Nicholas Stoupas

Founder & Managing Director

Nick formed twenty2 degrees Design Partnership following 10 years of working at director level within the hospitality design sector. Originally graduating with a degree in Architecture in his native Australia, he came to the UK to satisfy his restless spirit, and stayed, working with several well-known architectural and design practices specialising in international hotel design.

Speaking of his decision to establish his own practice, Nick says: “I was keen to forge my own identity. I was convinced that the design process could be more enjoyable for everyone involved, improving the end result and enhancing the guest experience”.

Nick drives the growth of twenty2 degrees, managing the firm’s strategic vision and its relationships with owners, operators and members of the project team. He is recognised for his leadership in creating concepts that can be fully delivered on site, for designs that respect and elevate the brand and for his thorough understanding of the operational and commercial realities which are key to achieving interiors that serve the test of time.

Today, the hallmarks of Nick’s ethos can be seen in successful hotels and restaurants across European and African capitals, business and leisure destinations and urban neighbourhoods.

Joseph Stella

Creative Director

Now based in his native Melbourne, Joe heads up the firm’s drive into the Asia-Pacific region while leading the creative direction of all our projects worldwide. Previously, he spent some 20 years in London, working at senior level with two highly respected design studios, before joining Nick shortly after the founding of twenty2 degrees. As Creative Director, he went on to play a central role in shaping the studio’s international portfolio of work with leading hotel brands and property owners.

Joe is known for his thoughtful, narrative-driven approach to design. He sees each project as an opportunity to uncover and express contextual stories, drawing on cultural, historical and craft references to create a sense of place that elevates the outcome. His work is distinguished by a refined eye for detail, considered use of materials and a belief in the charm of storytelling through art, combined with a subtle sense of playfulness. Joe deftly balances this instinct for creating one-of-a-kind environments with respect for the hotel brand, ensuring that each project responds both to creative ambition and commercial realities.

Reflecting on his approach, he says: “Understanding the fundamentals of hospitality spaces as well as the client’s vision allows you to design more freely, adding layers of expression to enrich the guest experience and creating something distinctive while efficiently achieving commercial imperatives.”