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Studio Moren promotions 2022 

David Harte, Associate

David is a talented designer with specialist experience in the hospitality sector. He has a passion for creating unique, inclusive and unforgettable spaces, while still maintaining functional and commercial sensibility. His breadth of knowledge extends to all stages of design, from initial concept to construction and completion.

As project lead, he has worked on schemes across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Africa both with international brands and independent owners. He also has expertise in brand and design guideline development having previously led on the rejuvenation of an internationally renowned legacy upscale hotel brand, as well as the redevelopment of a mid-scale hotel brand in the EMEA & APAC regions.

David is currently overseeing several projects including a luxury hotel in Frankfurt, a new lifestyle hotel in Camden, the fabulous Autograph Collection Abastumani Resort & Spa in Georgia. Most recently he led the completion of Malmaison, York – a 1960’s office block conversion which opened in summer 2021.

Javier Ortega, Associate

Javier is an ARB registered architect specialising in design, planning and construction.
As part of the planning team at Studio Moren, Javier has achieved planning success on multiple projects, including a 593-room hotel/aparthotel scheme in Croydon and the extension of the Mercure Bloomsbury Hotel in central London, among others.

Javier enjoys taking part in international design competitions, such as the concept design for a mixed-use development in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, including a 227-room hotel together with an office development and a retail complex; and the competition for a 250-room luxury hotel resort in Abuja, Nigeria.

As part of the construction team, Javier has led the execution and delivery of a 93-room boutique hotel in Old Marylebone Road, London, that is set to open its doors in early 2022. Javier has also been part of the team producing the tender package for a 69-room hotel within the Noss-on-Dart Marina resort in Kingswear, Devon.

Freya Jones, Senior Project Leader

Freya is an accomplished Project Lead with several years’ experience delivering a wide range of hotel projects, including both interiors and larger scale architectural schemes. Through participation across all stages of delivery, from planning through to construction, she has established herself as a vital interface between clients and contractors working with brands such as Hyatt as well as smaller boutique hotels.

Freya is currently leading the delivery of the new Park Hyatt Hotel located on the River Thames at Nine Elms. This luxury hotel is set to open in 2023.

Previously Freya led the onsite delivery of the 280-bed Hyatt Place Hotel located in Aldgate East – the first of its kind in a central London location featuring an all-day dining and lounge space, as well as a roof bar and terrace. This scheme utilised Freya’s experience of existing building refurbishments through re-use of the existing structure and sustainability playing a key role.

Freya is a dynamic and excellent communicator with extensive knowledge of architectural project development and an in depth understanding of project delivery and implementation.

She also has a strong interest in relationships within the office and plays a key role in our Company Culture and Inclusivity Steering Group.

Bryan Oknyansky, Senior Designer

Bryan holds a Bachelors and Masters of Architecture degree with international experience in a variety of sectors. He joined the Studio Moren design team in 2019 and is responsible for leading projects and design teams through the early design stages, from feasibility through to planning.

Having worked in the US, China and UK, Bryan’s international sector expertise includes residential, hospitality, mixed-use, high-rise, airport and masterplan developments – including listed buildings and developments in conservation areas.

Alongside practice, Bryan has lectured at design schools around the world and continues to speak on topics of digital technology for design and making. He specialises in incorporating design innovations in his projects to deliver robust commercial and sustainable schemes by championing strong, collaborative relationships with clients, consultants and planning authorities.

In addition to his professional responsibilities, Bryan is a technology, sustainability and biophilia champion in the office and organises the weekly five-a-side staff football matches.

In his new role as Senior Designer, Bryan aims to continue his drive to enrich the practice and his projects with creativity, innovation and leadership, to work toward a more sustainable built environment.

Jonathan Comfort, Senior Architect

Jonathan is a skilled Architect with specialist experience in the hospitality and high-end residential sector. His attention to detail, and range of knowledge at both concept and construction stages ensures high-quality design is delivered throughout the entire design process. He has a passion for providing existing listed buildings with a new lease of life, one that all can experience and enjoy.

As project lead, he has worked on hospitality schemes across the UK and Europe, with both luxury and boutique international and independent brands. Working closely with clients across all stages of design, ensuring brand cohesiveness and assisting in expansion plans for multiple brands, Jonathan has also worked on a number of high-end residential schemes in both Westminster and Belgravia, and extracts value experience, design and detail, seeking to blur the lines between the two luxury sectors.

Jonathan is currently project architect for two high-profile projects, a complete hotel fit out for 1 Hotels in the heart of Mayfair, a pioneering sustainable luxury brand, which brings its first hotel and nature driven ethos to the UK; and Accor’s new addition to Manchester as part of the Airports regeneration masterplan. The new TRIBE Hotel will deliver 400 bedrooms and vibrant public areas, ideal for the short-stay traveller.

Experienced in the design of Serviced Apartments Jonathan also is a Sector Champion; attending events, and developing new business opportunities within this growing sector.

Rachael Reid, Senior Interior Designer

Rachael is a winner of ‘30 under 30’ by Mix Interiors for the year 2021. She is a highly-skilled designer with experience in luxury hotels, restaurants, bars & clubs, and various build-to-rent schemes. Rachael is also one of our sustainability drivers, continuing to add and research new materials, furniture and lighting into her projects and sharing them with the wider Studio Moren team.

She is currently leading several London-based projects, for Grainger PLC, Hyatt and Hilton, alongside developing pitches. Rachael believes that building internal and external relationships is essential to promote a healthy environment at work. At Studio Moren, she has been part of several internal initiatives that encourage a more inclusive work environment, pushing boundaries, and helping others.
She has led on several projects shortlisted for industry recognised awards.

Laurynas Deveikis, Senior Architect

Laurynas has worked on a wide range of projects at Studio Moren since 2014, including residential, mixed-use, hospitality and interior design projects. During this process, he has worked with brands such as Hyatt and Westin as well as limited-service hotels. His holistic approach enables him to manage the full life of a project from concept design through to tender documentation and construction stages.
Laurynas is always striving for innovation and implementation of the latest technologies and methods to achieve the consistency and integrity of information and immersive design.

He is currently leading a 19-storey Travelodge PLUS hotel in the London Docklands, accommodating 350 guestrooms, a bar, a restaurant and café facilities. The scheme also features a pocket park and enhanced landscaping to the perimeter, with planting specified to reduce the impact of air pollution. The project has been designed with consideration of carbon emission and sustainability; therefore, it is targeted to achieve a BREEAM excellent standard.

Sarah Yuma, Interior designer

Sarah is an interior designer who started her journey working in high-end residential then eventually moving to the hospitality sector. She is also a proud nominee of the ‘Rising Star of the Year Awards’ at the Britlist 2021 by Hotel Designs.

Her previous experience working in design offices, as well as her attention to detail, means she is able to adapt to diverse working environments and needs. Sarah develops conceptual as well as technical designs.

Sarah is widely travelled and her observation and admiration of various cultures has helped expand her palette of design.

Sarah is currently working on the refurbishment of a Grade II listed lifestyle hotel in Holborn.