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Interior designer goes for ‘powerful’ creations
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WHO is she?
Sunny Zhang is an interior designer and project leader for LTW Designworks Shanghai Studio, which specializes in luxury hotels. Originally from Shenyang, China, Zhang studied design in Vancouver and London. She believes contemporary spaces should be simple, yet powerful.
Tell us about some of your works, and the one you are most proud of.
Most of my recent projects are luxury hotels and resorts in China. Hotels can often be very complex because of various requirements by both hotel owners and operators. This “Agile Mountain Club House” is very unique as I was given a lot of freedom in my design ideas. Opened in 2013 in Guangzhou, it’s contemporary, simple, and has impact. When you enter the lobby of the clubhouse you will be impressed by an oval water feature and ceiling form that seamlessly connects the voluminous space. The reception desk sits facing the water with a mountain rock backdrop representing perfect fortune in feng shui. This project was a 2013 F/X award leisure/entertainment venue finalist.
Are you currently involved on any project?
Yes, multiple projects at the same time. I am focusing on a new hotel brand called “Cordis” created by the Langham Hotel Group. It’s the first hotel that’s been designed for this brand and is located right here in the Hongqiao area of Shanghai. I am very excited. The Cordis brand is a younger, fresher, light-luxury, five-star brand. We are trying to create a simple yet chic hotel with touches of modern Shanghai. It’s right at the Hongqiao Hub with more than 400 guest rooms, two ballrooms and meeting rooms, a spa and gym, two restaurants, rooftop swimming pool and a destination bar. Overlooking Hongqiao Xintiandi, it’s going to be the next new hotel to be at in Shanghai.
Describe your design style.
It’s very hard for a designer to have a specific style as each project requires different ones. I tend to like simple things and I find simple spaces will comfort people and be timeless. However, it can’t be bland. It must has one wow factor or thread and I call it the “powerful” factor, everything else needs to give way. For colors and textures I apply the same principle.
Where are you most creative?
When I travel. I find seeing different people, landscapes, architecture than what you see everyday is the most intriguing and inspiring experience. The colors, forms, details, patterns, motives will become collages on my inspiration boards and bright ideas will start from there.
What does your home mean to you?
Home is a place to unwind, reflect on, a space to be able to take a breath and carry on.
What do you collect?
Mostly images, moments of life, as space is limited. But I will collect unique local cultural or vintage objects when I travel.
Where would you like to go most in Shanghai?
Definitely the former French Concession area. It’s such a unique mixture of modern local life and old world history. This could not be seen anywhere else in the world. I am also an Art Deco fan.
What will be the next big design trend?
To me, I think people will appreciate simple and timeless designs more and more. Pop culture and design trends come and go, but style and timeless designs with uniquely thought out details will always stay in people’s hearts.
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