Starwood Hotels appoints Tom Chalmers as SVP of Design & Architecture

Starwood Hotels‘ new Senior Vice President of Design & Architecture, Tom Chalmers, brings more than two decades of international experience spanning hospitality design, development and brand strategy. In his new role, he will help lead the continued evolution of Starwood Hotels’ global design vision, overseeing design across both new developments and existing properties. He will work closely with owners, developers, architects and creative teams to bring the distinct identities of 1 Hotels, Baccarat Hotels and Treehouse Hotels to life worldwide.

Chalmers’ career has taken in senior roles across hospitality, architecture and real estate development in Europe, the United States and the Middle East. He most recently served as Head of Design at Mohari Hospitality, where he led design across a global portfolio of luxury properties, collaborating with operators, developers and creative teams to take projects from concept through to delivery.

Prior to that, he was a Principal at AvroKO, where he led the firm’s international studios and worked across interior design, brand development and hospitality. His portfolio there included The Whiteley London, home to a Six Senses hotel and branded residences, as well as The Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Nujuma, and Four Seasons dining venues at The Pearl in Qatar. He also worked on 1 Hotel Copenhagen, giving him firsthand experience of the 1 Hotels brand and its nature-driven approach to design.

Image credit: Starwood Hotels

Earlier in his career, Chalmers held leadership roles at Edyn Development Studio, Gensler and The Standard Hotel Group. He began his career in architecture at Grimshaw Architects and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. Together, these positions have given him experience across design, development and operations on a wide range of hospitality projects.

Raul Leal, CEO of Starwood Hotels, said: “Tom brings a strong combination of creative vision, development expertise and international experience to Starwood Hotels. His ability to bring together design, brand and operational priorities will be invaluable as we continue to grow globally and create hotels that are both distinctive and deeply connected to the guest experience.”

Chalmers added: “I’m excited to join Starwood Hotels at such an exciting point in its growth. Each brand has a distinct identity and a strong sense of place, and I look forward to working with our teams and creative partners around the world to build on those foundations and bring them to life in new destinations.”

Chalmers joins at a significant period of global growth for the company, which is expanding its presence across key international markets, including the Middle East. Upcoming developments include Baccarat Hotel & Residences Dubai, as well as 1 Hotels, Baccarat Hotels and Treehouse Hotels projects in Riyadh.

His appointment will support this continued expansion, helping ensure the design of each new property remains true to its brand while responding to its individual destination and context.