DMZ International Design Group

DMZ Design Group | 1

CONTENTs

04 // PREFACE

05 // dMZ INTERNATIONAL

DESIGN GROUP

07 // founder & vision

08 // awards

09 // company Milestones

10 // c0-founder &

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

11 // group of companies

and collaborators

13 // beauty & wellness

18 // Entertainment space

(LOCAL)

26 // Entertainment space

(OVERSEA)

30 // Hospitality

38 // EVENT HOTEL

42 // Restaurant

51 // Corporate Office

54 // Departmental Store

59 // Flagship Store

63 // SKETCHES DRAWING

4 23 0 3 82 6 6 31 3 2 0

4 | DMZ Design Group

BEST 10 YEARS

Copyright © 2014 by DMZ Design Group

www.dmzconsultancy.com

Chief Editor: Dr. Jerry Chong

Chief Designer: M.C. Ho

All rights reserved. No part

of this publication may be

reproduced or transmitted in any

form or by any means, electronic

or mechanical, including

photocopy, recording or any

information storage and retrieval

system, without prior permission

in writing from the publisher.

It takes years to build a credible portfolio - credentials that ultimately

become the yardstick quantifying the integrity and success of a company

benchmarked against contemporaries.

This Journal: ‘10 BEST YEARS’ records a humbling journey - the story

of DMZ, oftentimes fraught with unforgiving challenges that were

vehemently overcome with pure faith and determination, entrenched

with a strong belief in the pursuit of excellence. The Group more than

survived their early tribulations - it has excelled to become one of the

most distinguished Multi-disciplinary Design outfit in the region today,

taking on design challenges as far as Helsinki, Hong Kong, Vietnam,

Taiwan and Singapore!

Emblazoned in the following pages of this Journal you will undoubtedly be

captivated by the array of design styles and approaches reflecting the

way DMZ translate the Design Briefs of their clientele - Transforming

each and every given space into three-dimensional works of art that you

can walk into, visit or inhabit!

PREFACE

COMMERCIAL

SHOWROOM

CORPORATE

LEISURE

PUBLIC

HOTEL

The humble beginning of DMZ Studio, founded in 2003 has today grown

into an elaborate consortium of companies consolidated as the DMZ

INTERNATIONAL DESIGN GROUP.

Each company within the group specializes in a specific area of expertise

– from design consultancy services, through to the manufacturing of

custom-made furniture and interior fit-out contracts. Complementing

this spectrum is the production and development of high-end kitchen

systems for premier residential programs both in Malaysia and abroad.

With the incorporation of DMZ International Design Group (HK) Limited,

initially operating as a regional office to cater to clientele covering

Hong Kong, Vietnam, Taiwan and Singapore, the group’s Hong Kong

office has now expanded their design consultancy services to include

the European continent.

Running alongside DMZ’s corporate aspiration is their commitment

to offering innovative vocational training programs in the areas of

digital art and interior design, a strategic initiative designed to create

astute designers for the market as a whole, at the same time retain

valued resource for the group’s operations. The group’s assertive

entrepreneurship goals now include the newly incorporated DMZ Light &

Sound and Lifestyle Automation division, a company that offers lighting

design consultancy, audiovisual and sound engineering expertise.

DMZ was listed among the top 10 design firms in Asia-Pacific in 2009, in the

Entertainment Category, an accolade that the company sacredly protects.

DMZ INTERNATIONAL DESIGN GROUP


6 | DMZ Design Group DMZ Design Group | 7

founder & vision

M.C. Ho | Founder of DMZ Group of Companies

Principle of DMZ Design Centre

The Principal of DMZ has this to say about his career and aspirations for

the design industry.

“The design curriculum is certainly and continuously changing as I speak.

Such are the advances in Information, Communications and Technology

that if we merely fail to recognize and acknowledge this, we will have lost

our position in the competitive design league, whether in the capacity of

a design professional, practitioner or design student”.

M .C. Ho started his design consultancy back in 2000 under the name of DMZ

Design Studio. Not one to rest on the laurels of early success, a desirable

ambition to lead in the initiative to grow beyond his personal exigencies,

M. C. Ho, interior designer extraordinaire, progressively embarked on

setting up a multitude of new businesses that cohesively complemented

his primary and core business – interior design consultancy. A training

program in interior design within his corporation’s structure was also

created, with the objective to grooming design student aspirants. To

bring to realization a dream of converting would-be designers to be

mainstream practitioners, M. C. Ho offers the distinct opportunity for his

trainees to work on the projects secured through his consultancy, both

local and abroad.

The Principal’s success in the area of design consultancy and offer of

turn-key design solutions had not gone unnoticed, what with the number

of awards and accolades conferred upon the company, DMZ Design

Studio as well as upon their esteemed Principal, M. C. Ho who holds a

Masters degree in Interior Design. Steadfast in the belief that teamwork

is paramount to the success of any company, this culture was imbued at

DMZ since their first company was incorporated. The myriad of design

commissions that continuously pour into the dynamic offices of DMZ is a

testament of the Group’s guiding philosophy.


awards

ASIA PACIFIC Property Awards 2015-2016 Best HOTEL Interior MALAYSIA

ASIA PACIFIC Property Awards 2015-2016 HIGHLY COMMENDED - RETAIL Interior MALAYSIA

European Property Awards 2014 Best Leisure Interior Europe

FX International Interior Design Award 2014 Finalist - Drawings & 3D Model Making

European Property Awards 2013-2014 Best Leisure Interior Finland

The Ring iC@ward International Interior Design 2012 Honourable Mention Award - Leisure Category

Asia Pacific Property Award 2011 Leisure Interior Design Award

MF3 - Malaysian International

Furniture and Furnishing Fair 2010 Panel Judge

Designer Concept 2009 Designer of The Year

FX International Interior Design Award 2009 Finalist - Club and Entertainment Category

FX International Interior Design Award 2008 Finalist - Club and Entertainment Category

The Ring iC@ward International Interior Design 2008 Honourable Mention Award - Club Category

Asia Pacific Interior Design Award 2008 APIDA 10x10 - Top Ten in Entertainment Category

MSID Malaysian Society of Interior Design 2008 Merit Award - Retail/Commercial Interior Category

Company Milestones

2003 DMZ Studio founded in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

2004 Full serviced design firm specializing in building image counters for international beauty and cosmetics business.

2005 DMZ Studio based in Subang Jaya, Malaysia.

2006 DMZ Productions Sdn. Bhd. Production line for custom-made furniture and interior fit-out contracts.

2007 DMZ Sdn. Bhd. expanding the design services in Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Brand new “Glam Kitchen & Living”. Emphasized in local residential design and developing high-end kitchen system.

