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Stadium for Bath

We are Architects for a new destination in the centre of this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage City - celebrated for its hot springs, Roman remains and Georgian town planning.

Abbey Sands

Abbey Sands

Inspired by British seaside modernism, our strategy and designs for this mixed-use waterfront development created a new narrative for the 21st century English Riviera.

Blackpool Tower

Blackpool Tower

Our designs for reinvigorating this treasured landmark structure included two new attractions, improved visitor flows, and a spectacular glass floored observation deck.

Titanic test

Titanic Belfast

We created key public spaces within the world-leading Titanic Belfast visitor attraction - helping retell the story of her conception, through construction and launch, to her maiden voyage and subsequent place in history.

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Salcombe Harbour Beach Club Hotel & Spa

Stunning transformation of an ailing run-down 1930s building into one of the most sought-after coastal destination hotels in the country.

top-img - credit Merlin Entertainemnts

SEA LIFE Aquariums & Attractions

Masters of the deep: helping to deliver over 50 SEA LIFE destinations across the globe.

Image Credit: Merlin Entertainments

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WE ARE ARCHITECTS, MASTERPLANNERS & CREATIVES FOR THE EXPERIENCE ECONOMY

Our work focuses on creating places and spaces for culture and leisure. With a built portfolio spanning over 25 countries, our projects include some of the world's most celebrated brands and destinations.
TITANIC BELFAST
Harcourt Construction TITANIC BELFAST
Harcourt ConstructionTITANIC BELFAST

Designs for key public spaces within the world-leading Titanic Belfast visitor attraction - helping retell the story of her conception, through construction and launch, to her maiden voyage and subsequent place in history.

Image Credit: Donal McCann

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BLACKPOOL TOWER
Blackpool Council / Merlin Entertainments BLACKPOOL TOWER
Blackpool Council / Merlin EntertainmentsBLACKPOOL TOWER

£10 million remodelling of a treasured landmark structure. Designs for the grade I tower included new attractions, improved visitor flows, and a spectacular glass floored new observation deck.

Image Credit: George Green / Alamy

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MADAME TUSSAUDS DUBAI
Merlin Entertainments MADAME TUSSAUDS DUBAI
Merlin EntertainmentsMADAME TUSSAUDS DUBAI

Kay Elliott work alongside Merlin Entertainments to deliver Madame Tussauds Dubai - the first and only of its kind in the region. Sitting beneath the iconic Dubai Eye, the world class attraction showcases over 60 lifelike wax figures.

Image credit: Merlin Entertainments

STADIUM FOR BATH
Bath Rugby STADIUM FOR BATH
Bath RugbySTADIUM FOR BATH

Designs for a new 18,000 seat stadium within the World Heritage City of Bath. The proposal seeks to minimise heritage impact while creating a unique new riverside destination for the city and home for Bath Rugby.

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PEPPA PIG THEME PARK DALLAS FORT WORTH
Merlin Entertainments PEPPA PIG THEME PARK DALLAS FORT WORTH
Merlin EntertainmentsPEPPA PIG THEME PARK DALLAS FORT WORTH

The first standalone Peppa Pig theme park in the U.S. An immersive family destination that brings the beloved TV character to life through playful rides, attractions, and themed environments designed especially for little ones.

Image credit: Merlin Entertainments

 

 

ICON PARK
Merlin Entertainments ICON PARK
Merlin EntertainmentsICON PARK

Co-located Madame Tussauds and Sea Life attractions at ICON Park, part of an 8-hectare entertainment destination in the heart of the Orlando Entertainment District. 

Image Credit: Westend61 / Amazing Aerial

SEASPACE
Watergate Bay SEASPACE
Watergate BaySEASPACE

Adaptive re-use to create the UK’s first coastal aparthotel located on the Atlantic Cornish coast. Masterplanning and architecture working together to create a unique coastal destination, unlocking all the benefits of a hotel with the freedom and space of a private apartment.  

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SICHUAN SEALIFE
Merlin Entertainments SICHUAN SEALIFE
Merlin EntertainmentsSICHUAN SEALIFE

New landmark Aquarium project in China's Tianfu New Area - part of the Chengdu high-end destination cluster - located in the province of Sichuan.

SHREK'S ADVENTURE
Merlin Entertainments SHREK'S ADVENTURE
Merlin EntertainmentsSHREK'S ADVENTURE

Part of the Grade II-listed County Hall redevelopment. The attraction combines live actors, immersive sets, and interactive storytelling to guide guests through the whimsical worlds of Shrek and friends in a historic, central London landmark.

