Ricky Wong on Commercial Excellence

Ricky Wong on Commercial Excellence: Designing the Future with Purpose In the world of design, vision is the foundation. It precedes every blueprint, every material selection, and every final touch. For Ricky Wong—renowned architect, interior designer and founder of Ricky Wong Designers (RWD)—vision isn't just about aesthetics. It's about purpose, impact and a relentless commitment to commercial excellence.

Established in 1996, RWD has become one of Asia’s most respected design firms. From luxury hospitality and residential projects to large-scale commercial developments, Wong’s work spans continents and cultures, always rooted in a philosophy that places people at the heart of design.

We sat down with Wong to explore how he built a global brand, what drives innovation in his industry, and how design leaders can align creativity with strategic business growth.

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our publication: Your journey began in Hong Kong, born into a family with a background in furniture business. How did that influence your path into design? Ricky Wong: Growing up, I was constantly surrounded by craftsmanship and an appreciation for quality. My father’s business gave me early exposure to materials, manufacturing and customer expectations. But more than that, it taught me the importance of integrity in both product and process.

Design was always my calling, though. I saw it as a way to merge emotion with function, and to create environments that do more than look good—they inspire, support well-being, and reflect identity.

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our publication: RWD has evolved from a local interior design studio into a globally recognized firm. What strategic decisions helped you scale while maintaining quality? Ricky Wong: Scaling sustainably was never about rapid expansion. It was about building systems that preserve our core values—creativity, integrity, and client-centric thinking.

One pivotal move was investing in cross-disciplinary collaboration. We don’t just think as designers; we work closely with architects, urban planners, engineers, and even behavioral psychologists. That diversity allows us to deliver holistic solutions that are not only visually stunning but strategically sound.

Also, we invested heavily in digital transformation early on. While many firms were hesitant to adopt technology, we integrated BIM, VR visualization tools and project management software that enhanced our precision and speed-to-market.

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our publication: Innovation often sets industry leaders apart. How do you foster a culture of innovation within RWD? Ricky Wong: Innovation starts with curiosity. We encourage our team to question norms, experiment with new materials, and challenge conventional design methodologies.

Internally, we run something called the “Future Lab”—a semi-autonomous unit that explores emerging trends, such as smart interiors, AI-driven spatial planning, and biophilic design. The Lab doesn’t operate in isolation; its findings feed directly into live projects, ensuring that innovation isn’t abstract—it's actionable.

But innovation also means staying ahead of market shifts. For instance, post-pandemic, we anticipated a growing demand for hybrid spaces. Our response? A modular design framework that allows clients to reconfigure their offices and retail environments seamlessly.

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our publication: Sustainability has become a major concern for businesses across industries. How is RWD addressing this? Ricky Wong: Sustainability isn’t optional anymore—it’s a responsibility. As designers, we shape how people interact with spaces, and thus with the environment.

At RWD, we’ve adopted a "design with conscience" approach. This includes using low-emission materials, integrating renewable energy sources, and prioritizing circular design principles. We're also part of the World Green Design Organization, where I serve as Deputy Director General, working to establish global standards for sustainable interior practices.

A recent example is our collaboration with a luxury hotel chain in Southeast Asia, where we redesigned their guest rooms using locally sourced bamboo and recycled metals. Not only did it reduce carbon footprint, but it also resonated deeply with conscious travelers.

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our publication: You’ve spoken about the ‘Enlightening Star’ program. Can you tell us more about its role in shaping the future of the design industry? Ricky Wong: Absolutely. The Enlightening Star initiative was born out of a realization: design is no longer a solitary craft—it’s a collaborative ecosystem.

This program brings together emerging talent, seasoned professionals and design institutions to share knowledge, mentor young designers, and co-create solutions for real-world challenges. It’s a structured platform that helps bridge the gap between academia and industry, which I believe is critical for long-term growth.

What makes it unique is that it doesn’t just focus on technical skills—it emphasizes emotional intelligence, ethical responsibility and adaptability. These are the qualities that define tomorrow’s design leaders.

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our publication: Leadership in creative industries can be quite different from traditional sectors. How do you lead a team of highly creative individuals? Ricky Wong: You’re absolutely right. Leading creatives requires empathy, clarity and trust.

I lead by setting a clear vision and giving people the autonomy to explore their ideas within that framework. I don’t micromanage—I coach. I help them understand how their individual contributions align with the bigger picture.

Another key aspect is psychological safety. People need to feel comfortable expressing dissent, sharing wild ideas or admitting when they’re stuck. That openness fuels innovation and prevents groupthink.

Finally, I prioritize personal development. Talent is renewable, but potential is infinite. Investing in our people ensures that RWD remains a place where careers grow alongside creative ambitions.

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our publication: Looking ahead, what does commercial excellence mean to you in today’s volatile business landscape? Ricky Wong: To me, commercial excellence isn’t just about profitability—it’s about creating value that lasts.

It means understanding that design isn’t just an aesthetic layer—it’s a strategic asset. Whether it’s enhancing user experience in a retail space or boosting productivity in a corporate office, great design drives measurable outcomes.

It also means being agile. Markets shift, consumer behaviors evolve, and technology disrupts. We have to stay nimble, anticipate change and sometimes even drive it.

And ultimately, it’s about legacy. I want RWD to be remembered not just for beautiful spaces, but for meaningful ones—spaces that uplift lives, support communities and contribute positively to the world.

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our publication: Any final thoughts for aspiring design entrepreneurs reading this? Ricky Wong:* Start with a strong foundation—your values. They’ll guide every decision, especially when the pressure mounts.

Be patient with your growth. Success in design, like architecture, takes time. But don’t wait for permission to innovate. Look around, identify gaps, and build solutions that matter.

And never forget: behind every space you design, there’s a person. Respect that connection, and excellence will follow.

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With a career spanning over three decades, Ricky Wong continues to redefine what it means to lead in design. Through purpose-driven innovation and a commitment to sustainability, he is not just shaping spaces—he’s shaping the future of the industry itself.*