2008 Participate to International Interior Design Competitions and listed Top 10 design firm in Asia Pacific - Entertainment.

2009 DMZ Academy of Creative Art. An innovative and energetic training centre specializing in digital art and interior design.

DMZ International Design Group (HK) Limited incorporated in Hong Kong as a regional office in asia.

DMZ Consultancy and McRay ID Solution registered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

2011 DMZ Home & Glam Casa - interior design showroom focused on luxury living projects and designer’s furniture.

2012 DMZ International Design Group (HK) Ltd. - expanding the design services in Europe.

2013 DMZ International Design Group (HK) Ltd. - expanding the design services in Singapore.

DMZ Light and Sound. Lifestyle automation, lighting design, visual and sound engineering.


C0-founder

Raymond Chua | Co-founder of DMZ Group of Companies

The Co-founder of DMZ Design Studio, now Executive Director of the

DMZ Group of Companies, comes across as an icon of sybaritic indulgence.

Raymond Chua, an interior design graduate from the renown Malaysian

Institute of Art (MIA), emphatically lives and breathes design, his primary

passion in life. In describing his thoughts on interior design today, he enthuses,

“beyond chic and gadget-laden fantasies that celebrate 21st century culture,

the iconography of today’s interiors suggest a new focus giving significant

attention to functionality. Interior design is much more important than it may

seem at a first glance. Hiring an interior designer is therefore more than just

a good idea, whether one is building a new house or remodeling/renovating

an existing one”.

Raymond believes that effective design is a result of interaction between

functional, aesthetic and cultural influences. He feels it is a designer’s

responsibility to provide an appropriately stimulating built solution that

promotes and nurtures authentic user activity in an environment of sustainability

and positive progress. He approaches designing of the interior environment

with informed research and analytical skills that guide his actions and service.

Each project successfully completed by him and his dynamic team is an

expression of a concerted effort eminently translating their clients’ home

lifestyle or business environment.

He draws upon the conclusion that a well-designed environment should

embody an extraordinary design that is timeless while maintaining a striking

interior that is unique, luxurious, functional, livable, comfortable, and most

importantly speaks the client’s language.

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

Brenda Phang

BRENDA PHANG hails from Malaysia’s pioneer Art & Design College –

the Malaysian Institute of Art in Kuala Lumpur. Graduating with a

Diploma in Interior Design from this prestigious college she embarked

on her career of choice that has now become her true passion.

She draws upon the adage that advocates that ‘less is more’.

In design-speak, she believes in creating things that are simple but

more importantly, functional – yet aesthetically pleasing.

Reflected in all her interior design assignments over her more than

12 years experience as a career designer, you get to see a designer

who perseveres in molding her design concept around a client’s

intention, need and requirement, without going overly flamboyant.

Brenda believes that good design need not be overstated.

Sustainable design, Brenda reiterates, is that which matures over

time, yet remain functional, practical and lasting.


DMZ ID Solution Sdn. Bhd. 1147231-V

DMZ Design Group | 1312 | DMZ Design Group

Through the years …

The creative journey of DMZ began in 2006 parallel with the noticeable proliferation of global brand names in the cosmetic

industry entering Malaysia and the region. What began as important design commissions for DMZ, an upstart, in successfully

securing small cosmetic counter projects that targeted mass consumerism soon metamorphosed into a thriving stable of

distinctive range signature brand products that were showcased in their respective stand-alone concessionaire lots within

the retail zone of predominantly high end department stores.

The capricious allotment of concessionaire lots – as no two spaces are the same – offer new and different space planning

challenges. Keeping in focus a design philosophy to define luxury befitting the brand names catered to; within a compacted

space, a minimalist approach limiting construction and supply of case goods, yet increasing visual impact at the same

time, became the design thrust that encapsulated the essence of the product and its retail marketing objectives.

It was and still is, a distinct privilege to work with the L’OREAL Group. ‘The accolades we have proudly garnered included

our extension of design services up to Taiwan in 2006 where we designed cosmetic & skin care product counters and also

a hypermarket category management system’, extolled a jubilant M. C. Ho., founder of DMZ.

b e a u t y & w e l l n e s s


Designer: M.C. Ho | Client: COVO Cosmetics | Location: Sunway

Pyramid | Built area: 20 SqM | Completion: 2013

Designed by M.C. Ho

Built by DMZ and partners in Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan

The ‘World’s first Men Care Counters’ came soon after, built in Taipei

City, representing labels Lancome, Biotherm, Kheil’s and Giorgio Armani.

2007 saw L’Oreal’s penetration into the Vietnam market concentrating on

cosmetic and skin care products, culminating in the first VICHY Lab in Ho

Chih Minh City. Alongside L’Oreal’s working relationship with accomplished

brand appellations like L’Oreal Paris, Watsons and Guardian Pharmacy,

‘our dedicated design team helped accomplish the design and opening

of L’Oreal’s first cosmetic and skin care gallery located at Suria KLCC.

COVO cosmetic counters, a fast-growing affordable luxury brand was

added to our long list of L’Oreal-initiated design projects in 2013’.

DMZ is infinitely gratified to be associated with the L’OREAL Group

encircling prestigious brand names approximating L’OREAL Paris,

Maybelline, Vichy, Kheil’s, Giorgio Armani, Biotherm and Lancome.

first vichy laboratoiresho chi minh city

image counters - ho chi minh city

A new consciousness among the young and vibrant Indo-

Chinese populace was a distinctive advantage favoring DMZ’s

bold thrust to introduce a contemporary, minimalist design

approach in their retail skin care products and cosmetic

counters. L’Oreal’s first Vichy Laboratories is a testament to

this effect. Add to that a stable of Maybelline counters L’Oreal

has effectively captured this distinct ‘new world’ market.


l’oreal paris counter parkson taipeiDesigner: M.C. Ho

Contractor: TaRuh Creative, Taiwan Client: L’Oreal Cosmetics Taiwan

Location: Taipei, Taiwan. Built area: 10 SqM Completion: 2006

taiwan’s first l’oreal image counter within watsons

Designer: M.C. Ho Contractor: TaRuh Creative, Taiwan

Client: L’Oreal Cosmetics Taiwan Location: Taipei, Taiwan.

