About Design, Management, and Multilayeredness
Interiors: Ekaterina Ugrumova
General Contractor: Ant Teq
The developer: Spectrum Group
Photo: Gork Journal
I have been closely following the large-scale construction unfolding on Leninsky Prospect, amidst a vast forest park area. I had the opportunity to speak with the hotel’s General Manager, Nina Petridis (NP), and the designer Ekaterina Ugriumova (EU), who developed the hotel’s interior design.
GJ — Ekaterina, could you tell us at what stage of construction you joined the project and how you interacted with the developers?
EU — We got involved at the very initial stage. Starting from the concept and the first sketch to the hotel’s commissioning. The building’s architecture was provided as a technical task, and the main challenge was to adapt the architecture to fit the interior.
GJ — Nina, could you elaborate on how the technical specifications were formed?
NP — Within the corporate office of Radisson Hotel Group, we have a separate department that deals with technical assistance and works with architects, designers, and other contracting organizations according to the regulations and brand book.
The overall project creation cycle looks like this: the investor chooses a specific brand from a portfolio of ten, for example, Radisson Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson RED, or another. The project is considered by the business development department, a contract is signed, a technical team is connected, about 6 months before the opening, the hotel is handed over to the General Manager, and then it is commissioned.
Interiors: Ekaterina Ugrumova
General Contractor: Ant Teq
The developer: Spectrum Group
Photo: Gork Journal
I have been closely following the large-scale construction unfolding on Leninsky Prospect, amidst a vast forest park area. I had the opportunity to speak with the hotel’s General Manager, Nina Petridis (NP), and the designer Ekaterina Ugriumova (EU), who developed the hotel’s interior design.
GJ — Ekaterina, could you tell us at what stage of construction you joined the project and how you interacted with the developers?
EU — We got involved at the very initial stage. Starting from the concept and the first sketch to the hotel’s commissioning. The building’s architecture was provided as a technical task, and the main challenge was to adapt the architecture to fit the interior.
GJ — Nina, could you elaborate on how the technical specifications were formed?
NP — Within the corporate office of Radisson Hotel Group, we have a separate department that deals with technical assistance and works with architects, designers, and other contracting organizations according to the regulations and brand book.
The overall project creation cycle looks like this: the investor chooses a specific brand from a portfolio of ten, for example, Radisson Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson RED, or another. The project is considered by the business development department, a contract is signed, a technical team is connected, about 6 months before the opening, the hotel is handed over to the General Manager, and then it is commissioned.
GJ — Ekaterina, what guidelines did the brand book set for you?
EU — We call them guides. These are extensive instructions written for all situations, covering technical, engineering, and some architectural aspects. There are thinner guides with directions on styling and furniture. I must say, they contain very valuable guidelines for the architect. The main thing the guides ensure is compliance with the specific status of the hotel.
GJ — Nina, did your expectations about the atmosphere match the reality?
NP — In my role as the general production manager, the key elements of the atmosphere were already predetermined by the design and technical teams. Our goal is to position the hotel correctly, adding quality service and emotions to its design. For the Radisson Blu brand, it’s important that guests feel comfortable and unique. We collaborated with different teams, integrating premium equipment and high-quality standards, such as Type-C chargers in the rooms, high-quality plumbing, and custom-made mattresses. Our project fully meets the requirements of the Radisson Hotels chain.
GJ — Ekaterina, when you walk into the reception, the first thing you notice is the spiral staircase. How did it come about?
EU — Initially, a grand sculpture was intended to be in the center of this space, but we found a more elegant solution. We came up with the idea of the staircase acting as the central sculptural object. It’s made of metal and coated with brass. It has no supports, making the staircase appear to "fly" around the column. Implementing the staircase even required us to pour additional flooring.
EU — We call them guides. These are extensive instructions written for all situations, covering technical, engineering, and some architectural aspects. There are thinner guides with directions on styling and furniture. I must say, they contain very valuable guidelines for the architect. The main thing the guides ensure is compliance with the specific status of the hotel.
GJ — Nina, did your expectations about the atmosphere match the reality?
NP — In my role as the general production manager, the key elements of the atmosphere were already predetermined by the design and technical teams. Our goal is to position the hotel correctly, adding quality service and emotions to its design. For the Radisson Blu brand, it’s important that guests feel comfortable and unique. We collaborated with different teams, integrating premium equipment and high-quality standards, such as Type-C chargers in the rooms, high-quality plumbing, and custom-made mattresses. Our project fully meets the requirements of the Radisson Hotels chain.
