Anthony is the Hotel sector lead for ArchTam’s Buildings + Places business in Europe. Based in the South East of the UK, he has a background in mechanical, electrical and public health (MEP) engineering. He has delivered complex hospitality projects, combining technical expertise with a strong focus on client vision, commercial strategy and the delivery of high-quality, efficient buildings.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

I initially began my career working for an MEP contractor before moving into engineering consultancy. That practical foundation has shaped how I approach design to this day. Understanding how systems are installed and commissioned in the real world has been a huge asset — especially on complex heritage buildings, where coordination is critical, and space is at a premium.

What really drew me in, and continues to drive me, is the collaborative nature of this industry. No successful projects happen in isolation — it takes designers, contractors, and clients all working together with a shared vision. I’ve always enjoyed being part of that team effort.

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?

This has to be Raffles London at The OWO — a landmark transformation of the Old War Office in Whitehall into a luxury hotel and residences. The heritage, complexity, and ambition behind the project made it truly special.

The building’s historic status presented a number of technical challenges, particularly around spatial coordination, sustainability and the need to completely conceal services while delivering modern luxury standards. We embraced early-stage 3D design to resolve these constraints, using the latest digital tools at ArchTam’s disposal to accurately and quickly co-ordinate our services working closely with the design team to ensure nothing compromised the integrity or aesthetics of the building.

What really made the project stand out was how we delivered it — as One ArchTam. We brought together a global team working across time zones, with specialists from the UK and India all having a key input into the delivery of the project from completion to handover.

The finished result speaks for itself. It’s a once-in-a-generation project that sets a new benchmark for heritage-led luxury and I’m incredibly proud that ArchTam played such a pivotal role in making it a reality.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

On one of my first projects at ArchTam, I worked on a small but meaningful project — a primary school near an airport that had no openable windows due to noise constraints. The challenge was to design a ventilation system that would keep classrooms comfortable, healthy and well-ventilated despite being in a sealed environment and right under the flight path.

We developed a low-energy mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery, ensuring excellent air quality and thermal comfort without any reliance on natural ventilation. For the school, it meant pupils could concentrate and learn in a calm, well-ventilated environment all year round — without the roar of aircraft interrupting lessons!

This system had a real, tangible impact on the children, teachers and local community at that school. Projects like that remind you why what we do matters and is impactful.

Share a piece of career advice.

Build your mindset around client needs. When engaging with them, start by listening. Understand what they’re trying to achieve. The best outcomes are achieved when we align our expertise with their goals and focus on how we can support them — not just deliver a scope but add real value.

That mindset also applies within our teams. Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask “why?”— why are we doing it this way, why not try something better, why does this matter to the end user? Stay curious, stay engaged and keep learning from the people around you.

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Fernando Temprano is a director of architecture from our Buildings +Places business in Madrid, Spain. His expertise in designing hotel and hospitality projects has been instrumental in leading a multibillion-dollar project in Europe, showcasing his visionary approach and commitment to architectural excellence in the sector.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself – your role and career journey

I have been working as an architect on hotel and hospitality projects across Europe for over 23 years. I’ve had the opportunity to work with many different hotel operators and to travel all around the world. Before joining ArchTam, I gained valuable experience at renowned architectural firms in Spain, including Salvador Pérez Arroyo Studio where I managed projects for globally acclaimed architects such as Sir Peter Cook and led projects from the initial concept sketches to overseeing on-site construction, a practice embraced in Spain. Our architectural and interior design practice in Spain is now over 150 people, delivering projects all over the world.

2. Talk to us about a hotel project that has impacted or been a major highlight of your career. How is it solving the challenges and issues our clients and communities are facing today?

One of my favorite projects is leading the design for a multibillion-dollar mixed-use complex comprising residential, commercial and hotels. My role involves the seamless collaboration of various disciplines, such as advisory, master planning, architecture, interior design, and engineering services to create a synergy of expertise at every project phase.

Another major highlight of my career to date has been working in collaboration with the Cypriot government to design and deliver a new master plan for Larnaca — the third largest city in Cyprus. Our transformative, mixed-use solution combines residential areas, commercial offices, hotels, a port and a marina that allows us to give the sea back to the city and its citizens. Our design is one that prioritizes social value and the best sustainability measures. It fosters spaces for socializing, meetings, business, education, and more for the community, helping to bring this part of the city back to life for the people of Larnaca.

This is a perfect example of how we’ve been able to prioritize the implementation of environmental solutions in our design and ensure alignment with sustainable environmental practices. Our collaboration with the Cypriot government was vital in ensuring that every stakeholder had an opportunity to contribute to the shaping and the success of the project — from politicians to tourism agencies, we were able to incorporate their insights into the design and underscore our commitment to enhancing the well-being of the people of Larnaca.

3. Share a little insight into how you approach combing design aesthetic and functionality to enhance the guest experience?

I firmly believe that good design should always prioritize functionality. However, functionality encompasses more than just usability — it extends to the broader impact on the surroundings.

When we’re designing a building, we’re essentially shaping a part of the city. Designing a hotel centered on user experience is a top priority — it aims to engage the senses, create a memorable stay, and influence the reputations of hotel owners and operators — and involves everything from the quality of materials to the overall impression visitors have of the city. The guest experience starts with the arrival, and I believe that whether you’re on vacation, a business trip, or simply exploring a new city, it should be a special and memorable one. From shaping the cityscape to the tiniest details in every room, we can make a difference through thoughtful material choices, color palettes, lighting and other personalized elements. As a global company, we’re attuned to emerging trends in the industry all around the world and actively integrate these insights into our projects to ensure our designs offer a distinct and memorable experience for each and every user.

4. How is the need for our clients to decarbonize and become more sustainable driving our design solutions?

Our commitment to delivering impactful design solutions is driven by a shared goal of sustainability with our clients. We recognize the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and minimize the environmental impact of our projects. Sustainability is integrated into every aspect of our design approach. We focus on reducing energy consumption through innovative design elements, such as facade enhancements and efficient construction solutions. By reimagining various project aspects, including circulation and construction techniques, we can significantly decrease carbon emissions. We have also created our own tools to be able to measure carbon reduction, so we can mitigate the negative environmental impact of the projects.

We’re thrilled to see that our clients are increasingly seeking decarbonization solutions for existing assets, demonstrating their commitment to reducing emissions. We collaborate with experts from across the industry in sustainability, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing), and architecture to ensure a holistic approach and the best solutions for our clients. Being able to contribute to meaningful emissions reduction provides us with a sense of pride.

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