Built area: 22 SqM Completion: 2008

men expert counter watsons taipeiDesigner: M.C. Ho

Contractor: TaRuh Creative, Taiwan Client: L’Oreal Cosmetics Taiwan

Location: Taipei, Taiwan. Built area: 18 SqM Completion: 2007

malaysia’s first l’oreal boutique suria klcc

Designer: M.C. Ho Contractor: DMZ Studio

Client: L’Oreal Cosmetics Malaysia Location: Suria KLCC

Built area: 35 SqM Completion: 2006

l’oreal suria klcc malaysia & future design

A testament of the confidence L’Oreal has in Malaysia led to the opening of the first L’Oreal cosmetic and skincare boutique in 2006, located in the vibrant and posh shopping precinct of Suria KLCC, annexed to Malaysia’s iconic Petronas Twin Towers.Having designed previous L’Oreal boutiques and image counters in downtown Taipei, the designer meticulously space-planned this Kuala Lumpur outlet engaging the use of all salient design elements successfully implemented previously, and more. Brilliantly fabricated wall cabinetry incorporating backlit LED transparencies stand out as a predominant visual feature – the essence of beauty exuded through using dynamic portraits of L’Oreal’ brand ambassadresses clearly reinforce the product’s high profile brand positioning. The simplicity of the case goods design spotting a clean line minimalist design approach, complemented with carefully arranged task lighting, dynamically enhances the merchandise display. The signature style of L’Oreal’s visually-engaging merchandising strategy is once again successfully replicated in this flagship outlet.

World’s first men care studio

E n t e r t a i n m e n t s p a c e- L O C A L -

Beyond the infant days of the new upstart, the conceiving foundation of DMZ has primarily been the company’s

extensive involvement in the entertainment industry.

Blessed with the privilege of a distinct invitation to design the very first of Malaysia’s REDBOX Karaoke entertainment centre

back in 2005, DMZ is today fondly acknowledged by both client and fraternity colleagues for their distinctive style in creating

exciting themed interiors that has become the signature design mantra in the more than 15 karaoke outlets the design firm

has successfully completed in Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong.

An inherent and distinctive feature is the ‘consumer experience’ that is passionately built into the design of each outlet;

added to that, even though no two outlets are the same, from a design standpoint, all outlets carry the same level of

integrity involving concerns over public safety, use of quality material finishes & durability, acoustic perfection and sound-

proofing standards; all going beyond the high impact design rationale that has won the company several design awards.

THE RING IC@ WARD INTERNATIONAL INTERIOR DESIGN 2012 - HONOURABLE MENTION AWARDDesigner: M.C. Ho | Client: Red Box Malaysia | Location: IOI Mall, Malaysia | Built area: 1550 SqM | Completion: 2009

red box karaoke - ioi mall

INDUSTRIALLOFTS

The trademark approach of DMZ’s swaggering

conceptualization is showcased yet again in this

designer-initiated Brief for an entertainment venue,

yet another blazing success in a series of Red Box’s

chain of dynamic entertainment outlets aimed at a

specific market - the young and trendy.

The idea this time around was to bring home by

design, the idea that industrial zones in the likes of a

container warehouse in the dockyards, or by the same

token, a developer’s work site, or more vulnerably,

an environmentally high-risk chemical factory site –

can be non-intimidating, yet environmentally visitor-

friendly if creatively twitched to reflect an intended

design flair.

The use of industrial props in the likes of shipping

containers, port hole windows, ‘under-construction’

graphics & signage, and simulated mine tunnel

passage ways advantageously played to the desired

effect DMZ endeavored to achieve.

Comfortably securing an Honorary Mention under the

category of Entertainment Spaces at the 2012 Ring@

ward competition, an international interior design

award event held in Guangzhou, was a humble and

early accolade for DMZ.

This award achievement soon began to consciously

set DMZ apart from their peers in the demanding

segment of the creative industry.

corridor design

corridor design

ROOM design



FX INTERNATIONAL INTERIOR DESIGN AWARD 2009 - CLUB AND ENTERTAINMENT CATEGORYDesigner: M.C. Ho | Client: Red Box Malaysia

Location: MidValley Gardens, Malaysia | Built area: 1500 SqM | Completion: 2009

red box karaoke - gardens

A naturalisT’sgardensColours, shade, subtlety, refinement with rhythm, symmetry, and a happy combination of elegance and utility is the intrinsic way to describe RED BOX at Gardens, Mid Valley.

Conceived with devotion to creating a garden theme, the design of this KTV Center unites the artificial – clean line furniture with the natural – simulated images embracing all the natural elements – water, light, air, growth – in the visual motifs combining potted live plants, simulated props of trees, timber wall cladding, strip timber floors and highly impactful visual posters all effectively juxtaposed make them engaging elements of art running parallel with the design intent.

The designer translates the garden concept as the meeting of raw nature and the human imagination in which both seek the fulfillment of their beauty and joy. A joyful place to be at, alluding to the designer’s aspiration. This beautiful interior design and fit-out assignment won DMZ the “FX International Interior Design Award 2009” in the Club and Entertainment Category.

corridor design

ROOM design ROOM design

RECEPTION

red box karaoke - 1st avenue

asian avenue

ASIA PACIFIC PROPERTY AWARD 2011 - LEISURE INTERIOR DESIGN AWARDDesigner: M.C. Ho | Client: Red Box MalaysiaLocation: 1st Avenue Penang, Malaysia | Built area: 1218 SqM | Completion: 2010


red box plus karaoke pavilion kuala lumpur

5 elementsAccording to the ancient Chinese belief, the basic elements of the universe and everything in our world is a compound of the five elements. These elements are understood as different types of energy in a state of constant interaction and flux with one another. Wood, water, earth, fire and metal mean Movement, Change, and Development. They are changing, moving, waning, and expanding all the time.

