MAGIC MIX

AB Concept co-founder Ed Ng discusses the art of creating focal points and the growing influence of Asia in the world of design “WE CONSIDER OURSELVES AS STORYTELLERS OF SPACES. IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT DESIGNING THE HARDWARE AND SELECTING THE MATERIALS USED—

What does a great designer and a talented chef have in common? According to interior designer Ed Ng of AB Concept, it’s the creative spirit. “I feel like I’m a chef; whenever I travel for a new project, instead of bringing all of my ‘ingredients’ in my suitcase, I would combine my know-how with local elements for a new invention,” quips the itinerant designer. “That’s why we are able to come up with something new each time.” Co-founded by Ng and architect Terence Ngan in 1999, Hong Kong-based practice AB Concept has built their name on their timeless, multicultural approach to hospitality design, which ranges from luxury properties such as W Hotels and Shangri-la in the region to residential projects around the world. “We consider ourselves storytellers of spaces. It’s not just about designing the hardware and selecting the materials used—it’s more about the experience that you can create,” explains Ng. Over a leisurely lunch in Singapore, he tells us more about the secret to crafting spaces that inspire and how the affluent in Asia are now shaping the global aesthetic.

Can you share with us what is your creative process?

I like to joke that all architects are control freaks, although that is the nature of their job; they have to control and predict how people are going to behave in each space. That’s why the planning and scale are done by Terence, who makes sure that the skeleton of a space—the floor plan and logistics—is precise and particular. I’m in charge of bringing the soul to the project; I think that makes a very good combination. I also make sure to meet the clients face-to-face for discussions, which I use as the starting point of any project. From the moment we start talking, I begin to compose the kind of emotion of the space and the effect we’re trying to achieve— whether it’s fun and dynamic, or monumental and classical.

How has the concept of luxury changed within Asia in recent years?

I think Asia has been very influential because the spending power now comes from our part of the world. Our clients travel everywhere and the sophistication of their taste level has changed dramatically over the last five to 10 years. It’s good for us but it’s also a big challenge because we have to stay one step ahead; in everything we do, we must plan ahead five to seven years.

What are some of the trends you’ve noticed developing in the hospitality industry?

We’re now looking into creating an experience that you’re going to remember. Before the age of social media, we would invite our friends to our homes to look at our travel photos. Instead of doing it the analogue way, sharing is now instantaneous via social media. I think the core motivation has not changed; it’s still about the joy of sharing the experience and the happiness of the moment. People are also looking for a very bespoke experience. The clients that approach us appreciate our portfolio and know that we’ll create a design

that’s like a tailor-made product. They know what I can do, but they don’t expect that I copy a past work. They know that I will create something new for them that will be amazing. I like this mix of the known and unknown, and this kind of anticipation makes our profession really joyful.

How do you go about creating spaces that inspire?

I often tell my designers to look at the design from a visitor’s perspective. If you walk into a space, what will you remember in 10 days, or two years? If you can create something that you will remember even years later, that’s it—it’s about what really leaves an imprint on your memory. There is no formula, but this is what a designer should be able to visualise and understand.

Can you share more about a recent project you worked on?

The Mei Ume restaurant for Four Seasons Hotel London is memorable for us because we needed to design an Asian restaurant within classical Western architecture; it’s housed in a listed heritage building. It was a challenge to restore this grand dame, but we realised that this learning path also stimulates a lot of creative ideas—you become more creative when there are more constraints.

What’s the next step for AB Concept?

We’ve been doing fewer projects, with exclusive clients. It’s important for designers to have a good worklife balance. What we are creating is the dream life for a lot of people— you have to live life beautifully before you can create a beautiful life for your clients. I see creativity as a lifelong journey. As long as I have a pencil and a piece of paper, am able to see and move my hand, I am still able to create and design. I think that’s the privilege of being a designer; you can have a pretty long career for your creative life. Luxury retail could also be a fun new project for us. We still believe in face-to-face contact; you can touch the merchandise, interact with the salesperson, and see how the shop interior represents the brand philosophy.