Indigenous

edyn Development Studio

Our Development Studio creates lifestyle aparthotels, hotels and brands rooted in its local architectural and social fabric.

Comprised of an in-house multi-disciplinary skill set, creative culture and a commitment to the unorthodox, we aim to redefine hospitality by pushing its boundaries.

We're always moving forward...

Locke at East Side Gallery, Berlin

Opening June 2023
Mühenstraße, Berlin
176 apartments

Ember Locke, London

Opening June 2023
Cromwell Road, Kensington
121 apartments

Locke am Platz, Zurich

Opening November 2023
Enge, Zurich, Switzerland
80 apartments

Locke De Santa Joana, Lisbon

Opening Spring 2024
Rua Santa Marta, Lisbon
368 apartments

Karsten Locke, Copenhagen

Opening Spring 2024
Postbyen, Copenhagen
236 apartments

Locke at East Side Gallery, Berlin

Opening June 2023
Mühenstraße, Berlin
176 apartments

Ember Locke, London

Opening June 2023
Cromwell Road, Kensington
121 apartments

Locke am Platz, Zurich

Opening November 2023
Enge, Zurich, Switzerland
80 apartments

Locke De Santa Joana, Lisbon

Opening Spring 2024
Rua Santa Marta, Lisbon
368 apartments

Karsten Locke, Copenhagen

Opening Spring 2024
Postbyen, Copenhagen
236 apartments

Development criteria

100–250 units in key European central city locations
5,000–10,000 sqm gross internal area
50% studios
40% one bed apartments
10% two bed apartments
Ground floor food and beverage / social hub
Gym
Associated front of house or back of house areas

Meet the team

Eric Jafari

Chief Development Officer

Eric Jafari

Chief Development Officer

Eric Jafari leads edyn’s pan-European real estate development platform and the broad creative direction of our brands, and was one of the original co-founders of Locke. His multi-disciplinary team comprises acquisitions, asset management, construction, design, investment finance & planning. Eric previously served as the Managing Director of Union Hanover Securities where he founded Urban Villa and oversaw a £500m Hotel development platform. Born in Los Angeles, raised in Paris but living in London, Eric’s would tell you that his nomadic nature and insatiable curiosity explain his passions which range from travel to food and wine, to wellness, learning and of course his family. We think he just enjoys ‘la dolce vita’.

Andrew Fowler

Aquisitions Director

Andrew Fowler

Aquisitions Director

Andrew Fowler oversees edyn’s Pan-European acquisitions team, focusing on both real estate & asset light investments and was one of the original co-founders of Locke. With Eric Jafari, he was previously co-founder of Union Hanover Securities and directed hotel operations and acquisitions at Urban Villa and was also a key player at StayCity in the early years when he led their acquisitions across Europe. Before he lost his good looks and joined the serviced apartment industry, Andrew was a property TV presenter in also a competitive sailor with the Irish Sailing Team. Andrew’s favourite drink is Bulletproof Coffee but only after practicing the Wim Hof technique.

Merzak Kaddour

Investment Director

Merzak Kaddour

Investment Director

Merzak Kaddour looks after edyn's property investment and funding requirements and leads the transaction process from analytics and appraisals to debt origination, execution and refinancing. With Eric and Andrew, Merzak was one of the three musketeers who co-founded Union Hanover Securities and Urban Villa and has also served as Director of Hotels & Leisure at Bank of Ireland and the Head of Hospitality and Leisure for National Australia Bank (UK) overseeing a £1.4 billion hospitality loan book. Merzak began his hospitality career as a management trainee with Trust House Forte Hotels. In his free time Merzak enjoys Pilates and walking the family dog, but never together.

Charles Cresser

Development Director

Charles Cresser

Development Director

As the group’s Development Director, Charles is tasked with overseeing the development & construction process. This includes technical due diligence at acquisition, planning/permitting, procurement, construction, project close out and handover. During his international career, Charles has delivered over £1bn of projects by value, priding himself on the disciplined execution of each asset. His previous roles include Director at Jones Lang LaSalle and Union Hanover Securities in addition to Project Manager at Mace and Currie & Brown. When Charles isn’t on site, he spends his time cycling and transporting his daughter around Greater London. During his time living in Russia, Charles expanded his cultural perspective and diplomacy, but mostly built an impressive ability to consume vodka. In addition to some interesting nicknames, he holds the titles MRICS and MCIOB.