P01

ISSUE 09
$5 CAD¥500

SPECIALEDITION
HONG KONG

ISSN 2817-1276
April 28, 2023

www.merci-magazine.com

INWARD JOURNEY
My creative journey has been acontinuous process of growth andrefinement.I am excited to see where it
will take me in the future.
OVERCOMES SPACE LIMITATIONS WITHINNOVATIVE SOLUTIONSWhen faced with limited space, designers areoften challenged to think creatively and outside
the box. This is where Max Lam Designs excels.
With years of experience in the industry, theteam has honed their ability to turn constraints
into opportunities.

EMBODYING THE SUSTAINABLE IN
RETAIL DESIGN

Max Lam Designs embraces the fivesenses to engage, elevate, and nourish. By
incorporating visual displays, ambient music,
tactile textures and scents, he creates forthe retailer a multi-sensory experience that
captures the attention and imagination ofcustomers.

INTERIOR DESIGN

nourishO NE CIT Y

HONG KONG

Dividing his projects into visual categories also gives
a narrator’s clues to what is to come with titles suchas ‘Warm Informality’, ‘An Inward Journey’ and ‘The
Sweet Escape’. The delight he takes in client briefs isclear to see. That lighting is a central focus of his work
is evident. A standout design is the ‘Ripple’ light. Not
only beautiful and functional, ‘Ripple’ is also museum
worthy, with the Hong Kong Heritage Museum
having added ‘Ripple’ to its collection. The light was
handcrafted in Murano, Venice in a collaboration withleading Italian lighting manufacturer, Viabizzuno.
The design speaks volumes about the designer. In
creating ‘Ripple’, Max brought into being his hopethat we all can be the first one to start the ripple
effect and ultimately create a friendlier environment:

Collaborating with local artists and artisans
is an essential and inspirational part of myapproach to design. Working with artists canbring a fresh and inspiring perspective to our
projects.

INTERVIEW

Max constantly redefines his journey
through life, whether by learning new skills,
experiencing new cultures,or pushing
beyond his limits.

INWARD JOURNEY“

I believe that in design, as
in life, it’s important to stayhumble and trust your own
instincts. It’s easy to get caught
up in trends and the opinionsof others, but ultimately, themost successful designs arethose that come from a placeof authenticity and personal

Max believes that bespoke lighting has thepower to transform a space and convey the
essence of its creation. His ‘Inward Journey’
project is one such masterpiece.
Refine the creative journey | Max Lam Designs

conviction.

Max Lam is a designer of many talents. Storyteller isperhaps not an obvious arrow in the designer bow
armoury, but Max’s narration of his studio’s interior
and product designs shows his talent for getting to
the heart of a brief. With titles such as ‘The Lightnessof Being in a Japanese Restaurant’, he sets the stage;
it is as if he is breathing life into the space to come.

“relationship with dream cake makers Lifetastic a joy
to experience. How fun for a child to be taken to a
pop-up cake shop to find your own mini entrance,side-by-side to the adult doorway for your parent, anda wall of mini-paintings that you can swivel to yourheart’s content while munching cake? Genius idea!
Max commissioned Hong Kong artist Eunis to create
392 small ‘portraits’ of Lifetastic cakes that can beswivelled into an all-blue wall to spell out the Lifetasticlogo. The Lifetastic pop-up at Festival Walk resulted
in Max Lam Studio being Asia category winner in thestellar 2022 UK Restaurant & Bar Awards.
If Max’s designs for spaces where parents can treat
their children are a joy, his designs for family homes
bring fun to functionality. Max says that “Being a father
myself, I understand the needs of new parents.” His
bedrooms for his clients’ children have been described“Taking inspiration from the water ripples, this lamp
does not only capture the beauty and peacefulness ofthe natural phenomenon when a droplet is dropped
into the water, but it is also shaped to bring out thespirit of the ripple effect, when one thing leads toanother and a long term influence is created out ofa very small event. The idea is materialized when aperson gives a helping hand to someone in need, theact will motivate the beneficiary to help others andcreate a ripple effect to spread the good deeds.“
2024 will see Max return to Murano to develop a
new lighting design collection in the planning with
Viabizzuno.
Playful design that delight is central to his work; theBY MERCI MAGAZINEP02ISSUE 09

as “jolly”. Which child would not love to come home to such a
room? Creating spaces that are full of colour is not only for thechildren. An early store design saw a rainbow stripe snake aroundthe walls, bringing a playful 60s retro vibe to the space. Max also
loves the other side of the colour spectrum, creating designs thatare imbued with zen minimalism or Scandinavian clean-cut lines.
He incorporates internal glazed walls and double doors as room
dividers to bring natural light into spaces. This clever and eco
solution is very much of the now, given our ever-greater need forthe sustainable.

