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HH Archive
Ask Your Peers Series
- Xin Hui -
Xin Hui
My job would be century egg dan dan noodles with a scoop of devil chilli powder.
At first glance, it sounds like a strange combination. Who would have thought that century egg could pair so well with dan dan noodles? Yet somehow, it works. The century egg adds depth, complexity, and an unexpected richness to the dish, much like how creativity brings new perspectives to every project. When everything comes together, you get layers of flavour, texture, and a satisfying umami punch.
Then devil chilli powder kicks in, just when you think you have settled into the meal, it hits you unexpectedly, much like the sudden site issues and last minute challenges that appear out of nowhere. It is intense, unpredictable, but it keeps things exciting. The combination of contrasting flavours mirrors my job perfectly.
Min Sheng:
If you would describe your job as a food, what would it be?
Xin Hui
The first thing I notice when entering a space is its volume, the sense of how expansive, intimate, compressed, or open it feels.
Spatial experience is important to me because it shapes our first impression of a space before we consciously register any of its details. When designed intentionally, volume and proportion can influence how we move, feel, and engage with our surroundings. For example, a dimly lit and narrower passageway can create a sense of anticipation, drawing our attention towards what lies beyond, while a double-volume space can evoke a feeling of lightness and openness, encouraging us to pause, look around, and explore.
Spatial volume can define the narrative of a space and guide how users experience it emotionally and physically.
Alvin:
What is the first thing you notice when entering a space?
Xin Hui
Just have fun and cherish the time spent on studio projects, because once you step into the industry, you rarely get the opportunity to explore ideas with the same freedom and curiosity again.
There will be moments when you question the purpose of those projects or feel uncertain about their relevance. But looking back years later, they will prove to be some of the most valuable parts of your education. They challenge and deconstruct the way you think, pushing you to question assumptions, observe deeply, and see the world from different perspectives.
Those experiences shape the way you approach design far more than any software skill ever could. Technical skills can be learned at any stage of your career, but developing a creative mindset, critical thinking, and a unique perspective is what differentiates you from other designers.
Ci En:
What do you want to tell the younger you, when you first entered design school?
Xin Hui
It is the ability to create meaningful impact through design.
It allows me to have a creative outlet and the power to shape spaces that elevate how people feel, behave, and experience their environment. We are kind of like psychologists, we observe human behaviors, understand their emotional needs, and translate them into spatial solutions.
Ci En:
What motivates you to carry on in this career?
Xin Hui
I will travel and have short stays around each part of the world. I would prefer short stays in each location, allowing myself to observe how people interact with their surroundings and how everyday life unfolds in different contexts.
Travelling allows me to keep an open mind and continually exposed to new experiences and cultures.
Min Sheng:
What is the first thing you will do when you retire from this job?
Xin Hui
I would be a psychologist as I enjoy observing human behaviour and understanding the underlying drivers behind their emotions.
In parallel, I would maintain a sculptural practice as a form of release and reflection, translating the emotional and psychological narratives I encounter into physical form. These works would then be presented in a gallery context as a continuation of that dialogue between people, emotion, and space.
Ci En:
What would you do if you are not a designer? Why?
Xin Hui
My dream studio will consist of five levels, starting from the basement, I will have a personal pottery cave with a fire kiln to make my cups, bowls, plates, it is a secondary creative ground for me to throw off any inspirations that come to my mind. This pottery will be used in my cafe on the ground floor with daily fresh bakes. More than just a cafe, it would be a welcoming space for the team, clients, and visitors. A place to start the day and recharge between meetings.
The second level will be our materials and innovation labs, where we test out ideas before construction.
The third level will be our design studio and the highest level will be a sky terrace with pockets of green field and various seating configurations to enjoy the cityscape and occasional gatherings after work hours.
Alvin:
If you could design your dream studio on a blank plot of land with no constraints, what would it include? Consider not just the working studio, but also supporting spaces like a café, workshop, gallery, or communal areas. How would everything connect?
Xin Hui
I do not have one favourite project as each project touches on new ideas and areas of exploration, which makes it interesting. Each project has its own expression and boundaries that we pushed and learned along the way which makes our project here distinctive.
Ci En:
Which project is your favourite project in HH? Why?
Xin Hui
Whenever I visit a new place, I first pay attention to how it makes me feel on a larger scale. I observe the people, the environment, and the local materials and architecture that are unique to the place. These give me a sense of the place.
On a more intimate scale, my accommodation would be a high-end hotel, and I would pay close attention to the journey from the moment I arrive in the lobby to the transition to the room. I’m fascinated by the materiality, detailing, lighting, scent, sound, and spatial transitions that set the mood and experience of the space.
Ci En:
What do you appreciate and observe when you travel? Why?
Xin Hui
There are two parts of the design process that I enjoy the most.
The first is the conceptual stage, where ideas are still fluid and possibilities are endless. It is the phase where we can challenge conventions, explore new perspectives, and test different concepts within a space. I enjoy the freedom of thinking broadly and shaping the narrative that will define the project.
The second is when things become more concretised and the finer details are worked out. This is when the design begins to take shape and become tangible, refining the details and materials, and seeing how each decision contributes to the overall experience.
Alvin:
What is your favourite part of the design process? Why?
About Series
A series of questions was exchanged within the studio.
Each member receives fifteen questions from the rest of the team. Some explore design, craft, and practice. Others wander into memories, routines, influences, and personal reflections.
Unscripted and candid, these conversations document the individuals behind Hock Hoon — their perspectives, values, and the experiences that shape the work we do.
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