Architecture

Tailored to perfection: A thoughtful project revived a London landmark with timeless design

The transformation of the historic Gracechurch Street Hotel by Club Quarters pays tribute to its sartorial heritage, blending tradition with modern elegance.

Por: Alejandro Carrillo
The Gracechurch Street Hotel by Club Quarters has undergone a sophisticated transformation by the London-based design studio Holloway Li / Photo via Holloway Li
The Gracechurch Street Hotel by Club Quarters has undergone a sophisticated transformation by the London-based design studio Holloway Li / Photo via Holloway Li

The Gracechurch Street Hotel by Club Quarters in London has undergone a sophisticated transformation by the London based design studio Holloway Li, paying homage to the sartorial heritage of its historic location. 

 

The renovation carefully balances tradition and contemporary elegance, ensuring the building’s rich past is seamlessly woven into its refreshed interiors. Originally built in 1913 as an HSBC bank, this Grade II-listed landmark exemplifies the beaux-arts architectural style, a fusion of industrial strength and decorative refinement that was prevalent across Europe and the Americas in the late 19th century.

The renovation carefully balances tradition and contemporary elegance, ensuring the building’s rich past is seamlessly woven into its refreshed interiors / Photo via Holloway Li
The renovation carefully balances tradition and contemporary elegance, ensuring the building’s rich past is seamlessly woven into its refreshed interiors / Photo via Holloway Li

Holloway Li embraced the opportunity to work within these existing structural frameworks, preserving the original features while introducing subtle modern enhancements.

 

“Restoring a heritage site requires a thoughtful balance between conservation and innovation, and this project was a testament to that challenge,” shared senior designer Carrie Coningsby. Co-founder Na Li added, “We saw these preserved architectural details not just as historical elements but as integral design opportunities that contribute to the space’s grandeur—something increasingly rare in modern hospitality.”

Heritage meets modern luxury

Upon arrival, guests step into a grand double-height lobby, a space that once served as a bustling typists’ room in the 1950s. The reimagined hotel lounge is designed as a versatile space, functioning both as a communal coworking area and a cozy social hub.

 

To achieve a sense of refined separation without heavy partitioning, Holloway Li introduced flowing translucent curtains suspended from a brushed brass rail, subtly defining different areas. Seating arrangements mix curved banquettes and standalone chairs in soft pink and blue hues, evoking a sense of relaxed sophistication.

Upon arrival, guests step into a grand double-height lobby, a space that once served as a bustling typists’ room in the 1950s / Photo via Holloway Li
Upon arrival, guests step into a grand double-height lobby, a space that once served as a bustling typists’ room in the 1950s / Photo via Holloway Li

One of the most striking design influences for the project is the City of London long-standing tradition of tailoring, which predates its modern reputation as a financial district. This concept is directly reflected in the bespoke curtain headers, carefully designed to mimic the crisp folds of a tailored shirt cuff, accentuated with brass details reminiscent of cufflinks. “We wanted every element to reflect the same level of craftsmanship and subtle luxury found in fine tailoring,” noted Li.

Hospitality design

A custom-made octagonal pendant light, designed by Joe Armitage, takes center stage in the lounge, its gold trim referencing the historic fittings of the original banking hall.

 

The hotel’s 203 guest rooms echo the aesthetic of the communal areas, featuring fluted headboards and furniture crafted by Danish design house Carl Hansen. Textural sisal carpets contrast against the neutral walls, which are adorned with bold prints by pop-art icon Eduardo Paolozzi, adding a dynamic artistic touch.

Reflecting on the hotel’s material palette, Li highlighted the deep connection between high-quality textiles and enduring craftsmanship. “In the Square Mile, tailoring is about more than just style—it’s about durability and purpose. While Savile Row caters to Mayfair’s elite and the West End captures Soho’s creative flair, the City developed its own tradition of practical yet refined tailoring,” she explained.

 

Since its founding in 2015 by Na Li and Alex Holloway, Holloway Li has been at the forefront of innovative hospitality design. Their portfolio includes the Wunderlocke Hotel in Munich, which takes inspiration from Wassily Kandinsky’s abstract compositions, and the Puro Hotel in Poznań, Poland, a project that blends contemporary aesthetics with historical influences.

The hotel's 203 guest rooms echo the aesthetic of the communal areas, featuring fluted headboards and furniture crafted by Danish design house Carl Hansen / Photo via Holloway Li
The hotel's 203 guest rooms echo the aesthetic of the communal areas, featuring fluted headboards and furniture crafted by Danish design house Carl Hansen / Photo via Holloway Li

FAQ

  • What inspired Holloway Li’s design for the Gracechurch Street Hotel? The design was influenced by the City of London tailoring heritage, particularly in details like the curtain headers that resemble a tailored shirt cuff.
  • What is the significance of the building’s original architecture? It was built in 1913 as an HSBC bank and follows the beaux-arts architectural style, which blends industrial functionality with decorative elements.
  • How did Holloway Li integrate the concept of tailoring into the interiors? They used materials and design details that reflect the precision and craftsmanship of fine tailoring, such as brass cufflink-like accents and structured curtain folds.
  • What other hotels has Holloway Li designed? They have worked on the Wunderlocke Hotel in Munich and the Puro Hotel in Poznań, among other hospitality projects.

If you liked this article about Gracechurch Street Hotel, please share it.  You can also read this article about Brutalism in our Architecture section.

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