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IFDM: 5 Studios Leading Hospitality Design

We’re proud to be recognised among the five leading studios shaping hospitality design globally by IFDM

The hospitality design sector is continuously influenced by a group of studios, each with its own approach to creating guest environments. These firms share a commitment to delivering tailored, high-standard settings that go beyond mere aesthetics, focusing instead on the overall guest journey. Their methods are based on careful attention to detail, a solid understanding of cultural context, and a thoughtful use of materials that convey both quality and authenticity. Combining global design sensibilities with local narratives, they produce spaces characterized by considered proportions, refined aesthetics, and a connection to place.

Full article here: https://ifdm.design/2026/03/17/5-studios-leading-hospitality-design/

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DUBAI, UAE

Our LW Dubai studio opened in 1999 and is under the exceptional leadership of Founder & CEO Jesper Godsk and Founding partner Colin Doyle. the office is home to our passionate Architects and Interior Designers who work alongside to deliver world-class projects from hotels, residential buildings, bars & restaurants worldwide.

We are proud to say many employees have been with LW from the beginning and each designer’s expertise, experience, and passion plays an important role in accomplishing and delivering to our exceptionally high standards.

LW team photo from Hong Kong, China

HONG KONG, CHINA

LW Hong Kong is located in what is arguably one of Asia’s most vibrant and exciting cities, at a cultural crossroads Hong Kong embraces a bold and forward thinking design scene. The cities’ exhilarating urban energy is constantly evolving, and has led to the creation of many trend setting food and beverage concepts.

LW Hong Kong is within easy reach of APAC, south west Asia, and mainland China. It is perfectly placed to take advantage of opportunities in the region.

SÃO PAULO, BRASIL

Established in 2015 the LW SP studio reflects our commitment to build our relationships in the region with developers, operators, other creative minds and strengthens the firm’s position for future growth.

The Sao Paulo studio immerses us within an eclectic design community and is known for bold, contemporary designs with a talented team that works in an atmosphere of creative collaboration.

Cristina Wakamatsu, Design Director and Partner, is responsible for guiding the office’s culture and work product, ensuring they embody LW’s values and commitment to produce outstanding design solutions.

“At LW SP studio we have a talented and passionate team dedicated to the firm’s core values of design excellence. The future is bright, and I am excited to be a part of a team working to better our collective future through collaboration, innovation and design problem solving.”

LW Aarhus team photo

AARHUS, DENMARK

LW Aarhus is keen to take the time and establish the design team in Denmark. They allow themselves the luxury of time to absorb the DNA of Aarhus and the rest of Europe. Operators are keenly centered around nurturing the right partnerships to create exceptional lifestyle hotels that will contribute to innovative and high-end experiences. The team is playful and delivers exceptional results; they possess the modernity that can render nods to history and seamlessly combine contemporary design. They are brand storytellers. LW Aarhus consociates with appropriate global operators and progressively nurtures their relationships. They allow themselves to breathe so that they have the space to create a unique experience, whether in the luxury or lifestyle arena.

Hospitality Interior Designers

LW has openings for experienced hospitality Interior Designers to join our Dubai studio.

Representing LW as an Interior Designer you will work with the Design Directors and will be responsible for designing alongside a team of designers. You will be expected to work on large-scale 4 and 5-star hotels and a variety of F&B projects and will also be expected to contribute and develop the design to an international level while ensuring the project meets LW standards. The applicant must be willing to contribute to the social environment and be part of creating an inspirational atmosphere.

To be considered for this position you must be/have:

  • Minimum of 6 years proven experience in hospitality Interior Design working on large-scale projects for both lifestyle and luxury brands
  • Proficient in AutoCAD, PowerPoint, Photoshop and Sketch Up. Revit would also be a benefit
  • Experience in technical coordination and delivering 4 and 5-star hospitality documentation packages
  • Must be creative, proactive, self-motivated and able to achieve results at a fast pace

Please submit your CV, with a selection of works in a portfolio that showcases your presentation skills, renderings, drawings and detailing capabilities, FF&E specification examples to:

Contact@lw.co

FF&E Designer

Position: FF&E Designer
Location: Aarhus, Denmark
Experience: 3-5 years

Job Description:
As an FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment) Designer at our international interior design practice, you will play a crucial role in creating visually stunning and functional spaces for our hospitality and high-end residential projects. You will collaborate with our design team in our Dubai & Hong Kong office to curate and select the perfect furniture, fixtures, and equipment that align with the overall design concept and client's vision. Your attention to detail, creative flair, and knowledge of the latest design trends will contribute to the successful execution of projects. Contacts with suppliers and access to materials is beneficial.

Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with design teams to understand project requirements and design concepts.
- Source, select, and curate furniture, fixtures, and equipment that meet aesthetic, functional, and budgetary goals.
- Create mood boards, material palettes, and presentations to communicate design ideas.
- Develop specifications and documentation for FF&E items, including finishes, fabrics, and materials.
- Maintain relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, and vendors to stay updated on product availability and industry trends.
- Ensure that the selected FF&E items align with the project's overall design concept and client's expectations.
- Attend client meetings and presentations to present and explain FF&E selections.
- Have exceptional understanding of all materials and a flair for creating interesting and eye-catching schemes.

Requirements:
- Degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, or related field.
- Proven experience as an FF&E Designer in hospitality and high-end residential projects.
- Strong understanding of design principles, materials, and finishes.
- Proficiency in design software such as sketch up and Adobe Creative Suite is useful
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Attention to detail and a keen eye for aesthetics.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Knowledge of industry trends, suppliers, and market availability.

Please submit your CV, with a selection of works in a portfolio that showcases your presentation skills, renderings, drawings and detailing capabilities, FF&E specification examples to:

Contact@lw.co

Senior Technical Architect - Dubai

We are looking for an experienced senior technical-based Architect to join our Dubai studio.

Representing LW as a Senior Architect you will work alongside our talented team, creating residential, mixed-use and hospitality projects for clients based in the UAE and globally.

Candidates must have:

• 12 years industry experience post RIBA part 3

• Experience developing residential and hospitality projects

• Proficiency in 2D/3D software, such as REVIT, Autocad, SketchUp, and InDesign

• Must be creative, proactive, self-motivated and able to achieve results at a fast pace

• Please submit your CV and portfolio showcasing your previous experience to:

Contact@lw.co

Senior Technical Architect - Sao Paulo

Representing LW as a Senior Technical Architect you will work with the team and will be responsible for designing alongside a team of designers. You will be expected to work on large-scale 4 and 5-star hotels and a variety of residential projects and will also be expected to contribute and develop the design to an international level while ensuring the project meets LW standards. The applicant must be willing to contribute to the social environment and be part of creating an inspirational atmosphere.

To be considered for this position you must be/have:

  • Minimum of 12 years proven experience working on large-scale projects for both mixed use and residential
  • Proficient in AutoCAD, Revit, Adobe and Sketch Up.
  • Experience in technical coordination and delivering documentation packages
  • Must be creative, proactive, self-motivated and able to achieve results at a fast pace

Please submit your CV, with a selection of works in a portfolio that showcases your presentation skills, renderings, drawings and detailing capabilities, FF&E specification examples to:

Contact@lw.co

Senior Designer - Aarhus Denmark

Position: Senior Designer
Location: Aarhus, Denmark
Experience: 8-10 years.

Job Description:
As a Senior Designer at our international interior design practice, specializing in hospitality design and high-end residential projects, you will be a key leader in driving the creative direction of our projects. Your extensive experience and innovative design thinking will inspire and guide our design teams as you will collaborate with colleagues in the Dubai & Hong Kong studio, ensuring the successful execution of exceptional spaces. Through your leadership, you will contribute to the growth and success of our Aarhus office.

Responsibilities:
- Lead design teams in developing innovative concepts and design solutions for hospitality and high-end residential projects.
- Provide mentorship and guidance to junior designers, fostering their professional growth and development.
- Collaborate with clients to understand their vision, requirements, and objectives.
- Oversee project timelines, budgets, and deliverables to ensure successful project execution.
- Participate in client presentations, effectively communicating design concepts and strategies.
- Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and design innovations.
- Maintain relationships with clients, vendors, and industry partners.
- Contribute to business development efforts by participating in client pitches and proposal creation.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including FF&E designers, architects, and project managers.

Requirements:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related field.
- Proven track record of successful hospitality and high-end residential design projects.
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
- Proficiency in design software and tools, including AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite Is useful
- In-depth knowledge of design principles, space planning in particular.
- Ability to balance creativity with project requirements and client expectations.
- Experience in managing project budgets and timelines.
- Exceptional problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to challenges.
- A portfolio showcasing a keen eye for detail driven spaces.

Please submit your CV, with a selection of works in a portfolio that showcases your presentation skills, renderings, drawings and detailing capabilities examples to:

Contact@lw.co