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For Steve Leung, design is about doing the right thing at the right time, in the right context, and achieving the “right” balance between aesthetics and functionality. The Hong Kong-based architect and designer discusses his beginnings and his goal to best serve people by solving problems facing contemporary society and improving quality of life.
You were born in Hong Kong in 1957. Tell me about your background, your parents, what your childhood was like. How, when and why did you realize you wanted to build things and get into architecture and design?
I always knew I would be an architect, even when I was 10 years old. My uncle was a professional architect and I was fascinated by his work, watching him paint late into the night. This was my first inspiration. Then my parents, especially my mother, trusted my choices and allowed me the freedom to pursue my dream career. For that, I am forever grateful. My parents were the most important mentors in my life. They both taught me to pursue quality of life rather than social status or money.
Growing up, my family didn’t have a lot of wealth or assets. However, I am encouraged to appreciate and enjoy the best things life has to offer. Even though he worked in the post office, my father was keen to take us to beautiful places like the Peninsula Hotel on weekends or special occasions – instead of having a full meal, my dad and mom would have a coffee and order an ice cream. I. To this day, I still firmly believe in this important lesson and all my work is full of fun and enjoyment, which naturally led to my personal motto “Enjoy life, enjoy design”.
A few years later, after completing my studies at the University of Hong Kong and graduating with a degree in architecture, I had a very clear vision of my ultimate goal: I wanted to establish my own design practice. My next step is to understand the industry from a different perspective to achieve this goal. I worked as an assistant architect in a well-known law firm of Wong Ou-yang Law Firm, then as a building surveyor in the Hong Kong Government and as a project manager in a well-known real estate developer. Through each experience, I was able to equip myself with all the necessary tools to establish my own architecture and urban planning firm in 1987. In 1997, I reorganized the company into Steve Leung Architects Limited (SLA) and Steve Leung Designers Limited (SLD), focusing more on interior design projects.
You founded your own architectural and urban planning consultancy in 1987. What was your path to success?
When I just turned 30, I had a unique opportunity to start my own company. Being one of the first Hong Kong designers to discover and believe in the huge potential of the mainland Chinese market in the mid-1990s was another key moment in my career. In addition to seizing the right opportunity at the right time, my success would not have been possible without the significant contribution of my talented design team. Architectural, interior and product design projects are always the result of a collective effort to brainstorm the best ideas, plan smart working strategies and create a design that meets the needs of the client. The combined efforts and contributions of my team are undoubtedly the backbone of SLD’s success. That’s what I truly believe in, it’s the power of opportunity and the power of teamwork.
Who gave you your first architectural project, what was it and in what year?
My first project was to design a new academic building to celebrate the 1987 diamond anniversary of my alma mater, Minsheng College. The school committee recommended involving an alumnus in this creative endeavor to make the final design outcome more meaningful. At that time, many Minsheng College students were encouraged by their parents to pursue degrees in traditional courses such as law or medicine, and there were not many alumni working as architects. I was one of the few. This high-profile project couldn’t be better for my career. As a calling card for my future clients, my intention was to create something modern and iconic; therefore, I envisioned the building to be shaped like a piano, with a dynamic, clean and postmodern structure – a balance A restrained preview that would become my signature aesthetic.
What was your breakthrough project that brought you recognition in the architectural community?
I would say that my breakthrough and most memorable work was the show flat I designed for Symphony Bay in Hong Kong in 1997, which was also my first show flat design. At that time, more than 90% of luxury model houses were designed in Western classical style. Having said that, I think luxury can also be expressed in different ways. When designing for Symphony Bay, I decided to take a risk and break with traditional conventions. I designed a modern and elegant space without the typical paper or marble walls and other classic details that have long been considered luxury in Hong Kong model houses; instead I chose wooden walls to bring nature to life environment. It was definitely a huge gamble for the client and my own reputation; however, the sample house was unexpectedly welcomed by the Hong Kong market and society, which was becoming increasingly sophisticated and refined at the time. Symphony Bay sparked a stylistic shift in the industry, offering another way to express luxury in upscale residential projects.
How would you describe yourself as an architect-designer, your language and approach? What is the role of an architect-designer?
Many people would describe my style as minimalist, but I don’t like that label. In fact, I don’t really stick to any particular design style or trend because I feel like these affect and limit my creativity in some way. However, I would say that I am an advocate of modernity and clean lines. I prefer simple, elegant and functional designs that incorporate unique cultural and artistic elements relevant to each project, with a subtle Asian touch that reflects my roots. My approach to design also reflects my own lifestyle: simple yet refined, practical yet with a strong artistic flair.
To me, “good design” represents the perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality. At the same time, “good design” goes far beyond mere beauty and functionality; in fact, it can be a powerful tool for overcoming challenges for the best good of our communities and our planet. Using eco-friendly, reusable building materials and finishes, creating more green spaces, encouraging heritage conservation and revitalization are some of the ways that every designer can help alleviate social and environmental challenges through professional design.
What are your sources of inspiration? What do you hope to ultimately achieve?
When it comes to design inspiration, creativity is my own way of life and I practice this “attitude” every day in my personal and professional life. Even the most mundane details can suddenly become a wonderful source of creative inspiration if you’re keen to see it from a new perspective. Everyday life is a constant source of inspiration for me: what I see, what I hear, the people I meet. My travels also inspire me to reflect, explore and discover new perspectives. In fact, my personal motto “Enjoy life, enjoy design” has become so ingrained in me that design has become a truly important part of my daily life. Nothing makes me more grateful than sharing the joy with others through my design creations!
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