In the latest episode of Espacios que Hablan, our podcast specialized in hotel interior design and the evolution of design in hospitality, Laura Huerta, our Director of Interior Design, interviewed Jesús Vecilla, our CEO. The episode delves into the origins of the brand, its international growth, and the way the studio now understands luxury hotel interior design as a driving force behind the sector’s transformation.
From the outset, Jesús makes clear a philosophy that defines the DNA of U Interior Design: “Our clients, obviously, are the value, the most important asset of U Interior Design.”
This closeness and transparency have become a constant in our way of working—key qualities in a sector where high demands, tight deadlines, and technical precision define every project.
From Urcoisa to the Birth of U Interior Design
Jesús reviews his more than 20 years within the Grupo de Empresas Matutes and how the evolution of the brands led to the creation of an internal department capable not only of developing concepts but also executing them. He explains how many external interior designers were unable to materialize hotel projects and states: “We had to create a very small department… to achieve these goals and ensure that this revitalization of the brands was reflected in the work we did every day.”
This hands-on knowledge gained on-site was crucial for the subsequent creation of U Interior Design as an independent brand, providing a unique differentiating value in the contract interior design field: the ability to design with real execution in mind from the very first sketch. He sums it up in a sentence that captures our methodology perfectly: “When someone at U Interior Design grabs a pencil to make the first line, they know exactly how long it needs to take, how much it needs to cost, and how it needs to serve the operator.”
Hotel Design, Experience, and Market Evolution
The episode also explores trends in hotel interior design, where personalization and the guest’s 360º experience have become essential. Jesús emphasizes that design must preserve both operational and experiential essence: “The interior designer… must take that essence and turn it into design, without harming operations or the business.”
Both agree that today’s luxury is not based solely on aesthetics, but on sensoriality, comfort, and the guest’s emotional memory. Hence the importance of understanding how a hotel is lived in each of its key moments.
A Studio That Grows, Goes Global, and Transcends Hospitality
The episode also discusses how U Interior Design has strengthened its reputation in international projects, and how sectors such as retail and office spaces are beginning to draw inspiration from hospitality. Our participation in Casa Decor—where we won the award for “Best Original Design”—reinforces this expansive vision, demonstrating our ability to apply hotel design expertise to other fields.
The interview concludes with a reflection on the future of design and how we will continue to support our clients with honesty, closeness, and a strategic vision that connects creativity, business, and experience.
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