Some of the industry’s most talented design duos reveal why sometimes two is better than one
Ahead of Valentine’s Day, we spotlight some of the industry’s most talented design duos and creative partnerships – and discover why sometimes two is better than one |適逢情人節將臨，我們為你重點介紹業界極具才華的設計二人組及創意合作夥伴，重新發現兩個總比一個好的道理
OEO STUDIO
“We’re like yin-and-yang or black-and-white,” says Thomas Lykke, Copenhagen-based OEO Studio’s founder and head of design, describing the partnership between managing partner Anne-Marie Buemann and himself. “Our competences are entirely different, as I’m the creative one and she is so pragmatic, so she basically excels at everything I’m absolutely bad at.” The former interiors editor at Wallpaper magazine established the award-winning multidisciplinary practice in 2003 with an aim to revitalise Danish design, as seen in dining destinations such as the two-Michelin-starred restaurant Inua in Tokyo and a wealth of meticulous objects that reflect a lived-in sensibility, he continues, “Denmark has such a long history of quality design and inspiring architecture, but it seemed that the majority of its world-renowned creations came out of the older times ranging from ’50s to ’70s, and we really wanted to change that and showcase an undiscovered side of Denmark through a refreshing perspective blended with our valuable traditions in exceptional craftsmanship and strong attention to detail.”
If you look closely at their painstakingly detailed works, you’ll notice a subtle mix of Japanese and Danish aesthetics. “It’s true that we have a solid bond with Japan and our design somewhat feels like a merger of the two,” says Thomas. “Yet, this is not something we strive towards, it is just the way it is. For Japan, there’s a tendency of looking back before moving forward; what we try to do here is to pay tribute to the past with a brand-new perspective.”
Having worked and travelled the world together for nearly two decades, there have been occasions of disagreement between the two, the pair reveal. (“It doesn’t happen very often, though.”) At those times, they seek a mutually agreed-upon solution; their values and beliefs are fundamentally the same. “We are each other’s counterpart – it’s a one-plus-one-equals-three kind of formula,” explains Thomas. OEOSTUDIO.COM
A WORK OF SUBSTANCE
Born in Brazil, raised in Europe and currently based in Hong Kong, the multicultural sensibility steeped in the DNA of Max Dautresme equally flows through the portfolio of A Work of Substance, the multidisciplinary design studio he co-founded in 2010 with Paris-based Florian Michaux, the cousin of his best friend. “Substance was initially a collective of designer friends who wanted a platform to create things with more freedom,” says Max, who boasts extensive experience in branding and advertising. Fast forward a decade, and the full-fledged design company specialising in all sorts of things, from branding to products, and from interiors to landscapes, counts a plethora of highly imaginative, intricately personalised projects under its belt. These include the reimagining of The Fleming, the interiors for Bibo and the Mandarin Oriental’s The Krug Room, and branding campaigns for the likes of Hermès and Cartier, just to name a few.
Despite the portfolio’s multifaceted breadth, a common thread of handcraftsmanship and artistry is woven throughout. “We emphasise material, storytelling and playfulness,” says Max, who calls himself a “much more analogue person” than Florian, who focuses on the digital side of the business. “The platform of graphic design is where we meet. It’s really complementary in that sense.” That creative synergy continues to thrive as Max and Florian expand their footprint with upcoming projects in Paris and South Korea in the coming year, as well as their launch of a Taoism-inspired organic amenity line (“We look forward to projects that bring in nature in a holistic way”) and a standalone collection of elegant lighting fixtures dubbed Things of Substance. “What excites me in entrepreneurship and partnership is working with friends, more than anything,” says Max. “Everybody is honest and there’s no real issue – it’s all a real pleasure.” AWORKOFSUBSTANCE.COM
PINCH
At PINCH, every prototype is treated as a living person. “We talk about them as humans: ‘She needs to draw her waist in’ or ‘Those feet are too pigeon-toed.’ Our goal is to imbue a lightness of touch to all creations that feel effortless but also instinctively comforting,” say Russell Pinch and Oona Bannon, founders of the established British design studio. The husband-andwife partnership has forged a reputation in global design scene by reinterpreting contemporary poise and elegance through a precise creative process combined of three elements: a strong shape and a perfect proportion, followed by a beautiful materiality and ultimately something that’s brought to life by experienced craftsmen.
