Jin Jing Ge at Four Seasons Suzhou
Photo by Owen Raggett
A Global Design Dialogue with Ed Ng of AB Concept
EXPERTS BY OLISE
Q: How would you describe your design philosophy, and how has it evolved as AB Concept has grown?
In our projects we go beyond providing solutions, we design emotional journeys, which is always combined with attention to feeling, together with function and form. We describe our mission as translating intangible emotions into tangible realities, meaning that we design for experience and memory together. In every project we always ask ourselves two questions: How do we want people to feel? What will be remembered from this experience an hour, a day, a week and a year later?
We believe in the power of good design to shape our human experience and leave a positive imprint on our minds. For us design is a craft to enhance our quality of life; it allows us to be ourselves, to be together, to be present, to be moved and inspired. Ultimately, design is about being.
MEI LI at Grand Hyatt Kuwait
Photo by Brandon Barré
MEI LI at Grand Hyatt Kuwait
Photo by Brandon Barré
MEI LI at Grand Hyatt Kuwait
Photo by Brandon Barré
Q: Are there signature elements or themes that you strive to incorporate in every project you undertake?
Our designs don’t have a shared aesthetic or a particular style, however our designs have a shared approach. We often compare designing with cooking. Just as a chef will carefully source and explore different ingredients, tools and methods in combination. We begin our design journey by listening and learning what we have. This is a very experimental stage for exploration, much like a chef explores the local market to find the most exquisite ingredients.
Liberté at Grand Hyatt Kuwait
Photo by Brandon Barré
After finding what we might use, usually ending with too much on the table. It is our role to carefully select the perfect combination of elements and exercise our skill as designer to turn them into a well thoughted design. From the simplest element – it could be the shape and proportions of a tile, a handle, a repeated motif on a textile or screen – to the grandest, found in the curve of an archway, or the sweep of a chandelier. We captured and identified the narrative, it will guide the whole process, becoming the signature of the project.
Essentially, it’s important for us that we design memorable impressions, from first encounter to lasting memory.
CREDIT Greg Natale
Q: What are some of the most challenging aspects of designing luxury spaces, and how do you address these challenges?
When designing a space, it can come with all kinds of constraints, whether it’s from the client or operator requirements, or limitations of the space. However, we work very closely with the stakeholders to make sure that every issue or concern is addressed accordingly and provide a memorable journey for guests.
Jin Jing Ge at Four Seasons Suzhou
Photo by Owen Raggett
CREDIT Greg Natale
Q: Working on projects globally, how do you ensure your designs respect and reflect local cultures while maintaining a universal appeal?
As mentioned, our projects have a shared approach more than a shared aesthetic. We bring our ideas to life in layout, materials, furnishing and detail, with acute attention to how spaces work optimally and feel special, simultaneously. The first thing we always do before drawing anything is to walk the streets of the city, research and explore what makes this city special. As a designer, our expertise is to understand the true essence of the culture and translate the culture’s spirit into a joyful experience that fosters a sense of ownership and acceptance among the local community while guests enjoys the project as a destination.
We take touchpoints seriously; this is where people feel good design. Attention to every detail, seen and unseen, brings integrity to our practice and projects. It matters to us that we design memorable impressions, from first encounter to lasting memory and leaving a imprint in people’s mind forever.
Jin Jing Ge at Four Seasons Suzhou
Photo by Owen Raggett
MEI LI at Grand Hyatt Kuwait
Photo by Brandon Barré
Q: How much of your personal taste and reflections do you allow to influence your projects, especially in culturally rich designs like MEI LI at Grand Hyatt Kuwait?
I think instead of personal taste, it’s more about our understanding the culture to a certain place. For MEI LI, we brought East culture influences to the Middle East, the restaurant inspired by the richness and diversity of Pan-Asian cuisine and heritage. The interior design of MEI LI portrays character, flair, beauty and personality throughout every aspect of the journey. Coupling traditional elements, classic techniques and authentic flavours and presentation styles, the space promises to immerse diners into a rich and vibrant dining experience.
