Stuart Horwood

Having been instrumental in the setting up of 1508 London in 2009, Stuart brings more than 35 years of industry leadership and executive management experience.

As CEO, Stuart sets and drives the corporate direction and strategy. He is responsible for the successful management and execution of 1508 London and the company’s vision.

Previously, Stuart has held senior positions in UK and New Zealand governments, was Senior Vice President at Morgan Stanley and was Chief Commercial Officer at BT Wholesale & Ventures, with revenue exceeding £11 billion,and ultimately serving as Managing Director, leading BT Group to become Europe’s largest telecoms service provider.

Hamish Brown

Having been involved since 1508 London’s inception, Hamish has been pivotal to the growth of the company and has championed the studio’s expansion from private residential into multi-unit developments and hospitality, helping 1508 London become one the world’s most revered architecture and interior design studios. As an Interior Architect, Hamish’s ability to understand every facet of the design process ensures he is perfectly positioned to help support clients throughout their journey at 1508 London. His profound commitment to clients’ experiences has installed a dedication to the creation of timeless, elegant spaces of the highest quality, all of which are informed by a unique narrative, grounded in functionality with no one set style. Prior to 1508 London, Hamish held senior positions at established property development companies including Stonemartin before founding his own studio Hamish Benjamin specialising in prime central London residential development.

Laura Lockwood

Laura, a Chartered Architect, is 1508 London’s Studio Director and is responsible for managing the teams of designers, architects and visualisers to ensure the smooth functioning of the creative studio. Prior to joining, Laura was Head of Projects at Carlisle Design Studio, where she was accountable for delivery of their portfolio of 18 residential projects across 5 different countries with a combined construction value in excess of £250m+. Her past projects have included high profile residential properties such as One Hyde Park, One Tower Bridge and Southbank Place, alongside a wide range of private developments such as a 30,000sqft Grade II private members club in Mayfair, London; a 50,000ft2 luxury Grade II residence in Regent’s Park, London, as well as numerous highend residential developments in both Russia and China. As a result of her past projects, Laura has developed a strong understanding of every RIBA Project Stage.

Lizzie Mackay

Joining 1508 London to initially manage Operations, Lizzie established 1508 Procurement Ltd in 2016. Lizzie has spent the majority of her career managing logistics and facilities ventures for multinational companies. Lizzie’s experience in successfully delivering multifaceted projects is testament to her results-orientated attitude. Understanding that strategic delivery will inevitably inspire change, Lizzie works tirelessly to ensure project works allow for flexibility whilst ensuring deadlines are met. These skills compliment Lizzie’s management of an annual multi million-pound FF&E spend across projects in residential, hospitality and development markets worldwide.

Over the past three years, Lizzie has fine-tuned a carefully selected global supply chain that delivers the highest quality, accesses the finest brands and delivers the kind of flexibility our valued clients demand, irrespective of their sector or location. Lizzie ensures each bespoke collaboration guarantees quality without design ever being compromised.

James Murray

With almost 20 years experience working in the UK, Ireland and the Middle East, James is an accomplished senior architectural technologist and project manager. James’ exceptional technical ability and a passion for great design have ensured the delivery of a broad range of projects. His experience delivering multi-unit and luxury residential, hotels and commercial developments have given him invaluable insight and knowledge which he brings to the studio. James is practised at overseeing a large team, communicating with clients, the design team and main contractors, as well as navigating the finer points of contracts and statutory regulations in the execution of a project. James’ role has evolved with the company, starting as a Technical Designer and culminating in becoming Commercial Director. He heads up the commercial team and is responsible for all contracting operations in projects’ from inception through to completion.

Elaine Melia

Elaine joined 1508 London in September 2021.
She has over 14 years experience in accountancy & finance, providing comprehensive, quality commercial finance and accounting services across sectors including Interior design, IT, Educational, & Energy.
Elaine has studied CIMA. Providing experience in delivering process improvements to enhance the financial operations and outputs within 1508 London.

Leo Bertacchini

From creative direction through to the development of conceptual, architecture, furniture and lighting designs, Leo draws upon his unparalleled experience and skills honed by a deep knowledge and understanding of craftsmanship gained through his early years at luxury powerhouses including LVMH, Louis Vuitton, Linley, Yves St. Laurent and Ralph Lauren.

Sensitive to client’s needs and having built an exceptional track record in completing a vast array of luxury projects across private residential, development, hospitality, naval and aviation sectors worldwide, Leo’s warm and charismatic nature is matched by an uncompromising passion for detail and quality.

Over the last twelve years, his visionary talent has seen him lead interior design studios including Linley, Carlisle Design Studio and Allect Group with notable projects including a 60m Benetti Superyacht, Knightsbridge’s One Hyde Park, Claridges and Battersea Power Station’s Penthouses.

