Sanderson, London, United Kingdom

This former textiles factory in the heart of London's Fitzrovia now houses one of the slickest design hotels in the capital - not that you'd immediately guess. The listed building proved a real challenge to the Shrager-Starck team. It is protected to the extent that even internal walls cannot be erected; the result is a space where the only room dividers are silken panels that float over clear glass panes. It is spectacular.

Sanderson's lobby is a vast, white space, punctuated by bright bespoke furniture. The hotchpotch of chairs, little tables and foot-stools channels guests towards the huge reception desk at the far end. The exclusive Purple Bar, designed to look like the inside of a jewellery box, lies off to one side. Dark and decadent, it is lit only by dimmed plum-coloured lamps and