Tolù Adẹ̀kọ́

Adẹ̀kọ́ & Co is an independent, multi-disciplinary design studio that specialises in storytelling, often through space and materiality. Stories are powerful, and strong brands are built around them. We make every brand experience unique and successful by telling its own memorable story by exploring palettes of materials, colours, and moods. Everything—from form to finish—is chosen for a reason, and all of it comes back to the story. We specialise in luxury hotel interior design, residential interior design, master-planning, furniture and product design, branding, graphic design and communications.

• Leading strategic direction to foster diversity in the UK design industry • Promote strong governance, financial oversight, and legal compliance • Advocating for sustainable funding, building relationships with donors and partners • Overseeing programs like internships, mentorships, and outreach for meaningful impact • Facilitating board engagement and development, supporting a diverse, skilled team • Managing risks and aligning operations with our mission for long-term success • Interviewing and liaising with recruiters to appoint a Charity Manager

Reporting to Associate Director, develop concepts that provide an original, appropriate and effective solution to the creative brief - Create boards/layout plans in accordance with agreed concepts - Present and sell concepts and design solutions to client - Work with designers to prepare, schedule and cost all FF&E specifications - Negotiate, co-ordinate and liaise with suppliers to ensure that all specifications and deliveries are being met on time and on budget and to the best possible quality to meet DCS standards. - Schedule and communicate all costs and specifications internally and externally - Research and meet with new suppliers to ascertain suitability - Co-ordinate and liaise with contractors, sub-contractors, local authorities and all other relevant personnel - Prepare and submit planning applications, tender documentation and licensing drawings - Ensure quality control through regular site visits and record progress

KEY STATS Hospitality & Marine Projects: 18 New Build Cruise Ships: 14 Won Pitch Presentations: 9 Projects Managed: 8 Visuals (CGI’s) & Sketches: 171 Design Directions & FF&E Schemes: 154 Public Areas (Hospitality, F&B, Retail): 81 Cabins & Suites: 45 Areas Delivered by Fall 2019: 52 Reporting to Director and Associates, work on High-end and large-scale projects to through from concept to completion in accordance with the client’s brief. - Generating concept ideas for pitches and presenting to clients. - Creating design directions and concepts for hospitality projects, directing 3D artist to visualize space. - Creating schemes, mood boards and material boards. - Prepare and issuing of FF&E specifications at all stages. - Project manage the day to day development of FF&E scheme. - Maintain and develop existing relations with existing suppliers and manufactures. - Research and meet new suppliers to ascertain suitability.

- Reporting to stakeholders, led a luxury customer media business through insightful leadership and accountability, and ultimately expanded the overall brand awareness and profitability - Negotiated overall rates for display sales in print and digital including inserts, event sponsorships and Classifieds. - Effectively manage and develop Key Accounts with media agencies and brands directly. - Liaise with PR agencies and in-house brands for integrated promotions sales. - Led client-facing presentations and directed sales pitches with media packs. - Directed a team of 10 employees and 50 freelancers including managing sales, marketing, circulation, distribution and subscription team. - Delegated to creative solutions and editorial team for innovative multi-channel selling. - Consulted stakeholders on digital content marketing and implementation.

- Reporting to Managing Partner, presented pitches and designed concepts for luxury construction company. - Working closely with Project Director, Architects and Interior Designers to ensure project is delivered holistically. - Researching, developing and sourcing the finest fixtures, fittings and equipment. - Meeting material suppliers and negotiating cost. - Took responsibility for the overall project, from initiation to delivery to ensure high quality output - Provided direction and management for budgeting, freelancers and production

Palm Beach Hotel, Cyprus Port Baku Residence - Worked alongside project managers, architects and interior designers on commercial hotels, restaurants and high end residential interiors within the Middle East markets - Demonstrated strong communication skills with team leader; Maintained excellent organisational, analytical and creative approach to projects

Hilton Hotel T5 Barwa Capital - Led the Hilton FF+E design project independently; efficiently developed strong contact with suppliers and vendors in the high end luxury London market - Developed knowledge and experience of working with budgets, schedules, procurement and running projects, including installing and styling model rooms

Gordan Ramsey Maze Grill Bar and Restaurant Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square Orient Express, Panama City W Hotel, Athens Icon Hotel, Dubai - Involved in luxury hotel, restaurants and spa projects from conceptualising to delivery - Conducted research, compiled presentation and mood boards for client pitches - Coordinated design team and assisted the production of FF&E specifications, schedules and control books