There are many good designers, but very few true design masters, and Steve Leung is definitely among the latter. A self-made design veteran, Leung's brilliance is reflected not only in his portfolio, but also in the exceptional team he has mentored and his contributions to the industry. Even today, he continues to break boundaries, having collaborated this year with Baccarat and launched the new brand SLD Andrea Bonini.
Each year you take on different creative challenges. Besides your recent collaboration with Baccarat, what's your most notable design this year?
This year, beyond the Printemps Bleu crystal light launched with Baccarat in July to mark the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations, SLD has just released a smart artistic lighting collection with Moorgen. The collection features three pieces, including my "Salute" stackable light fixture, plus two lights co-designed with rising Italian designer Andrea Bonini – "Aurea"; and "Lumia", inspired by Italian architecture and landscapes. This collaboration marks the first product design project under our new brand "SLD Andrea Bonini". In 2025, we'll officially launch this brand and our new Milan office during the Milan Furniture Fair, working together to expand into European and other markets. Through cross-cultural collaboration, we aim to explore new design possibilities.
What special significance did 2023-2024 hold for you?
2023- 2024 has been challenging globally for all industries. For me, it's been a year of reflection, adjustment, and transformation. At the company level, despite uncertainties, I believe opportunities arise from challenges. We've been identifying opportunities amid difficulties and adjusting our strategies accordingly. This year, my management team and I have laid out new development plans focusing on "youth engagement, internationalisation, and diversification". Personally, at 67, I'm grateful for everything in life. With over 40 years in design, through ups and downs, I now face challenges more calmly. I want to dedicate more time to nurturing young designers and giving back to society by sharing my experience. I hope to inspire them to face challenges positively and help bring Hong Kong and Chinese design to the world stage.
Is there something you've always wanted to do, but haven't yet?
I love exploring different countries and cultures, it's always been a source of inspiration. Recently, while on a flight, I counted that I've visited 49 countries! However, I've never been to India. To me, India remains a mysteriously ancient civilisation. I hope to visit soon, experience its wonders, cultural heritage, and local life to fulfil this dream.
Running a small design firm in Hong Kong faces increasing challenges. What advice would you give young Hong Kong designers?
Every era has its difficulties, challenges, and opportunities. What matters is how we leverage our strengths and seize opportunities. Everyone needs to find their path in imperfect conditions. Whether in good or tough times, we need to stay aware and adjust our long, medium, and short-term strategies according to market conditions. Every experience helps us better understand ourselves.
In my 40-plus years in the field, I've faced many challenges. When I started in 1987, I focused solely on architectural design for the first decade. Later, seeing limited opportunities in Hong Kong architecture, and being somewhat impatient, I expanded into both architectural and interior design, including Mainland China.
The different project cycles provided more stability, and the different market stages between Hong Kong and Mainland China allowed me to apply my experience in new ways. During real estate downturns, we shifted our focus to restaurant projects. Choosing the right market is crucial for designers. Different regions offer different opportunities and market needs. It's about both immediate opportunities and long-term strategic thinking. There's no fixed formula, you need to think, explore, and create opportunities. Success is possible anywhere, but the key is finding your own path while continuously improving your professional skills and innovation.