Translated in design alchemy, DMZ introduces such emotions through their use of a myriad of colour choice and materials to interpret the spirit of the Five Elements and how they would play out in this entertainment center, for after all Red Box Plus is designed to position this center as the group’s flagship outlet. A centering on the audio-visual senses was decidedly the primary theme that DMZ focused on to depict the values of the Five Elements. The red toned rooms depict Fire that forcefully exudes an innate sense of heat and passion, while the colour of blue plays up prominently through the Water component signifying calmness and tranquility. The Wood element is cleverly interpreted though the use of barrel casks as wall display props matched with opulent Chesterfield brown leather sofa seating. The extensive use of Metal sheeting as wall cladding material brings out the Yin element. The Metal Element is the breath of life. When you are connected to that experience, you know your own self-worth. Earth, grounding, you feel as though you are complete, able to set your mind to things.

Spirit, considered an element by many, can represent the unification of yourself. Just remember though, each element may have a different meaning for everyone. At Red Box Plus, all five elements come together as one unified, perhaps euphoric entertainment offering that all can embrace!

AWARDS:•FX International Interior Design Award 2008

•MSID Interior Design Award 2008 •Asia Pacific Interior Design Association

- International Interior Design Award 2008 - Top 10 Design Firm - Entertainment Design Category

•IC@ward - Honorable Mention Award - Club Category 2008Designer: M.C. Ho | Client: Red Box Malaysia

Built area: 4700 SqM | Completion: 2008

It is fun to get experimental in one’s design approach if you are not constrained by a rigid design brief. The liberty to explore beyond DMZ’s creative exigencies is proudly flaunted in this outlet located at an upmarket shopping mall in charming Penang Island.

DMZ’s themed mega-size inkjet wall-coverings is once again featured in the entertainment rooms, each with a different thought-arousing theme – some docile, some academic and others, merely simplistic.

The lounge furniture is fuss-free by design, practical and functional; keeping clutter at bay.

It is bewildering to see hard, reflective surface cladding the walls, with ceramic tiles laid on the floor in a compacted sound room where optimum acoustic standard is a premium to be expected.

A well calculated insulation formula through using acoustic panels strategically placed compensates for any predictable shortfall in sound quality; patrons high expectations rarely compromised.

red box karaoke - GURNEY

GETTINGVARIETAL

Designer: M.C. Ho | Client: Red Box Malaysia | Built area: 1600 SqM | Completion: 2010


Journeying on a new realm of design exploits, DMZ explores Classicism – a specific genre of philosophy that expressed itself in literature, architecture, art and music, which has ancient Greek and Roman sources and an emphasis on society.

The opportunity to creatively indulge came through a recent interior design upgrade exercise of Red Box at The Curve. Maintaining its distinctive brand in family entertainment over 9 years, it remains the company’s vision to keep their regular customers enthralled through new, themed interior concepts. A lot of people, newbies and regulars alike understand and enjoy that experience of ‘discovering’ whenever they discover a Red Box outlet, of which there are numerous throughout the country. “They may not be able to put it in words, but they can understand what’s happening”, enthuses the designer, “when patronizing a Red Box Karaoke outlet”.

The designer thus manifested “classical” and modern movements in art aligned with light, space, sparseness of texture, and formal coherence. It then gets translated into elemental conjectures that can be easily understood and visually appreciated. Every room is designed to evoke a sensory experience!

red box karaoke - CURVE

CLASSICISM AT PLAY

Designer: M.C. Ho & Brenda Phang | Client: Red Box Malaysia Built area: 2200 SqM | Completion: 2009

GreenBox SWPSungei Wang Plaza or SWP to the hip-and-young, is a shopping, food and entertainment haven for tourists, but more so, the young & trendy and post-adolescent trendsetters.

Green Box Karaoke outlet, located in this bustling shopping mall adds to the vibrancy. There is a certain funkiness about the approach towards creating Green Box Karaoke outlet. In understanding young patrons’ expectations, in respect of value entertainment at a budget, a young, exciting, vibrant and carefree demeanor is cleverly played up though concerted planning, and use of effective visual merchandising aids to carry an aggressive marketing message across to the target audience.

Jointly developed with their Green Box counterpart in Hong Kong, California Red P&L Company, the concept introduces the first K-Mobile System (using mobile phone blue tooth technology) in the world. In unveiling the K-Mobile System and “I Green Capsule” cylinder K-singing chambers, the entire effort is designed to propel every K-goer’s singing experience to another level. Expectedly, the concept appeals to a targeted ethnic patronage; and that is likely how the market positioning of this vibrant KTV outlet is articulated.

Designer: M.C. Ho | Client: Red Box Malaysia Built area: 1600 SqM | Completion: 2010



E n t e r t a i n m e n t s p a c e- O V E R S E A -

Traversing a multitude of Design Briefs in the more than ten years of DMZ’s professional practice, the creative design expertise that DMZ has extended – from their design commissions in Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taipei, Vietnam, Singapore to Helsinki in Finland, DMZ is revered as one of the region’s leading interior design houses; dedicated to designing the most avant-garde hotel interiors, entertainment centers, shopping malls and retail stores through to selective residential programs.

Driven by the pursuit of perfection and extreme attention to detail, DMZ is recognized in the region to be consistently delivering the finest in terms of creative concepts, quality and design. Each project is completed with an effortless marriage of design and functionality ensuring signature precision.

Their ’out-of-the-box’ concepts particularly, for a variety of entertainment center interiors in Malaysia and abroad have won the company several international design accolades.

TANG MUSIC BOXEncompassing a concept, INDUSTRIAL CHIC, the designer set about to create a warehouse aura in the interior, resplendent of the heydays of the 1800’s where Singapore River was the landing stage for merchant boats that piled up and down river where they traded.

An interesting aspect of the designer’s approach was the use of recycled materials akin to wine crates, wooden pallets de-constructed and rejuvenated into new display props that were then selectively kitted out in all 25 rooms including the Reception area that replicates a market hall.

Many items of furniture were directly sourced and imported from China for this project. The walls of individual rooms were plastered over in dynamic inkjet photo prints that captured authentic scenes from selected architectural subjects discovered overseas.