Since joining 1508 London, Leo has led revered projects including Mandarin Oriental Residences in Beverly Hills and Four Seasons Suzhou in China, in addition to celebrated addresses throughout prime central London.

Ailsa Connery

A qualified Architect with strong artistic and design strategy skills, Ailsa’s strengths translate into holistic design concepts and distinctive proposals. Originally from Dublin and a member of RIBA and RIAI, Ailsa has worked on a varied range of projects,

Ailsa approaches the challenges and opportunities offered by each design project strategically, with passion and creativity. This is reflected in her completed works, which include commercial, hospitality and healthcare projects, and a diverse range of residential work in London.

Since joining 1508 London, Ailsa has worked on a variety of private individual residences, private developer schemes and large scale residential projects including a renovation project in Battersea and a new build residence in Kensington.
An excellent communicator; skilful at both leading projects and liaising with clients, she offers the complete range of skill sets needed to execute a project to the highest level.

Anthony Taylor

With over 18 years’ hospitality experience, including 10 in the Middle East, Anthony has had the opportunity to work with leading thinkers in multiple regions across the world including Europe, Australasia, the Middle East and Asia. This has led to an innovative and creative approach to design that embraces culture at its very heart.

As a designer, Anthony is passionate about finding creative solutions and producing captivating spaces. Driven by the understanding that great design plays a key part in every property, Anthony leverages this wealth of knowledge to carefully curate experiences and journeys, to give a holistic perspective to the client’s requirements and lifestyle.

Gareth James

Responsible for conceptualising design intent for entire large-scale projects and with nearly 30 years’ hospitality experience, Gareth’s holistic ethos is inspired by the local vernacular, always adhering to client’s exacting requirements. Involved in each stage of the process, Gareth enjoys ensuring the direction of each project remains intact.

With a deep interest in architectural history, he loves nothing more than to subtly hint at a classical form in a contemporary manner. Integrity, elegance and timelessness shine through each project with his dedication, humour and positivity cultivating honest and lasting relationships.

Charlotte James

Charlotte has over 15 years’ hospitality from managing design libraries to leading the design of international luxury hotels. Her ambitious, curious and positive nature is matched with an innate need to immerse herself within each project’s culture.

Working alongside her husband, Gareth, she attributes their success to an ability to explore ideas in the most fluid and organic manner that transcends through their personal and work relationship. Gareth mentions ‘Charlotte is my everyday go to, my constant source of design connection and realisation. Together we do not design for today, we design for tomorrow and everyday thereafter”.

Darcy Lawrence

Equal parts New Yorker – global nomad, for more than 15 years Darcy has been engrossed in the luxury interiors business.

With strong relationships around the world, she has worked on numerous high-profile residential & hospitality projects from Moscow to Kuwait; from Tokyo to Las Vegas.

In 2014, Darcy was tapped to help establish Wilson Associates Dubai, which rapidly grew from 4 to 40 members of staff.

Darcy will be responsible for 1508’s foray into North America, where the firm plans to open a new design studio to service the projects and clients in this highly opportune market.

Marina Breves

In the last 8 years, Marina has been instrumental part in the design and delivery of high-profile residential developments and hospitality projects. She is an experienced Part III Architect, having graduated from Bartlett School of Architecture and a Masters in Sustainable Environmental Design.

Due to her expertise and connections she is part of the European new business team that ensures the interactions with clients are the most professional and suitable ones.

Marina is also responsible for the expansion of 1508 London to Latin America and she manages the local clients due to her understanding of the region’s culture, limitations and needs.

Joe Chamberlin

Following 10 years of experience working in the UK, Europe and throughout the Middle East, Joe is responsible for our newly opened international office in Dubai. With historic project work ranging from high-end residential to large commercial and hospitality projects, his understanding of client requirements in the region is invaluable. The company’s ambition to grow our portfolio throughout the Middle-East will be spearheaded by Joe who will take on the stable of current projects throughout the Gulf including United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. He will also be responsible for the establishment of our new design studio and the development of business relationships throughout the region.

Hannah Hutchinson

Having started her career in luxury hospitality design in Kuala Lumpur, working for the renowned Jean-Michel Gathy on projects such as the Aman Summer Palace, Cheval Blanc Randheli and the Chedi Andermatt, Hannah moved back to London in 2014 to focus on luxury residential design at 1508 London where she was promoted from designer to support Hamish Brown, as Business Development Manager, playing a key part in 1508’s appointment on the OWO Raffles Residence, amongst other significant projects.

With her established network of connections across Asia and her previous roles within the company, Hannah is uniquely positioned to lead the successful growth of 1508 London across the Asia Pacific region.