Founder of ADO, Karr Yip, believes that focusing solely on beauty in design is superficial. “Design should possess not only visual appeal, but also communicate a deeper significance by expressing a positive message to the project,” he explains.

Founder of ADO, Karr Yip, believes that focusing solely on beauty in design is superficial. “Design should possess not only visual appeal, but also communicate a deeper significance by expressing a positive message to the project,” he explains.

ADO was founded 20 years ago and has since expanded to a team of about 60 people, overseeing three brands. ADO CASA specialises in local high-end residential projects, ADO WORK focuses on commercial and office spaces, and ADO CULTURE manages hotels, catering, cultural exhibitions as well as other related projects. The acronym ADO stands for art, design and office, a nod to its core values.

In Cantonese, the word ADO sounds almost like “one way”. Yip stresses the significance of ethical considerations in design, asserting it's important for success in the industry.

"In simple terms, we must act consciously. When working on a project, we should envision it as if creating for our loved ones. We should always think about the other party, focusing not simply on short-term gains, but also nurturing long-term relationships," he says.

"Residential design goes beyond spatial planning to bring people’s dreams to life and promote family harmony. On the other hand, commercial space design focuses on helping clients achieve their business objectives. It is important that we dedicate time to communicate with clients in order to fully grasp the essence of the project."

To get a clear understanding of a family’s different individual needs, and prevent any one member from dominating, ADO Group sometimes uses workshop formats to gather input from each person.

"We train our management colleagues to develop a friendly relationship with clients,” Yip says. “So when issues arise, we focus on the core values of the project over assigning blame, viewing problems from the clients' perspective, and fostering a trusting relationship with them."

Having a good character is the primary factor that Karr considers when hiring talent.  Colleagues in management should be willing to communicate and show empathy towards others, and customers, as design inherently involves collaboration. The aim is to promote a “design for love, build for relationship” culture internally and externally.

ADO has gone through 20 long years. “In the first 10 years, we operated like a normal architectural firm, working on many building projects and public infrastructures. I poured myself into work, and I, like many traditional Chinese men, wrongly believed that my work ability directly translated to the ability to navigate marriage.

 “As issues started cropping up in my marriage, I felt like I was sinking into despair with no clue how to fix things. But then, out of the blue, one of my Christian friends showed up at the office and started praying out loud for me. I was a bit embarrassed at first, but oddly enough, I felt this uplifting energy taking hold of me.

  “I have focused on residential designs for over a decade, aiming to enhance family connections through thoughtful home layouts. No matter how successful someone may be, without support and acknowledgement from family, what is the meaning of it all?”

Yip is an architect, designer and artist whose works have won numerous prestigious awards in Hong Kong and internationally. In 2010, he received the Hong Kong SME Award (small and medium enterprises), earning recognition from various sectors of society. In 2021, he was honoured with one of Hong Kong’s Top Ten Service Brand Awards. Currently, ADO has over 60 employees and handles projects worth an average of 150 million HKD per year.

He is the author of the book “Building Love”  (築．愛), which mainly discusses how art and design can repair or reconstruct various relationships by creating emotionally rich spaces that provide people with unforgettable experiences. The book mentions projects such as the Chinese University of Hong Kong Alumni Association Conference Centre; the stand rails at the Sha Tin Racecourse; Hong Kong Design Resource Centre; YHA Mei Ho House Youth Hostel and Recreation Hall; Fanling Library; Ma On Shan Children’s Library; Mong Kok Post Office; and the Tuen Mun Sludge Treatment Facility.

In addition to cultural and residential projects, Karr frequently volunteers in dormitory projects for the homeless. In recent years, he has focused on the issue of elderly living. Apart from researching local retirement environments and facilities, he is actively preparing for the development of the largest 3H senior vacation wellness and medical community in Hengqin, adhering to the philosophy of "Design for Love." Every design element takes into deep consideration the experiences of the elderly and their interpersonal interactions. Within a mere 800 square feet of residential space, there are already over 50 details designed specifically for the elderly. The entire community incorporates approximately 100 recreational spots, creating a space that fosters intergenerational harmony. Karr says, "I hope the elderly can embark on a new life here and truly live for themselves."

Karr greatly admires the Southern European style. He says, "Although Portugal may not have dazzling modern landmarks, every building and space is designed with exceptional quality. Southern European designs often utilize natural stone and solid wood, preserving their natural textures and qualities. They are not extravagant or obsessed with flawless perfection but rather exude a casual and natural ambiance that brings a sense of relaxation and comfort. It represents a relatively timeless design attitude." Karr adds, "ADO has participated in some projects in Portugal, and our Portuguese branch is currently in the planning stage, enabling the company to have a more international outlook."

Looking ahead, ADO will participate in some self-developed real estate projects to gain greater design autonomy and integrate their philosophy into the projects. Additionally, ADO will create its own brand of design details, such as furniture, handles, metal accessories, artworks, etc., and apply them to their projects, enhancing brand recognition and consistency in design language. ADO has implemented quality control from the factory, standardizing the entire production and construction process. Their team will continue to approach projects with heartfelt dedication, "building tight-knit lives" and providing customers with profound experiences.

人物攝影：Jason To @ Black Cat Image

項目圖片提供：ADO