I have always had a strong appreciation for nature and its integration into design. My love for blending traditional elements with a modern touch allows me to create spaces that resonate with a sense of warmth and humanity, I have a strong affinity for detail, always delving deep into my thoughts and concepts to ensure that every aspect of my work reflects my vision.

Over the years, I have honed myself as a Design Director in Mok Design, working on various restaurant and residential projects that aim to evoke feelings of love, connection, and emotion in every detail.

I became an interior designer because of my passion for creativity and my innate love for drawing, I have a vivid imagination, enjoy brainstorming and developing new ideas for design, and love small details and textures.

Since I was a child, I have been fascinated by fashion, I love the texture, and the idea of fashion design is infinite and endless like interior designing. I love the progress of bringing my ideas to life and witnessing the transformation of a concept from inception to completion is what truly drives me.

Design and art allow me to express myself and create spaces that evoke a deep sense of love, emotion, and humanity meanwhile it inspired me to pursue a career dedicated to creating environments that resonate with a strong sense of feeling and connection.

We are an innovative and forward-looking Architectural, Planning, and Interior Design Practice with diverse capabilities and experience, established in 1993. With offices in Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Guangzhou, PRC, our practice combines the expertise of architects and interior designers to provide clients with comprehensive services from initial planning and design to construction completion, including fabrics and furnishing procurement and site supervision.

For my role as a partner and Design Director at Mok Design, I am responsible for bringing designs to life by working closely with our team members to create spaces that hold significant value for our clients. This involves meticulous detailing, effective communication with clients, conducting site visits, resolving any client or construction-related issues, and managing relationships with contractors.

My passion for deep thinking and attention to detail drives my commitment to delivering exceptional design solutions that exceed client expectations.

To me, design is more than just aesthetics - it is about creating something unique and meaningful. It involves bringing together elements that not only look visually appealing but also serve a valuable purpose for the client. Design is about crafting spaces that have the power to bring people together and evoke a sense of connection and harmony.

It is also about creating environments that allow individuals to truly live in the moment and appreciate the beauty and functionality of the space around them. Design, for me, is a means of enriching the lives of others through the creation of impactful and purposeful spaces.

My favorite kind of design is when traditional elements are fused with modern touches because it allows for the preservation of memories and happy moments in a tangible way.

By integrating the past into the present, we get to capture stories and emotions within a space, creating a rich and evocative environment that resonates with both history and innovation.

My design style can be characterized as versatile, with a focus on incorporating a romantic mood and feel. I am adept at blending contrasting elements—such as wild textures in furniture and subtle, mature architectural features and interior fixture—to create a cohesive and harmonious overall design.

My style exudes a sense of mystery, sophistication, and allure, with a dynamic mix of romantic, wild, subtle, and mature elements that come together to create a unique and captivating aesthetic.

My design process is holistic and thorough, emphasizing a deep understanding of the space's purpose and the users who will inhabit it. By starting with the layout plan to establish a practical framework for the design. Identifying the main focus helps me to prioritize elements that will enhance the space and create a cohesive design.

Drawing inspiration from various styles and concepts allows me to explore different creative directions. I anchor the design concept in the brand identity or client's vision, to ensure that the final result is in line with their expectations. Sketching out ideas is a crucial step in the creative process, enabling me to visualize and refine my concepts.

Sourcing materials and experimenting with combinations in rendering models demonstrate my attention to detail and commitment to quality. This phase allows me to mix and match elements to achieve a harmonious and visually appealing final design. Finally, the selection of colors, textures, and furniture plays a vital role in setting the tone and ambiance of the space.

By working on this comprehensive design process, I can create engaging and functional spaces that not only meet the practical needs of the users but also evoke a sense of style and sophistication.

I believe that both my country and its cultural heritage, as well as my experiences traveling to different countries, have a significant impact on my design process. While my country and culture certainly influence my design aesthetic, exposure to different cultures and design styles through travel has also provided me with a wealth of inspiration.

Each country I visit offers unique perspectives, traditions, and art forms that enrich my creativity and contribute to the development of my design concepts. I believe that being open to diverse influences and continuously seeking new experiences through travel enriches my design process and enables me to create innovative and culturally resonant work.

Thank you! Winning the 2024 MUSE Design Award is a huge honor for us and our team. It means a lot to me personally as it gives us confidence in our abilities and serves as validation for our hard work and dedication.

This recognition also motivates us to continue pushing boundaries and delivering even more impactful designs for our clients. It's a great source of inspiration for our team members as well, spurring us to create our design footprint and make a difference in the industry. We are truly grateful for this prestigious accolade.

