This year we have recognised the long service that some of our team have dedicated to working at ABDA Design. One of the team members who has worked with us for over two decades is our talented senior designer, Michael Hall. To celebrate this achievement, we wanted to look back on his journey and some of his highlights.

Michael studied 3D Design at Leicester De Montfort University. It was a broad ranging degree with modules including Colour Theory, Hospitality Design, CAD and Model Making. He was runner up in the design of a pop-up exhibition restaurant which included an inflated roof. This was a great experience to be a part of and it led to his interest in the hospitality side of interior design.

“Growing up, I knew I wanted to do something in design, but it wasn’t until I was at university that I found the work in hospitality so rewarding as I received lots of encouragement and my creativity was recognised.”

Michael likes working for ABDA Design as it is constantly changing with the times and providing new challenges, whether that be the areas of design we target, the technology we use or the clients we support. Throughout all of these changes, the colleagues that Michael has worked with have been outstanding and helped to make his work life so enjoyable.

“Over the last 23 years, the thing I have most enjoyed is the people and fun we have in the office. Without exception, everyone here, past and present, are total stars.”

Reflecting on his most memorable project, Michael loved working on the office design for EMW Crawley. This was a design and build project which we saw through from concept to completion.

“We got lots of positive vibes from the client as well as from their customers. It was a fresh approach to design with a friendly and professional environment. The design looked stunning, the client was awesome, and the fit-out team were very helpful which when all combined made for a great project.”

Thinking about his other successes, one of those would be the work we recently completed on the public areas at Holiday Inn Leicester. Emma Kendall, the hotel manager, was so happy and positive about the completed refurbishment.

Looking ahead to the next 20 years of design, Michael thinks there could be a movement to more socially aware venues and the impact on the planet. He believes venues will have strong ties with charities, good causes, the environment, and local procurement. Equipment such as furniture, lighting and even fixtures may be re-used.

“As historic features of a building are recognised, and as materials such as hardwood and natural stone become rarer, keeping them within a design will become more important. It may be seen as an accomplishment to work as many existing features into a new scheme as possible. This throws up lots of new challenges as to how things can be adapted and re-purposed but it’s an exciting opportunity as a designer.”