Design Insider Ambassadors

A graduate from the University of Oxford with a Master of Arts degree, Jonathan has led creative and design services businesses for over 20 years, initially with WPP Plc (Ogilvy) in his early career as an ‘ad man’. Jonathan currently leads CCD/Cheng Chung Design’s luxury interior design business across the EMEA region from London, where he established the CCD studio under the new brand name ‘HALKYN’.

Prior to CCD Jonathan ran the G.A Group as CEO, alongside his father for 12 years. In that time G.A delivered award-winning hotel interiors for projects including Atlantis the Royal (Dubai), The Corinthia (London), 1Hotel Mayfair (London), W (Taipei) and the Palace Hotel (Tokyo), amongst many others. In this period G.A grew from two studios in Europe and 40 employees to five studios globally comprising 180 employees. He oversaw the opening of G.A Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai and New York and led the re-branding of the company, including a drive to integrate concept architecture and branding services into the interior design process. Ultimately Jonathan’s time at G.A concluded with a full exit and sale to Private Equity in 2024.

Jonathan has a unique perspective on the luxury hospitality design sector, built from his family’s experience as outright owners of a leading design hospitality design consultancy. He understands how to drive measurable ROI via design and has an innate understanding of the balance required between commerical objectives and the creative, design process.

Jenny Crossland is SpaceInvader’s Branding & Graphics Associate, who joined the studio in 2020. With 10 years’ experience combining interior and graphic design expertise, Jenny bridges the gap between brand and space. She works studio-wide at SpaceInvader, helping teams craft environments that express clients’ identity and values with clarity and impact.

Her work covers multiple sectors and interior-based applications, most recently including creating artwork for Hilton in a new Manchester hotel; an extensive wayfinding and artwork package for a leading financial data analysis company and graphic treatments for six Birmingham City Football Club suites. She has contributed to many Design Insider articles, most recently their ‘Joyful Spaces’ series, alongside a Career Profile and the cover design of the CIUK / Design Insider Directory.

Sharon Grob operates at the forefront of luxury hospitality and residential design, shaping projects that are as much about experience and identity as they are about architecture. At Oppenheim Architecture, she leads global growth, working across a portfolio of hotels and high-end residential developments defined by a strong sense of place and a commitment to destination-building.

Her work brings together world-leading brands, operators, and developers, fostering collaborations that translate vision into distinctive, culturally resonant environments. With an instinct for what makes places truly memorable, Sharon is driven by a belief that design has the power to create destinations that endure—emotionally, commercially, and socially. With over two decades of experience, she combines strategic business development expertise with a deeply embedded network across the global hospitality landscape, enabling opportunities that shape the future of how and where we experience luxury.

A previous career in UHNW private wealth management brings an additional layer of commercial insight, informing her approach to value creation, investment, and long-term partnerships.

Gurvinder is a Director with over 20 years of design leadership experience, reshaping environments to drive sustainability, culture and impact at scale. She oversees project design and delivery for multiple high-value client accounts across the EMEA region.

With a solid track record of balancing strategic vision with sharp operational focus, Gurvinder has positioned herself as a trusted collaborator for businesses who want to thrive in the changing global landscape. Gurvinder brings expertise across hospitality, retail, and mixed-use design, supporting M Moser’s drive to set new benchmarks in low and zero carbon built environments. Passionate about sustainability, wellbeing and diversity in design, Gurvinder leverages her influence to advance causes that align with her values.

Gurvinder is a member of CREW UK, SDC, BCO and is an ambassador for Design Insider. She also regularly works with Clerkenwell Open and Clerkenwell Design Week.

Ed is an architect working at the intersection of design, culture and commercial reality in contemporary hospitality. His portfolio spans independent operators and global brands, from tightly crafted boutique boltholes to complex urban hotels, united by a belief that the best hospitality design balances architectural clarity with guest experience and long-term value.

At Studio Moren, Ed plays a central role in shaping both projects, process and people. He mentors emerging talent, helps set the studio’s direction, and leads complex, multidisciplinary teams with a collaborative, pragmatic approach. Paired with his instinctive rapport with clients, consultants and contractors, this makes him an indispensable interface and a respected presence throughout the life of a project. Recent highlights include delivering the UK’s first Hyde hotel for Ennismore and the country’s first Marriott-branded Westin.

Matt Nadilo brings over 15 years of international experience in luxury hospitality design to Blink. His extensive portfolio spans hotels, branded residences, casinos, restaurants, and wellness spaces, collaborating with world-renowned brands and operators across the USA, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Prior to joining Blink, Matt held senior design roles at Nic Graham & Associates, Rockwell Group, Kelly Hoppen Interiors, and GA Design. His design philosophy blends narrative-driven storytelling with
refined craftsmanship, creating spaces that are not only functional but also immersive and memorable.

At Blink, Matt carry a strategic vision that reflects the firm’s dedication to crafting transformative hospitality experiences. His proven ability to translate cultural context and brand identity into distinctive interiors further strengthens Blink’s position as a leader in luxury hotel and resort design.

