Design update for a&o:

Berlin budget group continues collaboration with renowned architecture firm BWM

Berlin, 22 May 2025 — Antwerp, Brussels, Brighton: the new a&o locations are getting a prestigious facelift and at the same time heralding a refreshing design offensive for the Berlin-based budget group – with BWM Designers & Architects as a proven partner: more privacy, more ambience and a new room category are on the agenda. Work is already underway and the new features will apply to all future a&o locations with immediate effect.

Torsten Loos, COO: “BWM has the right answers to structural challenges and has its own unique signature – the perfect partner for a&o, contributing many years of expertise in the renovation of existing properties through interior design.”

Marlene Gesierich, Head of Interior at BWM Designers & Architects: “We are delighted that a&o approached us again after the repositioning and that we are working together more closely again. a&o is a dynamic company, and it is fun to implement new ideas together.”

“Playful” is not only the motto in interior design, but also applies to the collaboration, which began in 2017 with the rebranding of a&o and was implemented from 2018, first at a&o Venezia Mestre and then at around 20 other locations by the award-winning Viennese design and architecture firm.

Wall panels, privacy curtains and Twin Plus

And this is what the facelift looks like, which is now being implemented at the newest, future and some selected older locations:

Wall Panels: The new wall panels not only protect against wear and tear, but are also a design element with a wow effect: modelled on the weatherproof event posters in the cities, BWM has developed a durable wallpaper with impressions typical of each location; AI was also used to create the motifs.
Privacy curtains: Privacy curtains – practical curtains that can be used to separate sleeping areas quickly and effectively – will provide more privacy in multi-bed or family rooms in future.
Twin Plus: Additional furniture and more flexible lighting in larger rooms characterize the new Twin Plus category at a&o; this has already been tested in selected hotels since 2024 and has so far received very positive guest feedback.

“Budget needs design and BWM is once again demonstrating its flair for the interplay of reproducibility, durability, easy care and maintenance and, of course, cost efficiency”, emphasizes Torsten Loos. Over the coming weeks and months, the houses will be converted or redesigned floor by floor.