Q: The Paper Moon at the OWO is a standout project. Can you discuss the unique elements you brought into this space to enhance its historical context?
The restaurant design seeks to invoke the ambience of an Italian home within the setting of a heritage, Grade II* listed Edwardian Baroque building. Due to the nature of the building we preserved several elements for example, in the dining area, original preserved façade windows offer guests spectacular views of London’s iconic Horse Guards Parade. The design also maintained the window’s original bomb-proof design, an inner pane of glass has been fitted inside each frame.
Paper Moon at the OWO
Photo by Tom Parker
CREDIT GREG NATALE
Q: Each space tells a story. Could you share how you developed the narrative for the Paper Moon restaurant and how it interacts with the diners' experience?
We created this narrative together with Paper Moon owners, where the design concept sensitively unites the building’s original architecture, completed in 1906, with the finest of Italian fabrics, furniture, and natural materials for a sophisticated, atmospheric dining experience with the ambiance of an Italian home. Throughout the restaurant diners are met with Italian touches reflected in furniture from Ceccotti Collezioni, mosaic tiles by Milan’s Materea, stone by Antolini, Viola dining chairs by Poltrona Frau, sconces by Aldo Bernardi, among others.
Paper Moon at the OWO
Photo by Tom Parker
Yun He at Four Seasons Suzhou
Photo by Owen Raggett
Q: With rapid advancements in design technology, what new tools have you adopted recently, and how have they transformed your design process?
Technology has undoubtedly made design much easier and more efficient. When I was a student, everything had to be hand-drawn on paper. Nowadays, with the help of technology, we can create designs much more efficiently over the years. However, the essence of design still lies in the creative mind of the designer. Over the years, technological advancements have continuously provided us with incredible capabilities to run simulations and explore even the wildest design concepts.
Artificial Intelligence is perhaps the latest rapidly evolving topic. We have been experimenting with this brand-new technology in our work and simulations. Hopefully, it won't be long before we can work seamlessly with AI to realize any design ideas.
MEI LI at Grand Hyatt Kuwait
Photo by Brandon Barré
Q: What conventional design rules do you enjoy breaking, and can you give an example where this approach paid off?
After living in Japan for five years, I have come to appreciate the Japanese concept of Wabi Sabi, which stands in contrast to the pursuit of perfect geometry typical in Western architecture. This philosophy values imperfection, being one of a kind, and asymmetry. For me, this embrace of the unexpected and unconventional beauty is incredibly appealing. Offering surprising twist on aesthetics and opens up limitless possibilities in design.
CREDIT GREG NATALE
Q: Looking ahead, what trends do you see shaping the future of interior design, particularly in the luxury sector?
Over the past few years, many of our clients have been discussing the prioritisation of sustainability in hotel design. While not entirely new, it has evolved into a broader commitment to environmental responsibility from the outset. Not just in the use of eco-friendly features and materials but as a contribution to the city’s society for a positive economic cycle.
The rise of AI technology leads me to believe that a fusion of cutting-edge technology with timeless aesthetics is very near. This integration not only contributes to eco-conscious practices but also strives to create a more bespoke and personal experience for guests. On another note, there's a heightened focus on creating versatile and multifunctional spaces, allowing adaptability to various events and guest needs, whether it's a staycation/workation, business travel, or a simple leisure vacation.
Liberté at Grand Hyatt Kuwait
Photo by Brandon Barré
CREDIT GREG NATALE
Q: What do you hope will be the lasting impact of your work in the design world?
For us design is about creating a space that reflects wo we are, giving us a sense of wellbeing. It's not just about aesthetics; it's about crafting a narrative that resonates with the occupants on a profound level. Ultimately design about being true to yourself. We hope this is guests’ takeaway when they see one of our designs.
Photo by Kohe Take
Photo by Owen Raggett
