AT chats to Ed Murray from Studio Moren about the haunting echo of value engineering and the joys of designing high end hotels.

What brings you to UKREiiF/what do you hope to achieve?
I’m keen to connect with others across the industry to talk about the future of the built environment – and how we can work together to make sure architecture plays a meaningful role in shaping better cities, landscapes and communities. As a hospitality architect, I spend most of my time thinking about how design can elevate the guest experience – but it’s important not to lose sight of the bigger picture. At Studio Moren, we’re growing fast internationally, but the UK is still very much home. With three decades of experience here – and a portfolio that spans the country, from big brand hotels to boutique gems – we’re always looking for new ways to add value. UKREiiF is a brilliant chance to grow the network, hear new perspectives, and explore opportunities where Studio Moren’s expertise can really add value.

If you could change one thing about UKREiiF what would it be?
As a first-timer, I heard this morning there are around 85 things happening at UKREiiF at any given moment, so if I could change one thing, it would be the ability to be in multiple places at once. Fortunately, I’m joined by two brilliant colleagues, so between us we’re doing our best to cover ground (and compare notes over a drink later!) But it’s a lot – you’re constantly on the go, juggling panel vs. pitch vs. pint. A bit more breathing space wouldn’t hurt!

Hyde London City – a new Ennismore hotel set within a restored Grade II-listed building at 15 Old Bailey.

What are you working on at the moment?
I’m still riding the high from launching Hyde London City – a new Ennismore hotel set within a beautifully restored Grade II-listed building at 15 Old Bailey. The building had lost much of its soul after years as an office, but we’ve brought it back to life as a bold, design-led destination that celebrates its original heritage while offering something genuinely fresh for the City. The public spaces are a real highlight – with a ground-floor restaurant and bar that’s already generating serious buzz. Alongside that, I’m working on a long-stay aparthotel in the heart of Cambridge, which taps into the evolving needs of modern travellers – more flexibility, more autonomy, but with design still front and centre. Back in London, I’m leading the delivery of a 76-room extension to Hilton London Bankside. That one’s particularly meaningful for me, as I worked on the original hotel as a much younger architect – so it’s a bit of a full-circle moment. We’re also working on new F&B spaces at The Westin London City – the final pieces of a puzzle that Studio Moren has been shaping since 2010. It’s a busy but exciting time – and a great snapshot of how varied and fast-moving the hospitality landscape is right now.

What keeps you awake at night?
Aside from replaying conversations in my head at 3am… It’s the worry that we’re not building an industry that’s sustainable – not just environmentally, but culturally and creatively. I think a lot about the barriers facing the next generation: Brexit/visa issues, long hours, and the lack of structured support across much of the profession. I’m proud that we’re making real strides on this at Studio Moren – but industry-wide, we risk burning people out before they’ve had the chance to really contribute. Also: deadlines that move, budgets that don’t, and the haunting echo of “value engineering.” Despite all that, I’m optimistic – because when we get it right, great design really can change everything.

Public spaces at Hyde London City.