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Mel Yates Photography

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Mel Yates Photography. Be moving, be still, be social, be seen.

When Mel Yates and his team are not producing one of the DESIGN POD podcast episodes with editor Hamish Kilburn, they’ll likely be on a stills or video shoot – or editing a film or social media content – for one of their many other clients who include (in A, B, C…)  Architectural Digest, British Airways, (The) Crown Estate, through to hotel brands such as Four Seasons, Kimpton, One & Only. The other letters of the alphabet can be filled with many great commissions from Elle Decoration, Harrods, (The) New York Times, Patek Philippe, (The) Royal College of Art, Vogue and others. To round off the A,B,C, Yates has also shot ads for ZSL. “A close up portrait of a giraffe was a challenge, but we really love challenges,” Yates told Hotel Designs.

Image caption: Kimpton Manchester. | Image credit: Mel Yates Photography

Image caption: Kimpton Manchester. | Image credit: Mel Yates Photography

The photographer originally trained as a designer at Central St Martins – so having a daily involvement with the world of design feels totally natural, and he has a real understanding of the design process and the passion that designers bring to their work.

“We love hotels and we love design.” – Mel Yates, Founder, Mel Yates Photography.

First working as a commercial stills photographer in the diverse fields of interiors, still life and celebrity portraiture, Yates started making short films in 2010 – his first commission was a film with designer Kelly Hoppen, who he has since shot dozens of projects for around the world, and continues to work with regularly.

Yate’s experience runs into 1,000’s of stills shoots and more than 100 short films, but it’s always the one happening right now that’s the most important and the most exciting and has infinite potential.

Mel Yates Photography’s regular team also includes Freya looking after all the logistics and Mark, the team’s video postproduction manager – who when he’s not with Yates is editing trailers for Hollywood movies. In addition, the brand also work regularly with – and has quick and personal access to – a wonderful collection of talents in the fields of sound, graphics, drone flying, animation, styling, scriptwriting, etc – whatever each project may require.

Image caption: Suite inside Chateau Denmark, designed by Taylor Howes Design. | Image credit: Mel Yates Photography

Image caption: Suite inside Chateau Denmark, designed by Taylor Howes Design. | Image credit: Mel Yates Photography

“We don’t think of ourselves as just photographers or video makers that record what’s in front of them, rather as storytellers who strive to fully understand the subject and then communicate it in the most effective ways,” the photographer adds. “Our aim is to create both stills photography and a range of video (promo and social) that are fully compatible – to the same high standard, with the same aesthetic, on the same shoot.”

www.melyates.com

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Hamish Kilburn

All stories by: Hamish Kilburn

Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

Workhighlights: Successfully coordinating events from planning through to delivery and seeing everything come together on the day.

Fun fact: I’m a keen cyclist and will happily bore people with copious amounts of cycling chat. My top cycling experience (so far) would have to be riding in the spectacular mountains of Crete.

Work highlights: Charles joined Forum Events in 2022. With a background in publishing, editorial media and events, Charles brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Production Manager. Having being involved with SPACE from the outset, he is excited to see the brand grow and develop.

Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

Fun fact: Katy has spent years perfecting all kinds of accents and loves a good impersonation!

Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher at SPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.

Together these platforms offer a comprehensive 360-degree service encompassing digital media, print publishing, and live events – providing unparalleled value to advertisers, partners, and readers alike.