Name: Mr. Louie Shum
Company: House of Beast
Position within company: Chief Designer
Website: www.houseofbeast.com
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
I majored in Product Design in LA Art School in Los Angeles, USA. After graduating from University, I was first trained as Art Director in Graphics and Styling. I spent four years working in an Entertainment company to work as an artist development director. I wanted to translate my passion of art and design into interior design. I was self-trained for many years on interior design. My first interior project in 1998 as commissioned by my father, helping him as a founder of cake/bread company, to design his retail outlets.
I am proud to say that I have learned the craft through many years of on-the-job and on-site experience and tons of hard work. Then, an opportunity came and I spent 2 years working for an established architect firm as the Director of Design, overseeing 5 design teams at the firm. I felt ready to start my own company in 2009 after my departure at this architect firm. Since the opening of House of Beast in 2009, I’ve worked on more than 30 projects on high-end residential, hotels, A-grade offices, etc in Hong Kong as well as China.
How would you describe your personal interior design style?
My own interior design style is very much inspired by movies, paintings, sculptures and surroundings. One of my favourite themes includes rustic industrial mix with the modernity of Parisian chic.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
Travelling is the most inspiring way to feed my creative soul. Beautiful things and moments are what inspire me the most.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Respect the old traditional craftsmanship and techniques while infuse with modern design spirits.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2016 and beyond…
Artisanal Craftsmanship of all kind
Innovative Greenery
Affordable Art and Objects
Environmental friendly materials
Retro colour palettes
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to interior design schemes, what would it be?
Design with passion. Trust your instinct and be compulsively stubborn in what you believe into. Without them, you will not able to surprise people. I think that’s what design, in theory, should be about.
How important are The International Design and Architecture Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
The Awards is a platform to share the best of our works and let the world know that we exist and show them what we are capable of. Winning an award, of course would further endorse my professionalism and creativity, thus enhance my future opportunities.
What projects are you currently working on?
I am currently designing a 20,000 square foot headquarter for a Private Investment Company in Hong Kong.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
Completing our current projects. Planning to extend my design philosophy and express my enthusiastic passion with artisanal craftsmanship and transform them into food and coffee.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself…
Your most treasured possession?
My Jacque Adnet armchairs
Your favourite holiday destination?
Tokyo, everything from clean surroundings, quality cafés and restaurants and good service.
Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar?
Hotel: The Bulgari Hotel Milano
Restaurant: La Petite Maison London
Bar: The Connaught Bar London
Your favourite book / film / song:
Song: Jane Birkin et SergeGainsbourg, Je T’aime Moi Non Plus
Film: EYES OF LAURA MARS in 1978
Your favourite food and drink?
A glass of Angelus Premier Grand CruClasse (Saint Emillion) pair with my homemade beef Spaghetti Bolognese
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? (in no more than 25 words)
Lying in bed reading my favourite magazine or watching a movie
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
A Restauranteur
Designer In Profile: Louie Shum, Chief Designer at House of Beast