André Fu’s personal journey plays a big part in bridging the cultural sensibilities of East and West. From his breakout project, The Upper House in Hong Kong, to landmark collaborations with global brands like Louis Vuitton, Fu’s work epitomises what he calls “relaxed luxury.”
Looking back, his time at Cambridge, combined with his Hong Kong upbringing, shaped his appreciation for understated elegance and the harmonious interplay between the familiar and the unfamiliar, drawing on his background to create designs that cross cultures. “To me, design is a lifestyle – I never tell myself to actively seek inspiration – it comes naturally with my travels or an engaging conversation that I might encounter,” Fu shares.
This approach crystallised in 2009 with the debut of The Upper House. Described as a haven of understated luxury, the property redefined the concept of a city hotel, offering tranquility amidst the bustling streets of Hong Kong. “The Upper House was a turning point for me,” Fu reflects. “It captured everything I believed in the realms of hospitality design and – intriguingly enough – has remained a beloved property 15 years after it first opened its doors today.”
Since then, Fu has expanded his portfolio to include high-profile projects like Hotel The Mitsui in Kyoto, the Villa La Coste in Provence, and bespoke pieces for Louis Vuitton’s Objets Nomades collection. His ability to create spaces that feel intimate yet luxurious has made him one of the most sought-after designers of his generation.
At the heart of Fu’s work lies the concept of “relaxed luxury,” a term that has come to define his approach. “It’s not about a particular aesthetic,” he explains. “It’s about capturing a feeling with each project – a pursuit for thoughtfulness and authenticity in the design expression.” This ethos has remained unchanged over time as Fu’s career has taken him to new cities and cultures, though he notes that he has become more free-spirited in his approach, incorporating distinct aspects of each city and its context into his projects.
“After all, clients come to me these days to seek a particular point of view, to offer a fresh perspective on their vision using my design language to tell their story,” he says. His designs are informed by context, from the vibrant colours of Bangkok to the serene landscapes of Kyoto, resulting in spaces that are both timeless and locally grounded.
(Related: Where to stay next - Waldorf Astoria Bangkok)
Nowhere is Fu’s philosophy more evident than in his work on Dusit Thani Bangkok. Originally opened in 1970, the hotel was a symbol of Thai hospitality and modernity, celebrated for its innovative design and cultural significance. Reimagining such a landmark required not just skill, but sensitivity.
“My personal goal was to bring the brand into a new chapter that's relevant to the global stage,” Fu explains. His approach was to craft a narrative that unfolds as guests move through the property. The design transitions from heritage-inspired elements on the lower floors to contemporary, progressive aesthetics as guests ascend toward the spire, symbolising a journey through time.
In the main lobby, a triple-height ceiling adorned with lotus-leaf motifs pays homage to traditional Thai design. The freestanding bronze screens, meticulously designed with Bangkok-based projecttSTUDIO and expertly handcrafted by Dong Sculpture, draw inspiration from Dusit Thani's name, "Dusit," meaning "heaven." Their intricately interwoven bronze patterns, capturing the essence of swirling clouds and an expansive sky, create a rich, layered visual experience, evoking a sense of movement and upward ascension. As a homage to the hotel’s heritage, two preserved hand-painted pillars from the original hotel’s Benjarong Thai restaurant were meticulously restored and now serve as a poignant reminder of the hotel's rich history.
“The idea was to create a dialogue between the old and the new,” Fu says. This dialogue extends to every corner of the property, from the guest rooms to the Napalai Grand Ballroom.
Central to Fu’s vision for Dusit Thani Bangkok was a commitment to showcasing local craftsmanship while balancing the need for modern luxury. To do this, he incorporated materials such as Jim Thompson silk and handmade ceramics whilst juxtaposing them with European fabrics and stones to create a design that is signature to his East-meet-West sensibilities.
(Related: These luxury hotels are peaceful havens in action-packed Sukhumvit in Bangkok)
The guest rooms, inspired by the spirit of Thailand’s traditional sala asai (a place for travelers to rest and reflect) feature expansive windows framing uninterrupted views of Lumpini Park. “The day beds stretch the length of the windows, inviting guests to step into the landscape and connect with the city,” Fu explains. It’s a design that balances comfort with elegance, offering a retreat that feels both intimate and expansive at the same time.
For Fu, his works are a personal reflection of his growth – more than just a professional milestone. “I see my life recorded through my works,” he says. “Each project captures a moment in time, a new challenge, a new opportunity to tell a story.” This introspection shapes his approach, with each project viewed as a unique journey. “I have always described myself as an approach-driven designer – where I begin each project as a new journey,” he says. “Every project is unique and there is always a new story that I would seek to tell through a narrative.”
“Compared to the days when I first started my career, I am more cautious about maintaining a more balanced lifestyle – to juggle between my travels, my time with the studio team and more importantly, to ensure that I am still able to dedicate a meaningful amount of time to each project daily,” Fu reflects. However, he believes that his core design values—the pursuit of timelessness and authenticity—have remained unchanged. “More often than not, I am able to work in different cities and collaborate with experts in their fields. This ongoing exploration and connection with people from diverse backgrounds has enriched my life – and I trust that this has been reflected in the works that I have created throughout the years.”
As Fu looks ahead, his focus remains on crafting spaces that resonate on a deeper level. “Admittedly, I am driven by seeing people enjoying places that I design – there is nothing more rewarding than when my works can become part of someone’s memories,” he says. This philosophy underscores his broader ambition: To design environments that facilitate cultural exchange and human connection.
“I hope to be remembered as a designer who bridged the East and the West,” Fu reflects. “I think only time will tell – but I do believe I remain curious to learn, and to continually tell different stories with my designs.”
Copy to Clipboard
Back
Search anything and hit enter
