In the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong, where architectural marvels and design intricacies harmonize, Zeno Lo, Co Founder & Director, Inch Design stands as a luminary in the world of interior design. As the visionary founder of Inch Interior Design, Zeno Lo has not only transformed spaces but has also become a symbol of innovation and aesthetic brilliance in the industry.
At the heart of Lo’s design philosophy is a commitment to creating spaces that transcend the ordinary and resonate with individuality. Under his leadership, Inch Interior Design has become synonymous with bespoke design solutions that seamlessly blend functionality with artistic expression. Zeno’s innovative approach has propelled the company to the forefront of Hong Kong’s competitive design scene.
One of Zeno Lo’s notable contributions is his ability to infuse cultural nuances into contemporary design, reflecting the dynamic spirit of Hong Kong. Inch Interior Design projects stand as a testament to his dedication to capturing the essence of the city, combining modern aesthetics with traditional elements to create spaces that are both timeless and reflective of Hong Kong’s rich heritage.
In an era where sustainability is paramount, Zeno Lo has positioned Inch Interior Design as a torchbearer of eco-conscious design. His commitment to sustainable practices, from sourcing materials ethically to incorporating energy-efficient solutions, aligns with the global call for environmentally responsible design. Zeno Lo’s dedication to green design not only meets the demands of the present but also ensures a harmonious coexistence with the environment for future generations.
A distinctive aspect of Inch Interior Design’s success is Zeno Lo’s ability to blend art with functionality. His projects go beyond the traditional boundaries of interior design, transforming spaces into immersive works of art. This unique approach has earned Zeno and Inch Interior Design accolades not just for their aesthetics but also for their ability to create experiences within the spaces they design.
Zeno Lo’s influence extends beyond the realm of interior design; he actively engages with industry forums, design exhibitions, and educational initiatives. His participation in discussions on the future of design and the role of aesthetics in shaping urban environments positions him as a thought leader in the field. Zeno Lo’s insights into the evolving trends of interior design contribute to a broader discourse on the intersection of art, culture, and architecture.
As the founder and creative force behind Inch Interior Design, Zeno Lo stands as a testament to the transformative power of design. His commitment to pushing the boundaries of creativity, embracing sustainability, and infusing cultural elements into modern design makes Zeno a true pioneer in the dynamic world of interior aesthetics. Inch Interior Design, under his visionary guidance, continues to leave an indelible mark on Hong Kong’s architectural canvas, setting new standards for innovation and artistry in interior spaces.
In conversation with Zeno Lo, Co Founder & Director, Inch Design, Hong Kong
What makes a strong leader? What are your key leadership strengths are make the strongest attributes of success.
The ability of managing and encouraging coworkers is the important aspect of being a strong leader. In any industry, people are always the biggest uncertainty that will determine the fate of a company. A company with good morale among employees and strong sense of belongings, where employees would take ownership of their work and have a shared vision with the company, will go a long way. This is why we focus a lot on our own employees and strive our best to help both their personal and professional developments. We have a great training curriculum and have cultivated an environment where our designers feel supported, could develop strong sense of belongings – they are willing to go through the highs and lows with the company.
On the other hand, I think that one my key strengths is strategic planning with clearly defined goal in the short term and long term. I have always believed that when it comes to business planning, we must not only focus on the long term vision, instead, we need to have a solid and viable short term execution plan to improve the business and achieve our long term goals step by step.
An accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your career? What challenges did you face to reach to the success.
Starting my own company, Inch. Interior Design, has been my most significant accomplishment in my career. we have worked on more than a hundred projects over the few years since our establishment. Over the course of developing this company, I feel that one of the biggest challenged that I have faced is being young. My view is customers in Hong Kong typically seek out designers with extensive experience. Therefore, being young can occasionally make it difficult to gain the trust of clients. What I need to accomplish is to be continuously learning, drawing inspiration for my designs from a variety of sources, and pay close attention to the requirements of my clients. There is no special formula for success; instead, my success motto is to never stop learning, work extremely hard, and be mindful of everything you do.
What is a role of leader in these challenging times. List 5 in order of priority.
One, strategic planner. Thorough and sensible strategic planning tailored to the ever-changing business environment is very important for the company to navigate uncertainties and volatility. During the pandemic, we have seen a deteriorating customer demand which leader needs to carefully alter its strategy in controlling cost and attracting customers.
Two, carer. Employee is the greatest asset to any company. A great leader must look further than just the professional aspect of their lives – the personal aspect is also equally important. A leader should care about the feeling of the employees and offer help and support when needed.
Three, role model. A good leader should be a role model to his/her fellow colleagues. The leader, especially under turbulent times, should demonstrate strong work ethics, courage, and consistency.
Four, motivator. There are always times when the employees’ morale is low, especially during challenging times. A good leader should be able to motivate the team and provide them with support and confidence to move forward and stay motivated.
Five, innovator. A good leader should be able to be innovative in coming up with new processes to improve internal efficiency, new products to attract new customers and unlock potential market opportunities.
What is your vision and how do you share that with your shareholders, employees and others?
People is at the heart of everything we do and is the backbone of the growth of a company. In my opinion, teamwork is the only way to succeed for every company. I make an effort to foster a supportive and cooperative work atmosphere for the team. I place great emphasis on each member’s personal and professional development. To do this, we conduct regular discussions on a variety of topics such as sales strategy, design inspirations, and many more, where we all share our thoughts and experience from our engagement with clients. While we acknowledge that different people possess different strengths, we try to put them in different roles from time to time so they could get an all-around exposure to enhance the team’s ability and grow as a team.
How do you drive active business renovations and how does that impact your subordinates?
In the company’s five-year strategic development plan, smart home is one of our main directions. We look forward to delivering the most cutting-edge smart living technology to our customers. We provide the latest smart-home equipment in line with the trend of popular electronic technology, which has perfectly integrated into our design to create its own exclusive experience. When the company was established, we collaborated with a smart homeware brand to create a smart interior design exhibition halls. The exhibition hall is equipped with fashionable design and brand-new intelligent technology, perfectly demonstrating the intelligent scene, and bringing a novel experience to every guest. Additionally, we plan to grow our team and expand our service coverage to all kinds of commercial projects. Last but not least, defining the brand image with a distinct design style and bringing in French interior design style into Hong Kong is where our focus would be.
How do you integrate corporate philanthropy or corporate social responsibility as a part of your business strategies?
Corporate social responsibility is at the heart of our business. On the hiring front, we have put great effort in training our employees in order to equip them with the skills and knowledge that they need to succeed. We are willing to take a chance on young people with no relevant experience. Many of our employees had no prior experience in interior design, but with passion and intelligence.
On the business practices front, we make an effort to ensure that the materials that we use in our construction are all environmental-friendly and causing no side effect to human body. On the other hand, we also advocate to our clients in using smart-home technology as a tool to save the use of energy.
