The London studio of global architecture and design firm Perkins and Will has announced the appointment of Neil Andrew as director of hospitality to further expand the practice’s hospitality portfolio.
With over 15 years’ experience in interior design for lifestyle and hospitality projects, Andrew brings specialist knowledge in luxury hospitality, residential, and commercial design to the firm. He has previous experience leading business growth and managing project delivery, having worked on a range of interior design projects for top international hotel brands like Marriott, Hilton, and IHG, as well as unbranded boutique hotels and resorts. Andrew has also created pop-up bars for brands like Heineken, and designed a pavilion for New York University.
Andrew’s appointment comes at a time of expansion for Perkins and Will, having announced in the last few weeks new practices in Dublin, Ireland; Monterrey, Mexico; and Calgary, Canada. And in 2019, London-based Penoyre & Prasad merged with the firm, expanding its European services in the education, civic, and health sectors. Amidst this growth, Perkins and Will looks to evolve its hospitality portfolio, which currently includes Margate Seafront Hotel in Kent.
Andrew has previous overseas experience, having spent nine years in Dubai. During this time, he managed a team of 25 designers at an internationally recognised architecture firm, leading the design and delivery of interiors for Dubai’s top hotels, including the prestigious Fairmont and Millennium Hotels.
Andrew then turned his focus to sustainability in design, specifically focusing on the reuse of salvaged building materials. This experience supports Perkins and Will’s approach to sustainability. Sustainability is a key pillar of the firm, which has been recognised as a trailblazer in sustainable-design since the early 2000’s, known in particular for having ignited a global industry movement towards healthy building products and material transparency.
Steven Charlton, principal managing director at Perkins and Will’s London studio, said:
“We are always looking to grow and improve our offering and Neil’s appointment is another great step for the practice. With his wealth of experience in hospitality and expertise in reusing materials in design we look forward to seeing him lead the next chapter of our work in the sector.”
Neil Andrew, associate principal and head of hospitality at Perkins and Will’s London studio, said:
“I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to drive forward a new era of hospitality design at Perkins and Will. In the next few years, I foresee a dramatic shift in consumers’ wants in the luxury market, with the next generation growing in favour of branded boutique design over some more traditional trends. I am excited to explore new design concepts within upcoming projects and build upon the practice’s impressive portfolio.”
Linzi Cassels, principal, design director at Perkins and Will’s London Studio, said:
“Neil will make a great addition to our expanding London team, bringing with him expertise in line with our approach and ethos. With his driven approach towards thoughtful design, Neil will further strengthen our impressive track record in sustainable design practice.”