with the Hansen wishbone chair, Eames recliner and Starck Ghost
chair for Kartell having featured in his interiors. Content not onlywith designing in the three-dimensional, Max brings the five senses
into client design. Touch and scent form part of his designs with
one-off door handles and scent by way of candles tailored to themood of the space. His vision? To make memorable the journey
through the space.
A recent commission from Po Chen for the first Po House saw
Max make a clean, contemporary solution to the brief of creating
separate identities for the company’s two divisions: essential oils /beauty products and sustainable fashion. The result is an elegant
simplicity; the circular economy truly given the designer touch.
His present projects are exciting to contemplate, with the studioreturning to a luxury residential development in Macao to createa second show apartment; the first completed three years ago
a big success despite being very ‘un-showflat-y’; the artistic,
minimal look Max created being out of the norm for such highend developments.

Japanese design is an inspiration for him, with one interior cited
as homage to master architect Tadeo Ando. This home led to aseries of international awards, including in the USA (New York &Los Angeles), Italy and Germany and shortlisting in the 2019 Sky
Design Awards (Tokyo). Max has been invited to participate inleading design platforms such as ICFF, New York, 100% Designin Shanghai and Light+Building Frankfurt. His work has sparked
significant press coverage in Hong Kong and overseas with recent
coverage in the iconic Polish publication Frame.

The show apartment, entitled ‘Inward Journey’, won Show Flatof the Year at the prestigious Frame Awards 2020 in Amsterdam.
The judging panel commended the design as “sensorial and wellthought through”. Max Lam describes the zen-inspired design asa “holistic journey that invites those inhabiting the space to slow
down and journey into themselves”, saying that the resulting

Max Lam’s residential interior design portfolio is strong. His belief
is that interiors “must have a timeless quality that complement andelevate the lives lived within”. If inspired lighting design is a given
for a Max Lam designs – he acknowledges ‘the poet of light’ Ingo
Maurer as design hero - his choice of furnishings is equally stellar

apartment is close to being “his dream home”. ‘Inward Journey’illustrates perfectly Max Lam’s dedication to creating designs thatinspire the inward experience of the interior space. The developer
clearly shares the vision that more of the same is not the way
forward.
Central to the tranquil design palette was the commissioningof eight Hong Kong artists whose work merges traditional
craftsmanship with a contemporary way of thinking. Ceramics
by Ryan & Wy elevate the simple act of holding a cup throughthe sense of touch - the textural feel an additional pleasure.
Perfume artist Xavier created unique sandalwood and green tea
scents for the apartment in candles and by diffusion. Japaneseknot work by Zoe Siu is sited as art work and textural additions
to the contemporary door handles. Max’s attention to detail is
exemplified by designing fretwork panels for the air conditioning
ducts that seamlessly complete the fine wood work throughout
the apartment; nothing intrudes on the tranquillity of the space.
Max Lam is at an exciting juncture for his studio, including withclient explorations in Japan on the horizon. We can be certain thatMax will make of the journey a beautiful story.

STORYTELLINGTHE SWEET ESCAPE
LIFETASTIC at Festival Walk is not just a

by Milano double doors. These provide

delight to the taste buds, but an enduring

a sense of airiness and spaciousness.

feast for all the senses. Conceptualized

Drawing attention towards the Art Wall atby Hong Kong-based design practice,

the back is a sizeable sculptural pendant

Max Lam Designs, the 600 sq ft patisserie

that hangs across the display counters,

exudes a subtle sense of luxury throughvisually heightening the low ceilings.

a multitude of details. Ethereal arches,Hong

sculptural light fixtures, warm brass, andcomprisinga royal blue color scheme, all reinforce

depicting the brand’s signature layered

the visual identity of the brand.

cakes, adorns the Art Wall, serving as

Kongartist392

Eunis’s

small

oil

creation,paintings,

an innovative installation that gradually
Max Lam, the creative director andreveals “LIFETASTIC.”

founder of Max Lam Designs, recounted
the creative journey behind the project,

Max Lam Designs have completed thesaying, “We were tasked to create a blue

interior design for seven branches ofbox on the podium of Festival Walk, a

LIFETASTIC, all with different design

high-end shopping arcade in Kowloon

concepts but aligned brand identity.

