Delivering exceptional guest experiences: Meet Fernando Temprano Suarez
In this Hotels and Hospitality blog series, we’re unveiling the artistry of innovative architecture, inspiring interiors and how we’re delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Fernando Temprano is a director of architecture from our Buildings +Places business in Madrid, Spain. His expertise in designing hotel and hospitality projects has been instrumental in leading a multibillion-dollar project in Europe, showcasing his visionary approach and commitment to architectural excellence in the sector.
- Tell us a bit about yourself – your role and career journey
I have been working as an architect on hotel and hospitality projects across Europe for over 23 years. I’ve had the opportunity to work with many different hotel operators and to travel all around the world. Before joining AECOM, I gained valuable experience at renowned architectural firms in Spain, including Salvador Pérez Arroyo Studio where I managed projects for globally acclaimed architects such as Sir Peter Cook and led projects from the initial concept sketches to overseeing on-site construction, a practice embraced in Spain. Our architectural and interior design practice in Spain is now over 150 people, delivering projects all over the world.
2. Talk to us about a hotel project that has impacted or been a major highlight of your career. How is it solving the challenges and issues our clients and communities are facing today?
One of my favorite projects is leading the design for a multibillion-dollar mixed-use complex comprising residential, commercial and hotels. My role involves the seamless collaboration of various disciplines, such as advisory, master planning, architecture, interior design, and engineering services to create a synergy of expertise at every project phase.
Another major highlight of my career to date has been working in collaboration with the Cypriot government to design and deliver a new master plan for Larnaca — the third largest city in Cyprus. Our transformative, mixed-use solution combines residential areas, commercial offices, hotels, a port and a marina that allows us to give the sea back to the city and its citizens. Our design is one that prioritizes social value and the best sustainability measures. It fosters spaces for socializing, meetings, business, education, and more for the community, helping to bring this part of the city back to life for the people of Larnaca.
This is a perfect example of how we’ve been able to prioritize the implementation of environmental solutions in our design and ensure alignment with sustainable environmental practices. Our collaboration with the Cypriot government was vital in ensuring that every stakeholder had an opportunity to contribute to the shaping and the success of the project — from politicians to tourism agencies, we were able to incorporate their insights into the design and underscore our commitment to enhancing the well-being of the people of Larnaca.
3. Share a little insight into how you approach combing design aesthetic and functionality to enhance the guest experience?
I firmly believe that good design should always prioritize functionality. However, functionality encompasses more than just usability — it extends to the broader impact on the surroundings.
When we’re designing a building, we’re essentially shaping a part of the city. Designing a hotel centered on user experience is a top priority — it aims to engage the senses, create a memorable stay, and influence the reputations of hotel owners and operators — and involves everything from the quality of materials to the overall impression visitors have of the city. The guest experience starts with the arrival, and I believe that whether you’re on vacation, a business trip, or simply exploring a new city, it should be a special and memorable one. From shaping the cityscape to the tiniest details in every room, we can make a difference through thoughtful material choices, color palettes, lighting and other personalized elements. As a global company, we’re attuned to emerging trends in the industry all around the world and actively integrate these insights into our projects to ensure our designs offer a distinct and memorable experience for each and every user.
4. How is the need for our clients to decarbonize and become more sustainable driving our design solutions?
Our commitment to delivering impactful design solutions is driven by a shared goal of sustainability with our clients. We recognize the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and minimize the environmental impact of our projects. Sustainability is integrated into every aspect of our design approach. We focus on reducing energy consumption through innovative design elements, such as facade enhancements and efficient construction solutions. By reimagining various project aspects, including circulation and construction techniques, we can significantly decrease carbon emissions. We have also created our own tools to be able to measure carbon reduction, so we can mitigate the negative environmental impact of the projects.
We’re thrilled to see that our clients are increasingly seeking decarbonization solutions for existing assets, demonstrating their commitment to reducing emissions. We collaborate with experts from across the industry in sustainability, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing), and architecture to ensure a holistic approach and the best solutions for our clients. Being able to contribute to meaningful emissions reduction provides us with a sense of pride.