Joyce Wang’s career in interior design was sparked by a lightbulb moment when she was six. She asked her mother, as they rode the glass escalator of Hong Kong’s HSBC Building designed by Norman Foster, who built these buildings. Her mother replied, “architects”. That’s when Wang knew she was destined to join the design sphere.
“I want people to feel what I felt that day: empowered, connected, like a million dollars,” says Wang, whose eponymous interior design practice has offices in Hong Kong and London.
Sought after for its design approach that blends luxury with art, Joyce Wang Studio has created a string of swanky hospitality projects across the globe. Among them are the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Penthouse (London), Mott 32 (Singapore), and Prince and the Peacock (Hong Kong).
Wang, who was a keynote speaker at Find – Design Fair Asia 2024 in Singapore last month, explains why her creativity comes from curiosity.
What draws you to hospitality projects such as restaurants and hotels?
A significant part of our design work involves curating inspirations from across diverse cultural references for our global portfolio of fine dining and luxury hospitality spaces.
Travelling has broadened my horizons and made me more multicultural. I love working in different cities and meeting and collaborating with people from everywhere. Exploration energises me and adds creativity and artisanry to our work.
What is your favourite project and why?
I’m exceptionally proud of all our projects. For several years, Joyce Wang Studio has worked with Mott 32 to support its global expansion. I find it exciting to work on a Mott 32 restaurant—whether Singapore or Dubai—because we tailor our design to the geographical location.
Our narratives and bespoke details reflect local cultural influences and references. We are working with Mott 32 on its newest outpost in Bali. In exploring and blending local Balinese flavours with Mott 32’s signature taste, we have also discovered talented artisans and craftsmen.
How would you define good design?
Our studio transcends conventional design concepts to create cinematic interiors that captivate the senses and stir emotions. I want guests to enjoy an intimate personal experience in our spaces and take away memories of how these places made
them feel.
We strive to achieve this by creating materials, finishes, or features that are unique to each space. Our team has an insatiable curiosity for materials, so we are always seeking opportunities to partner with skilled artisans to create captivating environments with bespoke details.