Tong with high mall traffic. The brief was

With cakes as visual art the focus of theto curate an enclosed yet visible grab-

company’s design for the Festival Walk

and-go patisserie. During this specificpop-up, its award-winning design for

project, we were particularly challenged

LIFETASTIC’s Tsim Tsa Tsui branch wasby space limitations and low ceilings.”

inspired by the patisserie’s signature layer

Lifetastic Festival Walk

Max commissioned Hong Kong artist Eunis to create 392 small
oil painting of Lifetastic cakes

cakes.
To address the space limitations, twocustom-designed arched entrances werecreated for adults and children, inspired
Lifetastic IFC

Lifetastic The One

EMBODYINGTHE SUSTAINABLE
IN RETAIL DESIGN“Through Sight, Sound, Touch, Taste, and Smell”. To embrace the Five Senses for
an Immersive Shopping Experience.
Max Lam Designs embraces the five senses to engage, elevate, and nourish theinterior design of “nourish” for customers. By incorporating natural materials
that engage sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell, Max Lam has created an
immersive and memorable shopping experience that not only delights thesenses but also creates a sense of natural harmony. From the organic texturesof wood and stone, to the ambient music that evokes natural sounds, tothe tactile textures of the products, to the in-store samples that use naturalingredients, and even the signature scent of the store that evokes a sense ofnatural freshness, each element works in harmony to create a multi-sensory
experience that engages and delights customers on a deeper level. Max Lam’s
design shows how thoughtful and intentional use of natural materials can
not only elevate the shopping experience but also create a sense of natural
feelings and serenity.
BY MERCI MAGAZINE
Refine the creative journey | Max Lam Designs

