Hospitality design consultancy ABDA undergoes management buyout

Hospitality design consultancy ABDA Design has been taken over by long-serving directors Claire Smith and Richard Steade.

Prior to this, the business was led by David Summers for nearly three decades. He will remain with the company as founding director and will work on existing projects as well as supporting the team as required.

Terms of the management buyout deal were not disclosed.

ABDA Design works with hospitality businesses offering interior design and brand development, commercial kitchens and build and interior fit out.

Its portfolio spans hotels, restaurants, leisure venues, heritage sites and business and industry spaces.

Smith and Steade will become joint managing directors and intend “to continue building on the strong foundations already set within the business” and will look to expand the company’s client base and support its designers’ career development.

Steade said: “Having worked at ABDA Design since 2006 and for the last six years as design director, this marks an exciting new chapter for myself, Claire and the team. We want to build on the solid foundations of the business and work with our existing team to develop it for the future. I’ve got lots of new ideas I want to bring to the business including strengthening our work on sustainability and developing our work further in specific markets.”

Smith added: “Having dedicated my entire career to this industry, I am truly passionate about hospitality and design. Owning and leading my own business has always been an ambition of mine, and I’m incredibly proud to have reached this milestone. ABDA Design has a strong heritage within hospitality, and I am excited to build on its success, continuing to work with our fantastic team and clients and taking the business to new heights.”