Image credit: Merlin Entertainments

 

MUNICH SEALIFE
Merlin Entertainments MUNICH SEALIFE
Merlin EntertainmentsMUNICH SEALIFE

£10million aquarium in collaboration with Auer Webber created within the highly sensitive landscape of Munich's Olympic Park - currently on UNESCOs tentative list for future World Heritage designation.

Image credit: Nick Guttridge

SALCOMBE HARBOUR BEACH CLUB HOTEL & SPA
Harbour Hotels SALCOMBE HARBOUR BEACH CLUB HOTEL & SPA
Harbour HotelsSALCOMBE HARBOUR BEACH CLUB HOTEL & SPA

Destination hotel and residential development overlooking Salcombe Estuary. Adaptive reuse of early c20 structure, within AONB and functional flood plain.

SEA LIFE COEX SEOUL
Merlin Entertainments SEA LIFE COEX SEOUL
Merlin EntertainmentsSEA LIFE COEX SEOUL

An immersive underwater world that delights and educates visitors, sparking curiosity and inspiring a love for marine life. Every space is designed to engage, inspire, and leave a lasting impression.

Image Credit: Merlin Entertainments

LONDON COUNTY HALL
Merlin Entertainments LONDON COUNTY HALL
Merlin EntertainmentsLONDON COUNTY HALL

Attraction cluster within grade 2* listed County Hall including 4D Experience for the London Eye, Shrek’s Adventure, London Dungeon and remodelling of the London Aquarium.

Image credit Tim Ayers / Alamy

BOURNEMOUTH HILTON
THAT Group BOURNEMOUTH HILTON
THAT GroupBOURNEMOUTH HILTON

Client-side monitoring for two new landmark hotels; a 4-star Hilton hotel containing 167 bedrooms, and a second 114 key 3-star Hampton Hilton.

Image Credit: Cube Design (Design Architect)

SLIMBRIDGE
Wildfowl & Wetland Trust SLIMBRIDGE
Wildfowl & Wetland TrustSLIMBRIDGE

Flagship Heritage Lottery funded Living Wetland Theatre and walkthrough Aviary. The completed designs immerse visitors in a new lagoon habitat and include an open-air amphitheatre for live and interactive presentations. 

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IMPERIAL HOTEL
Andrew Brownsword Hotels IMPERIAL HOTEL
Andrew Brownsword HotelsIMPERIAL HOTEL

Reimagining of one of the country's first 5-star hotels outside London. The landmark clifftop hotel and residential project seeks to reinstate the grandeur of the original building which has been lost to post-war extensions.

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SALCOMBE HARBOUR HOTEL
Harbour Hotels SALCOMBE HARBOUR HOTEL
Harbour HotelsSALCOMBE HARBOUR HOTEL

Extensively remodelled waterfront hotel to include new guest rooms, spa, restaurant and terraces. Supported by residential enabling development and optimisation of views overlooking Salcombe estuary.

HOTEL VERTA
Von Essen Hotels HOTEL VERTA
Von Essen HotelsHOTEL VERTA

70 bedroom luxury hotel, spa and rooftop restaurant overlooking the River Thames. The project also included  business aviation facilities for the UK’s busiest heliport.

Image credit: Rob Smalley

THE BRACKENRIGG INN
Another Place, The Lake THE BRACKENRIGG INN
Another Place, The LakeTHE BRACKENRIGG INN

An interior-led pub renovation that blends heritage character with sustainable design, adaptive reuse, and warm Cumbrian hospitality.

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ABBEY SANDS
Harvard Estates ABBEY SANDS
Harvard EstatesABBEY SANDS

Award winning, mixed-use scheme for an important seafront site. The project's design has been influenced by the modernist style of early 20th century British seaside architecture.

LEGO® DISCOVERY CENTRE BRUSSELS
Merlin Entertainments LEGO® DISCOVERY CENTRE BRUSSELS
Merlin EntertainmentsLEGO® DISCOVERY CENTRE BRUSSELS

A next-generation indoor attraction where families can explore creative play zones, immersive workshops, and hands-on LEGO adventures designed to inspire builders of all ages.

 

PALACE HOTEL
Fragrance Group PALACE HOTEL
Fragrance GroupPALACE HOTEL

Planning for a new 248 key luxury 5-star resort hotel looking out across Lyme Bay. Design included spa, restaurants, conference facilities and a roof top bar.

MERCURE PAIGNTON HOTEL
Accor Group MERCURE PAIGNTON HOTEL
Accor GroupMERCURE PAIGNTON HOTEL

Anchoring a £70m transformation of Paignton’s seafront, the Mercure Paignton sets a new benchmark for four-star hospitality on the English Riviera, with Kay Elliott leading both the architecture and interior design.