Founding the creative practice in 2004 at their kitchen table, Russell and Oona knew from the start that they needed to break away from a superficial way of working in order to create genuine and authentic designs that are made well, and with a respect for the customers, makers and resources. To celebrate the firm’s 11th anniversary, the couple gifted themselves the Nim table, which embraces weight and mass and strikes a drastic contrast with PINCH’s often clean and light designs. “It’s so intriguing that you can’t be quite sure whether it’s made from natural materials or is a man-made object,” they say. “Learning how materials work in different ways is always challenging and is definitely a vital factor that pushes us out of our comfort zone.” PINCHDESIGN.COM
LATITUDE 22N
It’s a love story as dreamy as the artisanal ceramics they create. “Jesse had found a bowl I made drying on the racks of a New York ceramics studio,” says Julie Progin, one half of the Hong Kong-based design company she founded in 2008 with Jesse McLin. “Its shape and concept were similar to one of his, and so he sought out the maker – and thus we met, and later became partners in life and work.” Shortly after deciding to design their own dinnerware for their wedding, they happened upon a Song Dynasty plate at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which led them to trace its roots and the craftsmen who still created similar work in Jingdezhen, China. “We never left,” says Julie.
With studios in Jingdezhen and Hong Kong’s Chai Wan, the duo has taken the city’s artisanal scene by storm with their ceramic and porcelain creations that span dinnerware, accessories, lighting and various curios for the home, translating historic Chinese aesthetics into contemporary, functional forms. “Our skills are very complementary,” says Julie, whose background in graphic, product and textile design alongside Jesse, a trained artist, make for the dynamic creative force behind projects the likes of The Night Market restaurants, as well as works that have been selected to show at M+ Museum and various biennales. “Everyone would love to hear about our disagreements, but truth be told we disagree on very little,” laughs Julie. “Our thoughts are aligned and we always push each other to do better.” pleasure.” LATITUDE22N.COM
STYLUS STUDIO
It isn’t an exaggeration to call Simon Zeng and Vincent Zhang truth-seekers who navigate the design scene. The duo co-founded Hong Kong-based Stylus Studio in 2012 with an aim to redefine interior architecture, primarily in the development of luxury hospitality projects, F&B concepts, and retail and commercial spaces for a range of prestigious clients. “The gist is to curate a space that oozes beauty through functionality,” the designers explain. “Before conceiving any creative ideas, we start by asking questions: Why does a client require a renovation and seek something new? What is the purpose of this designated space? How do the owners want their family and friends to feel, think and act? We strive to understand more even when we are given a comprehensive brief.”
With a shared passion of imbuing an impactful and sentimental atmosphere that can stand the test of time in their spaces, the creative duo believe that people should be the core value of every design project. “The result should be able to speak to the heart with a unique narrative upon clients’ arrival,” they say. “It’s important to strike a balance in whatever we do, too. It’s similar to biking – you cannot move forward without it.” While it’s privileged to create with maximum freedom, Simon and Vincent add: “We respect discipline. To us, it’s as important as freedom. By self-reflecting constantly, you are communicating with yourself and ensuring that you are giving your best every step of the way.” With renovation projects for the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Sha Tin Clubhouse, Guangzhou’s Nansha Bay Boutique Hotel and Sheraton Nanjing Kingsley Hotel & Towers in the pipeline, the designers are set to up their game with their one-of-a-kind vision. STYLUS-STUDIO.COM
WOOLLY PIG
Perched along the picturesque harbourfront in the Hong Kong Museum of Art, the newly minted, lushly crafted modern Australian restaurant Hue represents a full circle for Chris Woodyard and Bronwyn Cheung, the dynamic husband-and-wife team behind Woolly Pig, the dining group they founded in 2010. “This restaurant echoes our original roots – the fusion of art, food and lifestyle,” says Bronwyn of the ethos that can be traced back to their very first establishment in Hong Kong, the much-loved Madam Sixty Ate – in which the crowd-favourite woolly pig painting hung – as well as five other independent restaurants concurrently running. These include Big Sur in Soho and the beachfront eatery Bathers – each characterfully different, yet laced with a relaxed Australian flair.
Having met in a restaurant in Sydney “two kids and 20 years ago”, the duo has mastered the art of balancing life and work. “We have two very different roles,” says Chris, who was previously the culinary director at W Hong Kong. The “more creative” Bronwyn works on concepts while Chris runs the business in roles spanning “sommelier, designer, construction worker and even accountant”. The result? A dynamic and expanding portfolio of restaurants that are energising the city’s culinary scene with their authentic flavours, warm hospitality and beautifully appointed aesthetics. “Our kids would say we talk business way too much; we can’t blame them,” jokes Chris. “Like most married couples, she tends to win most disagreements – I save myself for the big ones.” WOOLLYPIG.COM.HK //