Following the final results of the International Property Awards 2017-2018, we meet the designers behind three of the major award-winning interiors.
A rapidly growing architectural and interior design company, HWCD has design teams in Shanghai, London and Barcelona. Working closely together, they deliver integral designs and consultancy services for a global client base. The firm is currently celebrating winning the ‘Best International Interior Design Apartment’ award for its project Rui Hong Xin Cheng in Shanghai.
Steven Lin, HWCD partner and design director, tells us that the main inspiration behind the interior was the lifestyle of New York City living in art. “The development is situated to the north of the famous Bund, across Huangpu River from Lujiazui Financial District,” he explains. “On one side of the river is the historic promenade of Western mansions from colonial time. On the other, a surreal jungle of skyscrapers, none of which are even older than 30 years.
“Our design wants to amplify this feeling of historical contrast and put the focus on a sense of futuristic optimism. The open plan living space is full of geometric shapes and angular lines in furniture and lighting. It is slightly unusual and certainly makes a strong first impression. Elsewhere the versatility of materials used definitely enhances the sense of opulence, a feeling which is finally strengthened in the bedrooms by highly individual and time-consuming artworks. I think the richness of design details and how well the details contrast but still work together as a whole are the key to success in this project.”
Steven says the best advice he can give is to spend time together with your designers. “Let ideas clash, bounce and grow. It’s a learning process not just for the designers about the owners, but also for the owners about themselves. The designers need to have an understanding of the owners’ character, lifestyle and expectation before they can produce colour palettes or layout meaningful and suitable to the client. After all, high-end projects are all about individuality and customisation.”