Image credit: George Fielding

IBIS STYLES PAIGNTON HOTEL
Accor Group IBIS STYLES PAIGNTON HOTEL
Accor GroupIBIS STYLES PAIGNTON HOTEL

Bringing fresh energy to Paignton’s seafront, the ibis Styles neighbours the Mercure and forms part of the £70m investment shaping the English Riviera. Playful, design-led interiors and over 120 rooms were delivered by Kay Elliott across both architecture and interiors.

Image credit: Poppy Jakes

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RNIB HQ
RNIB RNIB LONDON HQ
RNIBRNIB LONDON HQ

UK's first project to adopt the BSI neurodiversity standard. Refurbishment of the iconic Grimaldi Building, London. Designed to bring together RNIB core services within a transformed, legible layout for diverse activities.

THE BEAR GRYLLS ADVENTURE
Merlin Entertainments THE BEAR GRYLLS ADVENTURE
Merlin EntertainmentsTHE BEAR GRYLLS ADVENTURE

A first-of-its-kind attraction blending high-octane activities under one roof. The project transformed 8,000m² of space into an immersive, adrenaline-fuelled destination.

GUIDE DOGS REGIONAL CENTRE
Redbridge GUIDE DOGS REGIONAL CENTRE
RedbridgeGUIDE DOGS REGIONAL CENTRE

The Guide Dogs Regional Centre in Redbridge provides a purpose-built hub for training, care, and community outreach - designed to support the charity’s life-changing work in an inclusive, welcoming setting.

LEGOLAND® HOTEL KOREA
Merlin Entertainments LEGOLAND® HOTEL KOREA
Merlin EntertainmentsLEGOLAND® HOTEL KOREA

LEGOLAND Hotel, Korea – A fully themed family destination adjacent to the park. As concept architect, Kay Elliott played a key role in shaping the immersive environment, ensuring the design fully captured the vision of both Merlin Entertainments and the LEGO brand.

Image credit: Merlin Entertainments

MADAME TUSSAUDS HOLLYWOOD
Merlin Entertainments MADAME TUSSAUDS HOLLYWOOD ROOFTOP RESTAURANT & BAR
Merlin EntertainmentsMADAME TUSSAUDS HOLLYWOOD ROOFTOP RESTAURANT & BAR

A new rooftop restaurant and bar at Madame Tussauds Hollywood - an outdoor oasis where guests can soak up old Hollywood glamour, enjoy modern LA flavours, and dine alongside their favourite stars, right on Hollywood Boulevard.

Image credit: Merlin Entertainments

LEGOLAND® KOREA SPINJITZU COASTER
Merlin Entertainments LEGOLAND® KOREA SPINJITZU COASTER
Merlin EntertainmentsLEGOLAND® KOREA SPINJITZU COASTER

Co-ordination of the masterplan and immersive guest experience for the LEGOLAND Korea Spinjitzu Coaster - the first of its kind across all LEGOLAND parks worldwide. 

Image credit: Merlin Entertainments

SEALIFE FLORIDA AT LEGOLAND®
Merlin Entertainments SEALIFE FLORIDA AT LEGOLAND®
Merlin EntertainmentsSEALIFE FLORIDA AT LEGOLAND®

A dynamic, educational, and visually striking space that brings the wonders of the ocean to life. An attraction that captivates guests of all ages while promoting marine conservation and awareness.

Image credit: Merlin Entertainments

PEPPA PIG THEME PARK GÜNZBURG
Merlin Entertainments PEPPA PIG THEME PARK GÜNZBURG
Merlin EntertainmentsPEPPA PIG THEME PARK GÜNZBURG

The creation of Germanys first Peppa Pig Park right next to LEGOLAND® Deutschland Resort. Families can step into Peppa’s colourful world with themed rides, play areas, and character experiences designed for little adventurers.

Image credit: Merlin Entertainments

 

LITTLE BIG CITY BEIJING
Merlin Entertainments LITTLE BIG CITY BEIJING
Merlin EntertainmentsLITTLE BIG CITY BEIJING

An immersive attraction that blends expert model making with cutting-edge technology to bring the city’s rich history to life—from ancient Hutongs to the vibrant entertainment of the 20th century.

 

SKY SAFARI
Taronga Zoo SKY SAFARI
Taronga ZooSKY SAFARI

In collaboration with Taronga Conservation Society and Studio SC, Kay Elliott co-created the concept for the landmark Sky Safari cable car. Replacing ageing infrastructure at the 100-year-old zoo, the new experience will glide visitors through the treetops with sweeping views of Sydney Harbour.

THE STRAND
Torquay Harbour THE STRAND
Torquay HarbourTHE STRAND

The proposed redevelopment of the former Debenhams into a 154-room boutique hotel with rooftop bar, restaurant, and lively ground-floor spaces. Inspired by Torbay’s golden Riviera era, it hopes to blend heritage with contemporary elegance to create a year-round destination on the town’s most prominent waterfront site.

