André Fu
André Fu is arguably Asia's most in-demand interior architect. Renowned for his signature contemporary designs, his work aims to continually bridge the gap between European and Oriental ideas of beauty, tradition and modernity.
Following his acclaimed designs for our sister hotels The Berkeley, Claridge's and The Maybourne Beverly Hills, we're delighted to add The Emory to his enviable global portfolio of interiors.
We joined Andre to talk about his design ethos - and how his designs at The Emory were shaped by London's colours, textures and atmosphere.
André Fu
André Fu is arguably Asia's most in-demand interior architect. Renowned for his signature contemporary designs, his work aims to continually bridge the gap between European and Oriental ideas of beauty, tradition and modernity.
Following his acclaimed designs for our sister hotels The Berkeley, Claridge's and The Maybourne Beverly Hills, we're delighted to add The Emory to his enviable global portfolio of interiors.
We joined Andre to talk about his design ethos - and how his designs at The Emory were shaped by London's colours, textures and atmosphere.
"The concept of luxury has evolved in the last few decades,'" says André.
"Historically, the concept of luxury was tied to the ornate and the opulent.
"But now people long for a more relaxed, comfortable sensibility, and much of my work revolves around that idea.
"Because I was born in the East and raised in the West, crossing cultures has always been a part of my life [so] a lot of my work crosses cultures and evokes a sense of place, too.
"That's another strong context, a really strong sensibility that runs through my work - the sense that things are inviting and calm; that when you're in the space, you can just be yourself."
And that's certainly the case when it comes to his work at The Emory, where every design decision is - in André's words - 'in service to a feeling'.
"I initially approach my work like I'm building a mental collage, and [my work at The Emory started] with a discussion that helped me grasp the vision entrusted to translate Maybourne's very own heritage of hospitality in the context of their first new-built London hotel in the past 50 years," says André.
"My concept revolves around the spirit of an 'Artisan Apartment' – the rationale became about respecting how The Emory should retain the soul of a Maybourne property, while creating something fresh and new, where the guest remained at the heart of the experience."
"The floor-to-ceiling windows capture a framed image of the city – forming a close encounter with Belgravia outside, and enveloping the apartment in London’s urban landscape.
"The suites really embrace Hyde Park, which gives us our palette of colours - the seasonal, ever-changed tones of sage and olive green, the lush pinks, the rare golden colour of the sky in London.
"The materials used throughout are informed by the tactility of the city, too. The solidity of the ivory travertino marble, the hardwood, the abundance of glass and a dash of calacutta viola marble - they all juxtapose the richness inherent within the fine details, and the colour palette throughout. Key features include radial marquetry panels, curved glass bar cabinets and bespoke furnishings from Andre Fu Living.
