Starwood Hotels Appointed New Design Leader
Tom Chalmers has joined Starwood Hotels as the senior vice president of design and architecture.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Hotels
Starwood Hotels has named industry veteran Tom Chalmers as its new senior vice president of design and architecture. He will be responsible for guiding the global design vision across the company's entire hotel portfolio.
Why it matters
The appointment marks a strategic shift in how the hospitality group intends to evolve its brand aesthetic through future developments. Chalmers will collaborate with developers and creative teams to manage design efforts for both new and existing properties.
Tom Chalmers brings 20 years of experience to his new role, having previously held positions at Mohari Hospitality and AvroKO. His background also includes leadership tenures at The Standard Hotel Group, Edyn Development Studio, and Gensler.
The players
Tom Chalmers
He is the newly appointed senior vice president of design and architecture at Starwood Hotels who previously held leadership roles at firms including Mohari Hospitality and AvroKO.
Starwood Hotels
This international hospitality company manages a global portfolio of hotel brands and properties.
The details
In his new capacity, Chalmers oversees design initiatives for new and current properties while coordinating with owners, architects, and creative partners. His portfolio includes prior international project experience, ranging from The Whiteley in London and Four Seasons dining venues in Qatar to a 1 Hotel project in Copenhagen.
Timeline
September 29, 2026: Starwood Hotels formally appointed Tom Chalmers to his new role.
Travel Outlook
The hospitality industry is increasingly prioritizing specialized architectural leadership to differentiate brand identities in a crowded global market. This appointment follows the trend of major hotel groups centralizing design oversight to ensure consistent quality across diverse international property portfolios.
Travelers can expect a potential shift in the aesthetic and architectural language of future hotel locations managed by the brand. These changes may eventually impact how guests experience amenities and interior environments during upcoming stays at global properties.
The takeaway
The addition of a seasoned design executive suggests that the company is aiming to modernize its global property footprint. Industry participants should watch for upcoming renovations or new build announcements that reflect this change in leadership.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership and development, visit our Hotels section.
