Veteran Interior Designer Joey Ho
Interior design industry heavyweight Joey Ho praises the Hong Kong spirit.
Interior design industry heavyweight Joey Ho praises the Hong Kong spirit.
The success of the REA Interior Design Awards 2019 was owed to the overwhelming enthusiasm from candidates and participants, as well as the hard work of the expert jury panel, consisting of four local industry heavyweights. Among them was Joey Ho, a world-class interior designer and chairman of the Hong Kong Interior Design Association, who believes that it's paramount for Hong Kong designers to have strong work ethics and a willingness to break new ground. “The Hong Kong spirit is the reason we have a solid footing in the global arena,” he exclaims.
When asked about the most vital element of successful interior design, Ho thinks that it has to able to help people experience their best life in an authentic way. “Successful interior design lets the user feel elevated in their life,” he explains. “There should be functional and aesthetic improvements, but apart from the basic function of design, it can also be a spiritual elevation.” Ho adds that the key to success lies in the designer's taste—a reflection of their personal understanding of life, experience and values—which ultimately informs their style.
Every Project is a Meditation
In a designer's line of work, every project involves different people and stories, which, for Ho, makes each a unique meditation. “Upon the completion of a new project, you will have fresh experiences and thoughts, which in turn can be internalised and utilised for your next work. You need to keep being inspired by new environments.”
Taiwan-born Ho has spent much of his career in Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and other parts of the world, and thinks that the biggest achievement of Hong Kong's interior design industry is fostering an array of superstar designers and making a name for itself internationally. “Hong Kong designers are quick to learn and adapt, and they are good at borrowing others' strengths. Keeping up with the times is essential for interior design.” He adds that Hong Kong, with its constant exchange of information and high receptiveness to new knowledge, trends and products, is the perfect place to cultivate designers with a global vision. Hong Kong has long been criticised for its cramped living spaces and sky-high home prices. While Ho agrees that the city's infamous housing rates and tiny apartments have posed challenges for young designers, particularly in terms of budget and space, he argues that these shouldn't be considered limitations, but instead opportunities to unleash creativity and to rise to the challenge.
REA Interior Design Awards 2019: A Platform for Young Talent
“I, too, started out designing for small units at the beginning of my career, so I know these ‘limitations' are not new,” Ho says. “Instead of being fixated on the problems, I think we should focus on how we can draw inspiration from the Hong Kong spirit; that is, to work hard, think outside of the box and try new things.” He is glad to see that these days there is an increasing number of clients wanting to hire professional interior designers, the market is continuously expanding, and young designers are provided with more opportunities to develop themselves and be seen. “It's up to them whether they want to take advantage of all these resources and opportunities,” he says.
Ho praises REA Interior Design Awards 2019 for serving as a wonderful platform for young talent to showcase their abilities, put themselves to the test and learn from one another, and stresses the importance of experimentation, exchange and confidence. “Designers can't be afraid to take risks or to fail. By staying in your comfort zone, you are being edged out of your own industry. You absolutely need to stay on top of market trends and demands, both in Hong Kong and internationally.” He concludes that winning a competition is not the end goal; rather, the most crucial thing is to rediscover yourself and absorb new ideas and experiences in the process, “so you can be better than what you were yesterday.”
Apart from the basic function of design, it can also be a spiritual elevation.
Designers can't be afraid to take risks or to fail. You absolutely need to stay on top of market trends and demands, both in Hong Kong and internationally.”
Hong Kong, with its constant exchange of information and high receptiveness to new knowledge, trends and products, is the perfect place to cultivate designers with a global vision.