Ran & Morris Creative Partnership, a globally recognized, award-winning interior design practice, proudly unveils its transformative design of Sofitel Bucharest, a restoration of the Oscar Maugsch Palace into a branded luxury hotel in the heart of the city’s historic University Square.

The five-star hotel features 157 guest rooms across four floors, as well as an atmospheric lobby, two restaurants, a dynamic event hall, and a spa.

The foundations of the story

Embracing Sofitel’s mantra of l’Art de Vivre, Ran & Morris focused on developing a design proposal to position the luxury hotel as an expression of French luxury viewed through the unique historical lens of Bucharest.

“Design has a relationship with the path of history, and it is from a convergence of historical elements that we built the narrative for this prominent Bucharest building,” says Ran Yanuv. “Most of our projects begin that way, and it is only once that narrative has been written that the design process truly begins.”

In a vibrant capital city defined by a mix of Soviet-era architecture and numerous historic and cultural sites, Bucharest was once known as ‘Micul Paris’, or ‘Little Paris’, for its early French architectural, cultural, and social influences. Harnessing those core narratives, while remaining focused on the refined French luxury exuded by the Sofitel brand, Ran & Morris applied their renowned ‘story-catching’ methodology to selecting design elements from multiple layers of influence.

“We consider ourselves to be story catchers in interior design, and we approach projects like archeologists revealing the details,” explains Morris Algazi. “We dig deep to find the authentic story of the culture and everything that once thrived in a building, a neighbourhood, and a city.”

Unifying their vision

With a mandate won for a proposal selected from design studios from around the world, Ran & Morris began the process of unifying two adjacent buildings into a singular vision. In collaboration with Cumulus, a leading Romanian architectural firm, they laid out plans to join two buildings, the first built in the late nineteen century, and the second as an extension in the early twentieth century. With both buildings designed by the same architect, there were many consistencies in the structural lines of the two three-storey buildings, which greatly facilitated that process.

“It felt as if someone had the intention of fusing the buildings from the start,” notes Ran Yanuv. “With that original intention, it became more of a process of creating links, rather than breaking down barriers.”

A rear servicing courtyard quickly emerged as the logical entranceway for the new hotel, and a passageway between the two buildings was enclosed under a spectacular 14-meter-high skylight. Under the skylight, a formidable lobby was envisioned by the architect, with Ran & Morris contributing design insight to help accentuate the verticality of the space, while retaining many of the structure’s original architectural features. A fourth level was also added to both of the buildings to accommodate newly-designed spaces.

The history of the two buildings includes their transformation from an elite residence into a bank, and Ran & Morris saw an opportunity to transform a former exhibition space designed for the latter into a dynamic, multipurpose ballroom.

“We suggested something that could be developed not only for use as a typical ballroom, but also as a dynamic space for fashion shows, concerts, and much more,” explains Morris Algazi. “By integrating adjustable lighting and enabling layout transitions, we facilitated atmospheric changes that make it an ideal space for multiple types of events.”

As a finishing touch, Ran & Morris incorporated an exterior patio into the interior design, enclosing it to create an extension to the hotel’s main restaurant.

Materialistic storytelling

With the interior spaces of the Sofitel Bucharest mapped out, Ran & Morris shifted their focus to considerations of what could be restored, and what new elements could be introduced.

“The concept of hospitality is evolving around the world, and we discussed that evolution with Sofitel when approaching the lobby design,” says Morris Algazi. “Lobbies have traditionally been spaces where people typically sit and wait, but we proposed something far more dynamic that would attract people through its core functions.”

With a green light from Sofitel, they infused the lobby with elements meant to create an atmosphere akin to a stroll down a Paris street, with a traditional French-style café, comfortable seating, and a vibe that feels like being part of a neighbourhood. Distinctive kinetic lighting fixtures were integrated into the expansive lobby ceiling, contributing to the spatial and experiential quality of the space.

They then extended their storytelling to material choices, finding ways to masterfully blend historic, cultural, and luxury influences. Soft curves, sculptural silhouettes, and warm classical tones embrace preserved classical façades and ornamental stonework. Culturally-rooted interiors are infused with the polish of contemporary luxury and French elegance through the application of tactile materials, delicate lighting, and a palette inspired by limestone, brushed brass, and the muted shadows of the city.

“The idea of Bucharest once being known as ‘Little Paris’ was a central theme that guided all aspects of this project,” says Ran Yanuv. “It became our core vision, and the story that we focused on telling from the very beginning.”

Modern interpretations of neo-classical motifs wrap around a selection of bespoke Parisian furnishings, dressed in textiles inspired by Romanian culture, and brought to life through strategic applications of lighting and textures.

Luxurious accommodations steeped in a rich storyline

With the history of the buildings encapsulating both residential and commercial functions, many of the original room layouts were retained as guest rooms marked by varying dimensions and unique shapes. In keeping with a French luxury brand being implemented within a Romanian city, Ran & Morris had to make a series of decisions as to which cultural elements would be included and highlighted in a balance that captured both essences.

In approaching the room design, the process was like conducting a workshop, including deep dives into core elements of Romanian culture that could be incorporated into the familiar five-star luxury that Sofitel is known for. From fabrics, to artwork, French design dominates the guest rooms, with Romanian culture captured through the inclusion of beautiful artistic headboards designed by local carpenters.

The spacious guest rooms feature vaulted ceilings nearly 4 meters high, with marble flooring in some, and parquet flooring in others. Embraced in the elegant design, French furniture provides luxurious comfort, selected in collaboration with Sofitel’s network of suppliers.

A storybook ending

With Sofitel Bucharest, the story-catching approach of Ran & Morris Creative Partnership has generated a remarkable transformation. Two heritage buildings have been reinterpreted in a unified new narrative, yet each has maintained its own architectural personality and cultural roots within a respectful, yet innovative design response.