Behind the Design: Six Senses, The Whiteley London

Marking the brand’s UK debut, Six Senses London has opened its doors within the historic former Whiteley’s department store in Bayswater. 

Designed by AvroKO in collaboration with EPR Architects, it was a project we were delighted to be part of, working with Bluemoon Procurement to deliver bespoke lighting for an interior that reflects a broader shift in hospitality, where the focus is moving beyond simply providing a place to stay, towards an experience centred on wellbeing.

We spoke with Luca Ferraro, Senior Design Manager at AvroKO, about the approach behind the design and the impact of considering decorative lighting from the very start.

1. Reimagining a landmark through a contemporary lens 
The Whiteley is such a significant building, both architecturally and culturally. How did you approach reinterpreting the space for a modern hospitality audience while respecting its heritage?

"The approach began by protecting and celebrating the building's history and architectural features, such as the grand staircase, which was deconstructed and meticulously restored in the center of the hotel lobby. The design centers on William Whiteley, his original department store and its link to the 1851 Great Exhibition. The historical references are carefully balanced with more modern features in both the interior architecture and furniture."

2. Designing for longevity in hospitality
In a project of this scale, how do you balance aesthetic ambition with the practical demands of a high-traffic hotel environment - particularly when specifying materials, finishes and lighting?

"We prioritized tactile, organic materials like marble, stone, patinated metals, and warm timber. All of these age gracefully with use. Grounding the design in the building's inherent Art Deco and post-Victorian proportions naturally resists fleeting contemporary trends. Aligning with Six Senses values, energy-efficient systems ensure the building's operational longevity matches its physical durability."

3. Integrating lighting into the design narrative
Lighting feels integral to the atmosphere throughout The Whiteley. How early in the design process was decorative lighting considered, and how did it help shape the overall guest experience?

"Lighting was treated as a primary architectural material, optimizing natural light through the central atrium and glass elements allowing day light to permeate the interior. Because wellness is central to Six Senses, the artificial lighting was designed to support natural circadian rhythms, especially in the Spa area and rooms. Bespoke, decorative fixtures were planned early to provide warm, elegant and refined lighting, perfectly transitioning the hotel from a brighter daytime hub to an intimate evening retreat."

4. The value of a collaborative lighting partner
Working on a complex, multi-space project like this often requires a high level of coordination. What do you look for in a lighting partner when delivering bespoke or semi-bespoke solutions at scale?

"Delivering a massive project with 109 rooms and sprawling public spaces requires a partner who can manufacture at scale without losing the artisanal, hand-crafted feel. Collaboration is vital to seamlessly integrate modern, energy-efficient lighting engines into a 100-year-old building without damaging protected historic plasterwork. Another challenge is executing value engineering without making it noticeable to the end user (the hotel guests). Working with a collaborator who could appreciate details and refinement while remaining cost-effective was critical."

Overall, the scheme feels effortlessly considered - every detail, from materials to lighting, is chosen with purpose, shaping how the space feels to move through. But, as with any project of this scale, a strong concept is only the beginning.

Next week, in part two of our case study, we’ll explore how this concept was carried through into the finished scheme, exploring the role lighting played in shaping the guest experience, and the collaboration required to bring it all together.