The Derby London City, Curio Collection by Hilton

Bespoke Lighting Design & Development for a Contemporary City Hotel

Set within London’s historic Square Mile, The Derby London City, Curio Collection by Hilton combines a central location with views over the atmospheric ruins of St Dunstan in the East. Surrounded by some of the capital’s most iconic landmarks — including the Tower of London and Tower Bridge — the hotel offers elevated guest rooms with views towards The Shard and the River Thames, complemented by vibrant dining and social spaces.

The Brief

Working alongside the wider design and delivery team, Qraft Lighting was engaged to support the development of bespoke lighting elements across key areas of the hotel.

The brief focused on creating lighting solutions that:

  • aligned with the project’s refined and contemporary aesthetic
  • could be developed into practical, manufacturable products
  • met the technical and performance requirements of a high-end hospitality environment

Particular attention was given to guest rooms, bathrooms, public areas, and corridor lighting, including integrated room number solutions.

Our Approach

Qraft Lighting collaborated closely with the project team to translate design intent into fully realised lighting products.

From early-stage concepts through to technical development, our role was to ensure each design could be efficiently manufactured while maintaining the integrity of the original vision.

Key considerations included:

  • consistency of finishes and materials across different spaces
  • durability and compliance for hospitality use
  • ease of installation and long-term maintenance

By combining design sensitivity with technical expertise, we helped bridge the gap between concept and production.

Bespoke Design & Development

A range of bespoke lighting elements were developed for the project, tailored to suit both aesthetic and functional requirements.

These included:

  • Guestroom lighting
    Decorative bedside and wall-mounted fittings designed to provide both ambient and task lighting, enhancing comfort while complementing the interior scheme
  • Bathroom lighting
    IP-rated wall lights developed to deliver soft, flattering illumination while meeting performance requirements for wet environments
  • Public area lighting
    Carefully considered fittings contributing to a warm and inviting atmosphere within shared spaces
  • Corridor & room number lighting
    Bespoke solutions integrating illumination and wayfinding, ensuring clarity for guests while maintaining a cohesive visual language throughout the hotel

Each product was developed through detailed design and CAD stages, ensuring a seamless transition from concept to manufacture.

The Result

The completed scheme delivers a cohesive lighting approach across multiple areas of the hotel, enhancing both functionality and atmosphere.

Bespoke fittings contribute to the overall design narrative, supporting the balance of heritage and contemporary style seen throughout the interiors.

Through collaboration with the wider project team, the lighting plays a key role in shaping a refined and welcoming guest experience.