile hospitality commissions. We designed the exquisite Lanesborough Spa, followed by the extensive £100 million refurbishment of The Carlton Tower Jumeirah. Each project allowed us to combine our deep understanding of residential living with the art of creating memorable and luxurious experiences.
We have grown from a London-based interior design studio into an international design firm with eight offices across four regions, working on some of the world’s most exceptional projects. Our commitment to creating timeless designs worldwide remains steadfast. As we continue to evolve, our dedication to excellence in luxury design is as strong as ever, inspired by the endless possibilities of creating spaces that leave a lasting impact. We strive to remain at the forefront of luxury interior design, constantly setting standards and pushing boundaries.
What type of project are you normally seeking? Which parts of a new hotel project do you execute?
At 1508 London, we seek projects that allow us to engage deeply with immersive and experiential design, particularly in high-end residential and hospitality. For new hotel projects, we pride ourselves on being involved in every phase, from concept development to final execution. Our hands-on approach encompasses all aspects, including the design of guest rooms, suites, and public areas such as spas, lounges, and restaurants. We pay meticulous attention to every detail to enhance the guest experience, aiming to create spaces that are not only memorable but also luxurious and welcoming.
Is there a common DNA across all projects designed by 1508 London?
Yes, our projects share a core design philosophy centred on timeless elegance and authenticity. Rather than adhering to a fixed “house style,” we draw inspiration from the historical context, geographic location, and architectural heritage of each site. This approach enables us to craft designs that are both unique and contextually relevant, while maintaining a cohesive sense of luxury that is unmistakably 1508 London. Every project resonates with its environment, seamlessly combining sophistication with a sense of place.
How important is a sense of place in luxury hotel projects?
A strong sense of place is absolutely essential in any luxury hospitality project. We dedicate significant time and effort to understanding the local culture, history, and environment to ensure that our designs feel authentic and grounded. We believe that connecting a hotel to its surroundings offers guests a richer, more meaningful experience. Each project tells a unique story, making the luxury experience feel personal and deeply rooted in its location.
Which completed projects best represent your work?
Iconic projects such as The OWO Residences, One Grosvenor Square, and Chelsea Barracks highlight our ability to design luxurious spaces that bridge private and public realms. These projects demonstrate our expertise in managing complex, large-scale developments while maintaining our signature elegance and attention to detail.
In the hospitality sector, The Carlton Tower Jumeirah and Cape Grace, a Fairmont-managed hotel, exemplify our work on extensive refurbishments. Looking ahead, we are particularly excited about forthcoming projects such as the Baccarat Hotel and Residences in both Dubai and the Maldives, which we eagerly anticipate unveiling.
To what extent do we follow trends? Is there a formula for achieving desirability in our designs?
While we remain informed about design trends, our focus is always on creating timeless spaces rather than chasing fleeting fashions. We carefully balance contemporary flair with classic sensibility to ensure that our work remains relevant for years to come. The desirability of our designs lies in crafting spaces that are personal and resonate with their surroundings, allowing each project to retain a lasting and captivating appeal.
How do we define luxury in hospitality?
For us, luxury in hospitality is about the details, personalisation, and a genuine sense of comfort. It’s about designing spaces that leave a lasting impression, where every element has been carefully considered to feel both refined and welcoming. Our aim is to create environments that evoke a ‘home-away-from-home’ experience, combining opulence with ease and making guests feel truly special.
What role does innovation play in materials and finishes?
Innovation is a cornerstone of our design approach, particularly in the use of materials and finishes. We are continually exploring new and distinctive materials to elevate our designs, from cutting-edge finishes to artisan craftsmanship. This commitment to materiality ensures that our designs remain fresh and evolve with the latest standards of aesthetic and functional excellence, while also respecting traditional craftsmanship where appropriate.
Most luxury hospitality and residential projects are about comfort and functionality. Tell us more.
Comfort and functionality are at the heart of our designs. We strive to create spaces that are not only visually stunning but also practical and comfortable, seamlessly integrating with the lifestyles of our clients. Whether in luxury hospitality or private residences, our design choices are always guided by the needs and preferences of the end user, ensuring that every space is both functional and luxurious.
What is our current pipeline?
Our current pipeline is filled with a diverse range of prestigious projects. We are working on developments such as the Cipriani Residences Miami, three IHG Hotels in Nepal, a Conrad Hotel in Germany, the Baccarat Hotel and Residences in Dubai and the Maldives, and several high-profile private residential projects in some of the world’s finest locations.
We have also recently completed a 25hours project in Jakarta (the brands first venture in Asia) and this is an exciting project as we delve into the lifestyle lead hospitality sector. We have a number of high-profile hospitality projects in the pipeline – at this point we cannot say more but we look forward to when we can announce them. With such an exciting lineup of luxury hospitality and residential projects, we remain well-positioned to continue our journey of growth, creating designs that inspire and captivate on a global scale.
Stuart Horwood – Partner & CEO
Having been instrumental in the setting up of 1508 London in 2010, Stuart brings more than 35 years of industry leadership and executive management experience. As CEO, Stuart sets and drives the corporate direction and strategy. He is responsible for the successful management and execution of 1508 London and the company’s vision. Previously, Stuart has held senior positions in UK and New Zealand governments, was Senior Vice President at Morgan Stanley and was Chief Commercial Officer at BT Wholesale & Ventures, with revenue exceeding £11 billion, and ultimately serving as Managing Director, leading BT Group to become Europe’s largest telecoms service provider.
Hamish Brown – Partner & Business Development & Marketing Director
Having been involved since 1508 London’s inception, Hamish 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, helping 1508 London become one the world’s most revered architecture and interior design studios. As an Interior Architect, Hamish’s ability to understand every facet of the design process ensures he is perfectly positioned to help support clients throughout their journey at 1508 London.
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. Prior to 1508 London, Hamish held senior positions at established property development companies including Stonemartin before founding his own studio Hamish Benjamin specialising in prime central London residential development.
Laura Lockwood – Studio Director & Partner
Laura, a Chartered Architect, is 1508 London’s Studio Director and is responsible for managing the teams of designers, architects and visualisers to ensure the smooth functioning of the creative studio. Prior to joining, Laura was Head of Projects at Carlisle Design Studio, where she was accountable for delivery of their portfolio of 18 residential projects across 5 different countries with a combined construction value in excess of £250m+.
Her past projects have included high profile residential properties such as One Hyde Park, One Tower Bridge and Southbank Place, alongside a wide range of private developments such as a 30,000sqft Grade II private members club in Mayfair, London; a 50,000ft2 luxury Grade II residence in Regent’s Park, London, as well as numerous high end residential developments in both Russia and China. As a result of her past projects, Laura has developed a strong understanding of every RIBA Project Stage.

Laura, Stuart, Hamish – 1508 London
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