GJ — Ekaterina, when you walk into the reception, the first thing you notice is the spiral staircase. How did it come about?
EU — Initially, a grand sculpture was intended to be in the center of this space, but we found a more elegant solution. We came up with the idea of the staircase acting as the central sculptural object. It’s made of metal and coated with brass. It has no supports, making the staircase appear to "fly" around the column. Implementing the staircase even required us to pour additional flooring.
GJ — Nina, how do you take into account guests' wishes regarding design and functionality? What feedback mechanisms do you have in place, and how do you respond to unique requests?
NP — We categorize guest feedback into three categories: product, service, and technical. For example, the product part concerns quality standards and brand compliance. If a guest makes a design-related comment, we explain how our standards are implemented and their features. Service and technical feedback are analyzed separately. We identify what can be improved immediately and what will require long-term investment. We have a budget for implementing corrections. However, not all wishes can be fulfilled immediately. For instance, if a guest wants changes to the building’s structure, such discussions may take much more time and interaction with investors.
GJ — What makes the Radisson Blu on Leninsky special compared to hotels of a similar level?
NP — Our hotel is the first five-star hotel of an international chain in the South-West of Moscow. We’ve thoughtfully designed the interior details for our guests' comfort, creating a space not just for staying overnight but for work, relaxation, and inspiration. Our team consists of young professionals constantly working on improving service. Guests have access to World Class services, and, of course, the unique location next to 60 hectares of forest park area makes our hotel special.
NP — We categorize guest feedback into three categories: product, service, and technical. For example, the product part concerns quality standards and brand compliance. If a guest makes a design-related comment, we explain how our standards are implemented and their features. Service and technical feedback are analyzed separately. We identify what can be improved immediately and what will require long-term investment. We have a budget for implementing corrections. However, not all wishes can be fulfilled immediately. For instance, if a guest wants changes to the building’s structure, such discussions may take much more time and interaction with investors.
GJ — What makes the Radisson Blu on Leninsky special compared to hotels of a similar level?
NP — Our hotel is the first five-star hotel of an international chain in the South-West of Moscow. We’ve thoughtfully designed the interior details for our guests' comfort, creating a space not just for staying overnight but for work, relaxation, and inspiration. Our team consists of young professionals constantly working on improving service. Guests have access to World Class services, and, of course, the unique location next to 60 hectares of forest park area makes our hotel special.
GJ — Ekaterina, what would you highlight in terms of design?
EU — I would note the timelessness of the design. It tells about both the past and the future, like 60s space movies. This expensive and high-quality cladding will still be relevant in 50 years. The beauty of architectural design is that this space, the walls, the ceiling with this lamp, can be filled with any furniture. And my pride, something I haven’t seen in other hotels, is the art. We have a hotel, but it’s as if a parallel layer has become a collection of contemporary art. You could say the hotel has gathered its own gallery of contemporary Russian artists.
GJ — Is there any stylistic definition for such a space?
EU — It’s hard to define, as every guest sees something different in this interior. Let’s call it multi-layered styling.
EU — I would note the timelessness of the design. It tells about both the past and the future, like 60s space movies. This expensive and high-quality cladding will still be relevant in 50 years. The beauty of architectural design is that this space, the walls, the ceiling with this lamp, can be filled with any furniture. And my pride, something I haven’t seen in other hotels, is the art. We have a hotel, but it’s as if a parallel layer has become a collection of contemporary art. You could say the hotel has gathered its own gallery of contemporary Russian artists.
GJ — Is there any stylistic definition for such a space?
EU — It’s hard to define, as every guest sees something different in this interior. Let’s call it multi-layered styling.
We started discussions with the Radisson Hotel Group about the shoot roughly a year ago. This is probably the longest planning period we’ve had for a feature in our magazine. We were not disappointed. I’m not a big fan of formal receptions and try to avoid such events whenever possible, but I’d like to highlight the seamlessness and comfort of the entire event, from a chamber opening with guests ranging from critics to investors. Thanks to Nina and her team for this, and to Ekaterina for the chance to indulge my lens with some good design.
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