Authenticating the desired overall feel, strong colours were specially selected and applied in the total interior space. Adding antique ‘baba-nyonya’ floor tiles to the interior floor spaces, the overall ambience evoked and encapsulated the essence of a nostalgic era re-lived.

The successful completion of this hip project in iconic Clarke Quay, Singapore, on time and within budget, adds another accolade to designer M.C. Ho’s brilliant portfolio of design achievements.

Designer: M.C. Ho & Brenda Phang | Client: Tang Music Box Pte Ltd Built area: 800 SqM | Completion: 2013



There are a myriad of ways to describe the meaning of hospitality. Genres within the hospitality industry include hotels, vacation ownership, condo-hotels and mix-use buildings. However, one definition that comes to mind is that of ‘cordial and generous reception of guests’, invoking the fundamental question as to what areas might provide a feeling of comfort you might be looking for when you embark on a holiday or for a night out of town? In retrospect, the final goal is always the same; the guest is looking for a hospitable experience that enlightens the spirit, provides an elevated experience than they have at home and a new adventure!

This speaks not just to the design of the interior spaces of the building, but the people who make the visit and assist in creating a positive memory. What a better place than to feel you are at your home away from home? One essential facet of the hospitality experience we cannot discount are staff members who truly provide a vital part of the experience at the destination.

H o s p i t a l i t y

HIP 66, as the name favorably conjures, is designed along the fringes of a ‘Neo-Oriental’ style, in keeping and blending with the antiquated environ of Chinatown right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur city where this hotel is located.

Converted from two traditional shop lots, the designated interior spaces have been clearly designed to achieve a sense of spatial airiness. This was cleverly achieved through the use of unobtrusive materials that clad both floor and wall surfaces. Reflection from the coloured glass walls visually’ expand’ the space in vertical and horizontal terms.

The courtyard, usually with an indoor garden is an omnipresent feature in pre-war buildings. A desirable oriental feature in this case is replicated through creating a waterfall with water cascading from roof to the ground, juxtaposed with a potted vertical garden.

A water trough that runs the perimeter of the floor where the courtyard gym and relaxation area is, visually converts the courtyard into a floating-like platform.

Get into the room and the aura of ‘oriental-ism’ immediately sets in where strong accentuated Chinese wedding themes adorn the walls; all rooms carry different motifs on the headboard designs similarly matched against elements of intrinsic Red, a colour that is predominant in oriental interior colour schemes.

66

PROPOSAL

Designer: M.C. Ho | Client: H Land


house keeping

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8090 8675 8685 8002

Furniture Layout Plan 1st to 6th Floor - 12 roomsscale 1:100

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house keeping

courtyard

2732

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2605

2740

1219

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8090 8675 8685 8002

Furniture Layout Plan 7th Floor - 11 roomsscale 1:100

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Furniture Layout Plan Sky Lounge @ Roof Topscale 1:100

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Nested in the fast-growing sub-urban enclave bordering the northern perimeter of Cheras district resides one of Kuala Lumpur’s newest hospitality discoveries. Travelling along a ubiquitous traffic artery that bring road commuters from the city into the suburbs, it is easy to spot Vivatel Hotel, a gleaming contemporary architectural trajectory annexed to the illustrious Viva Home Shopping Mall, which together forms the integrated commercial development in the locale.

The captivating façade of the hotel offers a distinct first impression hinting of an avant-garde experience to be expected of the venerated venue, and one would not be disappointed. Unlike several other ostentatiously appointed hospitality offerings in and around Kuala Lumpur, Vivatel aims to be consciously different, and justifiably so – the interior theme and fit-out of the entire hotel lives up to its claimed credentials as a ’Designer Hotel’.

Exhilaration is the favored catch word to describe the fabulous interior fit-out program throughout a mesmerizing 302-Room, 18-Suite GBI (Green Building Index) certified hotel that comes complete with a grand ballroom, several meeting rooms, a Retro Cafe and a Club. DMZ who was commissioned to the project faced the challenging task of an extremely tight delivery schedule to begin with, in addition to having to design all interior fit-out elements that must be compliant with a GBI-status design brief. This warranted the adoption and use of re-cycled material in the likes of aluminum, melamine boards, glass and vinyl flooring. Off-site fabrication of several fit-out and case good items added to logistic challenges of the renovation works.

The entire design and concept of the hotel’s themed interior and décor was inspired by Elements of Nature – wood, water, metal, fire and earth, that became the creative stimulus culminating in the lavishness of fostering every floor with different elements and remarkably, the hotel’s top floor with 40 different themed rooms!

VIVATEL HOTELVIVATEL

Designer: M.C. Ho & Veanna | Client: Kha Seng Group Location: Loke Yew, K.L | Built area: 21,500 SqM | Completion: 2012

ASIA PACIFIC Property Awards 2015-2016 Best HOTEL Interior MALAYSIA


The public areas of the hotel, beginning with the Reception area sets the tone that reverberates total embrace of Nature. The giant light box with leaf shadow effect using stretched membrane; forest shadow stickers on full height glass and re-cycled stone floor offers this general sense of connectedness with Nature that pervades throughout the hotel, particularly in the well-appointed rooms.

From the Standard Room to the Duplex Suite an enchanting array of visual stimulation flaunt the use of recycled materials, vinyl flooring as opposed to carpet; to bold over-sized inkjet wall posters installed at the bedhead wall areas passively daunting the atmosphere of the room interior. An interesting digression is the creative use of custom-installed stained timber paneling that adorn selected walls in some of the suites, while on other suites the introduction of retro-styled wicker work is proclaimed on the bedhead walls. Set against clean-line contemporary furniture, bedding and case goods installation, the rooms clearly invite guests to luxuriate in.

Step into any one of the Meeting Rooms and you are pleasantly enthralled by a lush green garden right inside an otherwise stoical meeting room! Vivatel clearly exceeds expectation.


If it has to be expounded as a chance encounter with fate and destiny describing the mother of creative challenges, in design-speak, the Huone Event Hotel in Helsinki, Finland fervidly qualifies, hands down.

