Gal Nauer Architects (GNA), an international architecture firm with studios in New York and Tel Aviv, today announced that it has been commissioned to design the historic renovation and conversion of the Post Palais Hotel in Berlin. A project spanning over two centuries, the Post Palais Hotel originally served as a post office and will now be adaptively re-used as a modern luxury hotel incorporating a historic façade. The building is comprised of approximately 120,000 square feet.

As part of its inclusive design concept for the six-story, early 20th Century building, GNA will create a comprehensive interior design plan for the new hotel, including the guest rooms and all public spaces such as the lobby, restaurant, cigar bar, night club, ballroom facilities, wellness center, spa and executive meeting facilities.

“We are excited to be a part of this significant project and introduce a new standard of contemporary design, along with a universe of hospitality amenities, which will complement Berlin’s already thriving cultural and tourist communities,” said Gal Nauer, chief designer and president of Gal Nauer Architects. “The open, inviting spaces and unique design elements that we have incorporated into this project will transform the Post Palais Hotel into a magnificent new city destination reflecting the cosmopolitan, vibrant culture of Berlin.”

GNA’s interior design for the hotel goes well beyond conventional hotel room design, which often resembles a box-shaped envelope. Each space will be inviting to guests and enhanced by high ceilings and large windows, with the goal to create an “open space feel” combined with interiors that feature natural design elements and a reference to the Orient.

“The overall hotel design incorporates destination points for visitors and guests that reflect a world of experiences from health and fitness to entertainment and business activities,” added Ms. Nauer.

The project is expected to be completed by year-end 2012.