Name: Fong Chan Zeuthen
Company: KAZE Interior Design Company
Position within company: Owner and founder of KAZE Interior Design
Website: www.kaze.com.vn

. Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)

I have a Masters in Architecture from Denmark. I have 15 years of experience in interior architecture furniture design and interior design in Vietnam.

. How would you describe your personal design style?

I always seek a balance in my design – it has to be functional first of all then it has to carry a message and tell a story.

. Where does your design inspiration come from?

In the function required, given space and the material itself. It has to be a simple approach but with an “eye open” result.

. In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?

I am disgusted by “pinterest and Instagram” moments – that we are asked to create. This becomes so important for the commercial value of a project. We must never forget the holistic perspective and create good architecture with function and proportion as highest achievement for any of our projects.

. Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2017 and beyond.

Proportion, human scale, light, function & story telling.

. If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design, what would it be?

Build for people – not for a magazine shoot only….

. How important are The International Hotel and Property Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?

As important – as telling the right story…

. What projects are you currently working on?

3 Hotels, 2 Resorts, 2 Golf Clubs, 5, F&B for Resorts, one Marina and 12 residential projects, show apartments and Villas.

. What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

To concentrate on refining the projects we are working on to ensure our footprint is made for each project.

. Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself:
Your most treasured possession?

My Danish cottage in Denmark.

Your favourite holiday destination?

New Zealand – The nature is outstanding, the Pinot Noir is life and one of the few places in the world you can drink the water from the river.

Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar?

Kimpton Hotel Monaco – Philadelphia

Geist – Restaurant Copenhagen

Nimb Bar – Copenhagen

Your favourite food and drink?

Any food and drinks with good company

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?

With my dog – walking along the beach with her…

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?

Less stressed.

Anything else interesting?

I live from project to project – I breathe and live through the studio’s performance. Knowing that we are only as good as our last project.