Diversity is the name of the game at Hong Kong-based multidisciplinary design practice NC Design & Architecture (NCDA). The firm is known for infusing refreshing perspectives into its spaces and products. Its most recent local projects were Thai restaurant Mak Mak and Foxglove bar, both ingenious designs that showcase the NCDA’s versatile and creative approach.

We speak to founder and creative director Nelson Chow about the firm’s design philosophy and current projects.

We are a team of architects, interior designers, product designers and graphic designers. It’s a good thing that our people are from all over the world as it brings in fresh ideas from different cultural backgrounds. We try to view our projects from different angles – to understand our clients’ operation, food, service and audience – and to ensure everything is synchronized to create a holistic experience. That’s why we also cover furniture and lighting design, as well as the space and the façade.

Hospitality design is something we would really like to focus on – it gives us room to create a journey that incorporates the food, the service, the target audience and the location. Whereas residential design is about creating a space that suits the residents and that can grow with the family. We could do a little more with retail design, on the other hand, as if we are crafting an experience for the customers.

We don’t have a specific style; we create design that tells a story. In every project, we always have ambiance and comfort in mind. Function is also key – whether it’s being spatially efficient or creating stackable chairs for easy storage.

Before we worked on Mak Mak restaurant, we received a brief from the owner requesting a homely space that transports customers away from most glamorous malls in Hong Kong. We were given a windowless site tucked behind a stairwell in Landmark, which makes it perfect for a secret restaurant. So we thought of adopting a Thai shophouse. For Foxglove bar, we were commissioned to create a jazz club. With a low ceiling of merely 2.1m in a 4,300sqft site, an intimate setting that resembles a plane or a cruise ship makes it more comfortable for people to enjoy.

Cinematic experience is about crafting a journey for customers and giving them anticipation upon arrival. Architecture, lighting, seating and staff uniform all contribute to a good film set.

We would love to work a hotel project if possible. We see this as an elaborated form of restaurants where we could really create a cinematic experience for the guests.

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