Munich-based hotel group Ruby Hotels has strengthened its architecture and construction departments with the promotions of Jorge Lopez and Stefanie Michele.

One of the factors behind the success of Ruby, led by founder and CEO Michael Struck, is the extensive know-how that the brand has acquired in recent years through the successful conversion of a wide variety of existing properties.

Jorge Lopez, who joined Ruby in 2019, has been promoted to Group Director Architecture. In his new position, Lopez is responsible for planning guidelines for new buildings and renovations, feasibility studies and architectural design concepts for new projects. A particular focus is the continuous optimisation of space efficiency using Ruby’s modular architectural toolkit, which uses more than 100 different room geometries.

Lopez is also responsible for integrating hotel space into complex mixed-use properties so that the design best serves the interests of all uses and all occupants. Lopez and his team work closely with Development and serve as expert advisors to Ruby’s real estate partners through all phases of planning.

In addition, Stefanie Michele has been promoted to Group Director Construction. After joining to company five years ago, Michele is now responsible for the project management of all construction projects from the planning phase until when the hotel is taken over by the Operations Department. For projects where Ruby is providing parts of the construction services, Michele’s team is also responsible for project steering and oversight of the construction schedule, including all tenders and contracting, as well as for site management. In doing so, the Construction Team works closely with the Interior Design, Architecture and Maintenance departments.

Jorge Lopez and Stefanie Michele report directly to Richard Hartl, Ruby’s Group Vice President Technical Service.