A hospitality design luminary, Joe Cheng has shaped the aesthetics of prestigious hotel brands, including the Regent, Shangri-La, Mandarin Oriental, Conrad, and Banyan Tree, among others. His dynamic team at CCD extends its expertise beyond hotels to luxury residential villas, corporate offices across China, and sophisticated lounges and restaurants.
Could you describe your design philosophy, and how it came about?
I often reflect on the wisdom of renowned architect Liang Sicheng, who said a great designer must combine the mind of a philosopher, the perspective of a sociologist, the precision of an engineer, the sensitivity of a psychologist, the insight of a writer, and the expressiveness of an artist. Equally crucial is the ability to communicate design concepts effectively. Even brilliant designs can fail if poorly presented. A designer who can execute, but cannot articulate their vision, explain their approach, or build their influence falls short of true professional excellence.
Which project(s) are you most proud of this year?
The Mandarin Oriental, Qianmen in Beijing stands out as particularly significant. Located in the historic Caochang Hutong district of Dongcheng, just a 10-minute walk from Tiananmen Square, the project presented a unique challenge of preserving 600-year-old architectural heritage while creating a modern luxury hotel. Our approach focused on the careful restoration of the traditional courtyard houses (siheyuan), maintaining original structural elements while discreetly integrating modern amenities. We preserved historical features such as roof beams and traditional materials – grey bricks, bluish-white stone, and wood elements – while concealing the modern infrastructure underground. The courtyards were revitalised with preserved trees and new landscaping, creating seamless indoor-outdoor connections throughout the seasons.
Having designed luxury hotels worldwide, how do you define luxury and express it in your work?
True luxury goes beyond superficial opulence – it's about creating profound emotional connections and spiritual resonance. Luxury must offer genuine comfort and quality. Hotels serve as homes away from home, offering privacy and comfort that exceeds domestic living. Today's high-net-worth individuals prefer understated elegance.
Take the Regent Shanghai on the Bund. Originally built in 1984 near foreign consulates, it was known as "Shanghai's premier living room". In reimagining the space, we preserved historical elements while breathing new life into Shanghai's cultural heritage. Original artifacts were integrated as cultural touchstones – from the century-old grand piano that still graces the lobby to the recreated spiral staircase and restored stained glass. The suites reflect Shanghai's golden era through design elements such as traditional shutters, curved sofas, and intricate decorative patterns.
Which city has inspired you most profoundly?
Kyoto holds a special place in my heart for its well-preserved architecture and Zen aesthetics. I often visit to experience its meditative pace. I'm equally drawn to fashion capitals such as Milan, Paris, New York, and London, where I draw inspiration from various design disciplines – from fashion to automotive design. These diverse influences are translated into design elements that create meaningful spaces.
What advice would you give young interior designers?
My design philosophy is to “choose one path and dedicate your life to it”. I've remained devoted to hands-on design work throughout my decades-long career. Success in design requires unwavering passion, resilience through solitary periods, continuous learning, and broadening one's perspective. It's about consistently pushing boundaries and gradually building a fulfilling design career.
