Studio Moren

Episode 48: Redesigning Historic Buildings with Tom Thorogood

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On this episode of DESIGN POD, Sophie Harper catches up with her good friend Tom Thorogood, Partner and Co-Head of Interiors at Studio Moren, to find out the secret to designing interiors that are fit for a contemporary hotel set within the confines of a historic building.

With almost two decades of experience designing luxury hotel projects, Tom is involved in all aspects of design from concept through to completion and leads Studio Moren’s design team in delivering projects that exceed their client’s expectations.

Tom’s experience in luxury hospitality design is vast, and here he tells Sophie about starting out in the industry and working at RPW and MBDS prior to his current role at Studio Moren. He talks about his past and current work on historic properties and shares his appreciation of the unique details and opportunities these buildings bring to a luxury hospitality project. Last year saw the opening of one of his most recent projects: Hyde London City, and he is currently working on the refurbishment of a grade 2 listed luxury hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon, a grade 2 listed luxury hotel in Fitzrovia, and two new build luxury resorts in Portugal.

Listen now to find out more about the projects Tom is currently working on – and what advice he’d give his younger self…

 

 

DESIGN POD is brought to you by Hotel Designs, the digital platform for all things design within the hospitality industry. This series is sponsored by Schlüter-Systems Ltd, your experts for tried and tested system solutions for the installation of tiles and natural stone, is produced by Kevin Lines, and hosted by Sophie Harper – the editor of Hotel Designs.

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.

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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 atSPACE 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.