Kezia Karin possesses the soul of an artist who sculpts space and the mind of a strategist who executes with disciplined precision.
This powerful combination has fuelled her journey from a two-person outfit to a celebrated studio, allowing her to scale her signature creativity from the intimacy of a private home to the cinematic narrative of a grand hotel.
Your journey evolved from personal homes to 5-star hotels. What was the most significant shift in mindset required to scale your creativity?
For me, residential design is a dialogue balancing innovation with a client’s individuality. The goal is to create a home that resonates personally as deeply as it impresses visually. By contrast, high-end hospitality demands crafting an experience—a cinematic narrative where every detail contributes to the story. At the other end, large-scale developments hinge on discipline and rigorous control. Vision isn’t enough; it requires a robust framework to translate ambition into reality.
Could you walk us through a project that showcases your personal strengths and process?
The Louis Vuitton Savoir-Faire 2021 exhibition in Jakarta was a defining milestone. We had to build everything from the ground up on a 1,500-square-metre site in just 28 days, all while emerging from pandemic restrictions. The project was a test of leadership, discipline, and strategic execution. It wasn’t just a creative exercise; it was about translating the maison’s identity—art, craftsmanship, and technology—into a tangible journey. It underscored our belief that a great designer is not only a creative force but also an analyst and strategist, translating vision into reality with precision.
As a leader, how do you cultivate a ‘never-ending process of learning’ and ‘adventurous’ studio culture?
I lead by example. I encourage my team to explore uncharted territory rather than settle for what has been done. A designer is a tastemaker whose work should transcend boundaries. That is why shifting perspective is essential. By constantly challenging ourselves to see through different lenses, we unlock new approaches and create work that feels both original and timeless.
Setting aside industry accolades, what is your personal measure of a successful project?
I see each project as a chance to learn, to introduce a sense of newness, and to bring ideas into tangible form. ‘Newness’ can be as subtle as a fresh way of seeing or an experience that shifts perspective. When those three elements converge—learning, originality, and the creation of a meaningful experience—I consider the project a true success.
In a world saturated with online inspiration, how do you move beyond trends and create something truly distinct?
Trends have never been my compass. Design is profound; it shapes the rhythm of daily life and must transcend fleeting fashions. My inspiration comes from diverse sources: cinema, art, poetry, fashion, and history. Each offers a lens to reimagine space. That is why I see my projects not as rooms, but as spatial sculptures—forms that invite discovery, emotion, and meaning.