I would have imagined M. C. Ho, the founder of DMZ International Design Group (HK) Limited, to be on an overdrive creative mood at that point in time, when he committed to the dare of taking on a ‘design AND build’ interior fit-out project located in a secluded precinct called Jatkasaari in Helsinki, Finland – a travel distance of 8969 kilometers away from his design studio and back-end furniture and renovation production facilities, all located and based in Kuala Lumpur! Think construction, manpower, travel and transportation logistics and you get the big picture!

A meeting bridged through a mutual friend, with DMZ and the Huone Group hotel owner from Finland who was visiting Kuala Lumpur and, specifically, a popular Red Box Karaoke Center inadvertently set the tone for what culminated to become the first Events Hotel in the world, designed and built in Helsinki, Finland by a Malaysian designer-cum-contractor who resides and predominantly works on the other side of the globe!

E V E N T H O T E L

Highly impressed with the concept of a contemporary approach towards Red Box’s themed interior concept that gelled with a visitor’s vision for his Events Hotel interior model, it took little convincing on the part of the potential client to consider hiring the professional services of DMZ to undertake this esteemed project located in the up and rising Jatkasaari.

Challenges aside, the Events Hotel opened in November 2012 delivering a truly unique hospitality experience – the hotel offers living rooms instead of bedrooms. All in, there are only 8 living rooms, 3 saunas, 1 common lounge and 1 terrace. The living rooms, all differently themed – reminiscent of all Red Box Karaoke outlet interiors and most pertinently DMZ’s signature design style, are created for meetings in the daytime, but parties in the evening, the rooms all fully equipped with AV-system, 65” Flat screen TV, free Wi-Fi, Flip Chart etc., offer an all-in-one solution for small events.

Huone and DMZ have unquestionably got their concept right for the Huone Events Hotel was conferred the prestigious ‘European Property Award - Interior Design: for the year 2013-2014’ naming it the Best Leisure Interior Europe and The Best Interior Finland.

HUONE EVENT HOTEL FINLAND

Designer: M.C. Ho & Veanna | Client: Söderlund International OY | Location: Helsinki, Finland | Built area: 1200 SqM | Completion: 2012


SCAN QR CODE FOR ONLINE VIEWING

Much publicity was garnered with the winning of the European Property Awards.TV commercials aired over regional media and social media reinforce the esteemed accolades conferred upon both hotel owner and designer. A video recording of the hotel’s interior and the interview that was conducted over national television are both available on the Internet for viewing.

HUONE EVENT HOTEL FINLAND

TV Commercial



R e s t a u r a n t

RESTAURANT interior design assignments invariably form an important and integral part of any venerable and accomplished interior designer’s portfolio. By natural extension, restaurant assignments also include those located in hotels, shopping precincts, KTV lounges and oftentimes, may include interior design commissions on cruise liners.

DMZ is no newcomer to such adept interior design assignments – an overview of DMZ’s accomplishments in the design of fashionable Japanese restaurants, kiosks and eateries speak impeccably of DMZ’s design flair on the micro scale, to say the least.

The design firm’s accomplishment in the areas of restaurant design in the hotels that the consultancy has successfully designed amplifies the dexterity of DMZ’s creative, sometimes unorthodox approach to creating design awareness.

ICIRIKI would surmise as one of the most passionately designed Japanese Restaurants that embraces the use of all things natural. The inherent and abundant application of natural bamboo cured and ‘browned’ to the right tonal consistency, exuberates Japanese design culture and style in its propensity.

The pebble-stone long corridors that usher guests to the dining and seating areas almost replicate the feel of pathways that are common-place features found in traditional Japanese abodes.

The collaborative use of bamboo throughout – from a feature illuminated-column at the communal dining table, a decorated wall divider, through to a suspended ceiling feature all add up to making a resplendently designed restaurant doubly enchanting, from a visual standpoint.

Iciriki @

Gardens MV

Designer: Raymond Chua | Location: The Gardens, Mid Valley Built area: 210 SqM | Completion: 2012



The substance of interior design concepts particularly in Japanese Restaurant interiors has always been advocacy on the use of organic materials, especially wood and bamboo, expressed in natural forms – appreciated in its prime, carved or milled structure.

Natural wood predominates, often with little ornamentation to complement. Yuzu is no exception.

To camouflage an existing structural column, a back-lit light box wrapped around the structure vividly announces the menu in framed picturesque transparencies. An interesting facet of this organically designed interior and fit-out program is in the creative use of cable rods installed in a vertical configuration alongside the restaurant’s demarcated tenanted space with the walkway.

The semi-conspicuous cable-structured partition stringed with beaded iron balls immediately turns the demarcation into a tastefully designed semi see-through partition and art form.

It is visually stimulating to underscore the wideness of the interior space through a clever arrangement of visual items and furniture layout.

YUZUJAPANESE Restaurant

Designer: M.C. Ho & Raymond Chua | Location: Suria KLCC Built area: 250 SqM | Completion: 2011

KirishimaFine dining takes centre-stage at KIRISHIMA Japanese

Restaurant.

DMZ takes a notch up in presenting a meticulously

planned interior space that embodies an elite East-West

dining experience in an elegant Zen environment that

mulls finesse and opulence in design, complementing

the restaurant’s delectable menu.

The interior concept whispers of contemplation,

balance, peace. Lines are simple, vistas unobstructed,

light abundant and the overall feel, calm. Nature has an

immense influence on Japanese style, inspired by earth,

wood and stone. The random tone of pinewood used

in this interior with bamboo screens to match, adds

up to a neutral, subdued colour balance. A pleasant

departure is in the intended use of dark colours on the

walls to accentuate the pale and mid-tone woods. An

open, flowing sensitivity is cleverly achieved despite the

assemblage of dining and built-in furniture and display

cabinets, all primed in precise, regulated geometry.

Shochu bottles play the gallery here – Shochu is Japan’s

other indigenous alcoholic beverage. If there’s one word

that sums up a pairing of Japanese with food, you can

approximate shochu to be the causative agent.

Designer: Brenda Phang | Location: Dua Residen, K.L Built area: 280 SqM | Completion: 2009


Kuru KuruTakoyaki

KURU KURU TAKOYAKI located at the Gardens, Mid Valley presents a unique dining experience for shoppers, visitors and staff working in the precinct. Indulge in simple Japanese delights like udon, ramen and takoyaki in the comfort of a street vendor-style sit-in casual dining outlet, not unlike the experience of lunch, dinner and supper indulgences found in similar styled kiosks in the central business districts among the myriad of Japanese cities.