The winning work I entered into the 2024 MUSE Design Awards is a project that holds special significance to me because it was created at the beginning of the pandemic. While designing this project, I had a sense of foresight regarding the future's style and needs.

The materials, colors, and overall mood of the design were intentionally chosen to focus on human feelings, sustainability, and a sense of green living.

I chose to enter this project into the awards because I believe it truly embodies the essence of what design should be - meaningful, forward-thinking, and able to inspire. The design not only resonated with my clients, but it also helped them sell out all of their development units during a challenging time like the pandemic.

I am proud of the impact that this design has had and how it has resonated with others. It goes beyond just visual aesthetics and aims to create a lasting impact on both the present and future.

This project represents our commitment to creating designs that are not just beautiful, but also have depth, purpose, and a positive influence on society.

The biggest challenge with this project was not being able to travel to the site due to the pandemic. The project was located in China, in Shan Dong, which was more than a four-hour flight from us in Hong Kong with flight transit.

Because of the pandemic, we had to rely on mobile video calls and messenger instead of in-person meetings. Material sourcing was also a challenge due to import/export restrictions. We had to work closely with the contractor through phone calls and rely on on-site photos to check every detail.

This unique process forced us to adapt and innovate, which is why we decided to enter this project under consideration.

My country is unique in the design industry because we have a strong emphasis on international collaborations. We work with people from different countries, bringing together a diverse range of perspectives and ideas.

This allows us to create designs that are truly unique and innovative. Additionally, our access to a wide range of materials and sourcing options allows us to create designs that are both beautiful and sustainable. Our ability to work with different people and access a wide range of materials sets us apart in the design industry and allows us to create truly one-of-a-kind designs.

I believe that the evolution of the design industry over the next 5-10 years will be heavily influenced by technology. Design may become more focused on functionality and convenience, potentially leading to a decrease in the emphasis on human connection and emotion.

However, I am committed to maintaining my design aesthetic and creating new things that prioritize humanity and togetherness. I will continue to prioritize love and create spaces that bring people together in a meaningful way.

As a student entering the design industry or an aspiring MUSE Design Awards submitter, I would advise you to always stay curious, open-minded, and willing to learn. Keep exploring new ideas, techniques, and trends in design to constantly improve and stay ahead of the curve. Networking and building connections with other professionals in the industry can also be incredibly beneficial for your career growth.

When entering design competitions like the MUSE Design Awards, make sure to carefully read and understand the submission guidelines to ensure your work meets the criteria. Take the time to create a compelling presentation of your work, highlighting its unique features and innovations. Don't be afraid to take risks and push the boundaries of traditional design to create something truly memorable and impactful.

Lastly, don't get discouraged by rejection or criticism. Use feedback as an opportunity to learn and grow, and continue to refine your skills and ideas. Stay passionate and dedicated to your craft, and you will find success in the design industry.

There is a wealth of resources available for individuals looking to improve their skills in the design industry. Some recommendations include online courses and tutorials: Platforms like Skillshare, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Udemy offer a wide range of design courses taught by industry experts. These can be a great way to learn new techniques and tools at your own pace.

Design blogs, websites and Design books can help to get more inspiration and find the latest trends. Lastly, practice, practice, practice: Ultimately, the best way to improve your skills in the design industry is to practice regularly and work on projects that challenge you. Experiment with different styles, techniques, and mediums to continue growing and evolving as a designer.

My parents have inspired me in my life, especially my dad. He is smart and can handmake various arts and crafts. Even though he is an electrical technician by profession, he always showcased his creativity by making things like light boxes, Chinese lanterns, and even music boxes. He always had multiple ways to fix any problems that arose while creating a craft.

My mother also inspired me with her love for drawing and her sensitivity to colors. She pays close attention to details like the colors of her clothes and enjoys painting with a variety of colors. Their creativity and passion for art have always motivated me to explore my artistic side.

My key to success is remaining focused, disciplined, and always willing to keep learning and growing. I believe that perseverance and a positive attitude are crucial in achieving your goals.

As for parting words of wisdom, I would say never be afraid to take risks and step out of our comfort zone, trust yourself. Embrace challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning. Also, always remember to stay true to ourselves and our values in everything we do.

I would like to express my gratitude to our Mok Design founder and Managing Director, Eddie Mok Siu Ming. As an architect, he has always shown passion in his career and has inspired me with his work ethic, trust, and encouragement. He never hesitates to give me opportunities to lead projects, always supporting me and never pointing fingers when mistakes happen.

With his open-heartedness and kindness, he has helped me become the design director I am today. I am truly thankful for his mentorship and guidance, and it is because of him that I entered this competition. I hope to showcase our work and his spirit, carrying on his legacy and leading our company to new heights.