Set in Charlottenburg, The Dean is guided by an approach rooted in contrast and tension. In the public areas, we embraced the building’s layered history by revealing and retaining original surfaces wherever possible, allowing patina and imperfection to sit comfortably alongside crisp contemporary interventions. The result is a ground floor that feels storied and instinctive rather than overly composed.

At the heart of the hotel is the lobby — conceived as a destination rather than a point of transition. From the entrance, a layered sequence of spaces unfolds, revealing the bakery, restaurant and lounge before leading to an intimate library nook just beyond. We wanted the arrival to feel immersive: a deep red, colour-drenched wind lobby introduces the palette, creating a bold threshold between street and interior.

The library, clad in Ettore Sottsass veneer and furnished with a mix of contemporary and vintage pieces, is designed to feel more like a private living room or artist’s studio than a hotel amenity. Art is layered throughout rather than fixed architecturally, curated in collaboration with local galleries and emerging German artists. Pieces are intentionally positioned off-centre, introducing subtle tension and intrigue.

Material experimentation underpins the space. Standard plywood elements are elevated using Linolie linseed oil staining, pushing the boundaries of familiar materials. Many design decisions were made on site as layers were stripped back, allowing the existing architecture to guide the final material language. The atmosphere is refined yet inviting — confident in its contrasts, and deliberately resistant to generic hotel tropes.