Celia Chu, Celia Chu Design & Associates Principal Owner: “Our design creations tend to be elegant, and I enjoy adding layers of complexity, interweaving all aspects of the design framework”

Celia Chu Design & Associates (CCDA) was founded by Celia Chu, whose passion for design and commitment to excellence has propelled the firm to international acclaim. The company offers a broad range of services, including architectural, interior, product, and landscape design. CCDA stands out for its ability to infuse each project with unique local knowledge and cultural elements, ensuring designs that are both trendsetting and timeless. In the realm of hospitality projects, CCDA typically works with detailed design briefs from chain hotels. However, inspiration is pivotal in their process. The team visits project locations, engages with the local community, and immerses themselves in the local way of life. By exploring residential areas, markets, and museums, they draw inspiration from various cultural elements such as architecture, music, dance, and family values. This deep cultural immersion allows CCDA to weave compelling stories into their designs.

For residential projects, understanding the owner’s personal tastes and lifestyle is paramount. CCDA prioritizes the owner’s preferences in fashion, music, art, wine, travel, and any personal collections. This deep understanding is achieved through genuine engagement and empathy. For instance, if a client appreciates tea ceremonies, CCDA immerses itself in that experience to ensure the design reflects that passion. By designing through firsthand experiences, CCDA brings stories and personalized touches to life in each project. CCDA’s portfolio boasts exemplary works, including the ROSEWOOD HOTEL in Bangkok, Thailand; the GRAND HYATT in Dalian, China; the HYATT REGENCY in Danang, Vietnam; the GRAND HYATT in Fukuoka, Japan; the Intercontinental HOTEL Semiramis in Cairo, Egypt; and the GRAND HYATT in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Each project showcases the firm’s dedication to achieving a balance between contemporary trends and enduring elegance.

In conversation with Celia Chu, Principal Owner of Celia Chu Design & Associates

Q. Your work is known for its elegance and practical solutions. How do you balance creativity with functionality in your designs?

Balancing creativity with functionality in my designs is paramount, with functionality and safety always taking precedence. We prioritize convenience, functionality, and usability to ensure that spaces are not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical and inviting for interaction and relaxation. Whether it’s a private residence or a hotel, each project has its own unique purposes and requirements. We tailor our designs accordingly, focusing on specific attributes while maintaining an overarching elegance. I enjoy adding layers of complexity to our creations, interweaving all aspects of the design framework. Practicality in construction, cleanliness, and maintenance are also integral considerations in our design process, ensuring that our solutions are both beautiful and functional.

Q. Could you share some insights or interesting stories behind one of your most prestigious projects, such as the Rosewood Bangkok in Thailand or Hyatt Regency Danang?

I enjoyed integrating the humanities into my designs, crafting unique designs that are rich in human consciousness. If I were to highlight a notable and challenging project that exemplifies the immersive design philosophy, the Rosewood Bangkok would undoubtedly come to mind.

For example, the decorative carved wooden panel at the front desk combines with the adjacent white marble, showcasing a blend of ancient and modern aesthetics. The inspiration for this design originated from my numerous visits to Thailand, immersing myself in local life. I noticed that each household had a unique wooden pattern board in their foyer. Inspired by this distinctive style, I created this wooden sculpture panel for the 7th floor reception of Rosewood Bangkok hotel. This design not only makes guests feel warm and welcomed during their reception, as if they have returned to their own homes, but also highlights the harmonious fusion of local culture and modern design.

Another noteworthy project is the Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa in Danang, Vietnam. In 2015, during my visit to the Vietnamese seaside, I arrived in Danang. Unlike ordinary fishing boats, they are in circular shapes. Some were overturned on the beach, and others had just been pulled ashore. The picturesque and diverse scenes deeply captivated me, becoming the inspiration for the hotel’s outdoor furniture design. I aimed to offer guests a sense of tranquility upon their arrival at the hotel. Sitting on a boat-like bench on the terrace, overlooking the sea, provides a unique and delightful experience.

Q. As the principal figure at Celia Chu Design, how do you foster creativity and collaboration within your team?

I believe that immersing oneself in the culture and activities of our clients is essential for creating proper designs. This philosophy is reflected in our studio’s approach to balancing creativity with functionality.

To foster creativity and collaboration within my team, I often bring them to the project sites to experience local culture firsthand. To understand the daily lives of the locals or our clients, we visit local markets or even someone’s home. These experiences provide invaluable insights and serve as a foundation for our brainstorming sessions. By grounding our creative process in these real-life interactions, we gather unique and authentic ideas that become the starting point for each project. This method not only enriches our designs but also strengthens our team’s collaborative spirit.

Q. Do you have any new services ready to be launched?

I’m excited to share a new venture under Celia Chu Design & Associates called Celia Chu Décor. We have always designed unique and bespoke items for each and every project for our clients only. For example, decorative hardware, bathroom accessories, lighting, bespoke furniture, and other custom items. Over the years, many clients from the hotel or owner side have hoped for products co-branded with Celia Chu Design. Now, it has come time for us to collect and create our own design products and put them ready for the market.

Q. What does the future hold for your company and its customers? Are exciting things on the way?

The future for our company and our client is promising, as we are committed to providing innovative, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing design solutions. We aim to prioritize sustainability and environmental consciousness in our designs, collaborating closely with clients, suppliers, and our team to achieve this vision. Through ongoing learning and collaboration, we are dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of society and the market. Additionally, AI technology has become indispensable in our design process, enhancing efficiency and creativity by streamlining tasks and allowing for more creative exploration.

Meet the leader behind the success of Celia Chu Design & Associates

Celia Chu is the Principal Owner and visionary of her design firm – Celia Chu Design & Associates. As an internationally renowned female interior designer, Celia has built a reputation for creating elegantly contemporary hospitality and upscale residential projects with a flair of sophistication and layered richness. Inspired by her passion for art and design, Celia combines practical functionality and unique expression in design sensibilities to form a holistic approach to all her projects. The finished product is always refined and personalized, with a variety of influences reimagined to form that signature touch.

Born and raised in Taipei, Celia has always been immersed within the creative arts, and this fascination eventually led her to pursue further education in New York City. Soon after graduating from the Parsons School of Design, Celia stayed on in the Big Apple and joined one of the top interior design firms in the world, which marked the beginning of her distinguished career in the world of hospitality design, designing many award-winning hotels, restaurants, spas, service apartments and club houses in various international locations.

“I believe that immersing oneself in the culture and activities of our clients is essential for creating proper designs. This philosophy is reflected in our studio’s approach to balancing creativity with functionality.”