A Look Inside Starwood Capital Group’s New London Office

Michal
Technology
11 seconds ago

Investment firm Starwood Capital Group hired workplace design firm Oktra to design their new office in London, England.

“The project began with a clear and ambitious brief: to craft a workspace that felt as refined and emotive as a five-star hotel, while still meeting the operational needs of a fast-paced investment firm. Starwood Capital’s in-house team and their hotel architect shared concept direction, early sketches, and furniture selections that captured the warmth, texture, and elegance central to the 1 Hotels brand.

Our design team developed a scheme that balanced high-end residential comfort with workplace performance. From solid granite reception desks to natural timber finishes and sculptural Ray Lighting fixtures, each element was selected to reflect the same tactile luxury found throughout Starwood’s hotel portfolio.

Just like in a hotel, the first impression mattered. The reception space sets the tone with its bold materiality and serene ambiance, while a bespoke boardroom table—crafted from a single slab of timber—anchors the executive suite. Plush retreat spaces, softly lit corridors, and an intuitive spatial flow reinforce the sense that this is a place where hospitality meets business.

The new headquarters spans three connected buildings, requiring sensitive architectural interventions to harmonise levels and create a fluid journey through the workspace. Ceiling treatments were adapted across zones—alternating between exposed and enclosed—to enhance both character and clarity, while accommodating the robust AV needs of town hall spaces and meeting rooms.

The movement between spaces is designed to feel effortless, echoing the flow of a luxury hospitality environment. Employees transition naturally from client areas to work zones, informal lounges, and two rooftop terraces—each offering spectacular views and a quiet moment of escape.

True to the brand’s environmental values, sustainability was a cornerstone of the design. Materials were sourced with care—prioritising natural wood, stone, and soft textiles over synthetic alternatives. Extensive biophilia, including integrated planters and organic textures, blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors, drawing parallels with the 1 Hotel experience.

Natural light was maximised wherever possible, while warm, neutral tones enhance the building’s existing architecture and contribute to a calm, grounding atmosphere. The result is a space that not only looks and feels luxurious, but also embodies purposeful, planet-conscious design.

Starwood Capital’s new London HQ is a workplace that challenges conventional boundaries. More than an office, it’s a curated environment that reflects the company’s hospitality DNA, supports its people-centric culture, and represents a bold new chapter in how businesses approach workplace design.

By combining high-end materials, flexible functionality, and the human touch of hospitality, the new headquarters sets a benchmark for workplace environments that are as refined and welcoming as the world’s best hotels.”