London-based experiential and spatial design studio AD Associates has appointed three former RPW Design personnel to its design team. Heather McLellan, Rick Snow, and Alessandro Tessari have all taken up senior design positions at AD Associates.

An experienced designer with strong technical knowledge and creative skills in both spatial and FF&E design, Heather McLellan joins as a Design Associate. She has an extensive background in high-end hospitality and cruise design, having successfully taken numerous small-and large-scale projects from concept to completion, from P&O Cruises, to the Marriott, Hilton and IHG portfolios, both within the UK and internationally.

“It’s exciting to continue to design within the hospitality sector amongst a talented and growing team, while at the same time working alongside some familiar faces!” says McLellan. “There are unique projects on the horizon for us, which is refreshing after a tough year for the industry.”

McLellan will work together with other senior leaders to oversee AD Associates’ interior architectural project teams and the more expansive studio team to deliver projects.

Rick Snow and Alessandro Tessari both join as Senior Designers, bringing a wealth of creative knowledge to the team working on projects from concept to completion.  The former is an accomplished residential and hospitality designer having worked on projects for globally renowned brands such as InterContinental and Four Seasons.

Snow comments: “I look forward to bringing my many years of hotel design experience to AD’s extensive hospitality and travel knowledge to create new and exciting projects together – both at sea and on land!”

Tessari is a highly experienced senior designer and qualified architect belonging to both RIBA and ARB. He has extensive international hospitality and cruise design experience working on projects for global brands such as Marriott and P&O Cruises.

“I am delighted and enthusiastic about joining the team and looks forward to the exciting project pipeline,” reveals Tessari. “I’m amazed by view from the studio, and the opportunity to work from a desk overlooking a Christopher Wren masterpiece – St Paul’s Cathedral.”

Established in 2006, AD Associates specialises in the travel and hospitality sectors and is based in the heart of London.

“I’m delighted three wonderful talents have joined the team,” says Chris Finch, founder and CEO of AD Associates. “This is a proud and exciting moment for the studio as the world slowly recovers from the pandemic, a turbulent time for our industry and the sectors we serve. There’s no doubt, Heather, Rick and Alessandro will all bring something unique and special to our team and client projects.”