the last meeting of the week

From Art Student to Architect: Norman Ung on High-Density Living, AI, and Multi-Disciplinary Design

Today, we are joined by Norman Ng, the co-founder of Hong Kong-based multi-disciplinary design studio, DEFT (Design 852).In this episode, we explore Norman’s fascinating journey from studying art in the UK to launching his own architecture firm at just 27 years old. We dive deep into what it takes to design for high-density cities like Hong Kong, sharing the creative tricks behind making micro-apartments not just livable, but comfortable. We also discuss DEFT's unique, carefree company culture, their expansion into the Philippines, and why embracing AI is the next crucial step for designers and architects who want to stay relevant. Finally, we share our thoughts on the future of housing and why community-centric co-living might be here to stay.Topics Covered: * The origin of Norman’s surname and his early years balancing art and architecture * Taking the leap to start DEFT at age 27 with co-founder Peter Lampard * Why DEFT handles architecture, interiors, and branding all under one roof * How AI is reshaping the design industry (and why human "soul" still matters) * Design hacks for micro-apartments and the reality of high-density living * The long-term future of co-living in expensive urban hubs -Building an international studio culture between Hong Kong and the Philippines

Artist Faustine Badrichani: Capturing the Female Body, the trap of Instagram and life in Hong Kong.

In this episode, we wrap up a long week with French artist Faustine Badrichani. After 15 years in New York, Faustine and her family packed nine suitcases and moved to the "jungle" of Hong Kong. We dive deep into her creative journey, starting from a 365-day drawing challenge, to her upcoming showcase at Art Central.We discuss the evolution of her work—from painting to silicone body casting and unique vaseline-and-pigment body prints—and how motherhood profoundly shifts a woman's relationship with her body. Along the way, we debate the frustrating dynamics of modern social media, the bizarre censorship of the human body online, and why the Mediterranean Sea will always be the ultimate happy place.

Design Leadership: Transitioning from Creative Studio to Corporate Client-Side with Adrian Battisby

In this episode, we welcome back Adrian Battisby, Vice President of Interior Design at Wynn Design and Development, to discuss his transformative first year moving from a design consultant role to the client side,. Adrian shares the "steep learning curve" of transitioning into a senior corporate leadership position and offers a toolkit of advice for designers looking to make a similar leap in their careers,.Key topics covered in this conversation include:• The Business of Design: How moving to a large-scale corporate environment actually freed Adrian to focus more on core design by offloading studio management tasks like HR, invoicing, and procurement to specialized internal departments,,.• Adapting Communication Styles: The importance of being a "chameleon" in your communication. Adrian explains why you must modify your language—using fast-paced, fact-based "headlines" for the C-suite, operational details for hotel staff, and technical facts for the finance team,,.• Poise and Presence: The role of professional coaching in developing the "white knuckle" confidence required to present multiple high-stakes projects to global executives in a matter of minutes,,.• The Wynn Design Aesthetic: A look into the "maximalist," theatrical, and "more is more" philosophy that defines the Wynn brand, and why it requires a specific type of designer who enjoys "surprise and drama at every turn",.• Leadership Philosophies: Adrian discusses his "servant leadership" style—pushing the team from behind to ensure they have the resources to flourish—and the vital rule of "critique in private, praise in public",.• Strategic Vision vs. The Pivot: Learning to maintain a creative vision while remaining humble enough to pivot 180 degrees when the business requires a change in direction,,.Whether you are an interior designer, architect, or creative professional, this interview provides deep insights into the business acumen and emotional intelligence needed to succeed on the owner/operator side of the industry,,.About the Guest: Adrian Battisby is the VP of Interior Design at Wynn Design and Development. He previously held senior roles at LW Design Group

Andrea Bonaceto: On Curiosity, Technology, and the Search for a Shared Truth

In this episode, Andrea Bonaceto reflects on a journey that moves from street music in London and a career in finance to a multidisciplinary art practice shaped by blockchain, AI, and philosophy. What emerges is a portrait of an artist who resists labels, follows curiosity as a guiding force, and sees technology not as a replacement for human creativity, but as a catalyst to deepen it. Bonaceto shares how moments of hype, sudden visibility, and creative overwhelm led him to question not just the art world, but the very idea of authorship, value, and progress.At the center of the conversation is Untitled, his evolving, global project that invites participants into an AI-powered immersive experience—part artwork, part collective self-portrait. Through stories of collaboration, doubt, and reinvention, Bonaceto explores what it means to create in a time when tools can generate answers instantly, yet questions remain profoundly human. The episode is an invitation to slow down, to think more deeply about why we make, and to imagine how art and technology might help us reconnect with ourselves and with one another.

Batten & Kamp | Living and creating in the periphery of both art and design

Ali Batten and Daniel Kamp are a charismatic couple that many years ago decided to join their lives and their talents. Together they create amazing functional sculptures that elevate the significance of each single object. After following them for many years I had the chance to chat with them and became enamored with they way the are and complement each other.