Celebrated star designer, Chris Lee of Asylum talks of his inspirations, uniqueness and future aspirations.
WHO IS CHRIS LEE?
I’m the founder of Asylum, a multidisciplinary design studio based in Singapore with a global footprint. Some of our notable projects include the world’s first Hublot pop up store, branding for the National Gallery, designing flagship Johnnie Walker Houses around the world, including many airports, and most recently The Warehouse Hotel where we did the branding and interior design.
I started Asylum in 1999 after heading the design department of Ogilvy & Mather and Bartle Bogle Hegarty because I wanted to create a studio that could create great work for independent clients.
WHAT ARE YOUR DAILY ROUTINES WHEN YOU’RE NOT AT WORK?
I travel, spend time with my family and hang out with friends. Possibly, catch up with all my reading as well.
THE FEATHERS ON YOUR HAT TRANSLATES A LONG LIST OF ACHIEVEMENTS AND MILESTONES FROM DESIGN EDUCATION, CONFERENCES, TALKS TO WINNING DESIGNER OF THE YEAR FOR THE PRESIDENT’S DESIGN AWARD. WHAT ARE YOU AIMING NEXT?
This story is from the Issue 97 edition of d+a.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 97 edition of d+a.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The Natural Balance
Inspired by the serene beauty of dewdrops, the Antao Collection by Villeroy & Boch transforms bathrooms into wellness sanctuaries, combining sustainability with timeless elegance.
Inspiring Creativity And Exploration
The new Hafary House at Lavender reflects the brand’s vibrancy and innovation, as well as provide an inspiring and engaging space for customers.
Home Is Where The Heart Is
A vacation house is reimagined for a multi-generational family to gather for holidays in the bucolic setting of Yongjia in Zhejiang, China.
balancing act: nature and humanity
In this inspiration-led series, we asked Jay Liu and Alex Liu, co-founders of Right Angle Studio, to dream up a unique interior concept using mainly items from Space Furniture.
rethinking, remaking, reframing
Aoki Akio, the founder of DESIGNART TOKYO discusses the importance and legacy of Tokyo's eminent art and design event, particularly for young creatives.
rebuilding communities
Shift2024, the much-anticipated conference returns with a stellar line-up of prolific architects making their mark in Asian urban design.
unparalleled italian craftsmanship
Filippo Arnaboldi, Chief Executive Officer of Frette, tells us how this luxury lifestyle Italian brand is moving forward with times yet not forgetting about its existing legacy.
where the mountain meets the sea
This bespoke hillside residence features modern design elements, natural touches, and panoramic ocean views.
tailored for the curious explorer
The new Alma House at the New Bahru enclave reflects the collaborative spirit of a school environment.
tranquil sanctuary
The recently launched Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto, designed by Kengo Kuma, fuses traditional Japanese architecture with modern elegance.