P03

ISSUE 09

O N E STORY, ONE I NT E RVI E W

INWARD JOURNEY
How did you transition from a business degree to founding
your own boutique design studio?
After completing my Bachelor of Business degree, I realizedthat my true passion was in design, and I decided to pursue
it as a career. I founded my own boutique design studio in2013 as a way to express my creativity and bring my ideas
to life. It has been an exciting and fulfilling journey so far,and I am constantly inspired by the possibilities of design.
Can you describe how your creative journey has evolved
over time, from when you first started out as a designer
to where you are now?
As a designer and the creative director, my creative journeyhas been a continuous process of growth and refinement.
When I first started out, I was very hands-on with every
project, focusing solely on the design aspect. But as I
gained more experience and developed my business skills,
I started to realize the value of design management andcollaboration.
Now, I believe that design is not just about aesthetics it’s about creating value and solving problems for clients.
My design senses have evolved to encompass a broader
perspective, taking into account the business and practicalconsiderations of each project. I strive to work closely withmy team and clients to create designs that are not only
visually impactful but also functional and sustainable.
Collaborating with local artists and artisans has also been
an important part of my design approach, as it brings afresh and inspirational perspective to the projects. By
working with them, we can create designs that are truly
unique and meaningful.
Ultimately, I am committed to using my design skills
and experience to create value and contribute to thecommunity. My creative journey has been a fulfilling andrewarding one so far, and I am excited to see where it willtake me in the future.
In one of your recent projects, we noticed that you
worked closely with local artists and artisans to create
unique and collaborative art pieces. Can you tell us more
about your approach to incorporating local talent into
your designs, and how you believe this benefits both yourclients and the community at large?
Collaborating with local artists and artisans is an essential
and inspirational part of our approach to design. I firmly
believe that art and design are deeply intertwined, andworking with artists can bring a fresh and inspiring
perspective to our projects. Beyond that, it’s also an
opportunity to support and showcase local talent andcontribute to the community. For me, the value of art indesign lies in its ability to add an emotional and personal
dimension to the spaces we create. Art pieces can serve
as a statement, and they can also create a unique andmemorable atmosphere. By working with artists andincorporating their works into our designs, we can offer
our clients something truly special and meaningful.
For me, the value of art in design lies in its ability
to add an emotional and personal dimension to thespaces we create. Art pieces can serve as a focal point
or a statement, and they can also create a unique andmemorable atmosphere. By working with artists andincorporating their works into our designs, we can offer
our clients something truly special and meaningful.
But it’s not just about the end result - the process ofcollaborating with artists is also an inspirational andrewarding experience. It’s a chance to exchange ideas
and learn from one another, and to push the boundaries
of what’s possible in design. I’m always excited to workwith our team and local artists to create innovative andinspiring designs that leave a lasting impression.
How would you describe your current personal style?
How has it shaped your current design sensibilities?
As a designer, my personal style is influenced by a variety
of factors, including my experiences, my design philosophy,
and my love for vintage elements. I’m particularly drawn tothe use of natural materials like wood and the clean lines
and shapes of geometric forms. I believe that geometry isan essential aspect of design, as it provides structure andbalance to a space.
However, I also enjoy incorporating vintage elements
into my designs, whether it’s through the use of vintage
furniture or architectural details. I find that vintage pieces
add a layer of character and history to a space that can’tbe replicated by anything new. The challenge is finding theright balance between the vintage and the modern, andcreating a harmonious composition that tells a story andevokes emotion.
Overall, my design sense is rooted in creating spaces thatare not only functional and aesthetically pleasing, but alsomeaningful and memorable.
I hear that you are a drinks connoisseur. What kind of
drinks do you like?
While I used to enjoy a good whisky or gin and tonic,
my tastes have evolved, and I now find myself drawn to
the subtle and mild flavours of red wine. Perhaps it’s areflection of where I am in life - looking for something
more mellow and refined. The sharp, bitter taste of whisky
or gin and tonic no longer hold the appeal it once did, andI find myself savouring the smooth and comforting notesof red wine instead. It’s a reminder that our tastes andpreferences are always evolving, just like our lives.
How do you stay active and healthy while balancing ademanding career in design?
I believe that exercise and being in nature are essential
for maintaining a healthy balance in life. As someone whoworks in a demanding industry like design, it can be easy to
get caught up in the daily grind and neglect your physicaland mental health. That’s why I make it a priority to exercise
regularly and spend time in nature, whether that’s throughcamping, hiking, or other outdoor activities.
Not only does exercise help me stay physically healthy, but
it also boosts my mood and creativity. It’s a great way toclear my mind and come up with new ideas for my designs.
And when I go camping, I find that being surrounded bynature helps me feel grounded and recharged.
Of course, balancing a demanding career with personal
pursuits can be a challenge, but I believe it’s important
to make time for the things that matter. For me, thatmeans scheduling workouts and camping trips just like I
would any other work commitment. It’s all about finding abalance that works for you and staying committed to yourown well-being.

BESPOKE LIGHTING DESIGNER CREATES
MULTI-SENSORY EXPERIENCE

In the bustling city, a curious designer named Max Lam was inspired by the natural beauty of water ripples. Wondering how he could
translate this phenomenon into a lighting fixture, he approached a leading Italian lighting company, VIABIZZUNO, to collaborate on
his project.
Together, Max Lam and VIABIZZUNO brought Ripple Lighting to life. The stunning fixture was expertly crafted by an experienced glass
artisan from Venice and featured a unique pattern that created a soft and diffused light, reminiscent of the tranquility of water ripples.
Through their collaboration, Max Lam and VIABIZZUNO were able to combine their expertise and create a lighting fixture that not
only captured the beauty of nature but also promoted the ripple effect of small acts of kindness. Ripple Lighting quickly gained
recognition, winning numerous awards including the Hong Kong Best Global Design Award, as well as two Silver Awards at the Global
Design Award and K-Design Award in Korea. The Hong Kong Heritage Museum has added ‘Ripple’ to its collection.
Thanks to Max Lam’s curiosity and vision, combined with VIABIZZUNO’s expertise, Hong Kong designers have made a prominent
mark in the world of lighting design, and Ripple Lighting remains a shining example of the beauty and potential of the city’s designindustry.

