Is Quiet Luxury Over? Top Designer André Fu Believes It's Here To Stay

Forbes

2 days ago

A calming, luxurious suite at Dusit Thani Bangkok
To say interior architect André Fu is in demand is quite the understatement. In the past year alone, his eponymous André Fu Studio (AFSO) had a hand in four headline projects: The Emory in London, the city's first all-suite hotel; Dusit Thani Bangkok, a reinvention of a historic flagship property; Capella Taipei, styled as a modern mansion and the eighth opening of the award-winning hospitality group; and Waldorf Astoria Osaka, the luxury brand's first foray in Japan.
So while fashion has become disillusioned with the quiet luxury aesthetic, Fu's popularity is testament to the power of elegant restraint. Known for his East-meets-West aesthetic and a calming yet textured palette, his worldly approach is far from 'boring beige'—he creates spaces with warmth, character and sophistication in spades.
We speak to the lauded interior architect and founder of André Fu Living, on his timely yet timeless designs, his creative process and what's next.
Plume is the elevated lobby bar at Capella Taipei
You often describe your style as 'relaxed luxury'. What would you say are the ingredients of the André Fu style?
Perhaps it is my approach to design—it is never about capturing a particular trend of style. I would typically immerse myself in walking around the site, conducting engaging conversations with the locals and conjuring the narrative for the project. This serves as the backbone for the project to evolve and develop, but it is always about bringing everyone back to the original vision and being truthful to it.
Your projects span new builds and historic spaces. Do you approach them differently?
Each hotel takes years to realise so whenever I accept a new project, I need to convince myself that there is something unique that I want to tell. This mindset allows me to see each project as a way to capture a new side of my aesthetic world.
Andre Fu used Jim Thompson Thai silk and handmade ceramic tiles at the Dusit Thani Bangkok
For the Dusit Thani Bangkok, you were able to weave a lot of the hotel's history into the space. Walk us through the creative process:
It was about paying homage to the original hotel's distinct character, while also offering something fresh and innovative. I imagined a visual journey to celebrate Thai culture and design sensibilities, art and craftsmanship throughout each destination within the property.
I adopted a vast variety of local materials, including Jim Thompson Thai silk and handmade ceramic tiles to celebrate the local artisan offerings, and juxtaposed them with European fabrics and stones.
Palette wise, one may notice an expansive use of exotic tropical colors to celebrate the sense of place. One of the key highlights in the project can be found in the main lobby: multiple freestanding bronze screens, designed in collaboration with Bangkok-based projecttSTUDIO. This handcrafted sculpture has intricate interwoven patterns to conjure a layered visual experience, evoking a dynamic sense of movement and ascension. The level of intricacy for the scale we have dreamt up is highly ambitious.
The stunning Peacock Alley at Waldorf Astoria Osaka
From post-pandemic recovery to economic uncertainty and ongoing wars, the world seems more chaotic. Do you think this has changed how many of us view hotels?
I think hotels are an ultimate expression of lifestyle—it ought to elevate one's senses on a 360-degree level. Guests are also seeking for each hotel to have a point of view and a story to tell, akin to reflecting on their own personal values.
On that note, it perhaps explains why I have always challenged myself with coming up with a particular vision and narrative for each project. Sometimes it is about the brand that I'm working with, sometimes it's about revolving around the context of the hotel, or everything in between.
What would your dream holiday look like?
My bucket list at present includes a trip to Brasilia to admire the works of Oscar Niemeyer. Every summer, I also take a few days to return to Villa La Coste—one of my favorite projects nestled in Aix-en-Provence to immerse myself in its world of art, architecture and wine culture.
Lastly, can you share future plans that you're personally excited about?
Other than some key addresses and hotels in the making, my next step involves taking my own brand, André Fu Living, outside of Asia.