The outstanding design of the kiosk, complemented with the choice of using vibrant red ensures high visibility in an ostentatious environment. Visual enhancements using impactful light box signage, red lanterns and colourful menu display panels all add up to creating a new level of culinary enticement!

Designer: Raymond Chua | Location: The Gardens, Mid Valley | Built area: 60 SqM | Completion: 2013

NichinanMVA delightfully pleasant interior design

setting to be enjoyed, NICHINAN is

a wonderful expression of all things

Japanese, conveyed with all desirable

cultural intentions, in a contemporary

setting; it all adds to make this dining

venue a place that is full of visual

appeal to diners.

A mini-Japan all in one, enjoy the

beauty of a traditional look-alike tea

house and marketplace food cart for

variety; add to it vertical menu boards,

traditional wooden spoons and bowls,

paper lanterns and a vast collection of

shochu bottles and you have got the

makings of a quaint Japanese dining

venue experience.

The advantage of outdoor seating

adds a hint of street informality.

Designer: Raymond Chua | Location: Mid Valley Megamall | Built area:190 SqM | Completion: 2013


TokyoShokudo

TOKYO SHOKUDO at Mid Valley Megamall

Shopping Center presents yet another

dynamic conjecture of DMZ’s creative

agility in their approach towards Japanese

restaurant interior design.

Tried and tested inventive approaches

play alongside intuitive ideas that make

this restaurant’s interior design stand out

in offering a truly casual Japanese dining

experience.

Adorned with traditional artifacts like

wooden spoons suspended from the

ceiling in alignment with the walkway and

teapots showcased on custom-designed

partitions that double up as display props,

with unique feature walls in Japanese

calligraphy, the restaurant’s interior, with

its clean and straight line articulation is

uniquely contemporary in presentation

and feel.

DMZ’s expertise extends to their design of

the restaurant’s logo.

Designer: Raymond Chua | Location: Mid Valley Megamall Built area:190 SqM | Completion: 2011

The ZUN

KITCHE-NETTETHE ZUN KITCHENETTE ASSEMBLES the

sleekness of modernism and the essence of

oriental soul when it comes to its design. From the

entrance, it is evident that this Chinese restaurant

is going to be both harmonious and warm through

its neutral palette used. The ceiling design in

repetitive floral motif is definitely something to look

out for. Besides adding an interesting focal point,

the ceiling design brings up more spaciousness

and depth to the restaurant. The seating

arrangement is simple and linear to ensure better

traffic flow and flexibility. Mirror surface are utilised

to give better spatial visibility to add to a better

dining experience.

For the outdoor dining, hanging light bulbs brings

you back to the good old days. Here, the lights are

merely decoration that complement the array of

wooden chair and tables. As you proceed to the

private dining rooms, the auspicious colour coins

can be seen decorating the wall panels. The floor

tiles in black and white mosaics bring out the old-

school charm altogether.

THE ZUN KITCHEN Designer: M.C. Ho & Raymond Chua | Client: Eu Yan Sang Location: Shaw Parade, K.L | Built area: 300 SqM | Completion: 2014


CORPORATE OFFICE interiors are a natural extension of any successful interior design

firm’s portfolio, and in some instances, its core discipline and specialization.

DMZ Group’s design versatility extends to some unique Briefs from designing the

Home Office to the enterprise. DMZ Group’s interior design team study a client’s

business drivers and culture, and create space that helps them flourish.

Great interior space has extraordinary effects on our wellness and productivity. DMZ

Group understands this and offers design solutions using space, colour, materials,

energy and light as tools to create healthy environments that enhance performance.

The design firm is a resource to turn to when looking at how to design the office you

work in. It could be a small change to your personal work area or a complete office

redesign - DMZ designs interior spaces that improve collaboration, inspire occupants

and attract the best employees.

The Group’s interior design work includes both individual assignments and on going

client account collaborations.

C o r p o r a t e O f f i c e


TANG Group’s corporate office in Kuala Lumpur is simplistic in design, yet sophisticated – created with functionality and practicality in mind.

Elegant in style, the floor is covered in luscious demi-lacquered strip-timber. The choice of using a raw white-washed brick wall feature as the primary vertical visual element at the Reception Area complemented with contemporary wicker chairs bring forth an exuberant ambience reflecting warmth and freshness that is reminiscent of tropical interior spaces.

The Reception Counter is a distinct TANG design statement; nostalgic elements of its intricate moulding design and unique crimson red go back to their first store’s interior theme and concept some 80 years ago – the longevity of this sustainable design feature reinforces the Group’s core values reflecting Honesty, Integrity and providing Value.

Designer: Raymond Chua | Client: Tangs Departmental Store | Completion: 2013


D e p a r t m e n t a l S t o r e

Departmental Stores, beyond food and beverage outlet and restaurants, form the heartbeat of the socio-economic

infrastructure prevalent in cityscapes where shopping malls and precincts compete with one another.

The more established ones that have achieved brand presence in their target market segment get the attention of shopping

mall operators and owners who pitch for the tenancy as an enabling lure to flaunt a renown ‘anchor tenant’. It would make

a substantial difference to both complex owner and anticipated patronage, knowing how strong a departmental store’s

brand identity is in making that difference between success and failure of a shopping mall’s visitor‘s attraction expectation.

The TANG Group is no newcomer to the retail scene, with its origins from Singapore; this more than 80-year-old retail icon

has in recent years expanded their retail prowess into Malaysia, largely wooed by upmarket shopping precincts and a

growing, affluent retail market. The TANG Group’s tried and tested retail management, sales and marketing philosophy is

today highly regarded and benchmarked by other major retail giants who too are carving their own niche in the lucrative

Southeast Asia retail market.

TANGS FIRST WORLD GENTING

An intriguing facet of DMZ’s continuing design commissions for the TANG Group was seemingly “elevated” when the firm was invited to design yet another signature departmental store, this time at the shopping precinct of the First World Hotel, in the premise of the famous tourist and gaming resort of Genting Highlands, Malaysia’s, and possibly the region’s most acclaimed tourist destination.

