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April 24, 2016

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Inspired by art, architect is pushing the envelope

WHO is he?

William Lim is the founder and managing director of CL3 Architects Ltd and brings over 20 years of experience to his projects. An architect and artist, Lim graduated from Cornell University in the United States and has spent the past two decades at the forefront of architecture, culture and art. The studio’s diverse, award-winning portfolio includes architectural and interior projects for hotels, restaurants, retail, corporate, residences and art installation designs.

Tell us about your work, and name the one you are most proud of.

We’ve recently completed two hotel commissions in Japan. Our most recent project is the renovation for the Shinjuku Prince Hotel, which has been an iconic part of Shinjuku district for almost 40 years. CL3 re-designed the public areas including the lobby, cafe and bar, and the guest lounge. Prior to that, we launched our design for the new Millennium Mitsui Garden Hotel, a new luxury hotel where we had the privilege of working with celebrated Japanese artist Jotaro Saito on silk tapestry designs. Other projects in this region include Hotel ICON, Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, and the refurbishment project for The Park Lane Hong Kong, a Pullman Hotel. It’s difficult to pick a favorite because every project is so different.

What are you currently working on?

One of our ongoing projects is H Queen’s, a purpose-built commercial building located on one of Hong Kong’s busiest thoroughfares in Central. The architecture is specially designed to house art galleries and innovative lifestyle concepts, and incorporates unique architectural features like an external gondola system.

Describe your design style.

CL3 focuses on creating quality designs with a distinct artistic value. Art has always been an integral part of our architecture and interior design and this is evident in many of our projects. For us, every brief is a new challenge and we pay attention to all the details in order to create functional spaces that are memorable and focus on the human experience.

Where are you most creative?

For me, creativity and inspiration can come from anywhere, whether it is the places I travel to, the people I meet, or the meals I have.

Having travelled throughout my career, I’m always being inspired by the art I see, the buildings I visit or the natural landscapes I experience.

I also go swimming frequently in my spare time and I find this gives me the opportunity to reflect and think about design. It’s a solitary, quiet activity where your mind can wander.

What does your home mean to you?

My home is an important place for me to unwind after a busy work day, and I can do anything there, except for work. At home I’m also surrounded by my favorite things. My home is the place for me to catch up with my family, read books, find the latest news and browse Instagram.

What do you collect?

I have been collecting art for a number of years, which has had an immense influence on my architecture work. At the beginning, I was merely collecting anything that caught my eye, but after a while, I wanted a more systematic focus, so I began concentrating on contemporary art by Hong Kong artists.

Last year, I had the opportunity to showcase part of my collection in an exhibition. It’s encouraging to see how the Hong Kong art scene has developed in the past few years, and I’m glad to be a witness to this evolution.

Where do you like to go most in Shanghai?

There is a store selling historical and cultural items on Guangdong Road. I have been visiting that store for almost 20 years.

What will be the next big design trend?

Design should take on a personality. I think the trend is not to follow any trends — to be innovative, to push the envelope and do things differently.




 

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