ALISON CHI：TO SHOW THE INHERITANCE AND CONTINUATION OF DESIGN BY USING NATURAL WOOD

“Our intent with this specification was to establish a design that could stand the test of time.” Alison Chi, Managing Director of tonychi studio

Founded nearly 40 years ago by Tony Chi, tonychi studio is famous and admired for its design projects throughout the globe. Alison Chi, his daughter, has assumed the role of Managing Director of tonychi studio in recent years. In their most recent high-profile project, Rosewood Hong Kong, father and daughter worked together to create an iconic image of Hong Kong.

Alison, who grew up immersed in art works, regards the aesthetics and designs as a part of her life, especially attaches to the holistic and continuity of design — which is also her core design concept for Rosewood Hong Kong.

“Every property has a narrative and heritage from the land and its people. Rosewood Hong Kong’s story and inspiration is the ‘Estate on the Majestic Harbour’. The property pays homage to owner’s family who built and operate the property. Rosewood Hong Kong also reflects the Rosewood brand’s sense of place giving tribute to the legacy and heritage of Hong Kong. We conceived both the public and guestroom areas to make one feel as though they are the residents of a grand manor estate.” Alison Chi shared.

To enhance the sense of ownership and estate emotion of the property, it was important that a quality hardwood was appointed as a consistent finish across the property in both the public and private areas, including American white oak and black walnut.

“Quarter-sawn white oak specifically was selected for its stability and structure as well as the straighter grain, dramatic flecks and rays, which give each piece a unique and striking look. The fumed finish was the best way to create a hand-finished feel and to accentuate the ray flecks from the color.” Alison introduced.

The use of wood in the human living environment transcends time and space. Alison hopes to express the heritage and sustainable development of Rosewood Hong Kong through wood finishes.

She also thought carefully about future renovations in the future, and said: “The design approach to the guestrooms was about defining interior architecture and a collection of furnishings that felt curated. The idea was that when the property would need to refresh in the future, the furniture could be replaced and finishes restored, while the interior organization of space would stay intact. Inspired by master cabinet makers and craft and American hardwood, the furnishings were developed to have a purpose and to form a bridge between artisanal traditions and innovations in design for modern living.”

She introduced: “I believe people want to have more connection with their surroundings. Spaces that feel immersive, meaningful, and grounding are spaces that are designed and constructed for the art of living. Natural materials like wood, glass and metal carry different energies, coming together to create harmony in a space. That being said, hardwood and particularly the integrity of American hardwood, has the power to connect people both with nature and the traditions of art and craft that have developed over time. American hardwood is a robust industry that can bring great value to the experience of quality design.”

Besides, tonychi studio’s collaboration for Andaz 5th Avenue in New York launched the Andaz brand for Hyatt. The Andaz brand expresses the unique qualities and character of a particular location. Located in the center of New York, the project expresses the unique character of New York residential living with features throughout the property taking their inspiration from loft, townhouse and pre-war New York residences. The project applied mainly local sourced materials to capture that New York essence. Blackwashed and whitewashed poplar wood are both wood species natural to the New York region and were selected for that reason to be applied in many areas of the project.

“As a design studio, we are committed to the heritage and tradition of craft and making a connection to a particular place’s culture and legacy. U.S. hardwoods have a long connection with the arts and crafts tradition, which is a global and human practice. By connecting with a tradition of craftsmanship, we are connecting with the heritage of the past to be enjoyed by many generations from now. To us, this is ultimate sustainability.” Alison stated.