We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative cocoon architecture ltd. ("CAL").
cocoon architecture is a progressive architectural practice based in Hong Kong. Like cocoon incubates to become butterfly, the firm aims to incubate the client’s ideas and delivers them into an architecture that fits. The practice works on residential, cultural and commercial projects, providing full professional consultancy services in architecture, master planning and interior design services. The design team has won numerous international awards including: Winner of the Young Architects’ Award; 40 Under 40 Award; “Perspective Award”, Design for Asia Award, Architects Regional Council Asia Prize, etc. The projects had been exhibited in ''La Biennale di Venezia'' in Italy,Hong Kong, Asia and other places worldwide. The cofounder of the firm, Chiu Hang Mei Mary Grace & Yung Chung Kwong, has been the Assistant Professor in the University of Hong Kong and City University of Hong Kong teaching architectural design studio. They have also been actively involving in academic and community activities and has been invited as juror, interviewer, speaker, guest critics and registration committee for various professional institutes and government authorities.
cocoon architecture ltd. Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by cocoon architecture ltd..
cocoon architecture ltd. Design - Soleil 88 Phnom Penh Residential
cocoon architecture ltd. Design - theDesk UC Strand 50 Bridge 8 Coworking
cocoon architecture ltd. Design - Kendall International Preschool
Designer Interview of cocoon architecture ltd.:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
CAL : We were local Hong Kong trained architects. My partner’s aesthetic perfection drives us from architects to designers.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
CAL : c o c o o n a r c h i t e c t u r e is a progressive architectural practice based in Hong Kong. Like cocoon incubates to become butterfly, the firm aims to incubate the client's ideas and delivers them into an architecture that fits. The practice works on residential, cultural and commercial projects, providing full professional consultancy services in architecture, master planning and interior design services. The design team has won numerous international awards including: Winner of the Young Architects, Award; 40 Under 40 Award; Perspective Award, etc. The projects had been exhibited at Hong Kong Art Center, DeTour and others places in Hong Kong and China.
DI: What is "design" for you?
CAL : Design is a way to see the world
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
CAL : Projects with special site context
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
CAL : a mansion by the sea with a wavy form and framed windows for seaview
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
CAL : A Gypsy tent which was a fortune teller's shop
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
CAL : we use local materials to match site specific context
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
CAL : during shower
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
CAL : creating surprise from a practical architecture
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
CAL : More panic
DI: What makes a design successful?
CAL : when users notice the surprise created
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
CAL : A good design is here to surprise you, the bad one bores you
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
CAL : architecture for people and mother earth are the basics
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
CAL : AI aided design allowed designers to have greater choices
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
CAL : Tokyo highrise exhibition at tsutaya book store at ginza
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
CAL : design inspiration originates from daily life
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
CAL : Hemingway's minimalism that no single element can be added or reduced
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
CAL : Hong Kong, a seemingly rootless colonized city, yet chaotic and robust that allow multiculturalism and freedom
DI: How do you work with companies?
CAL : we try to know our clients and our clients shall try to trust us
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
CAL : talk to the designers and choose one that you can communicate with
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
CAL : we start with early draft and refine and refine until satisfaction
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
CAL : an egg white Muji kettle with a perfect integration with the charging base original Dyson fan with circular (circular only) air multiplier. A white cat with a hair like patch on the fore head
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
CAL : start with a morning run and breakfast
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
CAL : Go travel, widen the horizon and observe
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
CAL : to change the world to a better place, though at a slow pace
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
CAL : draw the first line before you think too much
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
CAL : Observation
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
CAL : the website colossal keeps inspiring me
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
CAL : at least some progress each day
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
CAL : the progress continues until the project finishes
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
CAL : Can you take it easier?
DI: What was your most important job experience?
CAL : as a resident architect on site equipped me with practical knowledge on construction
DI: Who are some of your clients?
CAL : Our clients find us when they are disappointed by other architects
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
CAL : Projects with client’s understanding and trust.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
CAL : We would like to focus more on fabrication to match design intent
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
CAL : we are design duo. I create drafts for my partner’s comments and refine. we step up until certain height met
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
CAL : a mansion by the sea with a wavy form and framed windows for seaview
DI: How can people contact you?
CAL : info@cocoonarchitecture.com
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
CAL : Already exhausted after 39 questions!