Ding Ding at COBO HOUSE & ARTISAN ROOM
“Lighting is a dynamic and essential element in any space.
As a designer, I believe that bespoke lighting products
can do more than just illuminate a room. They have thepower to transform a space and convey the essence of its
creation.
Through the careful selection of different shapes and sizes,
colors, temperatures, reflections, and refractions, bespoke
lighting can tell a unique and personal story. Each piececan be a work of art in its own right, adding depth andmeaning to the space it illuminates.
As a lighting designer, I strive to create bespoke lighting
products that not only serve their functional purpose but
also add character and depth to the spaces they inhabit.
I believe that through thoughtful and intentional design,
we can transform the way we experience and interact with
our environment, ultimately creating a more beautiful andmeaningful world.
- Max Lam
COBO HOUSE & ARTISAN ROOM in Kennedy Town pays tribute to Hong Kong’s heritageand its century-old transportation system with the Ding Ding Brass Chandelier. This
bespoke lighting fixture, inspired by the iconic tram rail, is a beautiful reminder of thecity’s past and adds a touch of history and character to the space with its smooth andsturdy lines and curves. Ding Ding is a lighting fixture that illuminates and celebrates
Hong Kong’s unique identity and its enduring spirit.

BY MERCI MAGAZINE
Refine the creative journey | Max Lam Designs

ISSUE 09

INWARD JOURNEY - BRINGING ARTISANS TOGETHER

A show flat in Macau entitled ‘Inward Journey’ won Show Flat of the Year at theprestigious Frame Awards 2020 in Amsterdam. The judging panel commended
the design as “sensorial and well thought through”. Max Lam describes the zeninspired design as a “holistic journey that invites those inhabiting the space toslow down and journey into themselves”, saying that the resulting apartment isclose to being “his dream home”.
Central to the tranquil design palette was the commissioning of eight Hong
Kong artists whose work merges traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary
way of thinking. Ceramics by Ryan & Wy elevate the simple act of holding a cup
through the sense of touch - the textural feel an additional pleasure. Perfume
artist Xavier created unique sandalwood and green tea scents for the apartment
in candles and by diffusion. Japanese knot work by Zoe Siu is sited as art workand textural additions to the contemporary door handles. Max’s attention todetail is exemplified by designing fretwork panels for the air conditioning ductsthat seamlessly complete the fine wood work throughout the apartment;
nothing intrudes on the tranquillity of the space.
Max Lam Designs raised the stakes for the future of the typology by creating a holistic experience that intrigued thepresiding jury ... How the team at Max Lam won their trophy “It’s sensorial and well thought through .” Channellingeach of the senses through bespoke art pieces and objects, Inward Journey invites visitors to stay, to slow down andto journey into themselves. // by Laura Bielecki of Real Estate Development, Judge Panel of Frame Awards 2020

‘Inward Journey’ illustrates perfectly Max Lam’s dedication to creating designs
that inspire the inward experience of the interior space.
* FRAME Awards Showflat of the Year for project ‘Inward Journey’

The nine artists

Ryan San
Oil Painting

Ryan & Wy
Ceramic

Cink Shann
Chinese Callgraphy

Po Fung
Metal

Zoee
Knot

XavierPerfumeJam
FloralRaymond Pang
Line Painting“Discover the Secret to Achieving Residential Harmony
How Luxury Living Can Transform Your Life and Well-being”
Max believes that every element in a residential spaceshould be carefully considered and crafted to createa cohesive and harmonious environment. From thefurniture and lighting fixtures to the wall finishes anddecorative accents, each detail plays a crucial role inshaping the overall atmosphere and experience ofthe space, saying:“For me, this attention to detail is not just a matter of aesthetics- it’s also a reflection of my commitment to quality andcraftsmanship. I believe that every element should be designed
and executed with the utmost care and precision, using highquality materials and techniques. In my residential design
projects, I work closely with clients to understand their needs,
preferences, and lifestyles, and to create a space that truly
reflects their personality and vision. Whether it’s a modern
and minimalist space or a more traditional and eclectic one,my goal is to create a home that is not only beautiful andfunctional, but also a reflection of the client’s unique style andpersonality. And I believe that this level of attention to detailand personalization is what sets my designs apart and creates atruly exceptional residential experience.“

MAX LAM DESIGNSPhotos courtesy of Max Lam Designs (Hong Kong)

Unit D, 3/F, Goodman Tsuen Wan Centre,
68 Wang Lung Street, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong

#ISSUE 09

Office(852) 2838 2183​
Whatsapp (852) 6699 2699
Email: designs@maxlam.com​​

Managing Director: Peggy Lui#ISSN 2817-1276

Editor and copywriter: Lianne Hackett
Art Direction: Peggy Lui

by appointment only
https://www.maxlam.com

Design by: Merci Design Workshop
Printed in Japan/ Canada
One Story by Merci Media Corproation is a Trademark publication.

MaxLamDesigns

Refine the creative journey | Max Lam Designs

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