Admiralty Arch

Archer Humphryes came highly recommended to the Admiralty Arch Waldorf Astoria team when they were appointed to develop the architectural content and Interior Design for the project. Adept at the revivification of landmark architecture, the Grade I Listed building within Londons’ Westminster ceremonial heart, bridging between the Mall and Trafalgar Square, Archer Humphryes set-out the public areas and room arrangements within a carefully choregraphed holistic interior design.

Annabel Sampson wrote in Tatler magazine: “Their expansive, glamorous team – bicycles et al – have set up in one wing of the arch where they have worked tirelessly pandemic-long (but with gratifying views out to Trafalgar Square). While it’s still a work in progress, the plans look fabulous: abounding with colour, richness and character, tailored to the different themes and inspired by trips to HMS Victory, the Royal Maritime Museum and all sorts. Arguably, the arch’s pièce de résistance is that rooftop – and Archer Humphryes’ terrace designs will set your heart aflutter: draped with vines, wisteria and at its very best cast in dappled sunlight, it will very soon be the most sought after spot in London. With mad-cap 360 views of London – straight down the mall to Buckingham Palace one way and then over to the London Eye another and of course o’er to Nelson’s column… It’s abundantly clear the hotel is going to be grander than grand itself.”

Prime Investors Capital, who in 2012 spearheaded the winning bid to purchase the great arch on a 125-year lease – and doing so with a palpable, deep-rooted fondness and (meticulously researched) respect for its history and heritage completed the basement build beneath the Mall, the Listed planning applications and the ID package with Archer Humphryes Architects. The Reuben Brothers purchased the building in 2022 and appointed Knight Build as main contractor to complete the project. The development of the hotel has changed slightly since the Reuben Brothers takeover, including the replacement of an afternoon tea salon on the fourth-floor bridge with a two-bedroom VIP suite offering views of the Mall. A spokesperson for Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch said the hotel will be an “F&B destination”, complete with an all-day diner and terrace with more than 100 covers, a 50-cover restaurant with chef’s table for formal dining, and an underground bar that pays homage to the building’s historic residents, including Winston Churchill and Ian Fleming.” The DNA of the project that Archer Humphryes somewhat remains in the new schemed being developed separately by the Reuben Brothers.