ary Lai is all for going green. As both started me on the sustainable design path. the bonus was
a Leadership in Energy and seeing our Singapore office get LEED certified. that gave me
Environmental Design (LEED) great pride and satisfaction.
Accredited Professional and a Senior
Associate, Director of Interior Design, What are some projects currently in the pipeline?
hOK International (Asia Pacific) I’m particularly excited about the new hong Kong government
Limited, he practically lives and Office Complex we’re working on, which will be completed in
breathes sustainable design. three years. We are also spearheading a project for a large
scale, five-star hospital in Singapore and several hotels in
Since 2003, Lai has steered the company’s interiors studio Asia Pacific.
with his passion for bringing a healthier, greener interior
environment to clients and the larger community. his Given a choice of picking a country to work your
reputation for and commitment to design excellence has creative magic on, where would you pick?
earned him industry recognition and numerous awards. China. not just because it is a booming economy, but being
a Chinese national, I see plenty of opportunities to help
When Lai is not busy playing his part in making the world make a change in the country for the better.
a greener, cleaner place, he hits the gym, listens to music,
and catches a movie to clear his head and recharge. What, then, defines your design style?
I would say my style is contemporary and timeless. But I
What challenges do you face advising companies on believe good innovative design comes from a combination
going the sustainable design route, and how do you of understanding clients’ needs and pushing the envelope.
win them over to the green side? It’s not just about the “wow” factor, but also about
typical perceptions are that sustainable design costs creating a happy, healthy space for our clients. that’s my
more, it doesn’t look as good as regular interiors, and that design philosophy.
construction schedules run longer. On our end, we encourage
clients to look at the long-term gains. We are able to show What fires your creative energy?
them that sustainable designs can look as good, if not travel and people. I enjoy experiencing other cultures, ways
better, than normal designs, that project schedules won’t of life, and just watching people on the street.
run late if we start early, and while the initial costs may be
higher, in the long run, there are great energy savings and On a personal level, how you do live a green lifestyle
other benefits. From a branding perspective as well, going yourself?
green impacts a company’s reputation in a positive way, so I believe every little green action you take will benefit your
it makes good business sense. environment. I don’t use paper cups or disposable lunch
boxes. I use my own cup in the office, walk more rather than
Is there a good example of sustainable design that take public transport and when I leave home, I make sure to
showcases these benefits? switch off all appliances. It’s the little things that add up.
Our newly renovated Asia Pacific offices in hong Kong,
Singapore, Shanghai and Beijing are excellent examples. In your opinion, how will the concept of sustainable
Overall, our utility bills are now significantly reduced, from design evolve in the immediate future?
28 to 50 per cent. the workplace has become healthier, with It’s going to be the norm, rather than the exception. I don’t
fewer employees falling ill, thereby increasing productivity. think sustainable design is an option anymore. Increasingly,
What’s more, by investing in green design features, we our clients are seeking sustainable solutions for their
saved on demolition work and even managed to keep within offices. Everyone must take action to do something to save
our budget. the environment before it’s too late.
What triggered your interest in the green movement What do you hope to achieve?
and sustainable design, eventually leading you to be a My goal is to eventually develop a sustainable design
LEED Accredited Professional? system suitable for Asia Pacific. Also, to continue sharing
It started with the renovation of our Singapore office last year. our sustainable design expertise with more clients and
During the process, I grew to understand that it wasn’t just colleagues in the industry, and build more green projects.
about building an individual, healthy space, but about seeing
the bigger picture of how the renovations could reduce our What three words best describe Gary Lai?
impact on the larger environment and global warming. that Creative. Passionate. Intense.
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