With over 15 years in the industry, Deacon Loi, Founder and Design Director of The Grid Studio, has built a reputation on a philosophy of deep listening.
His success lies in translating how clients live and feel into spaces that are not only beautiful but also intuitive and enduring. We spoke with Deacon about the quiet thoughtfulness that defines his acclaimed work.
Thinking back to the very beginning, what was the ‘spark’ from your early life that first ignited your passion for design?
It grew from an early sensitivity to space—noticing how certain environments felt calm and balanced, while others felt heavy. That awareness evolved into a fascination with how spatial decisions shape emotion and everyday living, which naturally led me to design.
How does your team’s creative process come together on a project, from initial concept to final execution?
Our process begins with understanding a client’s lifestyle and needs, allowing the concept to develop intuitively. Our team combines strengths—one focuses on the overall idea and spatial flow, the other on details and execution. We constantly refine and collaborate to ensure the final design is cohesive, practical, and true to the original intention.
How do you translate a client’s abstract feeling into a concrete design while ensuring a ‘worry-free’ process?
Clients often come with a feeling, like ‘calm’, ‘light’ or ‘something that feels right’, instead of a clear brief. We translate these ideas into concrete spatial and material choices by listening and observing their lifestyle. To ensure a worry-free process, we maintain transparency, guide them step-by-step and manage the details behind the scenes, enabling them to trust the creative journey.
Beyond awards and recognition, what does ‘success’ on a project truly mean to you?
Success is when a space feels quietly right for its inhabitants and the design supports their daily routines. A space that ages well and remains relevant over time is the most meaningful achievement for us, far more than any visual statement.
Looking beyond current trends to the future, what evolution do you hope to see in Southeast Asian design in the next 5-10 years?
I hope to see a shift from trends towards more thoughtful design rooted in the Southeast Asian lifestyle. Our region’s climate and culture should inform designs that value longevity, comfort, and material honesty over mere visual impact. Our studio aims to contribute by creating calm, timeless, and truly liveable work.