DMZ’s high-octane design statement: ‘eccentric, flawless – yet contained’ was once again flaunted in this luxurious concept store located at the extremely popular venue perched 1800 metres above sea level.

Both client and designer concur with the common aim ‘to attain a competitive edge and achieve sustainability through continually setting trends and responding to changing needs by being innovative, yet sensitive to customer’s needs’. This joint commitment to perfection personifies the shopping experience serving each buyer’s mood or disposition.

Designer: M.C. Ho & Raymond Chua | Location: First World Plaza, Genting Built area: 1100 SqM | Completion: 2011



Tangs The Shore

Melaka The continuing success of DMZ’s retail interior space-

planning forte is further reinforced with the company

being yet again appointed with a new interior design

commission – to design a new TANGS Lifestyle-concept

store in the historical city of Melaka.

Aptly called ’TANGS, The Shore, Melaka’ – a new level

of retail experience hits town!

The marrying of Melaka’s old charm, its history, culture,

art and architecture – with new expectations in the

likes of upmarket high-street retail bring about a well

juxtaposed concept of blending old culture with new

lifestyle indulgences, bringing forth a fusion of the

eclectic with the contemporary – a design approach

that DMZ is well acquainted with and profess all along.

Designer: M.C. Ho, Raymond Chua, Alicia Tan, Clinton Leong | Location: The Shore Melaka Client: Tangs Departmental Stores | Built area: 4000 SqM Completion: 2014


ASIA PACIFIC Property Awards 2015-2016 Highly commended retail Interior MALAYSIA


TANGS Group redefines shopping experience. With a proven reputation towards offering the latest in their merchandise

range combined with the best value price positioning for their customers, TANGS Group’s strategy often engaging

their customers – whether first time walk-ins or religiously regular clientele is a noted science. Walk into any TANGS

departmental store and you will experience a certain uniqueness that spells non-conformity – a departure from the

expected norms, in space planning and design-speak.

TANGS Pavilion, the company‘s flagship store in Kuala Lumpur was launched in September 2007 at the iconic

Pavilion Shopping Mall in Jalan Bukit Bintang, right in the heart of the central business district (CBD) and primary

shopping precinct. Touted to be the ultimate fashion lifestyle concept store when it first opened and remains so till

today, TANGS has left an indelible mark on Kuala Lumpur’s shopping scene with its revolutionary fashion and array

of lifestyle merchandise.

F l a g s h i p S t o r e



SODA pavilionDMZ understands retail space planning. With an impeccable portfolio of design commissions ranging from boutiques to shopping malls, the firm’s appointment to design the interior of SODA’s flagship store at Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur was yet another welcoming challenge. DMZ knows it takes a lot to stand out amongst other brand names, pret-a-porte retailers included, at a venue like Pavilion, K. L.’s haute couture shopping Mecca.

For retailers, shopping is the art of persuasion. Though there are many factors that influence how and what consumers buy, a great deal is decided by visual cues, the strongest and most persuasive being colour, mood and the planning of effective visual merchandising touch points. When marketing new products it is crucial to consider that consumers place visual appearance and colour above other factors such as sound, smell and texture. It helps too to have an identifiable brand name. The primary approach that DMZ took was to articulate a strategy that would reinforce everything that people love about the brand and maintain its phenomenal, deeply personal appeal. The design team together with their client’s input developed a brand strategy that skewed to increasing the experiential content.

The new strategy and experience was detailed enough to scale across many sites, yet adaptable enough to allow individual stores to reflect the identities of their specific locations.

13 SODA stores nationwide is a testament.Designer: M.C. Ho | Client: Voir Group | Location: Pavilion K.L | Completion: 2010

VOIR GALLERY 1UtamaThe VOIR retail store’s interior design theme at

1 Utama Shopping Mall takes a leaf out of the

pages emulating the design approach initiated

at the SODA outlets designed by DMZ; which

all fall under the VOIR Group of Companies.

The VOIR retail design approach downscales

in showroom theme to meet a prolific young

to career age shoppers’ profile, placing focus

on omni-channel shopping strategies, which

this segment of the shoppers’ market is most

responsive to.

The approach will track customers across all

channels identifying demographic trends and

a lot more. Using omni-channel retailing while

working with the “Connected Consumer” is

a certain winning formula that goes beyond

traditional coaxing approaches. A friendlier price

tag strengthens the marketing strategy further.

Designer: M.C. Ho | Client: Voir Group | Completion: 2008


VOIR Gallery

DataranPAHLAWAN


DMZ Design Group | 6362 | DMZ Design Group

VOIR Gallery

MinesVOIR GALLERY at The Mines, located in Selangor’s Mines Resort City, a “family-focused” shopping

mall which provides shoppers with a complete offering of retail, entertainment and dining options,

offer the south of Kuala Lumpur’s city residents and customers a shopping experience to seek

out the same quality of merchandise and level of shopping comfort that is found in the inner city

VOIR stores.


A dynamic quality that is inherent among all the designers hired at DMZ

is their natural talent and innate ability to develop sketches and drawings

like a true artist would, whether using pencil, marker pen, paint brush or

the ubiquitous roller or ball point pen.

Notwithstanding the present circumstance that all active and successful

design practices have totally embraced the use of computers and their

integral software for design and development work, the creative team

at DMZ equally excel in their talent and ability to produce sensitive

drawings such as those showcased; revitalizing a basic, yet holistic tool

to communicate design through sensuous hand-drawn sketches that

translate into captivating visuals.

S K E T C H E S D R A W I N G


MARIMO FREE HAND SKETCHES

The sensitivity of hand-drawn lines as portrayed in this architectural perspective drawing clearly flaunts the remarkable sensuality of the line drawing; a simple line, when executed, that can achieve variable thicknesses through a single stroke to emphasize the visual impact where desired.

This authenticity alone sets it significantly apart from digitally constructed drawings that you see constructed on computer screens.

Hand-sketched drawings exude a personal feel and touch to the visualization of any given design brief – such as the illustration showcased, drawing upon imagination, fluidity and casualness – all achieved with mastery.

Accentuated with a dabbling of colours, the whole drawing becomes art!

DMZ International Design Group

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