The DFA Awards 2025 Design Dialogue in Hong Kong successfully concluded last Friday night at Eslite Bookstore in Causeway Bay. We extend our gratitude to our moderator Elaine Ngour speakers from the winners of DFA Awards - Ming Cheung, Design Director of for&st; Independent Spatial Designer Isa Au; Dennis Cheung, Founding Partner of Studio RYTE; venue sponsor Eslite Causeway Bay and all our audience members for an insightful evening filled with engaging discussions among the cross-disciplinary panel.

Themed “Materials & Colours Matter in Design,” Elaine opened the dialogue with a quote from Shiro Nakamura, former creative director for Nissan: “Colour and material are the most emotional parts of product language; they are the first elements that touch the user's senses.” Following Elaine’s opener, Ming, Isa, and Dennis shared their design philosophies and the bittersweet experiences they encountered throughout their careers.

Ming shared his efforts to replicate the obscurity and nuances in an ink artist’s paintings by calibrating ink volume with local artisans at the print shop. Isa shared her experiences in communicating and negotiating with clients on abstract ideas for constructing a lobby that reflects the transition of day and night for those who spend long hours indoors. Dennis revealed his experimental practices with various materials, including bamboo, flax, and ceramic, to reinterpret local visual elements in his designs.

Again, thank you for joining us for such a memorable event and see you next time!