An insight to Hozhao’s inspirations, values and designs
Hozhao Interior Design creates calm, intentional spaces that stand out. Their latest project, Ink Realm, received international recognition for its serene blend of traditional aesthetics, smart functionality, and minimalist elegance. The retirement home presents itself as a sanctuary through its design elements and reimagines aging in place through light, nature, and thoughtful design. We spoke with Design Director Iris Liu to explore Ink Realm’s intentions, the philosophy behind their work, and what’s next for the studio.
While your projects speak with quiet clarity, there’s little publicly known about the people behind Hozhao. Could you share more about you, your team, and the values that shape your studio’s design approach?
I believe in nurturing creativity within the team and fostering a spirit of collaboration rooted in shared goals. This reflects the flexible leadership model I practise. I promote participatory decision-making by encouraging open communication and active exchange of ideas, which enhances the team’s sense of ownership and cohesion. This reflects my participatory approach to leadership.
I allocate roles and resources according to each team member’s strengths and capabilities, adapting fluidly to the needs of each project. This is my approach to responsive delegation and adaptive teamwork. For each task, I clearly define goals, lay out actionable steps, and guide the team through uncertainties and challenges. This reflects my practical approach to communication and coordination.
In short, cultivating a clear leadership style rooted in rationality and professionalism fosters a stable, harmonious environment where collaboration, execution, and shared success form our core values.
Ink Realm has received multiple international awards, including the 2025-2026 Asia Pacific Property Award. How did this particular project embody your studio’s design philosophy on a global stage?
The concept of truth, kindness, and beauty dates back to the Roman philosopher Cicero, who saw them as three essential, interrelated pillars of a meaningful life.
To me, truth means engaging with clients with sincerity; kindness is about caring for everyone who experiences our spaces; and beauty lies in creating living scenes that are both emotionally resonant and functionally grounded. Every project we undertake is an embodiment of these three values. In short, awards bring recognition, but dialogue builds bridges. Interaction is key to advancing design thinking.
Ink Realm seamlessly weaves together nature, tradition, and technology. How did you achieve this balance between poetic minimalism and functional innovation?
“Balance” and “moderation” have long shaped my personal conduct and naturally evolved into the foundation of my design principles. In every project, I place “balance” and “comfort” at the core of my creative philosophy.
I often employ minimalist design, crisp lines and neutral tones, to express simplicity, while preserving cultural depth and narrative detail. I reinterpret traditional techniques in a contemporary form – bridging past and present, and creating emotionally resonant spaces. Within the logic of minimal living, I follow the “less is more” principle to fulfil spatial needs with clarity, rhythm, and flexibility. This belief forms the foundation of my design ethos.
In summary, I use contemporary techniques to achieve a balance between function and aesthetics, preserving cultural heritage and extending collective memory.
The project transforms retirement living into a dignified, elegant, and sustainable experience. What inspired this focus, and how does it reshape the narrative of aging in design?
In terms of design details, we prioritised several key aspects:
• Barrier-free circulation and safety-enhancing configurations
• Clearly identifiable wayfinding systems
• Materials with warm textures and tactile comfort
• Good ventilation and natural lighting
• Flexible furniture configurations that adapt to different needs
Ultimately, the essence of senior space design lies not only in care, but in respect.
How has receiving international recognition impacted your team at Hozhao, and in what ways might it influence your future direction?
International awards serve as a powerful source of momentum for our company. They uplift morale and strengthen cohesion, ensuring every ounce of effort and creativity is recognised.
Winning an award represents a milestone, but our long-term goal is the continuous pursuit of professionalism and excellence. We remain committed to our original intent: to progress steadily, work with grace, and stay mindful of sustainability.