Pippa Nissen is a Director and Founder of Nissen Richards Studio, a London-based practice working globally with over 50 creative awards to its name. Pippa studied architecture at the University of Cambridge, gaining first class honours, returning to teach as a Design Fellow, and also led a museum design unit at London Metropolitan University. Pippa additionally studied for an MA in Theatre Design at Slade School of Fine Art, graduating with distinction.

Her unique fusion of architecture and theatre design and deep understanding of both space and scenography are amongst the many elements that set Nissen Richards Studio apart. In the 16 years since the studio was founded, Pippa has become one of the international museum sector’s most experienced and awarded designers, with projects completed for many of the world’s greatest cultural institutions.

These include the refurbishments of the UK’s National Portrait Gallery and The Courtauld Gallery, both of which were shortlisted for The Stirling Prize, with The Courtauld going on to win The People’s Poll Award. Cultural sector clients include The British Museum, The Natural History Museum, Historic Royal Palaces, The Tate, The British Library, National Trust, The Imperial War Museum, Chatsworth House, the V&A and The Fitzwilliam. International clients include MUNCH, Kode, The National Library of Norway, The National Gallery of Norway, D.A.G, Sarawak Brooke Dockyards Museum and Iceland’s Vatnajökull National Park. The studio has also completed theatre work, under Pippa’s direction, for The Actors Touring Company, Aldeburgh Festival, Albany Theatre, Basel Opera and Teatro Orientación in Mexico.

Jasper Sanders is the Director and Founder of interior design studio Jasper Sanders + Partners. The Manchester-based business began in 2013 and, over the last decade, has established itself as a leading and award-winning space innovation studio. Principal work sectors include commercial residential, incorporating BTR, Co-Living and PBSA interiors. Jasper’s philosophy, deeply embedded in the culture of the practice, reflects a commitment to innovation and the reinvention of architecture from the inside out.

Jasper’s philosophy, deeply embedded in the culture of the practice, reflects a commitment to innovation and the reinvention of architecture from the inside out.

Align Design and Architecture Director and Co-Founder Nigel Tresise is a hugely-experienced creative business leader, bringing many years’ experience of architecture and construction to all the company’s projects, as well as an incredible wealth of technical knowledge. Nigel is an RSA Fellow, a member of the Sustainable Design Collective and a Design Ambassador for Design Insider.

Align Design and Architecture work across architecture, interior design and placemaking and specialise in workplace strategy and design, along with hospitality, private and developer residential schemes and urban regeneration projects. The company’s client base – from The Economist Group and Fidelis Insurance to Cummins Power Generation and Cathay Pacific – includes property developers, the public sector and private clients over a wide spectrum of sectors, from music and media to manufacturing, engineering, finance, aerospace, insurance, law, technology and charity.

Nigel’s considered insights have been welcomed by many industry publications, especially on workplace design, with thought leadership articles ranging from ‘What is a cool office – and would anyone want one?’ for OnOffice to a rounded view of ‘Agile Working’ for Work in Mind, opinions on ‘Workplace Collaboration’ for CIUK’s Design Insider, as well as a post-pandemic look at ‘The Future of Workplace’ for Designerati. Nigel also contributes to broader design issues, from the future of technology to pieces on wellbeing and sustainability for Design Insider, as well as trends in materiality and, most recently, commentary on AI for FX Magazine.

Nigel has appeared on panels for Design Insider and the Sustainable Design Forum talking about sustainability, toxic materials and circularity and, since 2023, has co-presented the Sustainable Design Collective Awards. He completed a Masters in Design Studies at Central St Martins during 2006 and was elected Fellow of the RSA later that year.

Imogen Woodage is Associate Director at leading design consultancy SpaceInvader, heading up the firm’s hospitality offer for clients such as Hilton, Marriott, Accor and Radisson Blu Hotels. Imogen is a great enthusiast for her sector and enjoys each stage of a project, from the buzz of meeting new clients to the complexities of problem-solving and the satisfaction of seeing end-users engaging happily with the final environment.

A Cheshire native, Imogen took a BA in Interior Design at Sheffield Hallam University before joining Styles & Wood, where she spent four years working on retail and commercial projects. With a desire for more early-stage concept work, she joined SpaceInvader in 2018, quickly becoming Senior Designer and then Associate, before becoming one of two Associate Directors in 2025, who, along with Studio Operations Director, help manage the company, together with Founder/Director John Williams.

Rita has over 35 years’ experience in international marketing and is the founder of Bancmarketing, an independent consultancy supporting leading interior brands across wallcoverings, fabrics, flooring, and beds. Her work spans brand strategy and communications, including editorial, case studies, video content, and industry panel discussions.

Rita is Vice President and Programming Director of NEWH UK, an NEWH Inc Delegate, and a Brand Ambassador and regular contributor to Design Insider. She began her career after winning the Chartered Institute of Marketing Young Marketeer of the Year award in 1987 and is a strong advocate for supporting emerging talent.