CORBYN HEAD HOTEL
Fragrance Group CORBYN HEAD HOTEL
Fragrance GroupCORBYN HEAD HOTEL

Delivering a new £23m four-star hotel for the Fragrance Group on Torbay’s seafront. Opening in autumn 2025, the 152-room hotel will feature a spa, rooftop bar, restaurant, and terraces with sweeping bay views, enhancing both visitor experience and local access along Torbay Road.

THE WILD GARDEN
Another Place, The Machrie THE WILD GARDEN
Another Place, The MachrieTHE WILD GARDEN

Designed for The Machrie Hotel as part of the Another Place collection; an authentic Scandinavian outdoor spa set in the wild Hebridean landscape, featuring wood-fired hot tubs, a cold plunge, and an outdoor sauna. 

4-24 TORWOOD STREET
THAT Group 4-24 TORWOOD STREET
THAT Group4-24 TORWOOD STREET

Proposal for a mixed-use development close to Torquay Harbour, featuring a 130-bedroom hotel, three restaurants, retail, and office space. Designed to respect its conservation area setting, the scheme uses local materials and clever massing to create a vibrant destination that strengthens the town’s accommodation and leisure offer.

THE GRUFFALO & FRIENDS CLUBHOUSE BLACKPOOL
Merlin Entertainments THE GRUFFALO & FRIENDS CLUBHOUSE BLACKPOOL
Merlin EntertainmentsTHE GRUFFALO & FRIENDS CLUBHOUSE BLACKPOOL

The world’s first multi-character Gruffalo attraction, blending storytelling and adventure through immersive play zones inspired by Julia Donaldson’s beloved tales.

Image credit: Merlin Entertainments

 

TIGER ROCK CHESSINGTON WORLD OF ADVENTURES
Merlin Entertainments TIGER ROCK CHESSINGTON WORLD OF ADVENTURES
Merlin EntertainmentsTIGER ROCK CHESSINGTON WORLD OF ADVENTURES

The masterplanning and coordination of Tiger Rock at Chessington World of Adventures - a reimagined log flume weaving through the immersive Land of the Tiger.

Image credit: Merlin Entertainments

 

CADBURY WORLD BIRMINGHAM
Merlin Entertainments CADBURY WORLD BIRMINGHAM
Merlin EntertainmentsCADBURY WORLD BIRMINGHAM

The revamp of key zones at one of Birmingham’s most popular attractions, located in the historic Bournville village.

Image credit: Merlin Entertainments

 

60M ANNUAL VISITORS
25 COUNTRIES

MEET OUR TEAM

Our projects are only possible because of our incredible team whose... . In 2022, in recognition of the importance of every individual within the business, Kay Elliott transitioned into 95% employee owned... This is one of the eye catching layout variants of our team module. Portrait your team members with their name, job position, personal bio, social links, photo and optionally group them by department.

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DEREK ELLIOTT

MANAGING DIRECTOR

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BLACKPOOL TOWER
Blackpool Council / Merlin EntertainmentsBLACKPOOL TOWER

£10 million remodelling of a treasured landmark structure. Works to the grade I tower included new attractions, visitor flows, and a spectacular new observation deck featuring a 4-tonne glass floor.

SLIMBRIDGE
Wildfowl & Wetland TrustSLIMBRIDGE

Flagship Heritage Lottery funded Living Wetland Theatre and walkthrough Aviary. The design offers an immersive visitor experience, embedding educational... while creating spaces to rest and enjoy 

STADIUM FOR BATH
Bath RugbySTADIUM FOR BATH

Designs for a new 18,000 seat stadium within the World Heritage City of Bath. The proposal seeks to minimise heritage impact while creating a unique new riverside destination for the city.

IMPERIAL HOTEL
Andrew Brownsword HotelsIMPERIAL HOTEL

Reimagining of one of the country's first 5-star hotels outside London. The landmark clifftop hotel and residential project seeks to reinstate the grandeur of the original building which has been lost to post-war extensions.

Merlin EntertainmentsORLANDO EYE

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Sichaun2-1
Intro titleSEALIFE

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MUNICH SEA LIFE
Merlin EntertainmentsMUNICH SEA LIFE

Collaboration with Auer Webber for 2200m2 aquarium. Set within the historic Olympiapark the 10.5million project is surrounded by the remarkable tensile structures of Frei Otto created for the 1972 Olympics.

SALCOMBE BEACH CLUB & SPA
Harbour HotelsSALCOMBE BEACH CLUB & SPA

Destination hotel and residential development overlooking Salcombe Estuary. Adaptive reuse of early c20 structure, within AONB and functional flood plain.

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